Starting the Game
Press the A Button or START on the title screen to access the top menu. Select your choice using the + Control Pad, then press A to confirm. The "CONTINUE" option appears only after saving your game.
To completely delete save data, go to the title screen and simultaneously press Up on the + Control Pad, SELECT, and the B Button. Deleted data cannot be recovered, so be very careful.
Starting a New Game
If you do not have any save data, pressing A or START on the title screen will start the game immediately.
Choose Your Gender
Use the + Control Pad to select either a boy or a girl, then press A to confirm. There is no difference in the story regardless of your choice, but choosing a character with the same gender as yours is recommended.
Decide on Your Name
Use the + Control Pad to select a letter and press A to enter it. Press B to go back one letter if you make a mistake, or press SELECT to switch between uppercase, lowercase, and other characters. Your gender and name cannot be changed later.
Decide on Your Rival's Name
Select one of the pre-set names displayed on the screen, or choose "NEW NAME" to create your own.
Continue Your Game
Resume playing from the last saved location. A brief outline of your progress will be displayed; press B to skip it.
Basic Play: Inside Buildings and Caves
You can enter various buildings and caves. To enter, press the + Control Pad toward the entrance.
Inside, use the + Control Pad in the direction of any steps or ladders to move.
Checking in Front of You
Press the A Button while standing to check items in front of you or to talk to people.
Picking Up Items
Items look like Poké Balls on the ground. Face the item and press A to pick it up.
Check seemingly empty areas with the A Button, as hidden items may be present.
Checking Things
Use the A Button to interact with placed objects like wall maps or TVs.
Reading Trainer's Tips
"Trainer's Tip" signs in towns and on roads provide useful adventure information. Simply face the sign to read it.
Other signs provide location details for towns, houses, and more.
About Battles
There are two battle types: Wild Pokémon and Trainer battles. The leftmost Pokémon in your party appears first in battle.
Winning grants Experience Points to participating Pokémon. If all your Pokémon faint, you return to the last Pokémon Center and lose money.
Battling Wild Pokémon
Wild Pokémon attack in caves and grassy areas. Use a Poké Ball or other types of Balls to catch them.
Battling a Pokémon Trainer
Talking to or walking in front of a Trainer initiates a battle. You cannot run from Trainer battles.
The number of Pokémon each participant has is shown by a symbol. Winning rewards prize money. You cannot catch a Trainer's Pokémon.
Double Battle
Some Trainers challenge you to 2-on-2 Double Battles. The left and top-right Pokémon in your party appear first.
Battle Menu
•
Fight: Display moves and select one to attack.
•
Pokémon: Switch Pokémon or view a Summary.
•
Bag: Use items to heal Pokémon or catch Wild Pokémon.
•
Run: Escape the battle (may fail; cannot run from Trainers).
Using a PC
Store or withdraw items and caught Pokémon. PCs are found in Pokémon Centers and other areas.
•
Someone's PC: Store up to 30 Pokémon per box across 14 boxes. Only six Pokémon can be carried at once; excess caught Pokémon are sent here automatically.
•
Your PC: Store items and Mail.
•
Professor Oak's PC: Rate Pokédex completion and receive messages based on progress.
Poké Marts
Buy helpful items for your adventure. Inventory varies by town.
Communication Using the Wireless Adapter
Trade, battle, chat, and play mini-games with friends using the Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter (sold separately).
Communication occurs at the Pokémon Wireless Club on the second floor of Pokémon Centers. See page 56 for setup instructions.
Wireless Communication works between FireRed and LeafGreen. See page 58 for Ruby/Sapphire instructions.
Union Room
The Union Room allows trades, battles, and chatting. Check in at the Counter and save before entering. You need at least two Pokémon in your party.
•
Greetings: View Trainer Cards.
•
Battle: Single battles with Pokémon Level 30 or below.
•
Chat: Input text using the D-Pad, A Button, R Button, and SELECT. Press START to send, B to quit.
Pokémon Trading Board
Register Pokémon for trade with the lady next to the board. You can register one Pokémon at a time and cancel by talking to her again.
Propose a trade by selecting a listing and pressing A. The Pokémon is deleted from the board when you leave or after trading. You can also trade at the Direct Corner.
Direct Corner
Play multiplayer modes with friends who have the Wireless Adapter. Talk to the lady at the Counter to select an activity.
•
Trade Center and Colosseum (Two Player VS): Two players can trade or battle. One selects "BECOME LEADER" and others select "JOIN GROUP."
•
Colosseum (Four Player VS): Four players battle. One selects "BECOME LEADER" and others select "JOIN GROUP."