To get to the 4th Gym in Pokémon Emerald, you’ll need to defeat the third Gym Leader, Wattson, in Mauville City. This guide will walk you through the journey, providing tips and strategies to overcome Wattson and the challenges leading up to him.
Your adventure through Hoenn is a thrilling journey, filled with tough trainers, new Pokémon, and exciting discoveries. Reaching the fourth Gym, which is Wattson’s Gym in Mauville City, is a significant milestone. This guide is crafted to help you navigate the path to this Electric-type challenge, focusing on efficient progression and effective strategies, particularly for Wattson himself.
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The Road to Mauville City: Early Hoenn Exploration
Before you even think about Mauville City, a series of events and locations must be visited. Your journey begins in Littleroot Town, your home. After receiving your starter Pokémon from Professor Birch and defeating your rival, your initial objective is to reach Oldale Town.
Littleroot Town to Route 101
Your very first steps involve familiarizing yourself with your starter Pokémon and Professor Birch’s laboratory. The initial trainers on Route 101 are generally easy to defeat, allowing you to level up your Pokémon.
Oldale Town and Route 102
Oldale Town is a brief stop. Your next destination is Route 102, a path filled with trainers and wild Pokémon like Lotad and Seedot, depending on your version. This route leads you towards Petalburg City.
Petalburg City and Wally
In Petalburg City, you’ll encounter your father, Norman, the Gym Leader. You’ll also meet Wally, a young boy who needs help catching his first Pokémon, a Ralts. This event is crucial as it often unlocks key story elements later. You won’t be challenging the Petalburg Gym yet, as your path lies elsewhere.
Route 104 and Petalburg Woods
Leaving Petalburg City, you’ll head north onto Route 104. This route features a Trainer’s School and the entrance to Petalburg Woods.
Petalburg Woods: Team Aqua/Magma Encounter
Petalburg Woods is a maze-like forest. Here, you’ll face your first real encounter with the villainous team, either Team Aqua or Team Magma, depending on your game version. They will be bothering a contestant from the Lilycove City Pokémon Contest. Defeating the grunts will advance the story and often reward you with useful items.
Outside Petalburg Woods
Emerging from Petalburg Woods, you’ll find yourself on the northern part of Route 104. This section has a berry field and several trainers. The path continues towards Rustboro City.
Rustboro City and Roxanne
Your first Gym challenge awaits in Rustboro City, against Roxanne, the Rock-type Gym Leader. Her Pokémon are typically Geodude and Nosepass. Using Water-type or Grass-type Pokémon is highly effective here.
Devon Corporation and the Tunnel
After defeating Roxanne, you’ll interact with the Devon Corporation, a key organization in Hoenn. You’ll likely be tasked with retrieving a stolen Devon Goods item from the pirates in Slateport City. This involves navigating Granite Cave and potentially dealing with more trainers and wild Pokémon.
Route 116 and the Tunnel
Route 116 is the path leading from Rustboro City towards the coastal areas. It’s here you’ll likely have another encounter with the villainous team.
The Coastal Journey: Slateport City and Dewford Town
Your objective shifts towards the coast and the islands beyond.
Route 105, Route 106, and Route 107
These routes connect the mainland to Dewford Town. They are water routes, meaning you’ll need the Surf HM to progress efficiently. Before you get Surf, you’ll typically travel by boat or through specific land paths that eventually lead to the necessary areas. The initial journey to Dewford often involves navigating through these routes by land or by boat if an NPC provides passage.
Dewford Town: Brawly’s Gym
Dewford Town is your next major stop. Here, you’ll face Brawly, the Fighting-type Gym Leader. His Machop and Meditite are vulnerable to Psychic and Flying-type attacks.
Slateport City: The Port Metropolis
After Dewford Town, you’ll make your way to Slateport City. This bustling port city is a hub of activity.
The Slateport Market
The market in Slateport City is a great place to buy supplies and pick up useful items.
Captain Stern and the Submarine
In Slateport, you’ll often be involved in a storyline concerning Captain Stern and a submarine. This usually involves confronting the villainous team again in their hideout, often near the docks.
Gym Leader Wattson’s Territory
While Wattson is in Mauville City, the events leading to his Gym often involve exploration of the eastern parts of Hoenn, which includes travel back and forth from Slateport.
