Ruby and Sapphire Contests, Pokéblocks and ribbons
Prepare condition, contest moves and a balanced Pokéblock plan for the five original Contest categories.
Original Pokémon Ruby Version and Pokémon Sapphire Version for Game Boy Advance. Version-specific encounters and story roles are labelled. Emerald and the Nintendo 3DS remakes have separate rules and progression.
Choose a category and rank
Cool, Beauty, Cute, Smart and Tough Contests use different condition stats and appeal strategies. The original halls progress from Normal in Verdanturf to Super in Fallarbor, Hyper in Slateport and Master in Lilycove. Winning a lower rank lets that Pokémon enter the next rank of the same category. Plan one Pokémon and category at a time rather than feeding every spare block without a goal.
Blend blocks before feeding them
Get the Pokéblock Case in Slateport and use Berry Blenders in the Contest Halls. Berry flavours influence the resulting condition gains; the block’s feel adds sheen. Sheen limits further feeding, so quality and a suitable flavour matter. Natures influence flavour preferences. Keep a useful Berry stock for both battle effects and blending.
Appeal moves have a separate purpose
A move’s Contest category and appeal effect differ from its battle power. Plan useful appeal combinations, the crowd’s excitement and a response to disruption over the five rounds. A strong battle moveset may still be awkward for a Contest. Check the current summary and preserve any irreplaceable move before replacing it for an appeal plan.
Milotic and long-term ribbons
Feebas evolves after a level-up when its Beauty is high enough in these original games. Prepare suitable dry-flavour Pokéblocks before using its limited sheen. Contest wins award category and rank ribbons; League and Tower achievements offer other ribbons. A ribbon record belongs to the Pokémon that earned it, so preserve that individual when trading.
Use the Ruby or Sapphire version listed in the record. These guides cover the original Game Boy Advance games.