BEST RUBY & SAPPHIRE POKEMON
Game Notes
Ruby and Sapphire brought abilities into Pokemon for the first time, and that one change reshuffles everything. Slaking has 670 BST but Truant halves its output. Swampert only has one weakness (Grass) and gets both Earthquake and Surf for STAB. Gardevoir is pure Psychic here since Fairy type doesn't exist yet, and 125 Sp. Atk hits hard with few resists. Only what's catchable in Ruby and Sapphire's Hoenn counts here — no national dex imports.
Pokemon Spotlight
Salamence
Intimidate lowers Attack on switch-in, buying a free defensive turn. 135 Attack on Dragon/Flying typing with Earthquake coverage makes Salamence one of Ruby and Sapphire's most versatile threats. Dragon Dance boosts both Attack and Speed in one move.
View page detailsSalamence — S Tier, 600 BST
Intimidate lowers Attack on switch-in, buying a free defensive turn. 135 Attack on Dragon/Flying typing with Earthquake coverage makes Salamence one of Ruby and Sapphire's most versatile threats. Dragon Dance boosts both Attack and Speed in one move.
Kyogre
Drizzle sets rain automatically, boosting Water moves by 50% without spending a turn. 150 Sp. Atk with rain-boosted Water Spout at full HP obliterates almost anything. Ruby and Sapphire's box legendary hits harder than most Pokemon in the franchise.
View page detailsKyogre — S Tier, 670 BST
Drizzle sets rain automatically, boosting Water moves by 50% without spending a turn. 150 Sp. Atk with rain-boosted Water Spout at full HP obliterates almost anything. Ruby and Sapphire's box legendary hits harder than most Pokemon in the franchise.
Heracross
Bug/Fighting dual STAB hits Psychic, Dark, and Normal types hard, all through that massive 125 Attack. Fighting is physical in Gen 3, so Brick Break runs at full power. Swarm pushes Megahorn damage even higher at low HP, making Heracross a dangerous finisher in Ruby and Sapphire.
View page detailsHeracross — A Tier, 500 BST
Bug/Fighting dual STAB hits Psychic, Dark, and Normal types hard, all through that massive 125 Attack. Fighting is physical in Gen 3, so Brick Break runs at full power. Swarm pushes Megahorn damage even higher at low HP, making Heracross a dangerous finisher in Ruby and Sapphire.
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 BerryEarthquake100Hidden Power Ghost60Overheat130HP100Atk150Def140SpA100SpD90Spe90 
TyranitarRockDarkMIXEDHP100Atk134Def110SpA95SpD100Spe61AbilitySand StreamNatureAdamantItemLum BerryRock Slide75Earthquake100Dragon Dance–Hidden Power Bug60HP100Atk134Def110SpA95SpD100Spe61- #4SalamenceDragonMIXEDHP95Atk135Def80SpA110SpD80Spe100AbilityIntimidateNatureRashItemChoice BandBrick Break75Hidden Power Flying60Earthquake100Dragon Dance–HP95Atk135Def80SpA110SpD80Spe100
- #5
MetagrossSteelPsychicMIXEDHP80Atk135Def130SpA95SpD90Spe70AbilityClear BodyNatureAdamantItemChoice BandMeteor Mash90Earthquake100Agility–HP80Atk135Def130SpA95SpD90Spe70 - #6
LatiasDragonPsychicSPECIALHP80Atk80Def90SpA110SpD130Spe110AbilityLevitateNatureBoldItemSoul DewRecover–Calm Mind–Dragon Claw80Refresh–HP80Atk80Def90SpA110SpD130Spe110 - #7
