Obtaining Snivy in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re eager to add the regal Grass-type Snivy to your Pokémon team in Omega Ruby (OR) or Alpha Sapphire (AS)? While Snivy isn’t natively found roaming the Hoenn region, there are several avenues you can explore to acquire this Unova starter. Let’s dive into the details.

The most direct method to get Snivy in ORAS is by receiving it from Professor Birch on Route 101 after completing the Delta Episode. You must also first receive a Johto starter from Professor Birch after becoming the Pokemon League Champion, obtain a Mega Stone from your mother in Littleroot Town, and then return to Route 101. This post-game event allows you to choose one of the Unova starters (Snivy, Tepig, or Oshawott) to add to your collection.

Alternatively, you can also obtain Snivy through trading. If you have access to Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, or White 2, you can transfer a Snivy to those games and then use the Pokémon Bank and Pokémon Transporter services to move it to your ORAS game. You can also trade with other players who have a Snivy in their ORAS game or other compatible games like Pokémon X and Y.

Unlocking Snivy: A Step-by-Step Approach

Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved in obtaining Snivy through the in-game event:

1. Become the Pokémon League Champion: Defeat the Elite Four and Champion Steven Stone to conquer the Hoenn League.
2. Complete the Delta Episode: This post-game storyline involves dealing with a meteor threat and battling Deoxys.
3. Receive a Johto Starter: After becoming the Champion, revisit Professor Birch, and he will offer you a choice of one of the Johto starters (Chikorita, Cyndaquil, or Totodile).
4. Obtain a Mega Stone from Your Mother: Go to your house in Littleroot Town, and your mother will give you a Mega Stone.
5. Return to Route 101: Head back to Route 101, where you initially began your Pokémon journey. Professor Birch will be chased by a Pokémon again. Help him, and he’ll offer you one of the Unova starters as a thank you.

Once you’ve met these requirements, you’ll be presented with the opportunity to choose Snivy.

Trading: An Alternative Route

If the post-game event seems too lengthy, or you want Snivy earlier in your playthrough, trading is your best bet. Here’s how:

1. Find a Trading Partner: Connect with a friend or another player online who has a Snivy they are willing to trade. Forums, online communities, and social media groups dedicated to Pokémon trading are excellent resources.
2. Ensure Compatibility: ORAS can trade with X and Y. This widens your pool of potential trading partners.
3. Prepare Your Trade: Have a Pokémon ready to offer in exchange. Consider offering a Pokémon that the other player might need or appreciate.
4. Initiate the Trade: Use the Player Search System (PSS) in the game to connect with your trading partner and initiate the trade.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Snivy in ORAS

Let’s address some common questions about acquiring and using Snivy in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire:

1. Can you get all three Unova starters in a single playthrough of ORAS?

No, technically you can only collect four of the possible 24 starters available in one play-through of one version in each game (ORAS). But you can get all of them probably by the end of today on the trade boards. In terms of getting Unova starters in-game, after completing the steps outlined above, you can only choose one. To obtain the others, you’ll need to trade with other players or transfer them from other Pokémon games using Pokémon Bank.

2. Can Snivy be shiny in ORAS?

Yes! The Unova starters, including Snivy, are not Shiny locked in ORAS when obtained from Professor Birch. This means you can soft reset (press L+R+Start/Select buttons simultaneously) before choosing your starter to repeatedly try for a Shiny version. Be warned, though: this can be time-consuming, as the odds of finding a Shiny are 1 in 4,096.

3. What are Snivy’s evolutions?

Snivy evolves into Servine starting at level 17. Servine then evolves into Serperior starting at level 36. Both Servine and Serperior retain the Grass-type.

4. What are some good movesets for Serperior in ORAS?

Serperior can be a formidable opponent with the right moveset. Some popular options include:

• Leaf Storm: A powerful Grass-type move that sharply lowers Serperior’s Special Attack.
• Giga Drain: A Grass-type move that heals Serperior for half of the damage dealt.
• Hidden Power (Fire/Ice/Ground): Provides coverage against Pokémon that resist Grass-type moves.
• Dragon Tail: Forces the opposing Pokémon to switch out.
• Leech Seed: Drains HP from the opponent each turn.

5. Can you get Hidden Ability starters in ORAS?

The only way to get Hidden Ability starters in ORAS is through trade. The starters given to you in-game will never have Hidden Abilities.

6. What is Snivy’s Hidden Ability?

Snivy’s Hidden Ability is Contrary. This ability reverses the stat changes caused by moves and abilities. For example, using Leaf Storm would raise Serperior’s Special Attack instead of lowering it.

7. Is Pokémon Bank still available?

As of this writing, Pokémon Bank is still available. It has even become a free service, allowing anyone with the 3DS software to use it. This makes transferring Snivy from older games significantly easier.

8. What are the best Natures for Serperior?

The best Natures for Serperior depend on your preferred playstyle. Some good choices include:

• Timid: Increases Speed and decreases Attack.
• Modest: Increases Special Attack and decreases Attack.

9. How do you transfer Pokémon from older games to ORAS using Pokémon Bank?

Here’s a simplified version of the transfer process:

1. Download Pokémon Bank and Pokémon Transporter from the Nintendo eShop on your 3DS.
2. Insert a compatible Pokémon game (e.g., Black, White, Black 2, White 2) into your 3DS.
3. Use Pokémon Transporter to move Pokémon from the game cartridge to the Pokémon Bank.
4. Insert your ORAS game into your 3DS.
5. Use Pokémon Bank to transfer the Pokémon from the bank to your ORAS game.

10. Are there any events or distributions that give away Snivy with special moves?

Keep an eye on Pokémon news and events, as there have been past distributions of Snivy with special moves or Hidden Abilities through online events or promotions. These are infrequent but can provide a unique Snivy for your collection.

11. Can I use Snivy in Pokémon contests in ORAS?

Absolutely! Serperior can perform well in Pokémon Contests, especially in the Coolness and Beauty categories. Choose moves that align with these categories to impress the judges.

12. How can I increase my chances of hatching a Shiny Snivy if I breed one?

To increase your chances of hatching a Shiny Snivy, use the Masuda Method (breeding a Pokémon with a Pokémon from a different region) and obtain the Shiny Charm (obtained by completing the Hoenn Pokédex).

13. Where can I find more information about Pokémon strategies and builds?

There are many online resources for Pokémon strategies, builds, and move sets. Websites like Serebii.net and Smogon University are great places to start. You can also engage with the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to find resources.

14. Does trading affect the legitimacy of a Pokémon?

Trading a legitimately obtained Snivy does not affect its legitimacy. However, be cautious of Pokémon obtained through illegitimate means (e.g., hacking), as using them in online competitions can lead to penalties.

15. Can Snivy learn any TMs or HMs?

Yes, Snivy can learn a variety of TMs and HMs, expanding its move pool. Some notable TMs include Toxic, Hidden Power, and Sunny Day.

Conclusion

While Snivy may not be a native resident of the Hoenn region, acquiring it in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire is entirely achievable through either the post-game event or trading with other players. So, embark on your journey, explore the available options, and add the elegant Snivy to your Pokémon team! With the proper strategy and a bit of patience, you’ll be training your own Serperior in no time. Happy gaming!