GBA Runner 2: Pokemon Emerald Guide

Hey everyone, and welcome back to the channel! Today, we're diving deep into the awesome world of GBA Runner 2 and specifically how to absolutely crush it with Pokemon Emerald. If you're looking to speedrun this classic or just want to get through it faster and more efficiently, you've come to the right place. We're going to cover some super important strategies, tips, and tricks that will shave precious seconds off your time and make your Pokemon Emerald playthrough a breeze. Get ready, because we're about to unlock some serious speedrunning potential!

Mastering the Early Game in Pokemon Emerald

Alright guys, let's kick things off with the early game of Pokemon Emerald in GBA Runner 2. This is where every second counts, and a solid start can set you up for the rest of your run. First things first, when you start your game, you'll want to select the male character, as this is standard for most speedruns. When Professor Birch asks for your name, input a short, four-letter name. The common choice is "A" repeated four times, or "AAAA". This minimizes text input time, which is surprisingly significant in the long run. Moving on to starter selection, the general consensus for speedrunning Pokemon Emerald is Treecko. Why Treecko, you ask? Well, its typing and early movepool make it incredibly effective against the first few Gym Leaders, especially Roxanne and Wattson. While Mudkip can be strong, Treecko's advantages in the early routes and against key opponents often outweigh Mudkip's later strengths in a speed context. We're talking about optimization, people! As soon as you get your Poke Balls, you'll want to catch a Nincada as soon as possible. Nincada is a surprisingly useful Pokemon in speedruns due to its unique evolution into Ninjask and Shedinja. The goal is to get a Ninjask early on because its "Speed" stat is incredibly high, and it can learn moves like "Dig" which can be useful for navigating certain areas faster. Don't forget to grab your Poochyena too; it's decent for early battles and can learn "Headbutt" which is needed for some overworld interactions. Remember to always skip dialogue and cutscenes whenever possible. Each button press is a potential time save. Practice the very beginning of the game – getting out of your house, reaching Professor Birch, selecting your starter, and getting your first few Poke Balls – until it's second nature. This initial sequence is crucial, and mastering it will save you valuable seconds right from the get-go. Don't underestimate the power of muscle memory here; the faster you can navigate these initial menus and choices, the better your overall GBA Runner 2 Pokemon Emerald time will be. We're aiming for efficiency, guys, and that starts with a flawless beginning!

Navigating Routes and Battles Efficiently

Now that you've got a handle on the early game, let's talk about navigating routes and battles efficiently in GBA Runner 2's Pokemon Emerald. This is where the real skill comes into play. When moving through routes, always be aware of your path. Plan your route to avoid unnecessary encounters. This means learning the layout of each route and knowing exactly where to move to minimize walking distance and avoid wild Pokemon as much as possible. Use the D-pad for precise movement; tapping the B button to run is essential, but sometimes fine-tuned D-pad control is better for navigating tight spaces or avoiding specific wild Pokemon spawns. Battles are another area where you can save a ton of time. Always use the fastest available moves. If a Pokemon can be defeated in one hit with a strong STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) move, use it. Don't waste time switching Pokemon unless absolutely necessary. For trainer battles, analyze their team composition and your Pokemon's strengths. If you can predict their switches or have a Pokemon that hard-counters them, exploit that. For example, if a trainer sends out a Water-type, and you have a strong Grass or Electric-type ready, switch in immediately. Don't wait for them to attack. When it comes to wild Pokemon, try to avoid them entirely. If you must battle, use the most efficient Pokemon and move. If you're just trying to get through an area quickly, a strong attack that KOs the opponent in one turn is your best friend. Consider the use of "Dig" or other HM moves that can skip sections of routes or dungeons. For instance, using "Dig" to escape caves can save a significant amount of time compared to backtracking. Remember that EXP gain is important, but you're not aiming to grind excessively. You want just enough experience to reliably beat the Gym Leaders and key trainers. Over-leveling can actually slow you down because it makes battles end too quickly, giving you less time to practice optimal move choices and potentially leading to mistakes if you get too reliant on raw power. The goal is just enough power with maximum efficiency in execution. Always be mindful of your HP and status conditions. Wasting time healing at a Pokemon Center or using Potions can add up. Plan your battles so that you take minimal damage, and use healing items sparingly, only when absolutely necessary to survive a crucial upcoming battle. Learning the AI patterns of trainers is also key; knowing what moves they are likely to use and when they might switch can give you a massive advantage. This comes with practice and watching other speedrunners, guys, so don't be afraid to learn from the best!

