Player character
A young Pokémon Trainer who travels through Hoenn and challenges the Gym Leaders and Pokémon League.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
D-pad | Move the player character or navigate menus. |
|---|---|
A | Talk, inspect, confirm, select, or use an item. |
B | Cancel or close a menu; hold it while moving to run after obtaining the Running Shoes. |
Start | Open or close the main menu. |
Select | Use registered items or change certain field selections. The exact function depends on the currently registered item or context. |
L | Cycle backward through some menu selections. Its function varies by context. |
R | Cycle forward through some menu selections. Its function varies by context. |
How it plays
How does Pokémon Ruby play?
The game uses a top-down perspective for exploration and a menu-driven first-person perspective during battles. The main objective is to earn eight Gym Badges, challenge the Elite Four, and become Champion.
Players explore routes and dungeons, catch Pokémon in the wild, build a party of up to six, and use turn-based moves. Pokémon gain experience, learn moves, evolve, and can be trained for different roles. Optional activities include Pokémon Contests, item collection, secret bases, fishing, and post-game exploration.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Pokémon Ruby?
Build a balanced party with different types and reliable status or support moves. Keep several Pokémon trained near the level of the next Gym’s strongest Pokémon, and carry healing items for long routes and caves.
Use the Pokédex and move descriptions to plan type matchups. Save before major battles and legendary encounters, and remember that Ruby’s version-exclusive Pokémon may require trading to complete the Pokédex.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Brendan / May
The rival and Professor Birch’s child; the character’s gender and name depend on the selected player character.
Professor Birch
A Hoenn Pokémon researcher who gives the player a starter Pokémon and the Pokédex.
Wally
A shy beginner Trainer who gains confidence and develops into a determined rival.
Maxie
The leader of Team Magma, who seeks to expand the landmass of the world.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Talk to residents and revisit important locations after earning new HMs or badges.
- 2
Use Repels in long caves when searching for a specific area or item.
- 3
Teach HMs carefully because some cannot be removed until later in the game.
- 4
Pokémon Contests and Secret Bases provide optional goals beyond the League.
Community discussion
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