LatiosDragonPsychicSPECIALHP80Atk90Def80SpA130SpD110Spe110AbilityLevitateNatureModestItemSoul DewThunder110Ice Beam90Recover–Dragon Claw80HP80Atk90Def80SpA130SpD110Spe110 
BlisseyNormalPHYSICALHP255Atk10Def10SpA75SpD135Spe55AbilityNatural CureNatureModestItemScope LensSoft-Boiled–Ice Beam90Toxic–Thunderbolt90HP255Atk10Def10SpA75SpD135Spe55
CelebiPsychicGrassSPECIALHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilityNatural CureNatureBoldItemLum BerryLeech Seed–Baton Pass–Psychic90Giga Drain75HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100- #9
JirachiSteelPsychicMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilitySerene GraceNatureBoldItemLum BerryWish–Calm Mind–Protect–Psychic90HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100 - #10
DeoxysPsychicSPECIALHP50Atk150Def50SpA150SpD50Spe150AbilityPressureNatureHastyItemChoice BandIce Beam90Shadow Ball80Psycho Boost140HP50Atk150Def50SpA150SpD50Spe150 
ZapdosElectricMIXEDHP90Atk90Def85SpA125SpD90Spe100AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemChoice BandThunderbolt90Hidden Power Grass60Thunder Wave–Roar–HP90Atk90Def85SpA125SpD90Spe100
SuicuneWaterSPECIALHP100Atk75Def115SpA90SpD115Spe85AbilityPressureNatureBoldItemChesto BerryCalm Mind–Surf90Ice Beam90Rest–HP100Atk75Def115SpA90SpD115Spe85
SnorlaxNormalPHYSICALHP160Atk110Def65SpA65SpD110Spe30AbilityImmunityNatureAdamantItemChoice BandShadow Ball80Body Slam85Earthquake100Curse–HP160Atk110Def65SpA65SpD110Spe30
JolteonElectricSPECIALHP65Atk65Def60SpA110SpD95Spe130AbilityVolt AbsorbNatureTimidItemPetaya BerryThunderbolt90Hidden Power Ice60Hidden Power Grass60Thunder Wave–HP65Atk65Def60SpA110SpD95Spe130- #11
StarmieWaterPsychicSPECIALHP60Atk75Def85SpA100SpD85Spe115AbilityNatural CureNatureTimidItemMystic WaterRapid Spin50Ice Beam90Thunderbolt90Surf90HP60Atk75Def85SpA100SpD85Spe115 
AerodactylRockPHYSICALHP80Atk105Def65SpA60SpD75Spe130AbilityRock HeadNatureJollyItemChoice BandEarthquake100Hidden Power Flying60Hidden Power Bug60HP80Atk105Def65SpA60SpD75Spe130- #12HeracrossBugFightingPHYSICALHP80Atk125Def75SpA40SpD95Spe85AbilitySwarmNatureJollyItemSalac BerryMegahorn120Brick Break75Focus Punch150HP80Atk125Def75SpA40SpD95Spe85
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 BerryFire Blast110Thunder110Shadow Ball80Earthquake100HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100
ArticunoIceMIXEDHP90Atk85Def100SpA95SpD125Spe85AbilityPressureNatureCalmItemNever Melt IceIce Beam90Rest–Roar–Toxic–HP90Atk85Def100SpA95SpD125Spe85
MoltresFireMIXEDHP90Atk100Def90SpA125SpD85Spe90AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemChoice BandHidden Power Grass60Flamethrower90Roar–Protect–HP90Atk100Def90SpA125SpD85Spe90
RaikouElectricSPECIALHP90Atk85Def75SpA115SpD100Spe115AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemLum BerryThunderbolt90Calm Mind–Hidden Power Grass60Crunch80HP90Atk85Def75SpA115SpD100Spe115
