Is Bulbasaur in Omega Ruby? Your Definitive Guide
No, Bulbasaur is not directly available in Pokémon Omega Ruby through normal gameplay, such as finding it in the wild or receiving it as a gift Pokémon during the main story. However, there are still several ways to obtain this beloved Generation I starter in your Omega Ruby game.
How to Get Bulbasaur in Omega Ruby
While not native to the Hoenn region in Omega Ruby, aspiring Pokémon trainers have a few options for adding Bulbasaur to their team:
1. Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter
This is the most common and arguably easiest method. The Pokémon Bank, a paid online service for the Nintendo 3DS, allows you to store Pokémon from various games. Paired with the Poké Transporter, you can transfer Pokémon from older Generation V games like Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, and White 2 into the Pokémon Bank.
- Process: First, catch or breed a Bulbasaur in a Generation V game. Then, use the Poké Transporter to move it into your Pokémon Bank. Finally, transfer it from the Pokémon Bank into your Omega Ruby game.
2. Trading with Other Players
Trading with other players is a viable method, especially if you have friends who own Pokémon games where Bulbasaur is obtainable, such as X and Y, or any Virtual Console Generation I or II games using Pokémon Bank.
- Process: Find someone willing to trade a Bulbasaur. Connect with them online or locally and execute the trade. Remember, you’ll need their Friend Code and access to the internet if trading online.
3. Events and Distributions
Although rare now, Nintendo sometimes holds special events or distributions where they give away Pokémon that are otherwise unavailable in a specific game. Keep an eye on official Pokémon news channels and communities, though these events for Omega Ruby are extremely unlikely at this point.
- Process: Monitor official Pokémon news. If a distribution event for Bulbasaur becomes available (highly unlikely for Omega Ruby at this point), follow the instructions provided to receive your special Pokémon.
4. Save Editors and Hacking (Use at Your Own Risk)
This method involves using third-party tools to modify your game save file and inject Pokémon into your game. This is highly discouraged as it can corrupt your save data and is against the terms of service of Nintendo. Furthermore, using hacked Pokémon in online battles is generally frowned upon within the community.
- Process: Research and download a save editor. Learn how to use it to add Pokémon to your game. Be extremely cautious and understand the risks involved before attempting this method. Consider this a last resort only.
Why Isn’t Bulbasaur Directly in Omega Ruby?
Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are remakes of the Generation III games Ruby and Sapphire. These remakes stay largely faithful to the original regional Pokédex, which did not include Bulbasaur. The inclusion of Pokémon from other regions is usually reserved for post-game content, event distributions, or transfer methods like the Pokémon Bank to encourage players to explore the entire Pokémon universe. This encourages cross-game interaction and player collaboration.
The Allure of Bulbasaur
Bulbasaur, the Grass/Poison-type Seed Pokémon, holds a special place in the hearts of many players. As the first Pokémon listed in the National Pokédex, it represents the beginning of countless Pokémon journeys. Its unique typing and well-rounded stats make it a reliable choice in the early game, and its evolutions, Ivysaur and Venusaur, continue to be powerful contenders. Its design is also undeniably charming, contributing to its enduring popularity. Many players simply want to add this iconic Pokémon to their collections and use it in battle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I catch Ivysaur or Venusaur in Omega Ruby?
No, you cannot catch Ivysaur or Venusaur in the wild in Omega Ruby. The only way to obtain them is by evolving a Bulbasaur transferred into the game.
2. Is there any way to get Bulbasaur early in Omega Ruby?
No, there is no in-game method to obtain Bulbasaur early in Omega Ruby. You must rely on transferring it from another game or trading with another player.
3. Does Wonder Trade give you a chance to get Bulbasaur?
While possible, it’s extremely unlikely to receive a Bulbasaur through Wonder Trade. Most Pokémon traded through Wonder Trade are common Pokémon found early in the game.
4. Can I breed Bulbasaur in Omega Ruby if I transfer one over?
Yes, you can breed Bulbasaur in Omega Ruby if you transfer one over and have it hold an Everstone to pass down its Nature and obtain more Bulbasaurs.
5. What is the best nature for Bulbasaur/Venusaur in Omega Ruby?
Modest (+Sp. Atk, -Atk) is a popular choice for Venusaur, especially if using its Mega Evolution, which significantly boosts its Special Attack. Bold (+Def, -Atk) and Calm (+Sp. Def, -Atk) are also viable defensive options.
6. Can I use Bulbasaur in online battles in Omega Ruby?
Yes, you can use Bulbasaur and its evolutions in online battles in Omega Ruby, as long as they are obtained legally (transferred, traded, or bred). Hacked Pokémon are generally frowned upon.
7. How do I use the Pokémon Bank to transfer Bulbasaur?
You need a paid subscription to Pokémon Bank. Download both Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter on your 3DS. Insert a Gen V game (Black, White, Black 2, or White 2) and use Poké Transporter to send Pokémon to the Bank. Then, insert your Omega Ruby game and use Pokémon Bank to transfer the Bulbasaur to your game.
8. Is Pokémon Bank still available?
Yes, Pokémon Bank is still available for download on the 3DS eShop. However, the 3DS eShop closed in March 2023, so you must have downloaded it before then. It will become free to use at some point in the future.
9. Can I transfer Bulbasaur from Pokémon GO to Omega Ruby?
No, you cannot directly transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Omega Ruby. Pokémon GO only connects with Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee and Pokémon HOME.
10. What other Pokémon games can I get Bulbasaur in?
Bulbasaur is available in Pokémon Red, Blue, Yellow, FireRed, LeafGreen, X, Y, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon, Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee, Sword, Shield (through Pokémon HOME), Brilliant Diamond, and Shining Pearl (through Pokémon HOME).
11. What is the best moveset for Venusaur in Omega Ruby?
A common competitive moveset for Mega Venusaur in Omega Ruby includes Giga Drain, Sludge Bomb, Hidden Power Fire, and Synthesis. This provides strong STAB attacks, coverage against Steel-types, and reliable recovery.
12. Does Bulbasaur have a Mega Evolution in Omega Ruby?
Yes, Venusaur has a Mega Evolution in Omega Ruby. Mega Venusaur gains the Thick Fat ability, which negates its weakness to Fire and Ice-type attacks, making it a formidable tank.
13. Where can I find someone to trade Bulbasaur with in Omega Ruby?
Online Pokémon communities, such as subreddits like r/PokemonTrades or dedicated Pokémon trading forums, are good places to find people willing to trade.
14. Is it worth transferring Bulbasaur to Omega Ruby?
If you’re a fan of Bulbasaur and want to use it in your Omega Ruby adventure, then absolutely! It adds another layer of enjoyment and allows you to experience the game with your favorite Pokémon. Its Mega Evolution is also quite powerful.
15. Will there ever be an official distribution of Bulbasaur in Omega Ruby?
While anything is technically possible, it is extremely unlikely at this point. Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire were released several years ago, and Nintendo has moved on to newer generations of Pokémon games. Focus on utilizing the Pokémon Bank or trading.