How to Snag That Sapphire in FireRed: A Veteran Trainer’s Guide
The coveted Sapphire in Pokémon FireRed isn’t handed to you on a silver platter. It’s a post-game treasure requiring dedication and a healthy dose of Mystery Gift know-how. You need to have beaten the Elite Four and completed a specific quest line within the Sevii Islands after you get the National Pokedex. More specifically, it’s not available until after you do the quest line involving Bill’s friend on One Island and the Lostelle’s father on Three Island. Then you will have to go to Five Island to start the Rocket Warehouse quest line.
Unlocking the Sapphire: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Getting your hands on the Sapphire involves a multi-stage process, demanding you become a seasoned explorer of the Sevii Islands:
Conquer the Pokémon League: This is non-negotiable. You must defeat the Elite Four and become the Champion of the Kanto region to unlock the necessary post-game content.
Complete the Ruby Quest: Head to One Island and help Celio fix his Pokémon Network Center by finding the Ruby inside Mt. Ember. This opens up further exploration in the Sevii Islands.
Three Island Troubles: Travel to Three Island and deal with the bikers disrupting the peace and find Lostelle’s father. He is a trainer that is in the Berry Forest. Defeating the bikers will allow you to continue your journey.
Five Island Reconnaissance: Set sail for Five Island. Here you will find the Rocket Warehouse, which will be an important place for you to find Team Rocket.
Infiltrate the Rocket Warehouse: This abandoned facility is crawling with Team Rocket grunts. Battle your way through them, solving simple puzzles and defeating the head Grunt.
Rescue the Scientist: You will find a scientist being held captive at the Rocket Warehouse. He will tell you more about the Sapphire.
Head to Six Island: After speaking to the scientist you will learn that the Sapphire is located on Six Island, in the Dotted Hole.
Navigate the Dotted Hole: Located in the middle of Water Labyrinth on Six Island, this cave requires you to solve a series of hole puzzles. Each wrong turn leads to a fall and a reset. You will need the Cut HM, so bring a Pokemon that knows it.
Claim Your Prize: At the end of the Dotted Hole puzzle, you’ll find the Sapphire waiting for you. Beware that a scientist will be waiting at the entrance to steal the Sapphire!
Chase Down the Thief: Return to One Island, and then you’ll have to go to the Tanoby Ruins on Seven Island. After defeating him, he will hand over the Sapphire.
Return to Celio: Finally, return to Celio at the Pokémon Network Center on One Island. He will take the Sapphire and use it to complete the Network Machine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Sapphire
1. What happens if I fail to do the Ruby quest on One Island?
If you don’t find the Ruby in Mt. Ember and give it to Celio, you won’t be able to progress in the Sevii Islands quest line and, therefore, cannot access the Sapphire.
2. Can I get the Sapphire before defeating the Elite Four?
Absolutely not. The Sapphire is a post-game item, and the necessary areas and events only unlock after you become the Champion.
3. Is the Sapphire required to complete the National Pokédex?
No, the Sapphire itself isn’t a Pokémon or a Pokédex entry. However, finding it is integral to connecting with Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, which unlocks certain features.
4. What Pokémon are good to use when battling through the Rocket Warehouse?
Electric-type Pokémon like Jolteon or Raichu are excellent choices due to their effectiveness against Water and Flying types that Team Rocket uses. A Fighting-type is also useful for taking down Normal-type Pokémon.
5. How difficult is the Dotted Hole puzzle?
The Dotted Hole puzzle can be frustrating if you don’t pay attention. Take your time, write down the correct sequence, and be patient. It’s more about methodical navigation than brute force.
6. What level should my Pokémon be before tackling the Sevii Islands?
Ideally, your team should be around level 50-60. The trainers in the Sevii Islands are a decent challenge, and you’ll want to be adequately prepared.
7. Can I miss the Sapphire permanently?
No, the Sapphire is not missable. If you fail to retrieve it from the thief on Seven Island, you can always challenge him again.
8. What is the purpose of connecting with Ruby and Sapphire after getting the Sapphire?
Connecting with Ruby and Sapphire allows you to trade Pokémon exclusive to those games into your FireRed save. This is crucial for completing your National Pokédex.
9. Is it possible to duplicate the Sapphire using glitches?
While glitches can sometimes be found in Pokémon games, using them can corrupt your save file. It’s best to get the Sapphire legitimately.
10. Does the order of the Sevii Islands I visit matter?
Yes, the Ruby quest on One Island is the starting point. After that, progressing in the Three Island to Five Island is crucial to unlock the next island.
11. What HM moves are essential for navigating the Sevii Islands besides Cut?
Surf is a must-have for traversing the water routes between the islands. Strength and Rock Smash can also be helpful for accessing certain areas and hidden items.
12. After Celio gets the Sapphire, can I do anything else with him?
Once Celio has the Sapphire, you can no longer interact with him in any meaningful way concerning the quest. His role is complete after connecting the Network Machine. Now you can get trading with Ruby and Sapphire.
Navigating the hunt for the Sapphire in FireRed is a journey of perseverance and exploration. By following these steps and understanding the nuances of the Sevii Islands, you’ll be well on your way to connecting with the broader Pokémon world and completing your ultimate quest. Remember, trainer, patience and preparation are your greatest allies. Good luck!
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