Pokemon Emerald 386 Documentation

Fly March 28, 2026

Pokémon Emerald 386 v1.4.5 Documentation by Razormime

Pokemon Emerald 386 Boxart

Category: Documentation
Language: English

Author: Razormime

Note: Search inside the Page by pressing Ctrl+F or use the "Search" option on your browser to look for a specific Section.

Table of Contents

0) Introduction

Pokemon Emerald 386's main goal is to give players the opportunity to encounter and obtain at least one of every Pokemon available in generation 3, thereby completing the Pokedex without the need to connect to or interact with other games or events.

This project does not try to increase/decrease difficulty; add modern mechanics; change lore; "fix" balancing issues with the original Emerald release; or include post-gen 3 Pokemon, evolutions, items, etc. There are plenty of really amazing hacks that do all of this (and more), and I encourage you to try those as well! Please, before writing a review, consider what this hack intends to do, and if it met its goal, and if this was outlined well enough before investing your time into it.

With that being said, understand that Pokemon Emerald was "missing" a LOT of Pokemon! So, to keep things as organic as possible, I have tried to include various methods to obtaining them, and to "spread out" their appearances or events so that at no point in the playthrough does it feel as if they all were just dumped into the game at once. I have re-worked certain events in the game so that they might offer different rewards than before, or I have modified in-game trades, or I might have developed a few new rooms in an existing cave or something to ensure that the methods feel as organic as possible.

In addition, to complement the massive amount of Pokemon added to the world, I also have unlocked the National Pokedex from the start of the game — it would be such a chore to need to beat the Elite 4 before you were allowed to hunt all of the new monsters. Another related goal was to give players some way of having extra access to TMs, tutor-moves, and evolution items, so that players have the freedom to develop more than one Pokemon dream team; but I also wanted to avoid breaking the game by doing things like making TMs infinitely usable (for example). Instead I tried to find a good balance, and I encourage you to review the rest of this readme for the various solutions I've implemented. Also, keep in mind that by having a larger pool of Pokemon to catch as you progress, the game might be easier than you remember (or vanilla Emerald guides reflect) in some places; but this is something which is unavoidable.

The last thing I've tried to do is to make it so that the game helps you find all the monsters without the need to keep this readme file! So, for example, some NPC battles have been slightly altered to include the "new" Pokemon I've introduced into the wild, creating an "event" where the Pokedex registers the monster as seen, and allowing players to find that Pokemon in the wild. The NPCs which have been affected may have already been, or have now been re-positioned in such a way that players cannot progress past them without actually battling them. This was done so that the opportunity to trigger the Pokedex is not accidentally skipped. The instances of these changed NPC battles are as few as possible, and do not include key battles like Gym Leaders or Rival battles — I did NOT want to change so much in the game.

Changes to the teams can be one of two ways: Pokemon were ADDED to the trainer's team, or new Pokemon were EXCHANGED for old Pokemon on their teams. I suppose that in the few events where these trainers were once optional and had smaller teams, and have now become unavoidable and have larger teams, this might make the game a smidge harder than players might remember (or vanilla Emerald guides reflect), so maybe it balances out?

Other help comes in the form of NPC dialogue, or a traveler's journal left open on a desk — if you check with everyone and explore, you will NOT need a guide to find the "new" Pokemon. If there are any Pokemon which are not encountered in NPC battles or hinted at in some way, it is because they are vanilla Emerald Pokemon which have not been changed, meaning that THOSE Pokemon can still be found by using any printed or online guide for Emerald (I have not removed any wild Pokemon from a route). NPCs which sell from "upgradable" item lists will also say something along the lines of "come back and check later for even more stuff" — they may not say when or what triggers them to get the new stuff, but they will alert you to the idea that they are worth coming back to (regular Town Marts will not hint at the upgrade for the TM they will carry after the Gym Battle, however).

One last thing: I have worked very hard on this hack, and had even had to start completely over at one point due to a computer failure (and I was almost finished, too). I have made sure to personally check and verify each addition or change that I made by actually playing the game and triggering the scenarios (not just looking at the data, but actually doing the trade; starting the static encounter and running, defeating, and catching the monster; collecting the item, etc). I have also played through the game from a fresh save file all the way to beating the Elite 4 and interacting with any/all of the post-game changes to make sure they work. I have also had a few volunteers help me beta test by playing through on different hardware and different emulators. I really wanted v1.0 to be as solid as possible.

However, I may have overlooked some interesting missing content that I may be able to add, like an event-only battle move or something that is not obtainable because the Super Duper Pokemon Summer Event 2006 (fake example) is long gone. Basically, the game might need future updates, but I want you to know that I consider this release to be pretty solid, and you should feel confident with whatever version number you start playing with.

1) Soft-Spoiler Guide

A) Gameplay Mechanics, and Fixed Vanilla Bugs / Glitches

  • Players are allowed to trade with Fire Red and Leaf Green from the start.
  • Pokemon Emerald 386 patch can be verified.
  • The Real-Time-Clock (RTC) can be reset. (Useful for emulators which don't keep track of time.)
  • The missing Zigzagoon from the cable-car is restored and has its intended chances of appearing.
  • Bag-Menu sounds updated.
  • Snow effect fixed and updated.
  • Fixed dismounting from surf into grass animation.
  • Real World references changed to no longer mention the real world.

B) Text + People Changes

  • Main Move Tutor can teach pre-evolution moves.
  • One-Time Move Tutors will now reset after defeating the Elite 4 (will need to be reset each time).
  • Some instances of NPC/sign/event dialogue has been rewritten to accommodate insertion of content.
  • Some NEW NPCs added to complement changes or give hints.
  • Some EXISTING NPCs altered: Positions, Battles, Gifts, Trades, Events, Hints, etc.

C) Shops and Items

  • A few items have moved from their original locations to make room for new rewards.
  • All TMs which were once finite (limited) will become available to purchase (unlimited) somewhere.
  • A few Game-Corner-only TMs have a bonus hidden-item location somewhere.
  • Luxury Ball unlocked as a store item at some point.
  • Deep Sea Evolutionary Items each have one pickup location in the world.
  • Bonus evolutionary items like Moon Stones given extra locations to be found, bought, or as gifts.
  • Bonus hold-items given as gifts or can be found.
  • Rare Berries are now obtainable in-game and with repeat methods.
  • Five unobtainable Decorations are now available.