EnteiFireSPECIALHP115Atk115Def85SpA90SpD75Spe100AbilityPressureNatureModestItemChoice BandCalm Mind–Flamethrower90Hidden Power Grass60Fire Blast110HP115Atk115Def85SpA90SpD75Spe100- #16
RegirockRockPHYSICALHP80Atk100Def200SpA50SpD100Spe50AbilityClear BodyNatureAdamantItemChoice BandExplosion250Superpower120Earthquake100HP80Atk100Def200SpA50SpD100Spe50 - #17
RegiceIceSPECIALHP80Atk50Def100SpA100SpD200Spe50AbilityClear BodyNatureQuietItemLum BerryIce Beam90Thunderbolt90Explosion250HP80Atk50Def100SpA100SpD200Spe50 - #18
RegisteelSteelPHYSICALHP80Atk75Def150SpA75SpD150Spe50AbilityClear BodyNatureCarefulItemLum BerryExplosion250HP80Atk75Def150SpA75SpD150Spe50 
ArcanineFireSPECIALHP90Atk110Def80SpA100SpD80Spe95AbilityIntimidateNatureLonelyItemScope LensExtreme Speed80Overheat130Hidden Power Fighting60Toxic–HP90Atk110Def80SpA100SpD80Spe95- #19
GyaradosWaterMIXEDHP95Atk125Def79SpA60SpD100Spe81AbilityIntimidateNatureAdamantItemLum BerryEarthquake100Dragon Dance–Hidden Power Flying60Taunt–HP95Atk125Def79SpA60SpD100Spe81
LaprasWaterIceSPECIALHP130Atk85Def80SpA85SpD95Spe60AbilityWater AbsorbNatureModestItemSalac BerryIce Beam90Thunderbolt90Thunder110Surf90HP130Atk85Def80SpA85SpD95Spe60
TyphlosionFireSPECIALHP78Atk84Def78SpA109SpD85Spe100AbilityBlazeNatureHastyItemPetaya BerryFlamethrower90Hidden Power Grass60Fire Blast110Hidden Power Ice60HP78Atk84Def78SpA109SpD85Spe100
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 Punch150Brick Break75Ice Beam90Bulk Up–HP90Atk95Def95SpA70SpD90Spe70
AmpharosElectricSPECIALHP90Atk75Def85SpA115SpD90Spe55AbilityStaticNatureMildItemMagnetThunderbolt90Focus Punch150Hidden Power Grass60Thunder Wave–HP90Atk75Def85SpA115SpD90Spe55
NidoqueenPoisonGroundPHYSICALHP90Atk92Def87SpA75SpD85Spe76AbilityPoison PointNatureJollyItemChoice BandEarthquake100Sludge Bomb90Shadow Ball80Ice Beam90HP90Atk92Def87SpA75SpD85Spe76
NidorinaPoisonPHYSICALHP70Atk62Def67SpA55SpD55Spe56Sludge Bomb90Poison Sting15Toxic–HP70Atk62Def67SpA55SpD55Spe56
NidorinoPoisonPHYSICALHP61Atk72Def57SpA55SpD55Spe65Sludge Bomb90Poison Sting15Toxic–HP61Atk72Def57SpA55SpD55Spe65- #101
SpindaNormalPHYSICALHP60Atk60Def60SpA60SpD60Spe60AbilityOwn TempoNatureGentleItemQuick ClawTeeter Dance–Toxic–Psychic90HP60Atk60Def60SpA60SpD60Spe60 
VibravaGroundDragonMIXEDHP50Atk70Def50SpA50SpD50Spe70AbilityLevitateNatureAdamantItemChoice BandHidden Power Ghost60Earthquake100Quick Attack40HP50Atk70Def50SpA50SpD50Spe70
EeveeNormalPHYSICALHP55Atk55Def50SpA45SpD65Spe55AbilityRun AwayNatureQuirkyItemCheri BerryToxic–Shadow Ball80Rain Dance–Hidden Power Ice60HP55Atk55Def50SpA45SpD65Spe55
PsyduckWaterSPECIALHP50Atk52Def48SpA65SpD50Spe55AbilityCloud NineNatureQuietItemLeftoversSurf90Calm Mind–Rest–HP50Atk52Def48SpA65SpD50Spe55
TotodileWaterSPECIALHP50Atk65Def64SpA44SpD48Spe43AbilityTorrentNatureAdamantItemLeftoversFocus Punch150Ancient Power60Aerial Ace60HP50Atk65Def64SpA44SpD48Spe43
TreeckoGrassSPECIALHP40Atk45Def35SpA65SpD55Spe70AbilityOvergrowNatureJollyItemLeftoversEndeavor–Toxic–HP40Atk45Def35SpA65SpD55Spe70
