Your adventure begins in Littleroot Town. After moving in and meeting Professor Birch, you'll choose your starter Pokémon. Your first task is to deliver a letter to Steven Stone in Rustboro City, which will involve traversing Route 101, Oldale Town, Route 102, Petalburg City (where you'll meet Wally), Route 103, and finally, Route 104 and Petalburg Woods. Be prepared for your first trainer battles and wild Pokémon encounters.
While Pokémon Emerald uses traditional turn-based battles to weaken wild encounters, Pokémon Ranger later introduced a stylized capture mechanic that emphasizes rapid, circular stylus movements.