Preparing for Wattson: Route 104 Revisited and Mawville City
After your initial encounters in Slateport City and potentially a brief visit back towards Petalburg City, your path will eventually lead you eastward.
Route 104 (Southern) and the Ocean
The southern part of Route 104 connects to the ocean. This is where you’ll likely find the necessary assistance or event that allows you to gain access to the Surf HM. Typically, Captain Stern or someone related to the submarine storyline will provide it to you after you’ve dealt with the villainous team.
Obtaining the Surf HM
The Surf HM is a critical HM that allows you to travel across bodies of water. Without it, your access to many areas, including the path to Mauville City, will be severely limited. You usually receive Surf after completing a task in Slateport City related to the submarine.
Route 105, Route 106, and Route 107 (Water Travel)
With Surf, you can now freely travel these routes. They are home to various Water-type Pokémon and trainers. Your goal is to navigate these routes to reach the eastern side of the Hoenn region.
Route 108 and Granite Cave (Revisited if necessary)
Depending on the exact sequence of events, you might need to revisit areas like Granite Cave or the routes around Dewford Town to progress.
Route 109 and the Beach
Route 109 is a scenic beach area that often leads to or from Slateport City.
Route 110 and the Cycling Road
Route 110 is a significant route that links Slateport City to the north. It features the iconic Cycling Road, a long, straight path where you can race against trainers.
Route 111 and Verdanturf Town
Route 111 leads inland. You’ll pass through Verdanturf Town, a peaceful settlement. This route also contains the desert area, which may be accessible later for the Regis puzzle or the Go-Goggles.
Route 112 and Fiery Path
Continuing east, Route 112 leads to the Fiery Path, a volcanic cave system. This area is hot and requires careful navigation.
Route 113 and the Ash Field
Route 113 is known for its unique ash field, where Pokémon may be affected by the falling ash. This area is on the path towards Fallarbor Town.
Fallarbor Town and Meteor Falls
Fallarbor Town is where the Pokémon Day Care is located. Nearby is Meteor Falls, a significant cave system with a storyline involving the legendary Pokémon Groudon or Kyogre.
The Final Approach to Mauville City
Your journey is now nearing Mauville City, the home of the Electric-type Gym Leader, Wattson.
Route 114 and the Safari Zone Entrance
Route 114 is a path that can lead to the Safari Zone entrance. It’s also home to various trainers and wild Pokémon.
Route 117 and the Pokémon Fan Club
Route 117 connects to Mauville City. It features the Pokémon Fan Club, where you can get items for having high-happiness Pokémon.
Mauville City and Wattson’s Gym
You have finally arrived in Mauville City, a city built around a large dam and powered by electricity.
The City’s Features
Mauville City has a Pokémon Center, Mart, and other facilities. The most important building is the Gym, located in the center of the city.
Approaching the Gym
Before challenging Wattson, it’s advisable to have a team that is well-balanced and at an appropriate level. The trainers leading up to Mauville City, and the trainers within the city itself, will provide good opportunities for experience.
Wattson Strategy: Conquering the Electric-type Gym Leader
Gym Leader Wattson is the fourth Gym Leader you will face in Pokémon Emerald. He specializes in Electric-type Pokémon. His team usually consists of Magnemite, Magneton, Voltorb, and Electrike or Manectric.
Wattson’s Team (Typical)
| Pokémon | Level | Type | Weaknesses | Resistances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magnemite | 20 | Electric/Steel | Ground | Electric, Flying, Psychic, Steel, Grass, Dragon, Fairy |
| Magneton | 22 | Electric/Steel | Ground | Electric, Flying, Psychic, Steel, Grass, Dragon, Fairy |
| Voltorb | 21 | Electric | Ground | Electric, Flying, Steel |
| Electrike | 21 | Electric | Ground | Electric, Flying, Steel |
| Manectric | 24 | Electric | Ground | Electric, Flying, Steel |
Note: Levels and specific Pokémon can vary slightly.
Optimal Pokémon for the Battle
To effectively defeat Wattson, you need Pokémon that are strong against Electric-types or can resist their attacks.
Ground-Type Pokémon
Ground-type Pokémon are your best bet against Electric-types as they are immune to Electric-type attacks and deal super-effective damage.
- Geodude/Graveler/Golem: Found early in the game, these offer a solid Ground-typing. They can learn Rock-type moves which are also useful.