SwabluNormalPHYSICALHP45Atk40Def60SpA40SpD75Spe50AbilityNatural CureNatureJollyItemSitrus BerryAerial Ace60Frustration–Haze–HP45Atk40Def60SpA40SpD75Spe50
CyndaquilFireSPECIALHP39Atk52Def43SpA60SpD50Spe65AbilityBlazeNatureTimidItemSalac BerryFlame Wheel60Flamethrower90Hidden Power Grass60HP39Atk52Def43SpA60SpD50Spe65
CorphishWaterSPECIALHP43Atk80Def65SpA50SpD35Spe35AbilityHyper CutterNatureHardyItemNothingHarden–Bubble Beam65Crabhammer100Vise Grip55HP43Atk80Def65SpA50SpD35Spe35
VenonatBugPoisonPHYSICALHP60Atk55Def50SpA40SpD55Spe45AbilityCompound EyesNatureTimidItemLum BerrySleep Powder–Stun Spore–HP60Atk55Def50SpA40SpD55Spe45
Pokemon Comparison
FAQ
Swampert. Water/Ground typing means just one weakness (Grass), and it gets STAB Earthquake plus Surf. 110 Attack handles most threats physically. Gardevoir is the best special attacker at 125 Sp. Atk with Psychic STAB. For raw stats, Salamence at 600 BST is the strongest non-legendary, but you can't get Bagon until late in the game.
Mudkip. Swampert's Water/Ground typing gives it one weakness and STAB Earthquake. Handles Roxanne (Rock), Wattson (Electric immunity), and most late-game threats. Torchic evolves into the Fire/Fighting Blaziken with solid mixed attacking stats. Treecko is the hardest start since Grass doesn't hit many Hoenn gyms super effectively.
Gen 3 introduced abilities — passive effects every Pokemon has. They completely change the rankings. Slaking has 670 BST (higher than most legendaries) but Truant forces it to skip every other turn, dropping it well below its stat line. Breloom gets Effect Spore to punish contact moves. Intimidate on Gyarados lowers the opponent's Attack on switch-in. Check each Pokemon's ability before adding it to your team.
Ruby gets Groudon (Ground, Drought) and Sapphire gets Kyogre (Water, Drizzle). Kyogre is the stronger pick since Water STAB in rain is devastating and it has fewer weaknesses. For regular exclusives, Ruby has Zangoose while Sapphire has Seviper. Zangoose hits hard with Swords Dance, but the legendary difference matters more for overall team strength.
Swampert (starter), Gardevoir from Ralts on Route 102, Breloom from Shroomish in Petalburg Woods, Manectric from Electrike on Route 110, Swellow for Fly and Guts-boosted attacks, and Aggron from Aron in Granite Cave. That lineup handles the gyms, Elite Four, and both rival teams (Aqua or Magma depending on version).
Only post-game. Rayquaza sits at Sky Pillar at Level 70 after you've beaten the Champion. It's 680 BST and one of the strongest Pokemon in any game, but it won't help your main playthrough. Your version's box legendary (Groudon or Kyogre) is available before the Elite Four and nearly as strong.
Slaking looks incredible at 670 BST, but Truant means it only attacks every other turn. Usable if you play around it, but inconsistent. Feebas is notoriously hard to find and evolving it into Milotic requires maxing out its Beauty condition, which is tedious. Most Bug-types peak early and fall off hard before the fifth gym.
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