D) Areas

  • A few areas have had small changes.
  • A few areas have been expanded (extra rooms in a cave, for example).
  • One new "house" added.

E) Pokemon

  • The missing Zigzagoon from the cable-car is restored and has its intended chances of appearing.
  • Deoxys learned move-set updated to include all version exclusive moves from R/S and FR/LG.
  • Legendary Pokemon Event Tickets are all restored! (see: Mew, Deoxys, Lati@s, Ho-oh + Lugia)
  • Legendary Pokemon Beast-Trio, Bird-Trio, Mewtwo, Celebi and Jirachi all have new "events."
  • ALL Fossil-Pokemon are found as Fossils someplace. Fossil Regenerator updated accordingly.
  • Trade-Based evolution Pokemon have the opportunity to trade-evolve and stay with you.
  • Ruby & Sapphire exclusive Pokemon added to their appropriate routes.
  • Missing wild Pokemon from Kanto and Johto spread out across Hoenn in logical places.
  • Each Starter Pokemon from all 3 regions available.
  • In-Game trades have all been re-done for important Pokemon.
  • Emerald 1%-rate Pokemon have had an increase in appearance rates to make up for the fact that single player playthroughs will not be able to take advantage of record-mixing "outbreaks."

2) Hard-Spoiler Guide !!!

A) Gameplay Mechanics, and Fixed Vanilla Bugs / Glitches

  • Players are allowed to trade with Fire Red and Leaf Green from the start.
  • Pokemon Emerald 386 patch can be verified:
    • Cacnea replaces Lotad in Prof Birch Speech to show a successful patch.
    • PC in Devon Corp (2F) shows current "E386" patch-update version.
  • The Real-Time-Clock (RTC) can be reset.
    • Press and hold LEFT + SELECT + B at the title screen.
  • The missing Zigzagoon from the cable-car is restored and has its intended chances of appearing.
  • Bag-Menu updated to use more comfortable Fire Red / Leaf Green sounds.
  • Snow effect fixed to continue to snow, and updated to produce hail when battling.
  • Fixed dismounting from surf into grass animation: Now lands IN grass, not ON grass.
  • Real World references changed to no longer mention the real world.
    • Delibird's Pokedex entry: was Mt. Everest, is now Mt. Avalanche (from Pokemon Mystery Dungeon).
    • Regice's Pokedex Entry: was Antarctic Ice, is now Glacial Ice.
    • Poliwrath's Pokedex Entry: was Pacific Ocean, is now Largest Oceans.

B) Text + People Changes

  • Main Move Tutor can teach pre-evolution moves.
    • Pokemon must be at least 5 levels above when the pre-evolution would have learned the move.
  • One-Time Move Tutors will now reset after defeating the Elite 4 (will need to be reset each time):
    • Double-Edge in Sootopolis
    • Dynamic Punch in Mossdeep
    • Explosion in Pacifidlog Town
    • Fury Cutter in Verdanturf Town
    • Metronome in Fallarbor Town
    • Mimic in Lavaridge Town
    • Rollout in Mauville City
    • Sleep Talk in Fortree City
    • Substitute in Lilycove
    • Swagger in Slateport City
  • Some instances of NPC/sign/event dialogue has been rewritten to accommodate insertion of content:
    • Flavor text for defeating or running from Sudowoodo or Bird-Trio battles added.
    • Various minor changes to NPC dialogue change tense or plurality, depending on situation.
  • Some NEW NPCs added to complement changes or give hints:
    • NPC in Devon Corp helps you trade Pokemon with yourself.
    • NPC in Battle Frontier helps player locate trade locations and what is offered and requested.
    • NPC in Battle Frontier adds flavor text to new "Bed & Breakfast" house.
    • NPC in Battle Frontier gives the alternate tent decoration with a hint on how to get it.
    • NPC in Mossdeep hints at where to fish for Qwilfish.
    • NPC in Sootopolis hints at how to find Shellder (and Clamperl).
    • NPC in Lavaridge Pokecenter for new trade. — See section "E) Pokemon."
    • NPCs (x2) on route 106 add flavor text to the Lapras event.
    • NPC in Slateport alerts player to unlockable TM mart.
  • Some EXISTING NPCs altered: Positions, Battles, Gifts, Trades, Events, Hints, etc.:
    • Prof. Birch Events:
      • Previous National Pokedex expansion event changed to Roaming Beast-Trio event intro.
      • Previous Hoenn-dex completion event "Johto starter gift" changed to "Kanto fighting gift."
      • More details for both events in section "E) Pokemon."
    • Rival:
      • After defeating the Elite 4, your rival will tell you that they've uploaded their dex data for "seen" Pokemon to a PC in Prof Birch's Lab. At any time after this, you may choose to share your dex "seen" data with them via the PC. If you do so, "seen" data will be uploaded to your dex for many (not all) Pokemon, allowing you to track them without the need for this readme or online guides.
      • Special Note: Players who have already defeated the Elite 4 on previous versions of the hack (v1.0 or v1.1) must simply defeat the Elite 4 again to unlock the feature on the PC in Birch's Lab. However, your rival will not say anything about it. — Essentially reveals locations for all basic-form Pokemon added to the hack (EXCLUDES evolved forms, babies, static encounters, gifts, trades & legendaries).
    • Super Rod Fisherman:
      • When receiving the SUPER ROD, they will inform you that they have a fishing guide-book on the bookshelf in the room. Checking this book allows you to see which species of Pokemon each ROD is capable of catching (but not location or rarity). Can be helpful when tracking Pokemon with the Pokedex and you are unsure if the encounter is SURF or not.
    • Traders: All are in original spots, but with new details. — See section "E) Pokemon."
    • NPC in Fortree expanded dialogue hints at where to find Yanma.
    • Shop-keepers in Slateport: expanded dialogue, including hints, for expanded merch list.
      • Doll Seller: See section "C) Shops and Items."
      • TM Seller: See section "C) Shops and Items."
    • Altered Battles:
      • Hiker Clark (Route 116)
      • Bug Catcher Lyle (Petalburg Woods)
      • Youngster Timmy (Route 110)
      • Camper Travis (Route 111)
      • Breeder Lydia (Route 117)
      • Camper Shane (Route 114)
      • Hiker Trent (Route 112)
      • Black Belt Takao (Dewford Gym)
      • Magma Grunt #12 (Magma Hideout 4F)
      • Magma Grunt #13 (Magma Hideout 4F)
      • Fisherman Wade (Route 118)
      • Ranger Catherine (Route 119)
      • Bird Keeper Perry (Route 118)
      • Swimmer Spencer (Route 124)
      • Hex Maniac Tasha (Mt. Pyre 4F)
      • Hiker Eric (Jagged Pass)
      • Psychic William (Mt. Pyre 3F)
      • Sr & Jr Kim and Iris (Route 125)
      • Breeder Myles (Route 121)
      • Breeder Pat (Route 121)
      • Cooltrainer Quincy (Victory Road 1F)
      • Ninjaboy Jaiden (Route 115)
      • Guitarist Kirk (Mauville Gym)
      • Kindler Jeff (Lavaridge Gym)
      • Dragon Tamer Aaron (Route 134)
      • Youngster Deandre (Route 118)
      • Birdkeeper Colin (Route 120)
      • Youngster Davis (Route 123)
      • Cooltrainer Jazmyn (Route 123)
      • Cooltrainer Hope (Victory Road 1F)
      • Guitarist Joseph (Route 110)
      • Kindler Bernie (Route 114)
      • Swimmer Declan (Route 124)
      • Swimmer Grace (Route 124)
      • Ninjaboy Takashi (Route 119)
      • Pokefan Vanessa (Route 121)

