Pokemon Emerald
Pokemon Emerald

Contest Hall Strategies

Master Pokemon Contests in Pokemon Emerald by focusing on style and performance. Utilize specific stats and move combinations to become a Contest Master.

·Multi-source verified (96/96)

Contest Hall Strategies

Beyond battling, Pokémon Emerald offers the thrilling world of Pokémon Contests! These events test your Pokémon's style, grace, and performance, not just their battle prowess. Mastering Contests requires a different approach, focusing on specific stats, move combinations, and strategic item usage. This section will guide you through becoming a Contest Master.

Understanding Contest Categories

There are five distinct Contest categories, each tied to a specific Pokémon stat and a corresponding type of Pokéblock:

  • Coolness: Linked to the Attack stat. Boosted by Red Pokéblocks.
  • Beauty: Linked to the Special Attack stat. Boosted by Blue Pokéblocks.
  • Cuteness: Linked to the Speed stat. Boosted by Pink Pokéblocks.
  • Smartness: Linked to the Special Defense stat. Boosted by Green Pokéblocks.
  • Toughness: Linked to the Defense stat. Boosted by Yellow Pokéblocks.

While a Pokémon's natural stats influence its potential in a category, the primary way to excel is through careful preparation with Pokéblocks and a well-chosen moveset.

Pokéblock Creation and Usage

Pokéblocks are crucial for boosting your Pokémon's Contest stats. They are made by blending Berries at the Pokéblock Blender found in Contest Halls (Slateport City, Lilycove City, Verdanturf Town, Fallarbor Town). The quality of your Pokéblocks depends on the Berries used and the number of players blending.

Optimal Berry Blending Strategy

For the best results, aim for high-level (Lv.) and low-feel (Feel) Pokéblocks. High-level Pokéblocks boost stats more effectively, while low-feel Pokéblocks allow your Pokémon to consume more of them before becoming full. The ideal scenario is blending with three other players, as this typically yields the highest level Pokéblocks.

  • Single Player Blending: Possible, but yields lower quality Pokéblocks. Focus on Berries that give a strong primary flavor.
  • Multiplayer Blending (Link Cable): The most efficient method. Coordinate with friends to use specific Berries.

Recommended Berries for Each Category:

  • Coolness (Red):
    • Early Game: Pomeg Berry, Cheri Berry, Leppa Berry
    • Mid/Late Game: Bluk Berry, Cornn Berry, Magost Berry, Rabuta Berry, Wiki Berry
    • Best: Pomeg Berry (lowers Attack EVs, but excellent for Coolness), Liechi Berry (rare)
  • Beauty (Blue):
    • Early Game: Kelpsy Berry, Chesto Berry, Oran Berry
    • Mid/Late Game: Wepear Berry, Nomel Berry, Pamtre Berry, Watmel Berry, Mago Berry
    • Best: Kelpsy Berry (lowers Special Attack EVs, but excellent for Beauty), Salac Berry (rare)
  • Cuteness (Pink):
    • Early Game: Hondew Berry, Pecha Berry, Persim Berry
    • Mid/Late Game: Pinap Berry, Durin Berry, Belue Berry, Spelon Berry, Aguav Berry
    • Best: Hondew Berry (lowers Special Attack EVs, but excellent for Cuteness), Petaya Berry (rare)
  • Smartness (Green):
    • Early Game: Grepa Berry, Rawst Berry, Lum Berry
    • Mid/Late Game: Razz Berry, Nanab Berry, Topo Berry, Apicot Berry, Figy Berry
    • Best: Grepa Berry (lowers Special Defense EVs, but excellent for Smartness), Ganlon Berry (rare)
  • Toughness (Yellow):
    • Early Game: Tamato Berry, Aspear Berry, Sitrus Berry
    • Mid/Late Game: Bluk Berry, Cornn Berry, Magost Berry, Rabuta Berry, Iapapa Berry
    • Best: Tamato Berry (lowers Speed EVs, but excellent for Toughness), Starf Berry (rare)

Important Note: Berries that lower EVs (Pomeg, Kelpsy, Hondew, Grepa, Tamato) are excellent for Contest stats but will reduce your Pokémon's battle stats. Consider this if you plan to use the same Pokémon for both battling and Contests.

Move Selection and Combination Strategy

Each move in Pokémon Emerald has a Contest type and an effect. The key to success lies in choosing moves that complement your chosen Contest category and strategically combining them.

