BEST EMERALD POKEMON
Game Notes
Emerald reshuffles the Hoenn tier list with move tutors, expanded encounters, and Wallace replacing Steven at the end. Move tutors hand out coverage moves that weren't in RS, and some Pokemon show up earlier or in new locations. Swampert is still the top starter with one weakness and great STAB. Your final fight is against Water-types now, so plan accordingly. Rayquaza is catchable before the Elite Four here, making it a real option for your main team.
Pokemon Spotlight
Salamence
Dragon Dance boosts Attack and Speed together, and Intimidate softens physical hits on the switch. 135 Attack on Dragon/Flying with Earthquake coverage gives Salamence answers to Steel types in Emerald. One Dragon Dance often ends games.
View page detailsSalamence — S Tier, 600 BST
Dragon Dance boosts Attack and Speed together, and Intimidate softens physical hits on the switch. 135 Attack on Dragon/Flying with Earthquake coverage gives Salamence answers to Steel types in Emerald. One Dragon Dance often ends games.
Kyogre
Rain from Drizzle fires automatically, boosting Water moves by 50% without using a turn. 150 Sp. Atk means Water Spout at full HP is among the hardest single hits in Emerald. Thunder never misses in rain either.
View page detailsKyogre — S Tier, 670 BST
Rain from Drizzle fires automatically, boosting Water moves by 50% without using a turn. 150 Sp. Atk means Water Spout at full HP is among the hardest single hits in Emerald. Thunder never misses in rain either.
Heracross
125 Attack with STAB Megahorn and Close Combat gives Heracross raw power few Bug types can match in Emerald. Swarm boosts Bug moves at low HP for devastating Megahorns. Bug/Fighting covers Psychic and Dark types, and 85 Speed is enough to outpace most walls in Hoenn.
View page detailsHeracross — A Tier, 500 BST
125 Attack with STAB Megahorn and Close Combat gives Heracross raw power few Bug types can match in Emerald. Swarm boosts Bug moves at low HP for devastating Megahorns. Bug/Fighting covers Psychic and Dark types, and 85 Speed is enough to outpace most walls in Hoenn.
MewtwoPsychicSPECIALHP106Atk110Def90SpA154SpD90Spe130AbilityPressureNatureMildItemLum BerryIce Beam90Thunder110Calm Mind–Fire Blast110HP106Atk110Def90SpA154SpD90Spe130
LugiaPsychicMIXEDHP106Atk90Def130SpA90SpD154Spe110AbilityPressureNatureBoldItemChoice BandRecover–Toxic–Whirlwind–Reflect–HP106Atk90Def130SpA90SpD154Spe110
Ho ohFireMIXEDHP106Atk130Def90SpA110SpD154Spe90AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemChoice BandSacred Fire100Recover–Shadow Ball80Toxic–HP106Atk130Def90SpA110SpD154Spe90- #1
RayquazaDragonMIXEDHP105Atk150Def90SpA150SpD90Spe95AbilityAir LockNatureAdamantItemChoice BandExtreme Speed80Earthquake100Hidden Power Flying60Dragon Dance–HP105Atk150Def90SpA150SpD90Spe95 - #2KyogreWaterSPECIALHP100Atk100Def90SpA150SpD140Spe90AbilityDrizzleNatureModestItemLum BerryIce Beam90Calm Mind–Surf90Thunder110HP100Atk100Def90SpA150SpD140Spe90
- #3
GroudonGroundPHYSICALHP100Atk150Def140SpA100SpD90Spe90AbilityDroughtNatureAdamantItemSalac BerryEarthquake100Swords Dance–Rock Slide75Hidden Power Ghost60HP100Atk150Def140SpA100SpD90Spe90 
