How to Choose Between Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald

Last Updated: November 5, 2020 Approved

Looking to get a new Pokémon game? Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald are heralded as some of the best games in the series, and the region of Hoenn is a significant departure from Johto or Kanto. There are minor differences between Ruby and Sapphire, but Emerald makes some major changes to the formula.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Ruby and Sapphire

1

Know which Pokémon can only be found in Ruby. The only major difference between Ruby and Sapphire is the availability of certain Pokémon (along with some minor story and character differences). Below are the Pokémon exclusive to Ruby.^{[1]
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Research source}

Pokedex #	Pokémon	Type
273	Seedot	Grass
274	Nuzleaf	Grass/Dark
275	Shiftry	Grass/Dark
303	Mawile	Steel
335	Zangoose	Normal
338	Solrock	Rock/Psychic
383	Groudon	Ground

2

Know which Pokémon can only be found in Sapphire. Below are the Pokémon exclusive to Sapphire.

Pokedex #	Pokémon	Type
270	Lotad	Water/Grass
271	Lombre	Water/Grass
272	Ludicolo	Water/Grass
302	Sableye	Dark/Ghost
336	Seviper	Poison
337	Lunatone	Rock/Psychic
382	Kyogre	Water

3
Base your decision on the Legendary availability. The biggest difference between Ruby and Sapphire is which of the two main Legendary Pokémon you want to get. Ruby players get Groudon, while Sapphire players get Kyogre.
- Emerald allows you to get both, while also making a number of significant changes to the base game.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Emerald

1

Know which Pokémon cannot be found in Emerald. All the Pokémon from both Ruby and Sapphire are available in Emerald except for the following Pokémon. These Pokémon cannot be found in the wild in Emerald. You will need to trade with another Generation III game to obtain these Pokémon.^{[2]
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Research source}

Pokedex #	Pokémon	Type
283	Surskit	Bug/Water
284	Masquerain	Bug/Flying
307	Meditite	Fighting/Psychic
308	Medicham	Fighting/Psychic
315	Roselia	Grass/Poison
335	Zangoose	Normal
337	Lunatone	Rock/Psychic

2
Get Emerald if you want access to the Battle Frontier. This location becomes available after beating the Elite Four and the Pokémon Champion, and provides a huge amount of additional content and some of the toughest challenges in the game.
- The Battle Frontier is also the only place to capture Sudowoodo and Smeargle.
3
Get Emerald if you want to rematch Gym Leaders. Emerald introduced the ability to challenge Gym Leaders that you've already defeated to another battle. The Gym Leaders will have stronger and even different Pokémon. Some may even have Pokémon from other regions.
4
Get Emerald if you want a challenge. A lot of the game has been retooled to be more challenging. This is most apparent when getting your Legendary Pokémon (Kyogre and Groudon), as they are 20 levels higher than in Ruby or Sapphire.
- Many of the Gym Leader battles are more difficult in Emerald as well.
5
Get Emerald if you want the "Definitive Version". Pokémon Emerald makes a lot of small tweaks and changes to the base Ruby and Sapphire games.
- Emerald allows you to capture both Kyogre and Groudon.
- Rayquaza has a much more prominent role in the story, and is also the first Legendary you will obtain.
- Both Team Magma and Team Aqua are featured as foes.
- You can get one of the Johto starter Pokémon (Chikorita, Cyndaquil, or Totodile) after completing the Pokedex.
- There are a variety of other small changes to the look and feel of the Hoenn region.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I download a GBA Pokemon?

Community Answer

Yes, you just download an emulator off a safe, virus-free website or from the app store of the device you use, then download roms (games) from a safe, virus-free website. You should be able to find Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, and LeafGreen.
Question

Can I obtain a shiny in the Emerald version?

Community Answer

Yes, you can obtain shinies in all Pokemon games, and the Emerald version is no different.
Question

What are some of the changed stories in ruby/sapphire?

Community Answer

In Ruby you fight Team Magma and catch Groudon. Team Magma has mostly Fire/Ground mons. Groudon's power almost causes a drought. In Sapphire, you fight Team Aqua and catch Kyogre. Team Aqua has mostly Dark/Water mons. Kyogre's power almost causes a flood.