Pokemon starts each new generation with a dual release. These are two versions of the same game, but with key elements that set them apart. These are the differences between Pokemon Ruby and Pokemon Sapphire.
Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire are the first installments of Pokemon’s third generation. The games take place in the Hoenn region and were released in 2003 in North America. The game quickly became one of the best-selling games for the Game Boy Advance console. In 2014, a remake of the game was released for Nintendo 3DS, titled Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.
Pokemon Ruby vs. Pokemon Sapphire
Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire added features to the game that became standard for all Pokemon games. The game improved its visual aspect, making it easier to understand for players.
This generation of Pokemon also introduced Natures, a trait that influences a Pokemon’s stats and to this day continues to be an important element, especially when breeding Pokemon.
Players start the game at Littleroot Town. The player is just moving to Hoenn from the Johto region because the protagonist’s father has become the leader of the Petalburg Gym.
The story is the same in both versions of the game. The main difference happens in the end when the player encounters the Legendary Pokemon for the game. Pokemon Ruby players will encounter Groudon. Pokemon Sapphire players get a chance to catch Kyogre.
There are other Pokemon that are exclusive to one version of the other. Pokemon Ruby players will encounter these Pokemon:
- Seedot
- Nuzleaf
- Shiftry
- Mawile
- Zangoose
- Solrock
- Latios
Pokemon Sapphire will encounter these exclusive Pokemon:
- Lotad
- Lombre
- Ludicolo
- Sableye
- Seviper
- Lunatone
- Latias
For players that don’t want to pick between one option or the other, Pokemon released a third game. Pokemon Emerald is the third game in the third generation and combines all the exclusive Pokemon from the previous versions, Legendary Pokemon included.
