8 Tactics To Boost Your Pokemon Ruby Pokedex

When diving into the world of Pokémon Ruby, one of the primary goals for many trainers is to complete their Pokédex. Completing a Pokédex involves seeing all Pokémon within the Hoenn region, which includes over 200 different species. Here are some advanced tactics to not only catch them all but to boost your Pokédex quickly and efficiently:

Use Repels Strategically

Before setting out to find rare or high-level Pokémon, use Repels to your advantage:

• Repels prevent wild encounters with Pokémon lower than or equal to your lead Pokémon's level. This can drastically reduce encounters with common, lower-level Pokémon, allowing you to find more valuable or rare species.
• Max Repel lasts the longest (250 steps), making it the best choice when exploring deep caves or long routes.

**Example**: If your lead Pokémon is level 45, using a Max Repel ensures you'll only encounter Pokémon above level 45, which are often rarer.

<p class="pro-note">💡 Pro Tip: Stock up on Max Repels before long expeditions to avoid unnecessary encounters with common Pokémon.</p>

Time Travel for Day/Night Exclusives

Some Pokémon are only available at specific times of the day in Pokémon Ruby:

• Morning, Day, and Night have different spawn rates for certain Pokémon.
• You can change the time in your game by synchronizing it with your internal clock or by manually changing it on your GameBoy Advance console.

Example:

• Use Bulbasaur, which only appears in the morning in Petalburg Woods.

<p class="pro-note">⏱ Pro Tip: Time-changing can be especially useful for Pokémon that have specific evolution requirements based on the time of day, like Espeon and Umbreon.</p>

Master the Art of Hordes

Hordes offer a unique way to encounter multiple Pokémon at once:

• Honey can be used to attract hordes in specific areas like Route 102.
• Hordes often have the potential to yield rare Pokémon or those needed for evolution through trade.

Here’s how to catch a horde:

1. Equip a Pokémon with Honey.
2. Encounter a horde by triggering a double battle.
3. Capture as many as you can; using status ailments and moves like False Swipe to make catching easier.

<p class="pro-note">🌼 Pro Tip: Keep a few Net Balls handy, which are very effective against water and bug-type Pokémon commonly found in hordes.</p>

Swap Pokémon With Friends

Trading is a core mechanic in Pokémon games, and it's essential for Pokédex completion:

• Trade Evolutions: Certain Pokémon like Machoke, Graveler, or Kadabra require trading to evolve into their final forms.
• Version Exclusives: There are Pokémon like Sableye and Mawile that are exclusive to Pokémon Ruby or Sapphire, which can be traded with friends.

**Table**: Trade Evolution Examples

| Base Pokémon | Evolves into | Item Needed |
|--------------|--------------|-------------|
| Machoke      | Machamp      | None        |
| Graveler     | Golem        | None        |
| Kadabra      | Alakazam     | None        |

Tackle Weather Conditions

Weather changes in Pokémon Ruby affect Pokémon encounters:

• Rain (Castform Forme): Route 119 and Weather Institute.
• Sun (Castform Forme): Near the Scorched Slab.
• Fog (Alterability): Route 114.

Example: Castform, which changes its form with the weather, can be found in all three forms throughout the game.

<p class="pro-note">☀️ Pro Tip: Remember to check the weather before setting out to catch weather-specific Pokémon like Castform.</p>

Shiny Hunting Tactics

For those looking to not only complete their Pokédex but also find shiny versions:

• Chain Fishing: Use the fishing rod repeatedly on a tile until you encounter a Pokémon, increasing the chance of finding a shiny Pokémon.
• Masuda Method: Breeding Pokémon from different language games significantly boosts the odds of hatching a shiny.

<p class="pro-note">✨ Pro Tip: Even if you don't get a shiny, chain fishing can increase the encounter rate of rare Pokémon like Feebas in Route 119.</p>

Use the EV or Destiny Knot

For those who want to enhance their Pokémon's stats while filling the Pokédex:

• Destiny Knot: Pass down any 5 IVs to offspring when breeding, potentially breeding Pokémon with perfect or near-perfect stats.
• Power Items: These can help influence the IVs of offspring, making for a more robust team.

**Example**: Equip an **Everstone** on a parent with perfect speed to pass down that stat, then use **Power Bracers** on the other parent to enhance Attack IVs.

<p class="pro-note">💪 Pro Tip: Use Destiny Knot on a Ditto with perfect stats to increase your chances of breeding strong Pokémon.</p>

Breed for Diversity

Breeding isn't just for perfect IVs; it's also about diversifying your Pokédex:

• Eggs: Different items like Everstone, Power Items, and Luck Incense can influence the offspring.
• Nature: Use Mint Berries or Everstone to pass down the desired nature from a parent.

Here’s how to breed effectively:

1. Choose the right parents: One must know what traits or stats you want to pass down.
2. Set up the breeding environment: Ensure you have enough space in your party and boxes for eggs.
3. Select the appropriate items: Use the items mentioned to enhance your breeding efforts.

Table: Items and their effects when breeding:

<p class="pro-note">🥚 Pro Tip: Utilize the Day Care's double breeding spot to increase egg production efficiency.</p>

In summary, completing your Pokédex in Pokémon Ruby isn't just about catching every Pokémon but also about using the game mechanics to your advantage. From strategic use of items to manipulating the time and weather, these tactics will help you not only to complete your Pokédex but also to enhance your Pokémon team for battles.

Now that you have some advanced strategies up your sleeve, why not challenge yourself further? Explore more tutorials on Pokémon breeding, trading, and competitive battling to make the most out of your Pokémon Ruby adventure.

<p class="pro-note">📚 Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for special events or Pokémon distribution where you can get rare or legendary Pokémon, helping you with your Pokédex without grinding.</p>

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How do I evolve Pokémon that require trading?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>These Pokémon evolve through trading, like Machoke evolving into Machamp or Graveler into Golem. You need a friend to trade with, or you can trade back to yourself using a second GameBoy Advance with another Pokémon game cartridge.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I catch all Pokémon in Pokémon Ruby alone?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Not entirely. Some Pokémon are version exclusives, requiring trade with owners of Pokémon Sapphire, Emerald, or other games. Also, certain Pokémon like Legendaries can only be found in specific locations or post-game events.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What's the best way to catch hordes of Pokémon?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Use Honey to attract hordes in designated areas. Equip your lead Pokémon with False Swipe to reduce their HP to 1, then use Poké Balls or Net Balls if they're water or bug types. Remember, catching more in a horde increases your chances of getting valuable Pokémon.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Are there any glitches to see more Pokémon?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, there are some known glitches like the "Poke radar chain glitch" that can enhance your chances of encountering specific or shiny Pokémon, but they require precise steps and aren't officially supported methods.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What do I do with duplicate Pokémon?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Trade them with friends for Pokémon you don't have, release them back into the wild, or use them in contests or for breeding to diversify your Pokédex. Remember, some duplicates might have rare stats or moves worth keeping for battles.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>