TyranitarRockDarkMIXEDHP100Atk134Def110SpA95SpD100Spe61AbilitySand StreamNatureAdamantItemLum BerryRock Slide75Earthquake100Dragon Dance–Hidden Power Bug60HP100Atk134Def110SpA95SpD100Spe61- #4SalamenceDragonMIXEDHP95Atk135Def80SpA110SpD80Spe100AbilityIntimidateNatureRashItemChoice BandBrick Break75Hidden Power Flying60Earthquake100Rock Slide75HP95Atk135Def80SpA110SpD80Spe100
- #5
MetagrossSteelPsychicMIXEDHP80Atk135Def130SpA95SpD90Spe70AbilityClear BodyNatureAdamantItemChoice BandMeteor Mash90Explosion250Earthquake100Agility–HP80Atk135Def130SpA95SpD90Spe70 - #6
LatiasDragonPsychicSPECIALHP80Atk80Def90SpA110SpD130Spe110AbilityLevitateNatureBoldItemSoul DewRecover–Calm Mind–Dragon Claw80Refresh–HP80Atk80Def90SpA110SpD130Spe110 - #7
LatiosDragonPsychicSPECIALHP80Atk90Def80SpA130SpD110Spe110AbilityLevitateNatureModestItemSoul DewThunder110Ice Beam90Recover–Dragon Claw80HP80Atk90Def80SpA130SpD110Spe110 
BlisseyNormalPHYSICALHP255Atk10Def10SpA75SpD135Spe55AbilityNatural CureNatureModestItemScope LensSoft-Boiled–Ice Beam90Seismic Toss–Thunder Wave–HP255Atk10Def10SpA75SpD135Spe55
CelebiPsychicGrassSPECIALHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilityNatural CureNatureBoldItemLum BerryLeech Seed–Baton Pass–Psychic90Giga Drain75HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100- #9
JirachiSteelPsychicMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilitySerene GraceNatureBoldItemLum BerryFire Punch75Wish–Calm Mind–Protect–HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100 - #10
DeoxysPsychicSPECIALHP50Atk150Def50SpA150SpD50Spe150AbilityPressureNatureHastyItemChoice BandExtreme Speed80Ice Beam90Shadow Ball80Psycho Boost140HP50Atk150Def50SpA150SpD50Spe150 
ZapdosElectricMIXEDHP90Atk90Def85SpA125SpD90Spe100AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemChoice BandThunderbolt90Hidden Power Grass60Thunder Wave–Roar–HP90Atk90Def85SpA125SpD90Spe100
SuicuneWaterSPECIALHP100Atk75Def115SpA90SpD115Spe85AbilityPressureNatureBoldItemChesto BerryCalm Mind–Surf90Ice Beam90Rest–HP100Atk75Def115SpA90SpD115Spe85
SnorlaxNormalPHYSICALHP160Atk110Def65SpA65SpD110Spe30AbilityImmunityNatureAdamantItemChoice BandShadow Ball80Body Slam85Earthquake100Curse–HP160Atk110Def65SpA65SpD110Spe30
JolteonElectricSPECIALHP65Atk65Def60SpA110SpD95Spe130AbilityVolt AbsorbNatureTimidItemPetaya BerryThunderbolt90Baton Pass–Hidden Power Ice60Hidden Power Grass60HP65Atk65Def60SpA110SpD95Spe130- #11
StarmieWaterPsychicSPECIALHP60Atk75Def85SpA100SpD85Spe115AbilityNatural CureNatureTimidItemMystic WaterRapid Spin50Ice Beam90Thunderbolt90Surf90HP60Atk75Def85SpA100SpD85Spe115 
AerodactylRockPHYSICALHP80Atk105Def65SpA60SpD75Spe130AbilityRock HeadNatureJollyItemChoice BandEarthquake100Rock Slide75Double-Edge120Hidden Power Flying60HP80Atk105Def65SpA60SpD75Spe130- #12HeracrossBugFightingPHYSICALHP80Atk125Def75SpA40SpD95Spe85AbilitySwarmNatureJollyItemSalac BerryMegahorn120Rock Slide75Swords Dance–Substitute–HP80Atk125Def75SpA40SpD95Spe85
MagnetonElectricSteelMIXEDHP50Atk60Def95SpA120SpD70Spe70AbilityMagnet PullNatureModestItemMagnetThunderbolt90Hidden Power Fire60Toxic–Thunder Wave–HP50Atk60Def95SpA120SpD70Spe70- #13
SkarmorySteelPHYSICALHP65Atk80Def140SpA40SpD70Spe70AbilityKeen EyeNatureCarefulItemLeftoversSpikes–Roar–Toxic–Protect–HP65Atk80Def140SpA40SpD70Spe70
