Deoxys, the Mythical Pokémon known for its multiple Formes and cosmic origins, is a coveted catch for any Pokémon trainer. While Deoxys isn’t natively available in Pokémon Emerald through normal gameplay, dedicated players can obtain it through a special event item called the Aurora Ticket. This ticket was originally distributed at Nintendo events, but as those events are long past, obtaining Deoxys requires alternative methods, typically involving Action Replay codes or emulators with ROM hacks. This guide will provide a detailed walkthrough of how to get Deoxys in Pokémon Emerald, acknowledging the necessary use of external tools to achieve this.
Understanding the Challenge
Pokémon Emerald, unlike some later installments, does not include Deoxys as part of its regular storyline. Deoxys was an event-exclusive Pokémon, meaning it was only available to players who received the Aurora Ticket at specific promotional events. Without this ticket, you cannot access Birth Island, the location where Deoxys resides in the game. Therefore, getting Deoxys involves circumventing this limitation by using tools that can modify the game.
Disclaimer: Using Action Replay codes or ROM hacks can potentially corrupt your save file or introduce glitches into your game. Proceed with caution and at your own risk. It’s highly recommended to back up your save file before attempting any of these methods. This guide is for informational purposes only and assumes you have the necessary hardware/software and understand the risks involved.
Method 1: Using Action Replay Codes
Action Replay devices allow you to enter codes that modify the game’s behavior. This is the most common method for obtaining the Aurora Ticket and accessing Birth Island. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Acquire an Action Replay Device
First, you’ll need an Action Replay device compatible with your Game Boy Advance or Nintendo DS (if you’re playing on one of those). These devices plug into your console and allow you to input codes that alter the game. Ensure you have the correct version of Action Replay for your console.
Step 2: Obtain the Aurora Ticket Code
You’ll need the specific Action Replay code to obtain the Aurora Ticket. These codes are readily available online on various forums and Pokémon communities. A common code for the Aurora Ticket is something similar to (but may vary based on your Action Replay version, so always double-check the source):
- Code: (Example – Replace with the correct code for your device and game version) B74923D4 A36E41A4
02D7B1B0 A2076321
Important Note: The exact code may differ based on your specific Action Replay device and the region of your Pokémon Emerald game. Always verify the code before using it to prevent potential issues.
Step 3: Enter the Code into Your Action Replay
Follow the instructions that came with your Action Replay device to enter the code. Typically, you’ll need to turn on your Game Boy Advance/Nintendo DS with the Action Replay inserted, navigate to the code entry screen, and manually input the code. Double-check each digit to ensure accuracy.
Step 4: Start Pokémon Emerald with the Code Enabled
Once the code is entered, enable it in the Action Replay menu. Then, start Pokémon Emerald. The game should now recognize that you have the Aurora Ticket.
Step 5: Visit the Ferry in Lilycove City or Slateport City
Head to either Lilycove City or Slateport City and enter the harbor. Talk to the sailor at the ferry terminal. With the Aurora Ticket in your possession (or rather, the game thinking you have it), he will offer to take you to Birth Island.
Step 6: Travel to Birth Island
Accept the sailor’s offer, and you’ll set sail for Birth Island. This island is a small, mysterious place with a unique puzzle that you must solve to encounter Deoxys.
Step 7: Solve the Birth Island Puzzle
On Birth Island, you’ll see a black triangle in the center of the island. This triangle is the key to encountering Deoxys. Here’s how to solve the puzzle:
- Interact with the Triangle: Touch the triangle. It will move to a different location on the island.
- Find the New Location: Walk to the triangle’s new location and interact with it again.
- Repeat: Keep repeating this process. Each time you interact with the triangle, it will move, and the speed at which it moves will increase. The color of the triangle will also change as you progress.
- Final Interaction: After several interactions, the triangle will turn red. Interact with it one last time.
Step 8: Battle and Catch Deoxys
After the final interaction with the red triangle, Deoxys will appear! This will be a challenging battle, so be prepared. Deoxys is at Level 30 and has the following moves:
- Moveset: Leer, Wrap, Night Shade, Teleport
Here are some tips for catching Deoxys:
- Save Before the Battle: Save your game before interacting with the red triangle. This allows you to reset and try again if you accidentally knock out Deoxys or run out of Poké Balls.
- Weaken Deoxys: Use moves that don’t cause fainting, such as False Swipe or Hold Back, to bring Deoxys’s HP down to 1.
- Inflict Status Conditions: Paralysis, sleep, or freeze can make it easier to catch Deoxys. Use moves like Thunder Wave, Sleep Powder, or Ice Beam.
- Use Ultra Balls: Ultra Balls have a higher catch rate than standard Poké Balls. Stock up on them before heading to Birth Island.
- Be Patient: Catching a Mythical Pokémon can take time. Don’t get discouraged if it takes multiple attempts.
Step 9: Remove the Action Replay Code
Once you’ve caught Deoxys, it’s generally a good idea to remove the Action Replay code to avoid potential conflicts or glitches in other parts of the game. Save your game, turn off your Game Boy Advance/Nintendo DS, remove the Action Replay, and then restart the game normally.
Method 2: Using ROM Hacks on Emulators
Another way to obtain Deoxys is by using a ROM hack on a Pokémon Emerald emulator. ROM hacks are modified versions of the game that can include new events, Pokémon, and features. This method requires a computer, an emulator, and a ROM of Pokémon Emerald.