C) Shops and Items

All TMs which were once finite (limited) will become available to purchase (unlimited) somewhere.

Note: TM21 'Frustration' and TM27 'Return' can already be infinitely obtained in Pacifidlog Town, so they have not been given another infinite position.

Most rare TMs (finite in original Emerald) can now be unlocked at TM seller in Slateport Market:

  • Note 1: The shop must first be unlocked the original way — Get TM43 from NPC on Route 111.
  • Note 2: The shop will initially only carry the original Emerald TMs: TM10 (Hidden Power) and TM43 (Secret Power).

1st Expansion — unlocks after obtaining the Heat Badge (4th badge), adding: TM01 (Focus Punch), TM05 (Roar), TM06 (Toxic), TM07 (Hail), TM09 (Bullet Seed), TM28 (Dig), TM36 (Sludge Bomb), TM37 (Sandstorm), TM41 (Torment), TM45 (Attract), TM46 (Thief), TM47 (Steel Wing)

2nd Expansion — unlocks after obtaining the Rain Badge (8th badge), adding: TM02 (Dragon Claw), TM11 (Sunny Day), TM12 (Taunt), TM18 (Rain Dance), TM19 (Giga Drain), TM22 (Solarbeam), TM23 (Iron Tail), TM26 (Earthquake), TM30 (Shadow Ball), TM31 (Brick Break), TM44 (Rest), TM48 (Skill Swap)

TMs from Gym Leaders unlock in their town's mart after earning the corresponding badge:

  • TM39 (Rock Tomb) — Rustboro Mart
  • TM08 (Bulk Up) — Slateport Mart (because Dewford has no mart)
  • TM34 (Shock Wave) — Mauville Mart
  • TM50 (Overheat) — Lavaridge Mart
  • TM42 (Facade) — Petalburg Mart
  • TM40 (Aerial Ace) — Fortree Mart
  • TM04 (Calm Mind) — Mossdeep Mart
  • TM03 (Water Pulse) — Sootopolis Mart

Post-game TM — found on the SS Tidal, unlocked by defeating the Elite 4:

  • TM49 (Snatch) — Ever Grande Pokemon League Mart

Bonus finite pickup locations for Game Corner exclusive TMs:

  • TM13 (Ice Beam) — Hidden in Articuno's room
  • TM32 (Double Team) — Hidden in Lapras' room
  • TM35 (Flamethrower) — Hidden in Moltres' area
  • TM29 (Psychic) — Hidden in Mewtwo's room
  • TM24 (Thunderbolt) — Already has a bonus vanilla event, so it was not given an extra.

Luxury Ball can be purchased in Lilycove Dept. Store 2F after becoming the Champion.

Deep Sea Evolutionary Items:

  • DEEP SEA TOOTH — Now found in the Granite Cave (x1). No longer from Captain Stern. Respawns after each Elite 4 victory (starting in v1.4.3).
  • DEEP SEA SCALE — Now found in the Shoal Cave (x1). No longer from Captain Stern. Respawns after each Elite 4 victory (starting in v1.4.3).

Bonus evolutionary items given extra locations:

  • UPGRADE — Devon Corp 2F: Comes with Gift Porygon. Can be purchased in Lilycove Dept. Store 2F after becoming the Champion.
  • MOON STONES — Meteor Falls: 2 extra hidden, 1 extra visible pickup. Mossdeep Space Center B1F: Given as a gift which refreshes with each Elite 4 victory.
  • SUN STONES — Jagged Pass Expansion: 1 visible item ball. Mossdeep Space Center B1F: Given as a gift which refreshes with each Elite 4 victory.
  • FIRE STONES — Jagged Pass Expansion: 1 hidden item which refreshes with each Elite 4 victory. Fiery Path Expansion: 1 visible item ball. Route 124: ONE Red Shard respawns each time you defeat the champion (hint: above water).
  • THUNDER STONES — Route 124: Yellow Shard respawns each time you defeat the champion (hint: above water).
  • WATER STONES — Route 124: Blue Shard respawns each time you defeat the champion (hint: above water). Slateport: Hidden Waterstone on beach which, as of v1.4, refreshes with each Elite 4 victory.
  • LEAF STONES — Route 127: Green Shard respawns each time you defeat the champion (hint: above water).
  • METAL COATS — New Mauville: 1 visible item ball pickup. Mossdeep Space Center B1F: Hidden in trash can, will respawn after each Elite 4 victory.
  • DRAGON SCALE — Granite Cave Expansion B3F: 1 hidden item pickup.
  • KINGS ROCKS — Granite Cave Expansion B3F: 1 hidden item pickup. Shoal Cave: visible item. Altering Cave Expansion B1F: 1 visible item pickup.
  • HEART SCALES — Route 128: Hidden pickups here will respawn after each Elite 4 victory (NPC gives hint).