Key Pokemon and HM Slaves

In any GBA Runner 2 speedrun of Pokemon Emerald, having the right Pokemon on your team is absolutely critical. You can't just wing it; you need a plan! We've already talked about Treecko as your starter, and it remains a powerhouse throughout the early and mid-game. Its final evolution, Sceptile, with access to moves like "Leaf Blade" and potentially "Dragon Claw" (via TM), is incredibly potent. Beyond your starter, you'll need to consider Pokemon that cover key weaknesses and provide essential utility. A Swellow is an excellent choice for its speed and access to "Fly". Having "Fly" is non-negotiable for speedrunning, as it allows you to instantly travel between previously visited towns, saving an immense amount of time compared to walking or taking boats. Catch a Wingull or Pelipper early on as your primary HM user. While they might not be the strongest in battle, they can learn crucial HMs like "Surf", "Dive", and "Waterfall". Think of them as your designated "HM Slave" – their job is utility, not KOs. Another Pokemon you absolutely need to consider is Manectric. This Electric-type Pokemon is fantastic for dealing with Water- and Flying-type opponents, which are common threats, especially in later Gyms and the Elite Four. Its speed and Special Attack are great. Don't forget about Groudon and Rayquaza when you reach them; these legendary Pokemon can significantly boost your team's power and help you sweep through difficult battles. For specific TMs, prioritize ones that offer immediate power boosts or essential coverage. "Dig" on your Nincada or Ninjask is a must-have for quick escapes from caves. "Flash" can be useful in dark caves to reduce misses, though some runners opt to skip it if they know the layouts well. "Strength" and "Rock Smash" are HM moves that are often learned by Pokemon that are otherwise not on your main battle team, so make sure your HM user can accommodate them. Having a dedicated HM user is often more efficient than trying to teach all those moves to your primary attackers, as it keeps their move slots open for powerful offensive options. The key here is to identify which Pokemon have the best stats for their role, whether it's battling or utility, and to acquire them as early as possible. Planning your team composition around the Gym Leaders and the Elite Four is a smart strategy. You don't want to get to a tough boss fight and realize you lack the right type coverage. So, guys, think ahead, plan your team, and make sure you have the right tools for the job! It's all about building that ultimate speedrunning squad.

Boss Battles and Gym Leader Strategies

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: boss battles and Gym Leader strategies in GBA Runner 2's Pokemon Emerald. These are the major roadblocks, and knowing how to overcome them quickly is paramount. We'll start with the first Gym Leader, Roxanne, the Rock-type specialist. Your Treecko, with its Grass typing, is your best friend here. Use "Absorb" or "Mega Drain" to chip away at her Geodude and Nosepass. If you caught a Lotad or Seedot line early, they can also offer some advantage. The key is to not take too much damage. If you have a Makuhita or Hariyama, they can also be surprisingly effective with "Force Palm" or "Arm Thrust". Moving on to Brawly, the Fighting-type Gym Leader. Treecko's "Quick Attack" or "Razor Leaf" can work, but if you have a Taillow evolved into Swellow with "Wing Attack", that's your golden ticket. Flying-type moves are super effective against Fighting-types. For Watsons's Electric-type Gym, this is where your Nincada or Swellow can shine with "Dig" or "Quick Attack" respectively, though be careful of his Magneton. If you have a Ground-type Pokemon like Sandshrew (if you manage to trade for one or find one in a specific spot), it would be ideal. Otherwise, focus on using your strongest neutral attacks and healing strategically. Flannery's Fire-type Gym requires a strong Water-type or Rock-type. Mudkip's evolution, Marshtomp or Swampert, excels here. If you didn't pick Mudkip, a Lotad evolved into Lombre or Ludicolo with "Surf" or "Giga Drain" is also a great option. For Norman's Normal-type Gym, Makuhita or Hariyama are your best bet, or any Pokemon with strong Fighting-type moves. Winona's Flying-type Gym is another opportunity for your Swellow to dominate with "Drill Peck" or "Aerial Ace". If you have a Raikou or Zapdos from a previous save or a trade, they can also obliterate her team. Tate and Liza's Psychic-type Gym requires a strong Dark-type Pokemon like Crawdaunt (if you evolve a Corphish) or Absol if you can get one. Alternatively, strong Ghost-types or Pokemon with "Shadow Ball" are effective. Finally, Archie and Maxie's team in the final Gym, and then the Elite Four. You'll want a well-rounded team at this point. Sceptile for Grass, Swellow for Flying, Manectric for Electric, and a strong Water-type like Swampert or Milotic are good starting points. Don't forget to utilize TMs like "Ice Beam" and "Dragon Claw" for coverage. The key to all these battles is preparation and knowing your opponent's weaknesses. Always try to enter a Gym battle with your Pokemon at full health and ideally with a level advantage. Use status effects like "Paralysis" or "Poison" strategically if they can help secure a victory faster. And remember, guys, practice makes perfect. The more times you run through these battles, the faster and more confident you'll become!