- #15
SlakingNormalPHYSICALHP150Atk160Def100SpA95SpD65Spe100AbilityTruantNatureAdamantItemChoice BandEarthquake100Shadow Ball80Focus Punch150Hyper Beam150HP150Atk160Def100SpA95SpD65Spe100 
DragoniteDragonMIXEDHP91Atk134Def95SpA100SpD100Spe80AbilityInner FocusNatureLonelyItemLum BerryEarthquake100Hidden Power Flying60Dragon Dance–Ice Beam90HP91Atk134Def95SpA100SpD100Spe80
MewPsychicSPECIALHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilitySynchronizeNatureModestItemLum BerryExplosion250Thunder Wave–Fire Blast110Thunder110HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100
ArticunoIceMIXEDHP90Atk85Def100SpA95SpD125Spe85AbilityPressureNatureCalmItemNever Melt IceIce Beam90Rest–Roar–Toxic–HP90Atk85Def100SpA95SpD125Spe85
MoltresFireMIXEDHP90Atk100Def90SpA125SpD85Spe90AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemChoice BandHidden Power Grass60Flamethrower90Roar–Protect–HP90Atk100Def90SpA125SpD85Spe90
RaikouElectricSPECIALHP90Atk85Def75SpA115SpD100Spe115AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemLum BerryThunderbolt90Calm Mind–Hidden Power Grass60Substitute–HP90Atk85Def75SpA115SpD100Spe115
EnteiFireSPECIALHP115Atk115Def85SpA90SpD75Spe100AbilityPressureNatureModestItemChoice BandCalm Mind–Flamethrower90Substitute–Hidden Power Grass60HP115Atk115Def85SpA90SpD75Spe100- #16
RegirockRockPHYSICALHP80Atk100Def200SpA50SpD100Spe50AbilityClear BodyNatureAdamantItemChoice BandExplosion250Rock Slide75Thunder Wave–Superpower120HP80Atk100Def200SpA50SpD100Spe50 - #17
RegiceIceSPECIALHP80Atk50Def100SpA100SpD200Spe50AbilityClear BodyNatureQuietItemLum BerryIce Beam90Thunderbolt90Explosion250Thunder Wave–HP80Atk50Def100SpA100SpD200Spe50 - #18
RegisteelSteelPHYSICALHP80Atk75Def150SpA75SpD150Spe50AbilityClear BodyNatureCarefulItemLum BerryThunder Wave–Explosion250Seismic Toss–Counter–HP80Atk75Def150SpA75SpD150Spe50 
ArcanineFireSPECIALHP90Atk110Def80SpA100SpD80Spe95AbilityIntimidateNatureLonelyItemScope LensExtreme Speed80Overheat130Hidden Power Fighting60Toxic–HP90Atk110Def80SpA100SpD80Spe95- #19
GyaradosWaterMIXEDHP95Atk125Def79SpA60SpD100Spe81AbilityIntimidateNatureAdamantItemLum BerryEarthquake100Dragon Dance–Hidden Power Flying60Taunt–HP95Atk125Def79SpA60SpD100Spe81
LaprasWaterIceSPECIALHP130Atk85Def80SpA85SpD95Spe60AbilityWater AbsorbNatureModestItemSalac BerryIce Beam90Thunderbolt90Thunder110Surf90HP130Atk85Def80SpA85SpD95Spe60
TyphlosionFireSPECIALHP78Atk84Def78SpA109SpD85Spe100AbilityBlazeNatureHastyItemPetaya BerryFlamethrower90Thunder Punch75Hidden Power Grass60Substitute–HP78Atk84Def78SpA109SpD85Spe100
BlastoiseWaterSPECIALHP79Atk83Def100SpA85SpD105Spe78AbilityTorrentNatureBoldItemMystic WaterSurf90Rapid Spin50Ice Beam90Roar–HP79Atk83Def100SpA85SpD105Spe78
FeraligatrWaterSPECIALHP85Atk105Def100SpA79SpD83Spe78AbilityTorrentNatureCarefulItemMystic WaterEarthquake100Surf90Ice Beam90Rock Slide75HP85Atk105Def100SpA79SpD83Spe78- #42
WalreinIceWaterSPECIALHP110Atk80Def90SpA95SpD90Spe65AbilityThick FatNatureModestItemSalac BerrySurf90Ice Beam90Yawn–Encore–HP110Atk80Def90SpA95SpD90Spe65 
VenusaurGrassPoisonMIXEDHP80Atk82Def83SpA100SpD100Spe80AbilityOvergrowNatureTimidItemLum BerryLeech Seed–Sleep Powder–Giga Drain75Sludge Bomb90HP80Atk82Def83SpA100SpD100Spe80
