4. Game Basics

New to Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire? This guide covers the very basics: starting a new game, choosing your character, and meeting Professor Birch. Let's begin!

Alright, let's get you started on your journey in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire! When you first boot up the game, you'll see the title screen. Just press the A button to continue, and then press A again to start a New Game. Soon, you'll meet Professor Birch. He'll give you a quick rundown of the world of Pokémon and what you're about to explore. Then, he'll ask you to choose if you want to play as a Male or Female player. You can pick the one you like best! | [Male Player](https://pokemon.fandom.com/wiki/Brendan "Brendan") | Female Player "May (game)") | | --- | --- | | !Male Player | [![Female Player]()](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/pokemon/images/a/aa/Female_Player.PNG/revision/latest?cb=20130124094136) | After you pick your character, Professor Birch will ask for your name. You can type in whatever you like, or choose from some suggestions he provides. For the Male Player, the suggested names are Landon, Terry, Seth, and Tom. For the Female Player, you can choose Terra, Kimmy, Nicola, or Sara. | [Male Player](https://pokemon.fandom.com/wiki/Brendan "Brendan") | Female Player "May (game)") | | --- | --- | | Landon | Terra | | Terry | Kimmy | | Seth | Nicola | | Tom | Sara | Once you've chosen your name, Professor Birch will have a bit more to say. He'll mention he's expecting you at his laboratory, and that's where your grand adventure officially begins! Don't worry, we'll guide you every step of the way.