Welcome to our first detailed section of the Pokémon Emerald Walkthrough, where we will guide you through the early moments of your Hoenn adventure. You will set foot into Littleroot Town, the starting point of your journey, pick your first Pokémon, and venture through Route 101.
1. The Adventure Begins
The game opens in the back of a moving van, an unconventional start to a grand adventure. Once you’ve set your room’s clock and spoken with your in-game mother downstairs, it’s time to explore the world outside.
2. Exploring Littleroot Town
Take a walk around Littleroot Town. This small town, comprised of three buildings, is quaint but vital to your journey. Visit your neighbour’s house where you’ll meet your future rival. Whether it’s May if you’re playing as a boy, or Brendan if you’re playing as a girl, this character will be pivotal to your journey.
3. First Pokémon Choice
To the north lies Route 101, and here, you’ll encounter Professor Birch being chased by a wild Pokémon. You’ll be asked to choose a Poké Ball from the bag – each containing a different starter Pokémon. Will you choose the Grass-Type Treecko, the Fire-Type Torchic, or the Water-Type Mudkip?
4. First Pokémon Battle
Once you’ve chosen your Pokémon, you’ll enter your first battle against a level 2 Poochyena. This battle serves as a basic tutorial for the game’s turn-based combat system. Use your Pokémon’s attack to defeat the wild Poochyena.
5. Back to the Lab
After your victory, Professor Birch will invite you back to his lab in Littleroot Town. He’ll provide you with a Pokédex, a high-tech device that records information on any Pokémon you catch on your journey.
6. Route 101 and the Journey Ahead
With your first Pokémon and the Pokédex in hand, you’ll venture north through Route 101 once again. Along the way, you’ll encounter wild Pokémon in the tall grass. Use this opportunity to level up your starter Pokémon by engaging in battles. Don’t worry about catching any Pokémon yet, as you won’t have Poké Balls at this stage.
And that concludes the first part of your journey in Pokémon Emerald. Ahead lies Oldale Town and your first true rival battle, so make sure your Pokémon is ready for the challenge!