When the Pokemon series transitioned to the Game Boy Advance in Gen 3, it brought forth a myriad of new creatures and gameplay mechanics. Among these were Double Battles, which later became the standard format for competitive Pokemon VGC battles. Additionally, every Pokemon now possessed an Ability, introducing a new layer of complexity to battles. For players aiming to conquer the Gen 3 games efficiently, certain key Pokemon should be included in their team.
Despite the changes between Gen 2 and Gen 3, these games still present challenges. Gen 3 includes Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, each featuring varying trainers and creatures, necessitating careful consideration when assembling an ideal team.
The Optimal Pokemon Team for Gen 3
Gen 3 games still lack the series' Physical/Special split, making it crucial to assess which types of Pokemon have superior stats in their respective categories. Abilities further complicate battles in Gen 3, requiring players to account for interactions such as Ground-type moves not affecting Pokemon with Levitate. Moreover, the inclusion of Double Battles influences the selection of Pokemon, favoring those capable of using moves that target both opponents simultaneously.
Swampert
Mudkip emerges as the top choice for the best Gen 3 starter, primarily due to its remarkable Water/Ground typing upon evolution. It proves invaluable against early Gyms, dealing super-effective damage against Roxanne's Rock types and possessing immunity to Watson's Electric types once it evolves into Marshtomp. Given the prevalence of water routes in the Hoenn Region, having Swampert as a reliable Surf user is advantageous, especially in Double Battles.
Breloom
Despite Breloom's 4x weakness to Flying-type attacks due to its Grass/Fighting typing, its exceptional stats and move pool compensate for this vulnerability. A solid Grass type is essential in Gen 3 due to the abundance of Water types, making Breloom the prime choice. With a base 130 Attack stat, it excels in dealing heavy damage with its Fighting-type moves against Gym Leader Norman's Normal types and the eighth Gym's Water types, as well as Elite Four Glacia's Ice types and Champion Steven's Steel types.
Gardevoir
In Gen 3, Gardevoir functions as a pure Psychic type since the Fairy type is absent. Despite its rarity, capturing Ralts on Route 102 early in the games enables players to acquire the powerful Kirlia at a low level, subsequently learning Psychic at level 26. This proves advantageous when facing the Fighting type used by the second Gym Leader, Brawly. With high Special Attack and Special Defense stats, Gardevoir remains valuable throughout the playthrough.
Skarmory
Although Skarmory originates from Gen 2, its significance in Gen 3 makes it an excellent team member. While rare, encountering Skarmory on Route 113 is worthwhile, as it can learn the HM Fly and its robust Steel/Flying typing allows it to resist the types employed by many major battles in these games.
Camerupt
If the player does not choose Torchic as their starter, Fire-type options are limited in the Hoenn Region, making Camerupt a valuable addition to the team. With solid Physical and Special Attack stats, it serves as a potent mixed attacker, capitalizing on Fire's Special type and Ground's Physical type. Additionally, its access to moves like Rock Tomb proves beneficial against Winona's Flying types.
Manectric
Often overlooked, Manectric stands as one of the finest Electric types available in Gen 3. Given the prevalence of Water types in the Hoenn Region, Electric types are crucial for success. Manectric proves invaluable against Gym Leader Winona's Flying types and the eighth Gym's Water types, compensating for its slightly lower Speed and Special Attack stats with better overall bulk.