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What are the Differences Between Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire?

If you want to catch Ho-Oh, Seviper and Kabuto, you’ll need both 3DS Pokémon games.
This article is over 9 years old and may contain outdated information

Regardless of which version you buy, there’s a ton of content in the recently released Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire for 3DS and 2DS. Most people will only need one of these titles, and it will take them over 10 hours to fully explore the Hoenn Region, beat various Gym Leaders and The Elite Four.

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Diehard Pokémon fans, however, will probably wind up with both, or convince a friend to buy the other. While each game covers similar territory and features the same general plot, there are a handful of differences that make buying both a bit tempting. Naturally, it comes down to the familiar tagline gotta catch ‘em all

In true series fashion, there are exclusive Pokémon in each game, and you’ll need both in order to complete the Pokédex.  With that in mind, here are the different Pokémon in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.

Omega Ruby includes Seedot, Shiftry, Nuzleaf, Mawile, Zangoose, Minun, Solrock, Latios, Kabuto, Groudon, Ho-Oh, Palkia, Shieldon, Throh, Tornadus, Archen, Reshiram and Skrelp. 

Meanwhile, Alpha Sapphire has Lombre, Lotad, Tirtouga, Sableye, Ludicolo, Plusle, Lunatone, Latias, Lugia, Kyogre, Cranidos, Omanyte, Seviper, Dialga, Sawk, Thundurus, Zekrom and Clauncher. 

Granted, we’re talking about a handful of Pokémon, and casual fans won’t miss any of them. It all comes down to how serious you are about the Pokédex and the importance of encountering the two ancient Pokémon. Omega Ruby has Groudon (ground type), while Alpha Sapphire has Kyogre (water type). 

As for the plot, you’ll have to defeat different factions depending on the game. With Omega Ruby, you’ll square off against Team Magma, led by Maxie. In Alpha Sapphire, you’ll face Team Aqua, led by Archie. Team Magma wants to shrink the oceans so mankind has room to expand, and Team Aqua wishes to increase the size of the oceans to eliminate humans and give Pokémon a better chance to shine. 

Aside from these differences, both Pokémon games feature the same locations, characters and play mechanics. You only need one to buy one title to experience almost everything the adventure has to offer, but if you wind up with both, we certainly can’t blame you for wanting to get the most from this re-imagined Pokémon adventure.

Explore a world filled with Pokémon in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. Pokémon Omega Ruby & Pokémon Alpha Sapphire: The Official Hoenn Region Strategy Guide provides a complete walkthrough of all the Gym battles, the Elite Four, becoming the Champion, and beyond!

Plus, the guide includes a pullout map of the Hoenn region! Get your copy today!

Related: How to Heal Pokemon in Pokemon GO Explained


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Prima Games Staff
The staff at Prima Games.