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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteFor the easiest all-around story playthrough in the original Pokémon Ruby or Pokémon Sapphire, choose Mudkip. It becomes Water/Ground-type Marshtomp and Swampert, a combination with useful coverage across many story battles. Choose Treecko for a fast Grass-type specialist or Torchic if you want Blaziken’s eventual Fire/Fighting typing and are willing to prepare for a tougher opening Gym matchup.
What each starter becomes
| Starter | Evolution line and final type | Battle style | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treecko | Treecko → Grovyle → Sceptile; Grass | Fast, Grass-focused attacker | Grass moves are useful against some opponents, but their value depends on the matchup. |
| Torchic | Torchic → Combusken → Blaziken; gains Fighting typing as Combusken | Develops into a strong mixed offensive type combination | The first Gym takes more preparation when Torchic is still at its initial stage. |
| Mudkip | Mudkip → Marshtomp → Swampert; gains Ground typing as Marshtomp | Bulky Pokémon with broad story usefulness | Grass attacks are a major threat, and the rival’s Treecko line has an advantage against it. |
These are the original Generation III games, not Pokémon Emerald or the Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire remakes; encounter details and battle conditions can differ in those games.
Which starter should you choose in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire?
Choose Mudkip for the most forgiving general story run
Mudkip’s Water/Ground evolution line combines useful typing, durability, and a broad set of story applications. That makes it the strongest general recommendation for players who want their starter to help across many major battles rather than specialize in one role. It is not a universal best: Grass is a four-times weakness once Mudkip becomes Water/Ground, and the rival receives Treecko’s line when you choose Mudkip.
Choose Treecko for speed and a Grass specialist
Treecko has the highest base Speed of the three unevolved starters, and its line stays Grass-type. It suits players who like a faster attacker and want a clear Grass identity. Speed alone does not make a playthrough easier; Treecko’s effectiveness still depends on the opponent and the rest of your team.
#1 Best Overall
![Pokemon Omega Ruby and Pokemon Alpha Sapphire Dual Pack - Nintendo 3DS Edition: DualPack Model: [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41+38Ql9T6L._SL160_.jpg)
- World Edition - plays in English and works on any region 3DS system
- Comes with both a copy of Pokemon Omega Ruby and Pokemon Alpha Sapphire
Choose Torchic for Blaziken’s Fire/Fighting typing
Torchic evolves into Combusken, which gains Fighting typing, and eventually into Blaziken. That payoff can be appealing if you want a more offense-focused type combination. The trade-off is a less straightforward opening against Roxanne, so plan to level, evolve, or use support from another team member rather than expecting Torchic to solve every early battle by itself.
Choose your favorite if enjoyment matters most
Battle convenience is only one part of a long playthrough. If you prefer a particular Pokémon’s design or concept, that is a sound reason to pick it; no matchup analysis can decide which starter you will enjoy using.
Rank #2
- This renewed game will not come with the original case or manual; cartridge only. It has been cleaned, tested, and is in nice condition.
- The game is an authentic copy and a new save battery has been installed!
How the starters fare against the first Gym
Roxanne, the first Gym Leader, specializes in Rock-type Pokémon. Treecko and Mudkip can use super-effective same-type moves against her Pokémon. Torchic is less straightforward at its initial stage, but evolving into Combusken provides a Fighting-type route. The battle’s difficulty also depends on level, moves, and other team members, so none of the choices guarantees an effortless win.
Build a team around the starter’s gaps
Think of your starter as one member of a team, not a solution to every Gym. Mudkip’s eventual Water/Ground typing offers broad coverage, but its four-times Grass weakness deserves particular attention. Its rival matchup is another planning consideration: choosing Mudkip means facing the rival’s Treecko line. A balanced team and sensible encounter planning help cover limitations that a starter cannot.
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Rank #3
![Pokemon Sapphire Version - Game Boy Advance [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51cL8nokKOL._SL160_.jpg)
- Start out with just 3 Pokemon, and travel across Hoenn to earn badges in 8 different gyms
- Over 350 new Pokemon are here to battle with, collect and trade
- New battle system allows trainers to take two Pok mon into battle instead of just one at a time
- As you play you'll open up fun and exciting mini-games that advance the storyline
- You'll have to become a hero by helping Team Magma stop Team Aqua from flooding the world for control of the water Pokemon!
How to make the choice
- Prioritize overall story convenience: choose Mudkip, while keeping its Grass weakness and rival matchup in mind.
- Prioritize speed and a Grass-focused style: choose Treecko, without assuming that speed makes every battle easier.
- Prioritize Blaziken’s Fire/Fighting payoff: choose Torchic and be ready to prepare for the first Gym.
- Prioritize personal attachment: choose the Pokémon you most want to take through the adventure.
The matchup advice is based on game data and fan-maintained strategy references, not official developer commentary or controlled comparative testing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Players use their flippers to hit the targets on the Ruby & Sapphire boards
- Keep your Monster Ball in play and rack up the points
- Try to capture over 200 Pokemon as you play, for extra challenge!
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