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Navigating the Seas: Finding the S.S. Tidal in Pokémon Ruby

The S.S. Tidal, a crucial ferry in the Hoenn region, can be found in Slateport City and Lilycove City. This vessel facilitates travel between these two coastal hubs and, after certain milestones in the game, unlocks access to the Battle Resort in Pokémon Ruby (and its sister games, Sapphire and Emerald, as well as the remakes Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire). Understanding its location and function is key to fully exploring the Hoenn region.

Accessing the S.S. Tidal in Pokémon Ruby

Your journey aboard the S.S. Tidal begins after you’ve proven your mettle as a Pokémon Trainer. Specifically, you need to have achieved a significant milestone: entering the Hall of Fame, signifying your victory over the Elite Four and the Champion.

Post-Hall of Fame Access

After defeating the Elite Four and becoming Champion, a S.S. Ticket is required to board the S.S. Tidal. It’s important to note that this S.S. Ticket is different from any potential event tickets; this one is earned through in-game progression. Once you have the S.S. Ticket, head to either Slateport City or Lilycove City and locate the harbor. The S.S. Tidal will be docked, ready to embark on its voyages.

Choosing Your Destination

When you approach the woman near the ship, you’ll be given a choice of destinations. This is a crucial decision that impacts your experience:

Slateport City or Lilycove City: Choosing either of these destinations allows you to explore the S.S. Tidal itself. This means navigating its interior, battling trainers, and discovering hidden items. This is highly recommended for trainers seeking extra experience and loot.
Battle Resort: Selecting the Battle Resort offers instant transportation to this dedicated competitive training ground. However, it skips the opportunity to explore the ship. This is ideal for trainers focused on honing their battling skills.

No Diving Required (Usually)

Unlike other areas in the Hoenn region, such as Sea Mauville, accessing the S.S. Tidal does not require the HM Dive. The ship is readily accessible at the harbors of Slateport and Lilycove once you’ve met the prerequisite of entering the Hall of Fame.

S.S. Tidal Exploration: What to Expect

If you choose to explore the S.S. Tidal en route to Slateport or Lilycove, prepare for the following:

Trainer Battles: The ship is populated by various trainers eager to test their skills. These battles provide valuable experience points for your Pokémon.
Item Discovery: Keep an eye out for items hidden throughout the ship. These could include useful recovery items, TMs, or other valuable resources.
Navigation: The ship has multiple decks and cabins. Take your time to explore thoroughly and ensure you don’t miss anything.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the S.S. Tidal

Here are some frequently asked questions about the S.S. Tidal and related aspects of Pokémon Ruby:

How do I get the S.S. Ticket in Pokémon Ruby? You receive the S.S. Ticket automatically after entering the Hall of Fame by defeating the Elite Four and Champion.
Can I catch legendary Pokémon on the S.S. Tidal? No, the S.S. Tidal itself is not a location where you can encounter or catch legendary Pokémon.
Does the S.S. Tidal appear before beating the Elite Four? No, the S.S. Tidal‘s full functionality, including access to the Battle Resort, is only unlocked after defeating the Elite Four and entering the Hall of Fame.
What is the purpose of the Battle Resort? The Battle Resort is a post-game area designed for competitive battling. It features trainers with strong Pokémon and provides opportunities to earn Battle Points (BP).
Is Mr. Briney the captain of the S.S. Tidal? Actually, Mr. Briney is a sailor known for using his boat to rescue the player and Steven Stone from Petalburg Woods, before the player has access to the S.S. Tidal.
Can I revisit the S.S. Tidal multiple times? Yes, you can ride the S.S. Tidal as many times as you like after unlocking it.
Are there any unique items only found on the S.S. Tidal? While the S.S. Tidal has a limited number of unique items, they are still helpful in building your trainer skills. Some items of note include the Number 1 Room Key.
Do I need HM Dive to reach the S.S. Tidal? No, the S.S. Tidal is directly accessible from the harbors of Slateport and Lilycove. You do not need HM Dive to reach the ship.
What happens if I lose to a trainer on the S.S. Tidal? If you lose to a trainer on the S.S. Tidal, you will be transported back to the last Pokémon Center you visited, just like in any other battle.
Is the S.S. Tidal the only way to reach the Battle Resort? In Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, the S.S. Tidal is the primary way to access the Battle Resort.
Does the weather affect the S.S. Tidal’s operation? No, the S.S. Tidal operates regardless of the weather conditions in the game.
Are there any special events that occur on the S.S. Tidal? There are no specific in-game events tied solely to the S.S. Tidal in the original Pokémon Ruby.
Can I use the S.S. Tidal to travel at any time of day? Yes, the S.S. Tidal operates at all times of day in the game.
Does the S.S. Tidal appear in the Pokémon anime? Yes, the S.S. Tidal does appear in the Pokémon anime, mirroring its role in the games.
What are some other resources for learning about Pokémon? Websites like Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) offer research and insights into the educational aspects of gaming, including Pokémon.

Conclusion

The S.S. Tidal is more than just a ferry; it’s a gateway to new challenges and opportunities in Pokémon Ruby. Whether you seek to explore its decks or travel directly to the Battle Resort, understanding its role is essential for maximizing your Pokémon adventure in the Hoenn region.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to finding and utilizing the S.S. Tidal in Pokémon Ruby. Now set sail and conquer the seas!

Where is the SS tidal in Ruby?