Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire is a real pinball game, and a demanding one. These tips will help you keep the ball in play and fill your Pokédex faster.
Choosing your field
Start with whichever one appeals to you: you need both to complete the Pokédex, since some Pokémon are exclusive to each. The Sapphire Field is often considered slightly easier for catching, the Ruby Field for the shop; it’s up to you. See Fields and areas.
Keeping the ball alive
- Don’t hit at random: wait for the ball to reach the flipper before aiming.
- Use the nudge sparingly to correct a trajectory.
- Buy Ball Savers at the shop, especially before a Catch ‘Em Mode.
Filling the Pokédex
- Start Catch ‘Em Mode with three arrows lit as soon as you can: more Pokémon become available.
- Change areas often to vary the Pokémon.
- Evolve your Pokémon: each evolution counts double toward the bonus stages.
- Don’t forget Eggs: many baby Pokémon can only be obtained that way.
The complete list is on our Pokédex page.
Going after the legendary Pokémon
Groudon and Kyogre can be caught on the second encounter in a bonus stage, as can Rayquaza; Jirachi comes from the Slot in the Ruins, and the Regis are found in the Ruins. See Bonus stages.