Bonus hold-items:

  • TWISTED SPOON — Mt. Pyre Summit: Hidden item pickup.
  • SEA INCENSE — Granite Cave expansion B1F: Hidden item pickup will respawn after each Elite 4 victory.
  • LUCKY EGG — Altering Cave Expansion: visible item pickup.
  • NEVERMELT ICE — Shoal Cave Ice Room: visible item pickup.
  • MAGNET — New Mauville: Hidden item near Zapdos.
  • METAL POWDER — Altering Cave B2F: Hidden item pickup.

Berries:

Rare Berries with hidden pickup locations (respawn after each Elite 4 victory):

  • SALAC BERRY — Hidden near Battle Frontier B&B
  • GANLON BERRY — Hidden near Battle Frontier B&B
  • APICOT BERRY — Hidden near Battle Frontier B&B

Some uncommon or rare berries have been given to wild Pokemon. Catch or use Thief to obtain:

  • WIKI BERRY — Commonly held by Murkrow
  • MAGO BERRY — Commonly held by Meowth
  • AGUAV BERRY — Commonly held by Mankey
  • PETAYA BERRY — Commonly held by Teddiursa

In vanilla Emerald, The Berry Master's Wife on Route 123 would give special berries only ONCE after giving special phrases. If a player waits 24 hours and tries the same phrase again, she would give a random COMMON berry. NOW the random berry list she pulls from is made up of only the RARE berries she gives for the special phrases AND three additional berries, allowing players to repeatably obtain these rare berries:

  • SPELON BERRY — (phrase: GREAT BATTLE)
  • PAMTRE BERRY — (phrase: CHALLENGE CONTEST — need contest pass)
  • WATMEL BERRY — (phrase: OVERWHELMING LATIAS — after Latias Pokedex entry)
  • DURIN BERRY — (phrase: COOL LATIOS — after Latios Pokedex entry)
  • BELUE BERRY — (phrase: SUPER HUSTLE)
  • SALAC BERRY — (also a hidden pickup)
  • GANLON BERRY — (also a hidden pickup)
  • LIECHI BERRY — (also comes with Jirachi)

Just like in vanilla Emerald, the following berries can only be obtained ONCE, however, the amount given has been updated from ONE to THREE of each berry:

  • LANSAT BERRY — Scott's Gift for obtaining all Battle Frontier Silver Symbols (x3)
  • STARF BERRY — Scott's Gift for obtaining all Battle Frontier Gold Symbols (x3)

For a complete list of ALL BERRY locations (vanilla + E386) please refer to the special "E386 Berry Guide" text file included with the patch download.

Five previously unobtainable Decorations are now available:

  • R/S exclusive Seedot DOLL — Buy at Slateport Market Doll Seller.
  • Regi-trio DOLLS — Slateport Market Doll Seller unlocks after CATCHING ALL 3 REGI Pokemon.
  • The "other" tent which you do not pick as your prize in the Trick House becomes a gift from an NPC found in the Battle Frontier AFTER DEFEATING TRICK HOUSE and claiming the first tent.
    • Note: v1.4.1 fixes an issue where sometimes this NPC would not give the tent decoration. Update to v1.4.1 (or newer) and talk to this NPC again to claim the tent.

D) Areas

  • A few areas have had small changes:
    • Some areas which did not have wild Pokemon now do (either fishing or walking/surfing).
    • To either provide more grass tiles for hunting Pokemon or force a few battles with NPCs.
  • A few areas have been expanded (extra rooms in a cave, for example):
    • Granite Cave
    • Fiery Path
    • Jagged Pass
    • Altering Cave
  • One new "house" added: Battle Frontier Bed & Breakfast.

E) Pokemon

Deoxys learned move-set updated to include all version exclusive moves from R/S and FR/LG:

  • Teleport (level 13)
  • Taunt (level 17)
  • Superpower (level 28)
  • Snatch (level 31)
  • Cosmic Power (level 36)
  • Zap Cannon (level 42)
  • Hyper Beam (level 51)

Legendary Pokemon Event Tickets are all restored!

  • Tickets can only be used after beating the Elite 4.

Trade-Based evolution Pokemon have the opportunity to trade-evolve and stay with you.

  • New Scientist at Devon Corp helps you trade Pokemon with yourself.

In-Game trades have all been re-done for important Pokemon.

  • Checking Olga's notebook in the Battle Frontier can remind you where these all are.

Note: Any Pokemon which does not appear in the following list will have its original vanilla location.

Hoenn Pokemon

  • Emerald 1%-rate Pokemon have had an increase in appearance rates to make up for single-player playthroughs not being able to take advantage of record-mixing "outbreaks."
  • Ruby & Sapphire exclusive Pokemon have been added to their appropriate routes.
Pokemon Location
TREECKO Route 119
MUDKIP Route 114 (Walk / Surf)
TORCHIC Mt. Chimney, Jagged Pass
SURSKIT R.102 (5% Surf, 1% Land); Routes 114, 117, and 120 (all Surf)
SEEDOT R.102, R.117, R.120 (still only 1% for this route)
NUZLEAF R.114
MEDITITE Mt. Pyre Outside, Victory Road B1F
MEDICHAM Victory Road B1F, Victory Road B2F
ROSELIA R.117
ZANGOOSE R.114
LUNATONE Meteor Falls (Split 50/50 with Solrock)
HUNTAIL Self-Trade Clamperl holding a DEEP SEA TOOTH
GOREBYSS Self-Trade Clamperl holding a DEEP SEA SCALE
JIRACHI Given as a gift from the Gamecube in the Battle Frontier Bed & Breakfast
DEOXYS AURORA TICKET is given to you in the Mossdeep Space Center basement
LATI@S EON TICKET is given to you when arriving at the Battle Frontier

