Hints and Tips

Here I'll list some hints and tips for Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald. Some of them may not be of much value, but can be useful in some situations. There are also a few fun things you can try in here, for a laugh.

Talk to everyone you see

Some generous people in Hoenn give you items and things if you talk to them, for example; The PokéMart representative in Oldale Town and the boy outside the Flower Shop on Route 104. These items can be of use and it would be worthwhile to obtain them.

Blank patches of grass

Ever noticed that in a big patch of long grass, there is sometimes one tile that isn't covered? These non-grassed areas can sometimes contain hidden items, so be sure to check them out if you ever see one!

Skipping Brawly

Well, the title is a little incorrect, but kind of true. You do not need to defeat Brawly to be able to make your way through Granite Cave. Just feel your way through, eventually you'll find your way. Then give the letter to Steven, and exit the cave. Mr. Briney will now take you to Slateport City.
This is really handy if you need a place to train before you battle Brawly, as there are plenty of trainers in Slateport City. ;)

Helping out in Contests

To give your Pokémon a helping hand in contests, give the Pokémon Fan Club in Slateport City a visit. If your Pokémon have a high enough rating in either Cool, Cute, Tough, Smart or Beauty, the Chairman will give you a corresponding scarf. The scarves boost the amount of points you get in the preliminary round of judging, a very handy thing to have.

Trick Master Hideouts

Having trouble finding that Trick Master in his house? Here are all of his locations:

Free Doll

Inside the Mauville City game corner, there is a girl standing at the back of the room, to the left of the counter. She will give you a free Pokédoll for your secret base. (The type of doll she gives you corresponds to the Pokémon you chose as your starter.)

Lanette's House

On route 114 sits Lanette's House. Behind all the clutter, Lanette is standing at the back. Talk to her and she will give you another free Pokédoll. (If you're playing Ruby you will get a Seedot. If Sapphire is your game you will receive Lotad)

Quirky On-lookers

Don't you hate it when you are trying to exit a route and you have to get by one of those trainers who won’t stand still? They continue to look around, hoping to catch you. Well, to get passed them effectively; walk, don't run. Running makes the person look at you; giving you no chance of getting through. If you're walking on the other hand, you can slip by while they are facing the other direction. Now, this may take some practice and a little luck, but it is more effective than trying to run through.

Shoal Cave Times

As you should know, Shoal Cave has a high tide and low tide, depending on the time that you set at the start of the game. These are the high and low tide times:

Fun Stuff to Try

The Ghostly Aroma Lady

I found this one out while just walking one day. The Aroma Lady is located in the route to the east of Mauville City. You will see her spinning around on the spot, hoping to battle you. (One little thing: If you have already battled this Aroma Lady, this will not work.)
Ok, you need to approach her from the other side of the ledge. Eventually, she will see you and walk straight over the ledge to battle you as if it wasn't there! :O
Just a fun little thing I found on my Ruby version.
(I also tested this on my brother's Sapphire version and it works on his too. So, as far as I know, this isn't a glitch that only my game has.)