Save Data & Erasure

Learn how to save your progress and erase your save file in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Essential tips for new and used game owners!

Hey there! So, you're diving into Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, huh? Awesome! Let's talk about saving your game, because this is super important, especially if you picked up a used copy. Unlike some games where you can have a bunch of save files, OR/AS sticks to the classic Pokémon tradition: just one save file per game. Yep, only one!

You save the game yourself whenever you want out in the world, and it only saves when you tell it to (except for a few moments like after the credits roll). So, the biggest piece of advice I can give you is to save often! Usually, just saving in each town is plenty for the main story. You really don't want to be in the middle of a tough Gym battle and have your 3DS battery die because you forgot to save, right? That would be a total bummer.

Now, the main reason this section exists is for folks who buy used copies. It's a question I get a lot! In older Pokémon games, starting a new game was easy – you'd just save over the old file. But these days, they've added some protection to stop people from messing with your game. Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire have this too.

So, if you want to start a fresh game, maybe because you got a used copy or just want a clean slate, here's what you gotta do to delete the current save file:

How to Delete Your Save File:

As the game is starting up from the Home Menu, hold down the Up button on your D-Pad, the B button, and the X button all at the same time. Keep holding them until you see instructions pop up on your screen. Just follow those directions, and you'll be able to start a brand new adventure!