FlareonFireSPECIALHP65Atk130Def60SpA95SpD110Spe65AbilityFlash FireNatureSassyItemSilk ScarfShadow Ball80Overheat130Wish–Toxic–HP65Atk130Def60SpA95SpD110Spe65
MeganiumGrassSPECIALHP80Atk82Def100SpA83SpD100Spe80AbilityOvergrowNatureCalmItemLum BerryLeech Seed–Giga Drain75Synthesis–Reflect–HP80Atk82Def100SpA83SpD100Spe80- #43
TentacruelWaterPoisonMIXEDHP80Atk70Def65SpA80SpD120Spe100AbilityLiquid OozeNatureHastyItemLeftoversSurf90Ice Beam90Rapid Spin50Toxic–HP80Atk70Def65SpA80SpD120Spe100 
PoliwrathWaterFightingMIXEDHP90Atk95Def95SpA70SpD90Spe70AbilityWater AbsorbNatureMildItemSalac BerryFocus Punch150Substitute–Brick Break75Ice Beam90HP90Atk95Def95SpA70SpD90Spe70
AmpharosElectricSPECIALHP90Atk75Def85SpA115SpD90Spe55AbilityStaticNatureMildItemMagnetThunderbolt90Substitute–Focus Punch150Hidden Power Grass60HP90Atk75Def85SpA115SpD90Spe55
NidoqueenPoisonGroundPHYSICALHP90Atk92Def87SpA75SpD85Spe76AbilityPoison PointNatureJollyItemChoice BandEarthquake100Sludge Bomb90Shadow Ball80Ice Beam90HP90Atk92Def87SpA75SpD85Spe76
NidorinaPoisonPHYSICALHP70Atk62Def67SpA55SpD55Spe56Sludge Bomb90Double-Edge120Poison Sting15Toxic–HP70Atk62Def67SpA55SpD55Spe56
NidorinoPoisonPHYSICALHP61Atk72Def57SpA55SpD55Spe65Sludge Bomb90Double-Edge120Poison Sting15Toxic–HP61Atk72Def57SpA55SpD55Spe65- #101
SpindaNormalPHYSICALHP60Atk60Def60SpA60SpD60Spe60AbilityOwn TempoNatureGentleItemQuick ClawTeeter Dance–Fire Punch75Toxic–Dynamic Punch100HP60Atk60Def60SpA60SpD60Spe60 
VibravaGroundDragonMIXEDHP50Atk70Def50SpA50SpD50Spe70AbilityLevitateNatureAdamantItemChoice BandHidden Power Ghost60Earthquake100Quick Attack40Rock Slide75HP50Atk70Def50SpA50SpD50Spe70
EeveeNormalPHYSICALHP55Atk55Def50SpA45SpD65Spe55AbilityRun AwayNatureQuirkyItemCheri BerryToxic–Shadow Ball80Rain Dance–Hidden Power Ice60HP55Atk55Def50SpA45SpD65Spe55
PsyduckWaterSPECIALHP50Atk52Def48SpA65SpD50Spe55AbilityCloud NineNatureQuietItemLeftoversSurf90Calm Mind–Sleep Talk–Rest–HP50Atk52Def48SpA65SpD50Spe55
TotodileWaterSPECIALHP50Atk65Def64SpA44SpD48Spe43AbilityTorrentNatureAdamantItemLeftoversFocus Punch150Ancient Power60Substitute–Aerial Ace60HP50Atk65Def64SpA44SpD48Spe43
TreeckoGrassSPECIALHP40Atk45Def35SpA65SpD55Spe70AbilityOvergrowNatureJollyItemLeftoversSubstitute–Seismic Toss–Endeavor–Toxic–HP40Atk45Def35SpA65SpD55Spe70
SwabluNormalPHYSICALHP45Atk40Def60SpA40SpD75Spe50AbilityNatural CureNatureJollyItemSitrus BerryAerial Ace60Frustration–Haze–Double-Edge120HP45Atk40Def60SpA40SpD75Spe50
CyndaquilFireSPECIALHP39Atk52Def43SpA60SpD50Spe65AbilityBlazeNatureTimidItemSalac BerryBody Slam85Flame Wheel60Flamethrower90Hidden Power Grass60HP39Atk52Def43SpA60SpD50Spe65
CorphishWaterSPECIALHP43Atk80Def65SpA50SpD35Spe35AbilityHyper CutterNatureHardyItemNothingHarden–Bubble Beam65Crabhammer100Vise Grip55HP43Atk80Def65SpA50SpD35Spe35
VenonatBugPoisonPHYSICALHP60Atk55Def50SpA40SpD55Spe45AbilityCompound EyesNatureTimidItemLum BerrySubstitute–Mimic–Sleep Powder–Stun Spore–HP60Atk55Def50SpA40SpD55Spe45
Pokemon Comparison
FAQ
Rayquaza is the biggest difference from RS. It's catchable at Sky Pillar (Level 70) before the Elite Four, turning a post-game trophy into a real team member. Swampert is still the best starter and one of the strongest Pokemon all game. Move tutors also give a few mid-tier picks better coverage than they had in Ruby and Sapphire.