Kanto Pokemon

Pokemon Location
BULBASAUR NPC Trade — Fortree City (for Duskull)
SQUIRTLE NPC Trade — Pacifidlog Town (for Dratini)
CHARMANDER NPC Trade — Fallarbor Town (for Larvitar)
ALAKAZAM Self-Trade Kadabra
MACHAMP Self-Trade Machoke
GOLEM Self-Trade Graveler
GENGAR Self-Trade Haunter
CATERPIE Petalburg Woods
WEEDLE Petalburg Woods
PIDGEY Route 104
RATTATA New Mauville
RATICATE New Mauville
SPEAROW Route 104
EKANS Route 111, Route 112, Route 113, Mirage Tower
NIDORAN (M) Routes 101, 102, 103
NIDORAN (F) Routes 101, 102, 103
CLEFAIRY Meteor Falls
PARAS R.114
VENONAT Petalburg Woods, R.104
DIGLETT Desert Underpass
DUGTRIO Desert Underpass
MEOWTH R.116
MANKEY Granite Cave
GROWLITHE Mt. Chimney, Jagged Pass
POLIWAG Safari Zone NW, SW, SE (Good Rod); Altering Cave (Good & Super Rod)
POLIWHIRL Altering Cave B1F (Super Rod); Altering Cave B2F + B3F (Surf / Super Rod)
BELLSPROUT R.119
PONYTA Mt. Chimney, Jagged Pass
SLOWPOKE R.120 (Surf); Altering Cave 1F (Walk); B1F (Walk / Surf / Good & Super Rod); B2F + B3F (Good & Super Rod)
SLOWBRO Altering Cave B1F–B3F (Walk / Surf / Super Rod)
GOLDUCK Altering Cave B3F (Walk / Surf)
FARFETCH'D R.118, R.123
SEEL Abandoned Ship (Walk / Surf)
SHELLDER Outer Sealed Chamber (All fishing rods); R.124 (Dive); R.126 (Dive)
GASTLY Mt. Pyre (Inside and Outside)
ONIX Magma Hideout; Altering Cave B2F + B3F
DROWZEE R.121, R.123
HYPNO Altering Cave B2F + B3F
HORSEA Granite Cave (Surf + Super Rod)
KRABBY Outer Sealed Chamber (Walking / All fishing rods); Abandoned Ship (Walking / Good & Super Rod); Granite Cave (Walking / Good & Super Rod)
KINGLER Outer Sealed Chamber (Walking / Super Rod); Abandoned Ship (Walk / Super Rod)
EXEGGCUTE R.120
CUBONE Desert R.111
HITMONLEE Prof. Birch event (complete Hoenn Dex), evolve Tyrogue
HITMONCHAN Prof. Birch event (complete Hoenn Dex), evolve Tyrogue
LICKITUNG Altering Cave B2F + B3F
CHANSEY Altering Cave B2F + B3F; Safari Zone South
TANGELA R.119, R.120
KANGASKHAN Altering Cave B2F + B3F
MR. MIME Safari Zone SW
SCYTHER Safari Zone South
JYNX Shoal Ice Cave
ELECTABUZZ New Mauville
MAGMAR Fiery Path, Magma Hideout
TAUROS Safari Zone North
LAPRAS Static Encounter in Granite Cave
EEVEE NPC Trade — For Meowth (Rustboro)
PORYGON Gift — Rustboro City (Devon Corp 2F)
AERODACTYL OLD AMBER found in Jagged Pass
KABUTO DOME FOSSIL found in Granite Cave
OMANYTE HELIX FOSSIL found in Shoal Cave
SNORLAX NPC Trade — For Hariyama (Battle Frontier)
DRATINI Granite Cave (Surf / Good & Super Rod)
ARTICUNO Static encounter in the Shoal Cave Ice Room
ZAPDOS Static Encounter in New Mauville
MOLTRES Static Encounter in the Jagged Pass expansion
MEWTWO Static encounter in the Altering Cave
MEW OLD SEA MAP can be found in the Abandoned Ship hidden rooms

Johto Pokemon

Pokemon Location
CHIKORITA Gift for saving Weather Institute (collect in Fortree Pokecenter)
TOTODILE Gift for delivering the SCANNER to Capt. Stern (in Slateport)
CYNDAQUIL Gift for delivering METEORITE to Prof. Cozmo (in Fallarbor)
TOGEPI Gift (egg) found on Route 117 near the daycare
POLITOAD Trade Poliwhirl holding a KINGS ROCK
SLOWKING Trade Slowpoke holding a KINGS ROCK
STEELIX Trade Onix holding a METAL COAT
SCIZOR Trade Scyther holding a METAL COAT
KINGDRA Trade Seadra holding a DRAGONS SCALE
PORYGON 2 Trade Porygon holding an UPGRADE
SENTRET R.118, R.123
FURRET R.118, R.123
HOPPIP R.110
HITMONTOP Prof. Birch event (complete Hoenn Dex) or evolve Tyrogue
YANMA R.119, R.120
MURKROW R.122, Mt. Pyre (outside areas)
MISDREAVUS Mt. Pyre
HOUNDOUR Jagged Pass, Mt. Chimney
UNOWN Inner Sealed Chamber (all forms have equal rates: A–Z & !?)
DUNSPARCE Outer Sealed Chamber
QWILFISH Routes 129–134 (Super Rod)
SNEASEL Shoal Ice Cave
SWINUB Shoal Ice Cave
DELIBIRD Shoal Ice Cave
TEDDIURSA Altering Cave 1F
URSARING Altering Cave B2F–B3F
MANTINE Routes 124–128 (Surf)
LARVITAR Route 111
ENTEI Roams land after Elite 4 (Pokedex-upgrade event will help track)
RAIKOU Roams land after Elite 4 (Pokedex-upgrade event will help track)
SUICUNE Roams land + water after Elite 4 (Pokedex-upgrade event will help track)
HO-OH MYSTIC TICKET can be found in the Artisan Cave at the Battle Frontier
LUGIA MYSTIC TICKET can be found in the Artisan Cave at the Battle Frontier
CELEBI Roams after Elite 4 — Intentionally cannot be tracked with the Pokedex even after encountering. Don't worry!

Re-Spawn Safety

!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOTE: GROUDON and KYOGRE STILL DO NOT RESPAWN IF DEFEATED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If DEFEATED but NOT CAUGHT, the following Pokemon respawn by defeating the Elite 4: Mew, Mewtwo, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, Deoxys, Lati@s (the Southern Island encounter; NOT the roamer!), Sudowoodo, Lapras

If DEFEATED but NOT CAUGHT, the following roaming Pokemon respawn after one 24-hour day: Suicune, Entei, Raikou, Lati@s (the roamer, NOT the Southern Island encounter!)

CELEBI respawns immediately after being defeated or run from. Intentionally cannot be tracked with the Pokedex even after encountering. Don't worry!