Advanced Speedrunning Techniques and Glitches

For those looking to truly push the boundaries in GBA Runner 2's Pokemon Emerald, let's talk advanced speedrunning techniques and glitches. While many speedruns focus on legitimate gameplay, some runners incorporate specific glitches to save significant time. One of the most famous techniques is the "Out of Bounds" glitch, which allows players to clip through walls or boundaries to skip entire sections of the game. This often requires precise movement and positioning, and can drastically alter the intended path through the game. Another technique involves "Menu Glitching", where manipulating the game's menus in a specific sequence can cause certain events to trigger early or skip mandatory dialogue. This is extremely technical and requires a deep understanding of the game's programming. "Item Duplication" glitches, while not always used in standard speedruns, can allow players to acquire multiple rare items quickly, which can then be used to gain an advantage or bypass certain requirements. For example, duplicating TMs or rare candies can help optimize a run. "Soft Resetting" is a basic but essential technique. Instead of turning the game off and on, holding A+B+Select+Start instantly resets the game, saving precious seconds between attempts or during practice. "Queueing" moves or actions is another subtle technique. This involves performing an action, and immediately inputting the next command before the current animation finishes. This can speed up battle sequences and menu navigation. For example, selecting an attack and immediately pressing the A button again to confirm, or selecting a Pokemon and immediately selecting an attack. "Damage Calculation Exploitation" involves understanding the game's damage formulas to ensure a one-hit KO against opponents, even with weaker Pokemon, by maximizing critical hits, STAB, and type effectiveness. This requires precise knowledge of your Pokemon's stats and the opponent's weaknesses. "Saving Strategically" can also be an advanced technique. Knowing when to save and when to reset is crucial. If you make a mistake that costs too much time, a quick soft reset is better than continuing a suboptimal run. Some glitches might involve manipulating the game's internal timer or loading processes. These are often very specific and can be patched in certain versions of the game, so it's important to know which version you are running. For example, certain sequence breaks might rely on how the game loads map data or triggers events. While some glitches are considered "major" and can skip huge chunks of the game, others are "minor" and offer only small time saves. The choice of which glitches to use depends on the specific category of speedrun (e.g., Any% vs. 100%) and the runner's comfort level with executing them. It's always a good idea to watch top speedrunners play Pokemon Emerald to see these techniques in action. They often have detailed explanations of how they achieve these incredible feats. So, guys, if you're aiming for world records, delving into these advanced techniques is where the real magic happens. It's complex, it's risky, but it's also incredibly rewarding!

Conclusion: Your GBA Runner 2 Pokemon Emerald Journey

And there you have it, guys! We've covered a ton of ground on how to dominate GBA Runner 2 with Pokemon Emerald. From mastering the early game and optimizing your starter choice to efficient route navigation, crucial Pokemon choices, and strategies for every single Gym Leader and boss battle, you're now armed with the knowledge to significantly improve your speedrunning times. We even touched upon some advanced techniques and glitches for those of you aiming for the absolute pinnacle of speedrunning. Remember, the key takeaways are efficiency, preparation, and practice. Don't get discouraged by failed attempts; each run is a learning opportunity. Analyze your mistakes, refine your strategies, and keep pushing your limits. Watch other runners, learn from their successes and failures, and adapt their techniques to your own playstyle. Pokemon Emerald is a fantastic game to speedrun, offering a great balance of challenge and reward. Whether you're aiming for a personal best or competing on the leaderboards, the journey itself is incredibly fun. So grab your Game Boy Advance, load up Pokemon Emerald, and start running! Good luck out there, trainers. May your routes be swift and your KOs be clean!