Your First Steps in Hoenn
Welcome to the vibrant world of Pokémon Emerald, a beloved entry in the Pokémon series set in the lush region of Hoenn. As you embark on your journey to become a Pokémon Master, the first few steps are crucial in setting up your adventure. Here’s a guide on what to do first in Pokémon Emerald to ensure a smooth and successful start.
1. Beginning Your Journey: Arrival in Littleroot Town
Your adventure begins in Littleroot Town, where you just moved in with your family. After setting your clock in your new room, you’ll head downstairs and meet your mother. She’ll mention your neighbor, Professor Birch, an expert Pokémon Professor. This is where your Pokémon journey truly begins.
2. Meet Your Rival and Choose Your Starter Pokémon
Before you can start your Pokémon training, you need your first Pokémon. Head over to your neighbor’s house and meet Professor Birch’s child, who will either be May or Brendan, depending on your character’s gender. This encounter foreshadows your future rival, who will play a key role throughout your adventure.
After this, head north out of Littleroot Town where you’ll find Professor Birch being chased by a wild Poochyena (or Zigzagoon, depending on the game version). He’ll ask for your help, prompting you to choose one of the three starter Pokémon from his bag:
-
Treecko
(Grass-type)
-
Torchic
(Fire-type)
-
Mudkip
(Water-type)
Choose wisely, as this Pokémon will be your companion for the entire journey!
3. Your First Battle and Introduction to Gyms
After rescuing Professor Birch, he will take you to his lab and officially give you the Pokémon you chose. He’ll also ask you to meet his child, who will teach you the basics of battling. Head north to Route 103, where you’ll encounter your rival. After defeating them in battle, return to Professor Birch’s lab to receive the Pokédex and Poké Balls, officially starting your quest to catch them all.
4. Preparing for Your First Gym Battle
With your starter Pokémon and the Pokédex in hand, your next objective is to challenge the Gyms across Hoenn and collect their badges. The first Gym is located in Rustboro City, but before you can challenge it, there’s some preparation to be done:
- Train Your Pokémon: Ensure your Pokémon are at a decent level, typically around level 10-12, before facing the Gym Leader. This can be done by battling wild Pokémon and other trainers along the way.
- Collect HM01 – Cut: After defeating the Rustboro Gym Leader, Roxanne, you’ll want to collect the Hidden Machine (HM) Cut. This useful move allows you to chop down small trees blocking your path. You can get HM01 – Cut from a Cutter’s house to the left of the Pokémon Center in Rustboro City. This move is also necessary for accessing certain areas and finding hidden items.
5. The Rustboro Gym Challenge
Once prepared, head to the Rustboro Gym. Roxanne, the Gym Leader, specializes in Rock-type Pokémon. She uses a Geodude and a Nosepass. Rock-types are weak to Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground, and Steel moves. If you chose Mudkip, you’ll have a significant advantage here. Torchic evolves into Combusken at level 16, gaining the Fighting type and access to Double Kick, which is also effective. For Treecko, learning Absorb early on will help deal damage and recover health.
6. Moving Forward: Advancing in Hoenn
After defeating Roxanne and earning your first badge, you’ll be ready to tackle more challenges. The game will introduce new characters, such as Team Aqua and Team Magma, who play pivotal roles in the story. You’ll also start collecting other HMs and expanding your Pokémon team, exploring new towns and cities, and eventually facing the Elite Four.
Conclusion
Starting your adventure in Pokémon Emerald is an exciting journey filled with exploration, battles, and strategic planning. By following these initial steps—choosing your starter, preparing for the first Gym, and gathering essential items like Cut—you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Pokémon Master. Good luck, and enjoy your adventure in Hoenn!
