How to Choose Between Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 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.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. 2

   Step 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 , 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. , 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.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 , 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. , 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. , 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. , 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.
3. 3

   Step 3: Base your decision on the Legendary availability.

4. 4

   Step 4: Know which Pokémon cannot be found in Emerald.

5. 5

   Step 5: Get Emerald if you want access to the Battle Frontier.

6. 6

   Step 6: Get Emerald if you want to rematch Gym Leaders.

7. 7

   Step 7: Get Emerald if you want a challenge.

8. 8

   Step 8: Get Emerald if you want the "Definitive Version".

Detailed Guide

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