How to Obtain Johto Starters in Pokémon Emerald: A Comprehensive Guide
The burning question for many Pokémon Emerald players is: How do you get those beloved Johto starters – Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile? Unlike the Hoenn starters you pick at the beginning of the game, obtaining the Johto starters requires a unique approach. The short answer is: you can’t get them directly through normal gameplay in Emerald without trading. This means that the widely circulated idea that you get to choose a Johto starter after completing the Hoenn Pokedex is false. However, don’t be disheartened! There are still ways to enjoy these Pokémon in your Emerald adventure. Let’s explore the methods, and delve into the associated details, myths, and alternatives.
The Truth About Johto Starters in Emerald
The core of the matter is that Pokémon Emerald does not natively include the ability to obtain Johto starters. You cannot, through regular gameplay mechanics like completing the Pokedex, unlock an event that grants you a Johto starter. This is a common misconception stemming from fan theories and incorrect information spreading through the community. The game only offers the Hoenn starter choices at the start: Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip.
Why is this the Case?
Emerald, like Ruby and Sapphire, is a Generation III Pokémon game. The intended focus was on the Hoenn region and its respective Pokémon. The game developers didn’t incorporate a direct method to acquire Johto (Generation II) starters within the main gameplay loop. They are not in any of the wild encounter tables, and no in-game events trigger their availability.
How to Actually Get Johto Starters in Emerald
Since they are not native to Emerald, you have to rely on the following:
Trading is the Only Method
The only reliable method to get Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile into your Emerald game is through trading. This involves either:
- Trading with another GBA: You need a second Game Boy Advance, a copy of a game that does have access to the Johto starters (like Pokémon FireRed, LeafGreen, or even a later Generation game that can trade with GBA games) and a GBA link cable. You’ll have to trade from that game into Emerald.
- Using a Transfer System: If you have access to older generation consoles and games you could use a system to move Pokémon up from older systems with the starters.
Steps Involved in Trading
- Acquire the Starters in a Compatible Game: First, you need to obtain the Johto starters in a game that has them. This could mean playing through FireRed/LeafGreen, or having them transferred from a previous generation.
- Prepare Your Emerald Game: In your Emerald game, progress far enough to obtain the Pokedex and some Pokeballs. This enables trading. Catch any Pokémon to act as a ‘trading fodder’.
- Initiate the Trade: Use a link cable to connect your GBA with the game containing the Johto starter, and then initiate a trade. Make sure to be at a Pokémon Center in each game, then go to the cable club.
- Repeat for All Three: Repeat the trade process for each of the three Johto starters you want.
Myths and Misconceptions
There are several recurring myths related to obtaining Johto starters in Emerald. It’s essential to debunk these to prevent further confusion.
Myth: Completing the Hoenn Pokedex Gives You a Johto Starter
As mentioned above, this is false. There is no in-game event that rewards you with a Johto starter for completing the Hoenn Pokedex.
Myth: Certain Events Can Unlock Johto Starters
There are no known events or side quests within Emerald that reveal Johto starters. They simply don’t exist in the game’s code beyond the possibility of trading them in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some commonly asked questions about getting the Johto starters in Pokémon Emerald to further clarify the situation:
1. Can I get all three Hoenn Starters in Emerald without trading?
No. The game only lets you select one Hoenn starter at the beginning. To obtain the other two, you need to trade with another game.
2. Are there any cheat codes to get Johto Starters in Emerald?
While cheat codes do exist for Emerald, using them can introduce glitches and corrupt your save file. Using them to obtain Pokemon also takes away from the natural feel of the game. Therefore, we do not advocate for their use, but it is theoretically possible through the use of cheat devices.
3. Can I find Johto starters in the Safari Zone in Emerald?
No. Although there are several Johto Pokémon available in the extended Safari Zone section after defeating the Elite Four, the starters are not among them.
4. Is there a hidden area where the Johto Starters are available?
There are no hidden areas or events in Emerald that contain Johto starters.
5. Can you transfer Pokemon from older Generations?
You cannot transfer Pokemon directly from games on the original Game Boy or Game Boy Color to Game Boy Advance titles. However, you can bring Pokemon from later generation titles to Emerald with the correct equipment.
6. How can I trade from Emerald to a later generation game?
Trading between Emerald and later generations is complex and not a straight direct option. You would need to trade to a Pokemon game that could then be transferred up to later generations (This is possible, but would require a long and convoluted process.
7. What are some good games to trade with to get the Johto starters?
The best options are FireRed or LeafGreen as these are Generation III games that have the Kanto starters, and Pokemon that are capable of breeding to produce both Kanto and Johto starters for transfer.
8. Do any Mystery Gift events give Johto Starters?
No. In the original release of Emerald, no Mystery Gift events would provide Johto starters, as these events would only introduce items and specific event Pokemon.
9. What about obtaining other Pokemon from different regions?
You will still have to trade or use other means to get Pokemon that are not part of the Hoenn region.
10. Is the method of getting a Johto starter different in Ruby or Sapphire?
No, the methods and limitations are the same across Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald.
11. Can you breed Pokemon to get a Johto starter in Emerald?
Yes, breeding is a method of getting other johto Pokemon in Emerald. This would need a Johto starter in Emerald first though, so a trade is still needed.
12. Can I get Pokemon that are not from Generation 1 or 2 in Emerald?
Yes. Pokemon from Generation 3 are available. The methods to obtain the other region’s Pokemon remain unchanged. Trading is the main option.
13. Are Johto starters found in any other GBA games?
Yes, the Johto starters can be obtained in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, making them ideal for trading to Emerald.
14. Are there any remakes of Emerald with Johto starters?
No, Emerald is unique in the fact that it did not get a direct remake. However, the remakes of Ruby and Sapphire – Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire – do include access to all starters, including Johto’s.
15. Can I use an emulator to bypass trading and get Johto starters?
Emulators can technically allow you to modify game states or use cheats, but using these methods can corrupt save files and remove the challenge from playing the game.
Conclusion
While the dream of directly catching or receiving Johto starters in Pokémon Emerald is not a reality, the game’s mechanics allow you to still experience having these fan favorites on your team with trades from other games. This can often be a difficult process, but it is the only known method of getting these Pokemon. By understanding the correct procedures and debunking the common myths, you can navigate the intricacies of the game and assemble the team of your dreams. Happy training!