Can I Trade From Ruby to FireRed? A Comprehensive Guide for Pokémon Masters
The short answer is yes, you can trade Pokémon between Ruby and FireRed, but there are a few key steps and requirements you need to fulfill first. It’s not as simple as popping in the cartridges and connecting a link cable! Let’s dive deep into the intricacies of inter-generational trading within the Game Boy Advance Pokémon universe.
Understanding the Generation Gap
First, it’s important to understand that Ruby and FireRed both belong to Generation III of Pokémon games. While they exist within the same generation, they are considered different “regions”—Ruby taking place in the Hoenn region and FireRed a remake of the original Kanto region. This means there are certain Pokémon unique to each game, and trading is necessary to complete your Pokédex.
The Prerequisites for Trading
Before you can even think about trading, you need to satisfy some crucial conditions in FireRed:
1. Beat the Elite Four
This is a fundamental requirement. You need to prove yourself as a capable trainer by defeating the Elite Four and the Champion in FireRed. Until you do, the game simply won’t allow you to proceed with the necessary steps for inter-game trading.
2. Catch at Least 60 Pokémon
You must have caught at least 60 different species of Pokémon in your FireRed Pokédex. This encourages exploration and capturing a diverse range of Pokémon.
3. The Sevii Islands Quest: Unlocking Inter-Regional Trading
This is the most crucial step. You need to complete the Sevii Islands quest given by Celio at the Pokémon Network Center on One Island. This involves several tasks:
- Deliver the Meteorite to Bill: After beating the Elite Four, Bill will take you to One Island. You will need to make your way through a cave called Mt. Ember to find a man who will give you the Ruby. Once you give Bill the Ruby he can finish with his machine.
- Find the Sapphire: After giving Bill the Ruby, head back to One Island where Celio will ask you to find the Sapphire. The Sapphire can be found on Five Island inside the Rocket Warehouse. You will need to beat two members of Team Rocket here and get the Sapphire from the scientist at the back of the building. Give it back to Celio to finish the quest.
Completing Celio’s quest essentially unlocks the ability to trade with Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald.
The Actual Trading Process
Once you’ve met all the prerequisites, the trading process is relatively straightforward:
- Connect: Use a Game Boy Advance link cable to connect your two Game Boy Advance systems.
- Head to a Pokémon Center: In both games, go to the upstairs area of a Pokémon Center.
- Trading Room: Talk to the Network Center lady in the center of the room.
- Trade!: Save your games when prompted, and then enter the trading room. You can now initiate the trade with your friend (or yourself, if you have two systems and games).
Important Considerations
- National Pokédex: After beating the Elite Four and completing Celio’s quest, you will also need to receive the National Pokédex from Professor Oak to be able to trade all of your Hoenn Pokémon over to FireRed. Without the National Pokédex, you will only be able to trade Kanto Pokémon back and forth.
- Compatibility: Make sure you’re using a compatible link cable. The standard Game Boy Advance link cable should work.
- Glitches and Exploits: While glitches exist in older games, avoid exploiting them to bypass the legitimate trading process. Doing so can corrupt your save files.
- Batteries: Ensure the internal batteries in your Ruby cartridge are still functional. A dead battery can affect certain time-based events, though it shouldn’t impact basic trading functionality.
Why Bother Trading?
Trading is essential for several reasons:
- Completing the Pokédex: Certain Pokémon are exclusive to specific games. Trading is the only way to acquire these Pokémon and achieve a complete Pokédex.
- Evolution: Some Pokémon, like Haunter (to Gengar) or Kadabra (to Alakazam), only evolve when traded.
- Strategic Advantage: You might want to bring over powerful Pokémon from Ruby to strengthen your team in FireRed.
- Nostalgia: Reliving the joy of trading Pokémon with friends or family.
The Games Learning Society
The complexities and strategic elements within the Pokémon trading system highlight how games can foster learning and problem-solving skills. Organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org recognize and promote the educational potential of games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about trading between Ruby and FireRed:
1. Do I need to beat the Elite Four in both Ruby and FireRed to trade?
No, you only need to beat the Elite Four in FireRed. However, beating the Elite Four in Ruby will unlock some post-game content and make it easier to acquire the Pokémon you want to trade.
2. Can I trade Pokémon holding items?
Yes, you can trade Pokémon holding items. This is a great way to transfer useful items between games.
3. What happens if I try to trade a Pokémon that doesn’t exist in FireRed?
If you haven’t yet unlocked the National Dex, you will not be able to trade Pokémon outside of the Kanto Dex.
4. Can I trade eggs?
No, you cannot trade eggs in Generation III Pokémon games.
5. What if my link cable isn’t working?
First, ensure the link cable is properly connected to both Game Boy Advance systems. Clean the connectors if necessary. If the problem persists, the cable may be faulty and need replacing.
6. Is it possible to trade between Ruby and FireRed using emulators?
Trading between emulators can be tricky. It often requires specific emulator configurations and can be unreliable. It’s generally recommended to use actual Game Boy Advance systems and link cables for a smoother experience.
7. Do I need a specific version of the Game Boy Advance to trade?
No, any Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Advance SP, or Game Boy Player (connected to a GameCube) can be used for trading, as long as you have the appropriate link cable.
8. Can I trade shiny Pokémon between Ruby and FireRed?
Yes, you can trade shiny Pokémon. The shininess of a Pokémon is determined by its Personality Value (PID), which is transferred during the trade.
9. Does trading affect the IVs (Individual Values) or EVs (Effort Values) of a Pokémon?
No, trading does not affect the IVs or EVs of a Pokémon. These values remain the same during the trading process.
10. Can I trade back and forth between Ruby and FireRed multiple times?
Yes, you can trade Pokémon back and forth as many times as you like, as long as you meet the prerequisites.
11. What are some good Pokémon to trade from Ruby to FireRed?
Popular choices include Pokémon exclusive to Ruby, such as Zangoose, Mawile, Sableye, Latias (depending on your version), and legendary Pokémon like Groudon and Kyogre.
12. Can I trade from Ruby directly to a newer generation game like Diamond or Pearl?
No, you cannot directly trade from Ruby to Diamond or Pearl. You would need to transfer the Pokémon from Ruby to FireRed, then migrate them to a Generation IV game (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, or SoulSilver) using the Pal Park feature.
13. Is there a level limit for trading?
No, there is no level limit for trading. You can trade Pokémon of any level between Ruby and FireRed.
14. Can I trade Pokémon with HM moves?
Yes, you can trade Pokémon that know HM moves. However, you won’t be able to use those HM moves in the new game if you don’t have the corresponding badge.
15. What is the best way to prepare for trading?
Plan ahead! Decide which Pokémon you want to trade, gather any necessary items, and ensure both your Ruby and FireRed games meet all the requirements outlined above. This will make the trading process smooth and efficient.
Trading between Ruby and FireRed can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to complete your Pokédex, strengthen your team, and revisit the magic of the Game Boy Advance era. Just remember to follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be a Pokémon trading master in no time!