Step 1: Obtain a Pokémon Emerald ROM
First, you’ll need a ROM (Read-Only Memory) file of Pokémon Emerald. You can find these online, but be aware that downloading ROMs from unofficial sources may be illegal in your region. Ensure you understand the legal implications before proceeding. You will also need to decrypt the ROM file if you have one. There are numerous free tools to do this available online. Search for “GBA Rom Decrypter”.
Step 2: Download and Install a GBA Emulator
Next, you’ll need a Game Boy Advance (GBA) emulator to play the ROM on your computer. Popular emulators include:
- VisualBoyAdvance (VBA): A classic and widely used GBA emulator.
- mGBA: A more modern emulator with improved accuracy and features.
Download and install your chosen emulator by following the instructions provided on the emulator’s website.
Step 3: Find a ROM Hack That Includes the Aurora Ticket Event
Search online for Pokémon Emerald ROM hacks that specifically include the Aurora Ticket event or make Deoxys accessible in some other way. ROM hacking communities and forums are great resources for finding these hacks. Some ROM hacks might directly add the Aurora Ticket to your inventory at the start of the game, while others might modify the game world to include Birth Island without needing the ticket. Look for hacks that are well-regarded and have clear instructions.
Example ROM Hack names (Always check for compatibility and legitimacy before downloading):
- Pokémon Emerald Enhanced
- Pokémon Emerald Genesis
Step 4: Apply the ROM Hack to Your Pokémon Emerald ROM
Once you’ve downloaded a suitable ROM hack, you’ll need to apply it to your Pokémon Emerald ROM. This process usually involves using a patching tool. Common patching tools include:
- Lunar IPS (LIPS): A simple and widely used patching tool for IPS patches.
- Online Patchers: Some websites offer online ROM patching services.
Follow the instructions provided with the ROM hack to apply the patch correctly. Typically, you’ll need to open the patching tool, select the original Pokémon Emerald ROM, select the ROM hack patch file, and then apply the patch. This will create a new, modified ROM file.
Step 5: Load the Modified ROM in Your Emulator
Open your GBA emulator and load the modified Pokémon Emerald ROM file. The game should now include the changes introduced by the ROM hack, such as the Aurora Ticket event or direct access to Birth Island.
Step 6: Access Birth Island and Catch Deoxys
Depending on the ROM hack, you can now access Birth Island in one of two ways:
- Aurora Ticket: If the hack adds the Aurora Ticket to your inventory, go to Lilycove City or Slateport City, talk to the sailor at the ferry terminal, and travel to Birth Island.
- Direct Access: Some hacks might add a direct route to Birth Island on the map. Explore the world to find the entrance.
Once you’re on Birth Island, follow the steps outlined in Method 1 to solve the puzzle and battle Deoxys. Save before the battle, weaken Deoxys, inflict status conditions, use Ultra Balls, and be patient until you catch it.
Important Considerations
- Save File Backups: Always back up your save file before using Action Replay codes or ROM hacks. This will protect your progress in case something goes wrong.
- Code Verification: Double-check Action Replay codes to ensure they are correct for your game version and Action Replay device. Incorrect codes can cause glitches or corruption.
- ROM Hack Compatibility: Research ROM hacks to ensure they are compatible with your emulator and won’t cause major issues. Read reviews and check for known bugs.
- Legality: Be aware of the legal implications of downloading ROMs from unofficial sources. In some regions, it may be illegal to download or distribute copyrighted material.
- Ethical Considerations: Consider the ethical implications of using these methods. Obtaining event-exclusive Pokémon through unofficial means might be seen as cheating by some players.
Tips for Catching Deoxys
Regardless of the method you use to access Deoxys, the battle will be challenging. Here are some additional tips to increase your chances of success:
- Prepare Your Team: Bring a team of strong Pokémon with a variety of move types. Pokémon with high Special Defense are particularly useful against Deoxys’s Night Shade attack.
- False Swipe or Hold Back: These moves always leave the opponent with at least 1 HP, making it easier to weaken Deoxys without accidentally knocking it out. Scizor and Gallade are good choices for learning False Swipe.
- Status Conditions: Paralysis, sleep, and freeze can significantly increase your chances of catching Deoxys. Use moves like Thunder Wave, Sleep Powder, or Ice Beam.
- Ultra Balls and Timer Balls: Ultra Balls have a good catch rate, but Timer Balls become more effective the longer the battle goes on. Use a combination of both.
- Patience: Catching a Mythical Pokémon can take many attempts. Don’t give up! Keep trying different strategies and Poké Balls until you succeed.
- Master Ball (Optional): If you have a Master Ball, it guarantees a successful catch. However, Master Balls are rare, so consider whether you want to use it on Deoxys or save it for another Pokémon.
Alternative: Pokémon Go and Other Games
If you’re having trouble obtaining Deoxys in Pokémon Emerald, you might consider obtaining it in other Pokémon games where it’s more readily available. Deoxys has been featured in Pokémon Go through EX Raids and Special Research events. You can also transfer Deoxys from Pokémon Go to Pokémon Home and then to other compatible Pokémon games, such as Pokémon Sword and Shield (if Deoxys is compatible with those games).
Conclusion
Obtaining Deoxys in Pokémon Emerald requires the use of Action Replay codes or ROM hacks, given the original event distribution is long over. While these methods can be effective, they also carry risks and potential drawbacks. By following the steps outlined in this guide and taking the necessary precautions, you can increase your chances of successfully catching Deoxys and adding this powerful Mythical Pokémon to your collection. Remember to always back up your save file and proceed with caution. Good luck, trainer!