3) Things you maybe WISH I would change, but won't

Easier FEEBAS: Feebas is still a pain in the butt. This was this Pokemon's gimmick, and I did not want to take that away from it. When you finally catch the jerk, you can totally feel like you did actually catch this jerk, for real.

Easier Grimer: Grimer really does have a 2% chance at appearing in its location. This encounter rate is frustratingly low, but like Feebas... it's vanilla and I'm leaving it alone.

Repeatable LANSAT and STARF berries: I didn't want to soften the importance of these berries as prizes for their challenges so I decided against alternate methods to obtain them. However, as a compromise, you are gifted 3 of each to make losing them a little more difficult. Be careful.

HM "Items": A popular change to rom-hacks is making field-use items to replace HMs (like using a SURFBOARD item instead of SURF, for example). Again, my hack is a pure nostalgia trip (which you can complete), and does not aim to modernize stuff like this. I think they are great additions to "bigger" more robust rom-hacks, but not to my humble diet-vanilla hacks.

Running indoors, ultra-fast text, speed enhancements, etc.: As before, just trying to make a super humble vanilla nostalgia trip. I also want to run in Pacifidlog, but I need to draw a line.

Night-time colors: Two reasons I did not go for this: the first being the usual "nostalgic vanilla," and the second is that I see a lot of hacks with this change need constant updates for whatever reason (it must be quite tedious to do correctly, so bravo to those who get it right), and I did not want my hack to need constant updates after release (which is why I tested so much before releasing).

Decapitalizing: Again, somehow, inevitably something gets overlooked and I would need to go back in and decap something, update, repeat. But it's a VANILLA NOSTALGIA DREAM and not worth it.

Anything Else and Everything Else: Consider that everyone gets something different out of playing through a Pokemon game, and no single hack can please everyone. This hack is for "semi-purist" players who wanna complete dexes but don't want to invest in old hardware and methods or feel like they cheated by using cheat-codes. This is for people who don't want a MODERN version of Emerald, it's for those who want the OLD version of Emerald... only completable.

Jirachi event: You might have seen another Emerald hack do it similar because it was a suggestion I made in that developer's Discord group. At that time I felt overwhelmed with doing an Emerald hack myself, and was anticipating their hack, and they were asking for suggestions. I actually do not know if they did use it, and I obviously cannot be upset if they went with the idea. I want to say that they had a fantastic hack in progress, and I wish them all the luck with it. I simply wanted to do my own hack, and I also really liked my idea.

4) How to Use the Patch

The rom hack you just downloaded cannot be played by itself! It must be applied to an original, legit copy of this exact .gba rom: Pokemon — Emerald Version (USA, Europe)

I cannot tell you where or how to find that exact titled rom (it cannot be a later v1.1 revision, or any other language, etc.), but if you have a rom like this, check it using this link: https://www.romhashing.net/hash/ and compare the information it gives you to this info:

  • Database match: Pokemon — Emerald Version (USA, Europe)
  • Database: No-Intro: Game Boy Advance (v. 20210227-023848)
  • File/ROM SHA-1: F3AE088181BF583E55DAF962A92BB46F4F1D07B7
  • File/ROM CRC32: 1F1C08FB

If the information matches, then you can make the Emerald 386 rom:

  1. Unzip the .zip file to get to the .ips file.
  2. Put the Pokemon Emerald 386.ips file and your copy of the Pokemon Emerald .gba ROM in a folder.
  3. Apply the patch (.ips file) to the game (.gba file) using only ONE of these two options:
    • Online Patcher: https://www.romhacking.net/patch/
    • Offline Patcher: https://www.romhacking.net/utilities/240/
  4. The file created by the patcher is the full Pokemon Emerald 386 patched game, and can now be played on your favorite GBA emulator or flashed to a cart! To be sure that the patch is applied correctly, press "L" on the title screen for the Help Menu, and select "About Game." The patch version number will be in the bottom right of the game description (v_._).
  • Note: If using the EZ Flash Omega — write the ROM to the NORFLASH and direct boot it from there.
  • Note: "Visual Boy Advance" is known to cause graphical issues with some ROM hacks — this is one of them. The recommended emulator to use is mGBA.

5) Patch Updates & Old Save Files

  • 1.4.5 — Some dialogue updated in Devon Corp. and Space Center.
  • 1.4.4 — A few of Deoxys' missing moves added. A small bit of battle text updated.
  • 1.4.3 — DEEP SEA TOOTH & DEEP SEA SCALE pickups will respawn after each Elite 4 victory.
  • 1.4.2 — Lilycove Dept. Store 2F now sells UPGRADEs after becoming Champion. Minor text adjustment.
  • 1.4.1 — Fixed an issue where sometimes the NPC in Battle Frontier wouldn't give the TENT decoration.
  • 1.4 — Removed vanilla trading restriction with Fire Red and Leaf Green, made a Waterstone respawn.
  • 1.3.4 — Added one Waterstone and fixed a typo in dialogue which only appeared once.
  • 1.3.3 — Removed Enigma Berry from the added v1.3 berries. Swapped around a few berry locations.
  • 1.3.2 — Fixed a minor collision issue with two tiles in Jagged Pass (issue started in 1.3).
  • 1.3.1 — Fixed an issue with Apicot berry being given as a berry (issue started in 1.3).
  • 1.3 — Rare berry inclusions. Tile improvements in one area.
  • 1.2 — Added Rival Pokedex "seen" help + Fishing Rod Guide Book. Also moved one NPC by two tiles.
  • 1.1 — Rephrased text for when/if you run from the Sudowoodo, and fixed collision with 1 rock.
  • 1.0 — Emerald 386 released.

YOU SHOULD NOT USE ANY ORIGINAL VANILLA SAVES WITH THIS PATCH!

However, you CAN update from older Emerald 386 versions and continue using that save file.

To update Emerald 386 from previous versions to new versions safely, follow these instructions:

  1. Check newest update: https://www.pokecommunity.com/threads/pokemon-emerald-386.530669/
  2. Save your current game UPSTAIRS in a Pokemon Center and exit the emulator.
  3. Make a backup of your current Pokemon Emerald 386 ROM ".gba" and save file ".sav/.srm" and put them in a second backup folder somewhere safe.
  4. Patch a CLEAN copy of "Pokemon — Emerald Version (USA, Europe)" with current patch version. DO NOT PATCH A NEW EMERALD 386 VERSION TO AN OLD EMERALD 386 VERSION ROM!!!
  5. Replace the PREVIOUS Emerald 386 ".gba" file with the NEW one in the folder your emulator reads from (never replace the backups).
  6. Make sure your .gba and .sav/.srm names all match.