Understanding Move Effects:

  • Standard Appeal: Most moves simply give a set number of appeal points (e.g., 2, 3, 4).
  • Startle: Reduces the appeal of the Pokémon that performed just before or after you.
  • Jam: Reduces the appeal of all other Pokémon.
  • Excitement: Increases the appeal of the Pokémon that performed just before or after you.
  • Combo Potential: Some moves gain bonus appeal if used after a specific type of move (e.g., "Can be used to make a great appeal if used after a Sleep-inducing move.").
  • Consecutive Appeal: Some moves gain bonus appeal if used consecutively (e.g., "Makes a great appeal if used in succession.").
  • Last Turn Bonus: Some moves provide extra appeal if used on the final turn.
  • First Turn Bonus: Some moves provide extra appeal if used on the first turn.
  • Avoid Startle: Prevents your Pokémon from being startled by opponents.

Building a Winning Moveset:

  1. Specialize: Focus on one Contest category. Don't try to make a Pokémon good at all five.
  2. High Appeal Moves: Include at least two moves that give 4 appeal points in your chosen category.
  3. Combo Moves: Identify moves that create powerful combinations. For example, using a "Sleep-inducing" move like Hypnosis followed by a move like Dream Eater (which gets bonus appeal after a sleep move) can be devastating.
  4. Jamming/Startling: Incorporate one or two moves that can disrupt opponents. Perish Song (Smartness) is a powerful jammer, while moves like Fake Out (Cuteness) can startle.
  5. Avoid Redundancy: Don't have too many moves with similar effects unless they form a specific combo.

Example Movesets (Illustrative):

  • Coolness Contestant (e.g., Machoke):
    • DynamicPunch: 4 Appeal, can cause excitement if used after a move that causes confusion.
    • Cross Chop: 4 Appeal, standard.
    • Bulk Up: 1 Appeal, but prevents being startled for the rest of the turn.
    • Karate Chop: 2 Appeal, can startle.
  • Beauty Contestant (e.g., Milotic):
    • Hydro Pump: 4 Appeal, standard.
    • Surf: 4 Appeal, standard.
    • Rain Dance: 1 Appeal, but boosts appeal if used after a water move.
    • Attract: 2 Appeal, can cause excitement if used after a move that causes infatuation.

Contest Performance Walkthrough

Round 1: Visual Competition

This round judges your Pokémon's sheen, which is determined by the number and quality of Pokéblocks it has consumed. A higher sheen (max 255) means more points. Holding a Scarf that matches the Contest category (e.g., Red Scarf for Coolness) also provides a significant bonus. Scarves are obtained from the Pokémon Fan Club Chairman in Slateport City after showing him a Pokémon with maximum sheen in a specific category.

Round 2: Talent Competition (The Main Event)

This is where your move strategy comes into play. You and three AI opponents will take turns performing moves over five rounds. The goal is to accumulate the most appeal points.

  1. Observe Opponents: Pay attention to what moves your rivals use. If an opponent uses a jamming move, consider using a move that avoids being startled on your next turn.
  2. Execute Combos: If you have a strong two-move combo, try to set it up. For example, use Hypnosis on one turn, then Dream Eater on the next.
  3. Strategic Jamming: Use jamming moves when opponents have high appeal or when you want to create an opening for yourself.
  4. Last Turn Advantage: Save moves that give extra appeal on the final turn for Round 5.
  5. Audience Excitement: The audience meter at the top of the screen fills as Pokémon perform. When it's full, the next Pokémon to perform gets a bonus. Try to time your high-appeal moves to coincide with a full meter.

Key Items for Contest Success

  • Pokéblocks: As detailed above, essential for boosting Contest stats.
  • Scarves:
    • Red Scarf: Boosts Coolness. Obtained from the Fan Club Chairman in Slateport City after showing him a Pokémon with max Coolness sheen.
    • Blue Scarf: Boosts Beauty. Obtained from the Fan Club Chairman in Slateport City after showing him a Pokémon with max Beauty sheen.
    • Pink Scarf: Boosts Cuteness. Obtained from the Fan Club Chairman in Slateport City after showing him a Pokémon with max Cuteness sheen.
    • Green Scarf: Boosts Smartness. Obtained from the Fan Club Chairman in Slateport City after showing him a Pokémon with max Smartness sheen.
    • Yellow Scarf: Boosts Toughness. Obtained from the Fan Club Chairman in Slateport City after showing him a Pokémon with max Toughness sheen.
  • Contest Pass: Received from the Contest Hall receptionist in Slateport City after your first contest. Required to enter any contest.
  • TMs/HMs: Many powerful Contest moves are learned via TMs or HMs. Explore move tutors and item locations to expand your Pokémon's moveset.

Progression Through Contest Ranks

Contests are divided into four ranks: Normal, Super, Hyper, and Master. You must win a contest in the current rank to advance to the next in that specific category. The difficulty and the quality of opponents increase with each rank. Don't be discouraged if you don't win on your first try; refine your strategy, adjust your moveset, and keep blending those Pokéblocks!