Wallace replaces Steven as Champion, so you need Water-type answers for the final fight instead of Steel. Both Team Aqua and Team Magma appear in the story. Move tutors teach new coverage moves that weren't in RS. Some encounter tables change, making certain Pokemon available earlier. And the Battle Frontier replaces the Battle Tower for post-game challenges.
Mudkip, same as Ruby and Sapphire. Swampert's Water/Ground STAB handles most of the game. The difference in Emerald: Wallace is the Champion, and Swampert's Water typing gives you a mirror-match edge. Torchic is a solid second choice since Blaziken's Fighting STAB hits Steven hard (he's a post-game battle in Emerald instead of the Champion).
Yes, and this is a major difference from Ruby and Sapphire. During the Sootopolis storyline, you visit Sky Pillar to wake Rayquaza and stop the Groudon/Kyogre fight. After that event, you can return to catch it at Level 70. That's before the eighth gym and the Elite Four, making it a real team member for your main playthrough. Bring plenty of Ultra Balls.
Emerald has free one-time move tutors scattered across Hoenn that teach moves like Double-Edge, Explosion, and Thunder Wave. These help during your main playthrough. The Battle Frontier (post-game) offers BP tutors for coverage moves like Ice Punch, ThunderPunch, and Fire Punch, but those only matter for post-game challenges. The free tutors are the bigger deal for ranking purposes.
Salamence has 600 BST and is one of the strongest non-legendary Pokemon available. The grind: you find Bagon deep in Meteor Falls (need Surf and Waterfall), then level it to 30 for Shelgon and 50 for Salamence. If you commit, you get a Dragon/Flying type with 135 Attack and Intimidate. Worth it if you're patient. The game is beatable without it, but it makes the Elite Four a lot easier.
GAME AVAILABILITY
- Gen IY
Yellow151 Pokemon - Gen IRB
Red & Blue151 Pokemon - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver251 Pokemon - Gen IIC
Crystal251 Pokemon - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire202 Pokemon - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen151 Pokemon - Gen IIIE
Emerald202 Pokemon - Gen IVPt
Platinum210 Pokemon - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver256 Pokemon - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl151 Pokemon - Gen VBW
Black & White156 Pokemon - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2301 Pokemon - Gen VIXY
X & Y457 Pokemon - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire211 Pokemon - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon403 Pokemon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon302 Pokemon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee153 Pokemon - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield400 Pokemon - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus242 Pokemon - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl151 Pokemon - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet400 Pokemon - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A364 Pokemon - Gen XWW
Winds & Waves51 Pokemon