6) Extras

Included in the download is custom box art to use with any emulation front-end software you use, as well as an in-depth Berry Guide for any trainers interested in collecting all berries.

7) Special Thanks

First, I need to thank everyone involved in the Pokefirered Disassembly project. Obviously, none of what I've planned to do here would be possible. It is a lot of hard work to create and maintain the project, and I am very very grateful to them. By extension, I want to thank everyone involved with pret and its extensions like the discord group. They, alongside branched discord groups like RH Hideout, have been invaluable resources to turn to when I encountered road-blocks. Everyone who has contributed to the wiki via forum posts in the form of walkthroughs or tutorials for nifty features also deserves massive thanks. Team Aqua's Hideout video tutorials for features was also an amazing resource I couldn't have lived without, so "Thank You" to them, too!

Specific users from these resources for specific changes:

  • Mgriffin — Project setup and Porymap troubleshooting
  • Jaizu — Porymap troubleshooting, tutorial on sound changing
  • Zatsu — Some NPC movement scripting
  • Lunos — Creating tutorials for, and helping with Script Specials, Overworld and UNOWN expansions
  • Sbird — Project setup
  • ShinyDragonHunter — UNOWN encounter troubleshooting
  • TheXaman — Their tutorial on in-game self trading
  • DD — Roaming Beast Expansion (name changed as they did not want to be credited)
  • Louroboros — Tutorial on enabling RTC-changing
  • Alex D, daniilS and Samu — Tutorials on changing + updating snow effects
  • ghoulslash — Surf dismount fix tutorial
  • devolov — Pre-evolution move tutor tutorial
  • Goppier — Mt. Chimney cable car documentary
  • Cawt — Helping solve a berry issue

Huge thanks to my direct help:

  • JAYVEE1473 and Tellz, who volunteered to test and continually update their beta versions as we went along, refining elements, or squashing bugs.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to write informative, spoiler-free reviews:

Fire Red 386: Miss Alexis, Its_Shaggy (also for Blue 151, Yellow 151, and Crystal 251), Mathwayb

Crystal 251: Arindur, SteRossetto, Incantator (also for Yellow 151), ThegreatBen, Aizumi, KevCfcNo1

Yellow 151: Vomer (also for Blue 151), Greenknight9000, Pudupuda, NordicNugz

Blue 151: KennieJim, ClaudeDixon, headfallsoff, Pokemonfan98

Reference sites used:

  • Bulbagarden/Bulbapedia: https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Main_Page
  • Serebii.net: https://www.serebii.net
  • GameFAQs: https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/gba

I also want to thank you, whoever you are, for downloading and taking a chance with my hack (and especially if you took the time to read this novel of a readme file). I worked really hard to teach myself new skills so that the project would feel as natural and original as possible. I wanted to avoid cringy dialogue and I also wanted to avoid adulterating the 'soul' of the original game.

IF YOU STREAM IT, LET ME KNOW!

"Thank you all" — Razormime

8) Support + How to Contact Me

If, for whatever reason, this document does not answer your questions, has left something out, or you simply want to discuss the hack, feel free to message me on my PokeCommunity page or join my Discord server (after accepting and agreeing to follow common sense, "family-friendly" rules). Please treat the Discord kindly:

  • PokeCommunity: https://www.pokecommunity.com/members/razormime.972604/
  • Discord (be sure to select your roles and interests): https://discord.gg/9x7j2VWyyM
    • If this link ever becomes invalid, it is probably because there is a new link — to find the new link, simply find the download for this rom hack again, and check the updated readme file.

Only trust downloads of my hacks from my Discord group, or these two sites:

  • Romhacking.net: https://www.romhacking.net/community/6608/
  • PokeCommunity Forums: https://www.pokecommunity.com/threads/pokemon-emerald-386.530669/

Downloads found elsewhere are not uploaded by me, and there are a number of downloads that we've already discovered which are not my hacks, but are using my name and hack titles. Stay safe.

Pokemon Emerald 386 — Berry Guide (v1.4.5)

  • This guide does not mention pre-planted berry trees (with one notable exception).
  • This guide will not mention removed vanilla methods.
  • Please also see the Special Notes section at the bottom of the document.

