Hoenn walkthrough section
Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire Phase 5: Phase 5 Resources And Checklist
Balance Badge Team Recommendations Role Best picks for Norman Why it matters --- --- --- Fighting offense Combusken, Breloom, Makuhita/Hariyama Hits Normal types super effectively Truant control.
Phase 5 Balance Badge Petalburg Gym, Norman, Surf, Route 118, Weather Institute, and Fortree setup. 05 / 10 
Phase 5 section 5 of 5
Team Recommendations Role Best picks for Norman Why it matters --- --- --- Fighting offense Combusken, Breloom, Makuhita/Hariyama Hits Normal types super effectively Truant control.
Phase 5 Resources And Checklist
Team Recommendations
| Role | Best picks for Norman | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Fighting offense | Combusken, Breloom, Makuhita/Hariyama | Hits Normal types super effectively |
| Truant control | Protect users, Dig users | Wastes Slaking’s active turns |
| Status | Shroomish/Breloom, Dustox, Gardevoir support | Sleep, stun, or poison reduces pressure |
| Bulky pivot | Geodude/Graveler, Marshtomp, Hariyama | Can absorb a hit if plans go wrong |
Must-Grab Items (Phase 5 Master List)
| Item | Location | Why You Want It |
|---|---|---|
| Fossil | Route 111 desert | Permanent Lileep or Anorith choice |
| TM42 Facade | Norman reward | Strong status-synergy Normal move |
| Balance Badge | Norman reward | Lets Surf work outside battle |
| HM03 Surf | Wally’s father after Norman | Major world unlock and strong Water move |
| Optional water-route items | Routes 105-109 after Surf | Early cleanup before Fortree path |
After The Badge
Go to Wally’s house in Petalburg. Wally’s father gives you HM03 Surf. Teach Surf to a Water type you actually plan to use if possible; in Gen 3, Surf is one of the best reliable special attacks in the game.
Surf opens optional routes around Dewford and Slateport, but the main story wants you to go east from Mauville across Route 118. Before that, you can clear water items, catch Tentacool, and revisit old routes with Cut and Surf.
Randomizer Hook
If you are rolling teams by badge, add Route 111 desert, all routes cleared through Petalburg, Granite Cave, Fiery Path, Meteor Falls, and early Surf water encounters after Norman. Keep late ocean routes locked until you actually reach them in Phase 7 and Phase 8.
Version Note Summary
Norman is identical in both games. The version differences around this phase come from encounters: Ruby players may have Seedot, Zangoose, Mawile, and Solrock lines available at different points, while Sapphire players may have Lotad, Seviper, Sableye, and Lunatone.
Phase 5 Checklist
- Clear the Route 111 desert if you skipped it after Flannery.
- Choose the Root Fossil or Claw Fossil.
- Return to Petalburg City and stock up on healing items.
- Train a Fighting, Protect, Dig, or status answer for Norman.
- Defeat Norman and receive the Balance Badge.
- Get HM03 Surf from Wally's father.
- Teach Surf to a useful Water type.
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