How Early Can You Trade in Pokémon Ruby? The Definitive Guide
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Alright, trainers! Let’s cut right to the chase. You’re itching to get your hands on some powerful Pokémon through trading in Pokémon Ruby, and you want to know how soon you can start. The short answer is: not as early as you might hope, but not too late either! You can start trading in Pokémon Ruby once you’ve acquired your first Pokémon, received the Pokédex from Professor Birch, and defeated Roxanne, the Gym Leader of Rustboro City. This unlocks the ability to use the Pokémon Center’s Colosseum link cable.
That might sound like a while, but trust me, the journey is worth it. Now, let’s dive deeper into the trading mechanics of Pokémon Ruby and answer some burning questions you might have.
Unlocking the Trading Feature in Pokémon Ruby
The progression in Pokémon Ruby dictates when you gain access to trading. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Start your Adventure: Obviously, you need to boot up your game and start your journey in the Hoenn region.
- Choose your starter Pokémon: Select from Treecko, Torchic, or Mudkip to begin your adventure.
- Rescue Professor Birch: After selecting your starter, rescue Professor Birch from the wild Poochyena. This triggers the next stage of the story.
- Receive your Pokédex: After your first battle with your selected starter, Professor Birch will take you back to his lab and reward you with your very own Pokédex.
- Defeat Roxanne in Rustboro City: This is the final hurdle. Overcome Roxanne and earn your first Gym Badge! The Pokémon Center’s Colosseum (link cable) will then be available for use.
Once you’ve accomplished these steps, you’re ready to trade with friends! Keep in mind you’ll need a Game Boy Advance (or SP or Game Boy Player), a link cable, and another copy of Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, or LeafGreen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Trading in Pokémon Ruby
Here are some common questions related to trading in Pokémon Ruby, designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the game’s trading system.
FAQ 1: What do I need to trade Pokémon in Ruby?
You’ll require a Game Boy Advance (or SP or Game Boy Player), a Game Boy Advance link cable, and another copy of a compatible Pokémon game (Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, or LeafGreen). You also need to have reached the point in the game where trading is unlocked, as described above.
FAQ 2: Can I trade with Pokémon Colosseum or XD: Gale of Darkness?
No, you cannot directly trade with Pokémon Colosseum or XD: Gale of Darkness using a link cable. Those games use a different connection method and trade with the Game Boy Advance games via special in-game features after completing certain conditions.
FAQ 3: Can I trade with Pokémon games from other generations (e.g., Gold, Silver, Diamond, Pearl)?
Unfortunately not. Pokémon Ruby can only directly trade with games from the same generation: Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, and LeafGreen. Games from earlier or later generations use different trading systems and are incompatible.
FAQ 4: Is it possible to trade Pokémon online in Ruby?
Officially, no. The original Pokémon Ruby did not have online trading capabilities. However, fan-made emulators and online communities have created ways to trade Pokémon online, although these are not officially supported by Nintendo.
FAQ 5: What happens if I trade a Pokémon that knows an HM move?
Pokémon that know HM moves can be traded without any issues. However, remember that you’ll still need the corresponding HM to use that move outside of battle in your game.
FAQ 6: Are there any Pokémon I can’t trade?
No Pokémon are inherently untradeable in Pokémon Ruby once you’ve unlocked the trading function. However, trading event-exclusive Pokémon might feel pointless if you cannot access the event yourself.
FAQ 7: What are the benefits of trading Pokémon?
Trading offers several advantages. It allows you to obtain Pokémon that are exclusive to the other version (e.g., Seviper in Ruby and Zangoose in Sapphire). It also lets you evolve certain Pokémon that require trading to evolve (like Graveler into Golem). Furthermore, traded Pokémon gain experience faster, which can be beneficial in the long run.
FAQ 8: How does the experience gain work for traded Pokémon?
Traded Pokémon receive a 50% boost to their experience gain compared to Pokémon you caught yourself. This means they level up significantly faster, making them valuable additions to your team.
FAQ 9: Can I trade eggs in Pokémon Ruby?
Yes, you can trade eggs in Pokémon Ruby. The Pokémon that hatches from the egg will have the Original Trainer (OT) information of the person who received the egg in the trade.
FAQ 10: What happens to the Pokémon’s nickname after it’s traded?
The nickname of a traded Pokémon remains the same. If the Pokémon did not have a nickname, you can rename it once after receiving it in a trade.
FAQ 11: Can I trade back a Pokémon I received in a trade?
Absolutely! You can trade a Pokémon back and forth as many times as you like, provided both players have met the necessary requirements to trade.
FAQ 12: Does trading affect a Pokémon’s IVs (Individual Values) or EVs (Effort Values)?
No, trading does not affect a Pokémon’s IVs or EVs. These values are determined when the Pokémon is generated (either when you encounter it in the wild or when an egg hatches) and remain unchanged during trading.
FAQ 13: Are there any glitches associated with trading in Pokémon Ruby?
While rare, glitches can occur during trading if the game is interrupted (e.g., the link cable is disconnected or the Game Boy Advance is turned off). This can sometimes lead to data corruption, so it’s crucial to ensure a stable connection during the trading process.
FAQ 14: What should I trade early in the game?
Early in the game, consider trading for Pokémon that can cover your starter’s weaknesses. For example, if you chose Torchic, trading for a Water-type Pokémon could be a smart move. Also, trading for version-exclusive Pokémon early on can give you a strategic advantage.
FAQ 15: Where can I learn more about Pokémon trading strategies and the broader impact of games?
There are many online communities dedicated to Pokémon trading. You can also find helpful resources and insights into the educational aspects of gaming at the Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Exploring these resources can enrich your understanding and appreciation of the Pokémon universe and the power of games as learning tools.
Final Thoughts
Trading in Pokémon Ruby is a fantastic way to enhance your gameplay experience. While you can’t start immediately, the wait is worth it. By understanding the requirements and benefits of trading, you can strategically build a powerful team and explore the Hoenn region with a distinct advantage. Happy trading, trainers, and may your trades always be fruitful!