Berry List by Number

# Berry Location(s)
01 Cheri Route 104 Flower Shop Girl's random daily gift; Lilycove City Gentleman's random daily gift
02 Chesto Route 104 Flower Shop Girl's random daily gift; Lilycove City Gentleman's random daily gift; Route 104 Old Woman's gift
03 Pecha Route 104 Flower Shop Girl's random daily gift; Lilycove City Gentleman's random daily gift
04 Rawst Route 104 Flower Shop Girl's random daily gift; Lilycove City Gentleman's random daily gift
05 Aspear Route 104 Flower Shop Girl's random daily gift; Lilycove City Gentleman's random daily gift
06 Leppa Route 104 Flower Shop Girl's random daily gift; Lilycove City Gentleman's random daily gift
07 Oran Lilycove City Gentleman's random daily gift
08 Persim Lilycove City Gentleman's random daily gift
09 Lum Lilycove City Gentleman's random daily gift; Held by Celebi
10 Sitrus Lilycove City Gentleman's random daily gift
11 Figy Sootopolis City Kiri's random daily gift
12 Wiki Commonly held by wild Murkrow
13 Mago Commonly held by Meowth
14 Aguav Commonly held by Mankey
15 Iapapa Sootopolis City Kiri's random daily gift
16 Razz Route 111 Girl's daily gift; Route 114 Guy's random daily gift
17 Bluk Route 114 Guy's random daily gift
18 Nanab Route 114 Guy's random daily gift
19 Wepear Route 114 Guy's random daily gift
20 Pinap Route 114 Guy's random daily gift
21 Pomeg Berry Master's random daily gift; Sootopolis City Kiri's random daily gift
22 Kelpsy Berry Master's random daily gift; Sootopolis City Kiri's random daily gift
23 Qualot Berry Master's random daily gift; Sootopolis City Kiri's random daily gift
24 Hondew Berry Master's random daily gift; Sootopolis City Kiri's random daily gift
25 Grepa Berry Master's random daily gift; Sootopolis City Kiri's random daily gift
26 Tamato Berry Master's random daily gift; Sootopolis City Kiri's random daily gift
27 Cornn Berry Master's random daily gift; Sootopolis City Kiri's random daily gift
28 Magost Berry Master's random daily gift; Sootopolis City Kiri's random daily gift
29 Rabuta Berry Master's random daily gift; Sootopolis City Kiri's random daily gift
30 Nomel Berry Master's random daily gift; Sootopolis City Kiri's random daily gift
31 Spelon Berry Master's Wife's secret phrase: GREAT BATTLE; Berry Master's Wife's random daily gift
32 Pamtre Berry Master's Wife's secret phrase: CHALLENGE CONTEST (unlock with contest pass); Berry Master's Wife's random daily gift
33 Watmel Berry Master's Wife's secret phrase: OVERWHELMING LATIAS (unlock with Latias Pokedex entry); Berry Master's Wife's random daily gift
34 Durin Berry Master's Wife's secret phrase: COOL LATIOS (unlock with Latios Pokedex entry); Berry Master's Wife's random daily gift
35 Belue Berry Master's Wife's secret phrase: SUPER HUSTLE; Berry Master's Wife's random daily gift
36 Liechi Berry Master's Wife's random daily gift; Held by Gift Jirachi; Found on Mirage Island
37 Ganlon Berry Master's Wife's random daily gift; Hidden near Battle Frontier Bed & Breakfast (respawns with each Elite 4 victory)
38 Salac Berry Master's Wife's random daily gift; Hidden near Battle Frontier Bed & Breakfast (respawns with each Elite 4 victory)
39 Petaya Commonly held by Teddiursa
40 Apicot Hidden near Battle Frontier Bed & Breakfast (respawns with each Elite 4 victory)
41 Lansat Battle Frontier Scott's Gift for obtaining all Battle Frontier Silver Symbols (x3)
42 Starf Battle Frontier Scott's Gift for obtaining all Battle Frontier Silver Symbols (x3)
43 Enigma Unobtainable — For more info, see Special Information at the bottom of this guide.

Berry List by Method

Route 104: Pretty Petal Flower Shop Girl's Daily Random Single-Berry Gift Cheri (01), Chesto (02), Pecha (03), Rawst (04), Aspear (05), Leppa (06)

Lilycove City: Gentleman's Daily Random Single-Berry Gift Cheri (01), Chesto (02), Pecha (03), Rawst (04), Aspear (05), Leppa (06), Oran (07), Persim (08), Lum (09), Sitrus (10)

Sootopolis City: Kiri's Daily Random Double-Berry Gift Figy (11), Iapapa (15), Pomeg (21), Kelpsy (22), Qualot (23), Hondew (24), Grepa (25), Tamato (26), Cornn (27), Magost (28), Rabuta (29), Nomel (30)

Route 111: Man's Daily Random Single-Berry Gift Razz (16), Bluk (17), Nanab (18), Wepear (19), Pinap (20)

Route 123: Berry Master's Daily Random Double-Berry Gift Pomeg (21), Kelpsy (22), Qualot (23), Hondew (24), Grepa (25), Tamato (26), Cornn (27), Magost (28), Rabuta (29), Nomel (30)

Route 123: Berry Master's Wife's Daily Random Single-Berry Gift (and alternate one-time secret phrase)

Berry Secret Phrase
Spelon (31) "GREAT BATTLE"
Pamtre (32) "CHALLENGE CONTEST" (unlocked with contest pass)
Watmel (33) "OVERWHELMING LATIAS" (unlocked with Latias Pokedex entry)
Durin (34) "COOL LATIOS" (unlocked with Latios Pokedex entry)
Belue (35) "SUPER HUSTLE"
Liechi (36) —
Ganlon (37) —
Salac (38) —

Found on Pokemon

Berry Source
Lum (09) Roaming Celebi (100% — but may use in battle)
Wiki (12) Wild Murkrow (Common)
Mago (13) Wild Meowth (Common)
Aguav (14) Wild Mankey (Common)
Liechi (36) Gift Jirachi (100%)
Petaya (39) Teddiursa (Common)

Rare Finds

Berry Location
Liechi (36) Mirage Island (as a Berry Tree)
Ganlon (37) Battle Frontier: Hidden near the Bed & Breakfast (respawns with each Elite 4 victory)
Salac (38) Battle Frontier: Hidden near the Bed & Breakfast (respawns with each Elite 4 victory)
Apicot (40) Battle Frontier: Hidden near the Bed & Breakfast (respawns with each Elite 4 victory)

One-Time Gifts

Berry Source
Chesto (02) Route 104: Old Woman (1 berry) — Note: can still be found repeatably in the flower shop.
Lansat (41) Battle Frontier: Scott (3 Berries) — Gift for obtaining all Battle Frontier SILVER Symbols
Starf (42) Battle Frontier: Scott (3 Berries) — Gift for obtaining all Battle Frontier GOLD Symbols

Special Notes

With the first "Berry Update (v1.3)" I had made Enigma Berries available, even though they are pretty much a novelty — the berries don't really do anything special to Pokeblocks, and do nothing by themselves. However, after a few days of thought, I've decided to remove them again (as of patch v1.3.3).

The problem with these berries is that a planted Enigma Berry will take a full 96 hours before it can be harvested! If a player were to plant a bunch of these berries, not knowing they take so long to harvest and that they have no real use, they will be stuck with these plants for a long time — ESPECIALLY if their emulator does not have a working RTC (where they will need to pass 96 hours using actual play-time).

All OTHER berries are now infinitely obtainable without planting, EXCEPT Lansat and Starf berries. I've left these two prizes as they are to keep their importance, however, I have updated the quantity you receive to THREE berries each (instead of just one) so that you can plant one and keep a couple in pocket until the first plant has fully fruited, giving you more, and keeping berries safe from disappearing.

Special Thanks: The "Berry FAQ (v0.991)" by verbalillusion on GameFAQs was consulted not only in preparing the info for vanilla acquisitions in this guide, but for also guiding me to which berries needed changing or adding to the Emerald 386 project as a whole, so this is a super special thank you to them! Follow this link for their original FAQ: https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/gba/921905-pokemon-emerald-version/faqs/38369

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