Hoenn walkthrough section
Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire Phase 1: Starter Choice
Stone Badge Treecko is the cleanest first-badge starter. Absorb hits Roxanne's Geodude and Nosepass super effectively, and Treecko outspeeds most early-game threats.
Phase 1 Stone Badge Littleroot Town to Rustboro City Gym, starter choice, Route 102, Petalburg Woods, and Roxanne. 01 / 10 
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Treecko is the cleanest first-badge starter. Absorb hits Roxanne's Geodude and Nosepass super effectively, and Treecko outspeeds most early-game threats.
Starter Choice
Treecko is the cleanest first-badge starter. Absorb hits Roxanne’s Geodude and Nosepass super effectively, and Treecko outspeeds most early-game threats. The tradeoff is the middle of Hoenn: Brawly, Winona, Glacia, and Steven all ask Treecko teams to bring help.
Torchic is the hardest starter for Phase 1 if you stay a Torchic. The important trick is to evolve it into Combusken before Roxanne so it learns Double Kick. Once it has Fighting coverage, the Gym becomes manageable, and Combusken keeps paying off into Norman, Sidney, Glacia, and Steven.
Mudkip is the best overall pick for a practical playthrough. Water Gun handles Roxanne, Marshtomp handles Wattson after evolving, and the line stays useful through Champion Steven. Hoenn’s back half has a lot of water, so Mudkip teams should add Electric or Grass coverage later.
Dex quick links