- Sandshrew/Sandslash: Available in some areas, these are pure Ground-types.
- Marowak: If you catch a Cubone, it evolves into Marowak, a strong Ground-type.
Grass-Type Pokémon
Grass-types are resistant to Electric-type moves and can deal super-effective damage with their Grass attacks.
- Treecko/Grovyle/Sceptile: If you chose Treecko as your starter, Sceptile is a fast and capable Grass-type.
- Lotad/Lombre/Ludicolo: A Water/Grass type, Ludicolo resists Electric attacks and can hit hard with Water and Grass moves.
- Shroomish/Breloom: Breloom, with its Grass/Fighting typing, can be effective, though its Fighting type doesn’t offer a particular advantage here.
Water-Type Pokémon
Water-types are also resistant to Electric-type attacks.
- Mudkip/Marshtomp/Swampert: If you chose Mudkip, Swampert’s dual Water/Ground typing makes it a powerhouse against Electric-types, offering immunity to Electric attacks and super-effective STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) Ground moves.
- Wingull/Pelipper: A Water/Flying type, Pelipper resists Electric attacks and can learn Flying and Water moves.
- Corphish/Crawdaunt: A Water/Dark type, Crawdaunt resists Electric moves.
Pokémon to Avoid
- Flying-type Pokémon: While Flying-types resist Ground moves, they are weak to Electric-type moves. This makes them a risky choice against Wattson’s primary offense.
- Water-type Pokémon without strong special attack: Electric-type Pokémon often have high special defense, so Water-type Pokémon with low special attack might struggle.
Battle Strategies
- Lead with a Ground-type: Start the battle with your strongest Ground-type Pokémon to immediately put pressure on Wattson.
- Status Conditions: Wattson’s Pokémon, particularly Voltorb and Electrike, can be very fast. Consider using Pokémon that can inflict paralysis (Thunder Wave) or sleep (Sleep Powder, Hypnosis) to slow them down or incapacitate them. However, be aware that some of his Pokémon might have abilities that prevent status conditions.
- Watch out for Magnemite and Magneton: Their Steel typing gives them numerous resistances. Ground-type attacks are your only reliable way to deal super-effective damage to them.
- Switch Wisely: If your primary attacker is about to be knocked out or is facing a super-effective move, switch to a Pokémon that can resist the incoming attack or is at full health.
- Use Items: Don’t hesitate to use Potions, Full Heals, and Revives if needed. X Speed or X Attack can also give your Pokémon a temporary boost.
Post-Wattson Progress
After defeating Wattson, you’ll receive the Thunder Badge. This badge allows Pokémon up to level 40 to obey you and enables the use of the Strength HM outside of battle. You will also receive TM57 (Charge Beam) from Wattson.
Your next destination will typically be Fallarbor Town and then potentially Mt. Chimney, leading you towards the eastern side of Hoenn and the next major Gym Leader, Flannery in Verdanturf Town. The journey to Flannery involves navigating Meteor Falls and eventually reaching Lavaridge Town.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-
What Pokémon are strong against Wattson’s Electric-type Pokémon?
Ground-type Pokémon are the most effective, as they are immune to Electric attacks and deal super-effective damage. Grass and Water-type Pokémon are also good choices as they resist Electric attacks. -
Can I skip any of the gyms before Wattson?
No, the progression in Pokémon Emerald is linear, and you must defeat Roxanne in Rustboro City and Brawly in Dewford Town before you can proceed to Wattson in Mauville City. -
Where do I get the Surf HM?
You typically receive the Surf HM in Slateport City after dealing with Captain Stern and the villainous team’s submarine operations. -
What are the key locations to visit before Mauville City?
Your journey will take you through Petalburg City, Rustboro City, Dewford Town, and Slateport City. You will also traverse various routes like Route 101, 102, 104, 105, 106, 107, 109, and 110. -
What Pokémon are available in Petalburg Woods?
Petalburg Woods typically features Pokémon like Wurmple, Lotad (in Emerald), Seedot (in Emerald), and Poochyena. -
Who is Flannery?
Flannery is the Gym Leader of the Lavaridge Town Gym, specializing in Fire-type Pokémon, and is your next major challenge after Wattson.
By following this guide, you should be well-equipped to navigate the early stages of Pokémon Emerald and emerge victorious against Wattson, the Electric-type Gym Leader of Mauville City. Happy adventuring!