Team Aqua/Magma Storyline

The conflict between Team Aqua and Team Magma is central to the plot of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. Depending on your game version, you'll primarily face one team while the other plays a supporting role. In Ruby, Team Magma is the main antagonist, seeking to expand the landmass. In Sapphire, Team Aqua is the main antagonist, aiming to expand the oceans. This guide focuses on the general progression, highlighting key encounters and strategies for both versions.

Rusturf Tunnel Incident

Your first significant encounter with the villainous team occurs shortly after obtaining your second Gym Badge. After defeating Roxanne in Rustboro City, head east towards Rusturf Tunnel. Inside, you'll find a Team Magma Grunt (Ruby) or Team Aqua Grunt (Sapphire) attempting to steal the Devon Parts from a scientist. Engage the Grunt in battle:

Team Magma Grunt (Ruby): Poochyena (Lv. 13)
Team Aqua Grunt (Sapphire): Poochyena (Lv. 13)

Defeat them to retrieve the Devon Parts. This encounter introduces you to the team's nefarious goals and sets the stage for future conflicts.

Mt. Chimney Showdown

Later in your journey, after navigating through Jagged Pass and Lavaridge Town, you'll make your way to Mt. Chimney. This is a critical location where the villainous team attempts to activate a powerful device. The path to Mt. Chimney involves passing through Cable Car Station. Take the Cable Car up the mountain.

Ruby Version: Team Magma's Plan

In Pokémon Ruby, you'll find Team Magma at the summit, attempting to use their machine to awaken Groudon and expand the land. You'll need to battle multiple Team Magma Grunts before confronting their leader, Maxie.

Team Magma Grunts: Expect various Pokémon like Poochyena, Zubat, and Numel, typically around Lv. 20-24.
Leader Maxie:
- Mightyena (Lv. 24)
- Camerupt (Lv. 24)
- Golbat (Lv. 24)

Maxie's Camerupt is a Ground/Fire type, making Water and Ground moves highly effective. Golbat is a fast Flying/Poison type, vulnerable to Electric, Ice, Psychic, and Rock moves. Defeat Maxie to stop his plan for now.

Sapphire Version: Team Aqua's Plan

In Pokémon Sapphire, Team Aqua will be at the summit, trying to use their device to awaken Kyogre and expand the oceans. You'll battle several Team Aqua Grunts before facing their leader, Archie.

Team Aqua Grunts: Expect Pokémon like Poochyena, Zubat, and Carvanha, typically around Lv. 20-24.
Leader Archie:
- Mightyena (Lv. 24)
- Sharpedo (Lv. 24)
- Golbat (Lv. 24)

Archie's Sharpedo is a Water/Dark type, weak to Electric, Grass, Fighting, Bug, and Fairy moves. Golbat is a fast Flying/Poison type, vulnerable to Electric, Ice, Psychic, and Rock moves. Defeat Archie to thwart his immediate scheme.

Aqua/Magma Hideout

After the events at Mt. Chimney, the villainous team will relocate to their secret hideout. This hideout is crucial for their ultimate plan and contains valuable items. The location of the hideout depends on your game version:

Ruby Version: Team Magma Hideout (Lilycove City)

The Team Magma Hideout is located east of Lilycove City, accessible via the beach. You'll need a Pokémon that knows Surf to reach it. The hideout is a maze of warp tiles and Grunts. Be prepared for multiple battles and item collection.

Key Items to Find:
- Master Ball: Located in a room with multiple warp tiles. Choose the correct warp tile to reach it. This is a one-time opportunity to get the most powerful Poké Ball!
- Nugget: Found on one of the paths.
Grunt Pokémon: Expect several Fire, Ground, and Dark types, such as Numel, Poochyena, Zubat, and Baltoy, typically Lv. 30-35.
Strategy: Navigate the warp tiles carefully. Some lead to dead ends or back to the entrance. The Master Ball is usually found by taking the second warp tile from the left in a room with three warp tiles.

Sapphire Version: Team Aqua Hideout (Lilycove City)

The Team Aqua Hideout is also located east of Lilycove City, requiring Surf to access. Similar to the Magma Hideout, it's a labyrinth of warp tiles and Grunts.

Key Items to Find:
- Master Ball: Just like in Ruby, a Master Ball is hidden within the hideout's warp tile maze. Carefully explore to find it.
- Nugget: Another valuable item to pick up.
Grunt Pokémon: Expect Water, Dark, and Flying types, such as Carvanha, Poochyena, Zubat, and Grimer, typically Lv. 30-35.
Strategy: The warp tile puzzle is similar to the Magma Hideout. Pay attention to which tiles lead where to avoid getting lost. The Master Ball is a high priority!

Seafloor Cavern

After the hideout, the villainous team will make their way to Seafloor Cavern, located deep underwater. You'll need a Pokémon with both Surf and Dive to reach this location. The cavern is a complex area with strong wild Pokémon and the final confrontation with the team leader before the Legendary Pokémon awakens.

Required HMs: Surf, Dive
Wild Pokémon: Expect high-level Water and Rock types like Tentacruel, Wailmer, and Relicanth.
Team Leader Battle:
- Ruby (Maxie):
  - Mightyena (Lv. 41)
  - Camerupt (Lv. 41)
  - Crobat (Lv. 41)
- Sapphire (Archie):
  - Mightyena (Lv. 41)
  - Sharpedo (Lv. 41)
  - Crobat (Lv. 41)

This battle is challenging. Ensure your Pokémon are well-healed and have type advantages. After defeating the leader, they will awaken the Legendary Pokémon (Groudon in Ruby, Kyogre in Sapphire), which will then flee, causing severe weather changes across Hoenn. This event marks a major turning point in the story, leading you to Sootopolis City to resolve the crisis.