Hey, Pokémon Trainers! Are you itching to add some Gen 1 goodness to your Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire teams? Getting your hands on the Kanto starters – Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle – in ORAS is totally doable, and this guide will walk you through exactly how to snag these iconic Pokémon. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newbie just diving into the Hoenn region, this is your one-stop shop for adding a touch of Kanto nostalgia to your adventure.

Understanding the Kanto Starters in ORAS

Before we jump into the how-to, let's chat a bit about why these Pokémon are so popular and why you might want them on your team. The Kanto starters – Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle – are the original trio that kicked off many trainers' Pokémon journeys back in Red and Blue. Each of these Pokémon has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, making them valuable additions to any team.

• Bulbasaur: As a Grass/Poison type, Bulbasaur is super effective against Water, Ground, and Rock types. Its final evolution, Venusaur, can be a bulky special attacker, capable of dishing out significant damage while taking hits. Venusaur also has a Mega Evolution in ORAS, boosting its stats and giving it the Thick Fat ability, which nullifies its weakness to Fire and Ice types.
• Charmander: The fiery Charmander is a favorite for many. Evolving into Charizard, a Fire/Flying type, it gains access to powerful moves and is effective against Grass, Bug, Steel, and Ice types. Charizard boasts two Mega Evolutions in ORAS: Mega Charizard X, which becomes a Fire/Dragon type, and Mega Charizard Y, which significantly boosts its Special Attack. Both Mega Evolutions offer unique strategic advantages.
• Squirtle: Squirtle, the Water-type turtle Pokémon, evolves into Blastoise. Blastoise is a sturdy Pokémon with high Defense and Special Defense, making it a reliable tank. With its Mega Evolution in ORAS, Mega Blastoise gains even more bulk and a powerful ability, Mega Launcher, which boosts the power of moves like Aura Sphere and Water Pulse.

Having these Kanto starters on your team not only adds some nostalgic flair but also provides strategic depth, thanks to their diverse move sets and Mega Evolutions.

Method 1: Pokémon Bank and Transporter

One of the most reliable methods to get the Kanto starters in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire involves using Pokémon Bank and Pokémon Transporter. This method allows you to transfer Pokémon from older games to your ORAS game. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Prerequisites:
   • A Nintendo 3DS or 2DS system.
   • A copy of Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire.
   • A copy of a Generation V (Black, White, Black 2, White 2) or Generation VI (X, Y) Pokémon game.
   • A subscription to Pokémon Bank.
2. Set Up Pokémon Bank:
   • Download Pokémon Bank and Pokémon Transporter from the Nintendo eShop on your 3DS.
   • Install both applications.
   • Launch Pokémon Bank and follow the instructions to set up your account. This may involve linking your Nintendo Network ID.
3. Transfer from Older Games:
   • If using a Gen V game:
     • Insert your Black, White, Black 2, or White 2 game into your 3DS.
     • Open Pokémon Transporter.
     • Follow the on-screen instructions to transfer your Pokémon to the Pokémon Bank.
   • If using a Gen VI game:
     • Insert your X or Y game into your 3DS.
     • Open Pokémon Bank.
     • Deposit the Kanto starters (or any Pokémon you wish to transfer) into the Pokémon Bank.
4. Transfer to ORAS:
   • Insert your Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire game into your 3DS.
   • Open Pokémon Bank.
   • Withdraw the Kanto starters from the Pokémon Bank into your ORAS game.

Using Pokémon Bank and Transporter is a straightforward way to bring your favorite Kanto starters into Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Just make sure you have an active Pokémon Bank subscription and the necessary game cartridges.

Method 2: Trading with Other Players

Another fantastic way to acquire the Kanto starters in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire is through trading with other players. This method relies on the Pokémon community and can be a fun and interactive way to expand your collection. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Online Connectivity:
   • Ensure your Nintendo 3DS is connected to the internet. A stable internet connection is crucial for trading with other players.
   • You will also need a Nintendo Network ID linked to your 3DS.
2. Finding Trading Partners:
   • Online Forums and Communities: Websites like Reddit ( /PokemonTrades), Serebii.net, and other Pokémon-centric forums are great places to find players willing to trade. Post what you’re looking for and what you have to offer.
   • Social Media: Use platforms like Twitter and Facebook to connect with Pokémon trading groups. Hashtags like #PokemonTrades and #ORAS are your friends.
   • Local Game Stores and Events: Check if your local game store hosts Pokémon events or trading meetups. These can be excellent opportunities to meet fellow trainers in person.
3. Setting Up the Trade:
   • Once you’ve found a trading partner, coordinate a time to trade.
   • In your Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire game, go to the Player Search System (PSS) on the bottom screen.
   • Connect to the internet via the PSS.
   • Find your trading partner on your Friend List or through the Acquaintances list if you’ve traded with them before.
4. Completing the Trade:
   • Initiate the trade with your partner.
   • Carefully review the Pokémon being offered to ensure it’s what you agreed upon.
   • Confirm the trade to receive your Kanto starter!

Trading can be a bit unpredictable, but it’s often the most accessible method, especially if you don’t have access to Pokémon Bank or older generation games. Plus, it's a great way to make new friends in the Pokémon community!

Method 3: Breeding

Breeding is another viable strategy for obtaining Kanto starters in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, especially if you already have one of the starters or their evolutions. This method involves breeding the starter with a Ditto or another compatible Pokémon to produce Eggs, which can then hatch into more starters. Here’s how to do it:

1. Obtain a Kanto Starter or Evolution:
   • You’ll need at least one of the Kanto starters (Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle) or their evolved forms (Ivysaur, Venusaur, Charmeleon, Charizard, Wartortle, or Blastoise). You can acquire these through Pokémon Bank, trading, or other methods.
2. Find a Ditto:
   • Ditto is an invaluable Pokémon for breeding because it can breed with almost any Pokémon, regardless of its gender. You can find Ditto in the Pokémon Village on Route 20 in Pokémon X and Y. If you don’t have X or Y, you may need to trade for a Ditto.
3. Head to the Day Care:
   • In Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, the Day Care is located on Route 117, west of Mauville City. Talk to the Day-Care Couple to deposit your Pokémon.
4. Deposit the Pokémon:
   • Deposit the Kanto starter (or its evolution) and Ditto into the Day Care.
   • If you’re breeding a female starter, you can also use another compatible Pokémon from its Egg Group instead of Ditto. Check Bulbapedia or Serebii.net for a Pokémon's Egg Group.
5. Wait for an Egg:
   • Walk around or bike around the Day Care. After a while, the Day-Care Man will turn around, indicating that an Egg has been found.
   • Talk to him to receive the Egg. Make sure you have an empty slot in your party.
6. Hatch the Egg:
   • Keep the Egg in your party and continue to walk or bike around. The Egg will hatch after a certain number of steps.
   • The Pokémon that hatches will be the base form of the female Pokémon you deposited (or the non-Ditto Pokémon if you used a male starter with Ditto). In this case, it will be Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle.

Breeding can take some time, but it’s a reliable way to get multiple Kanto starters. Plus, you can use breeding to influence the Pokémon's IVs (Individual Values) and nature for competitive battling.

Tips for Catching and Training Your Kanto Starters

So, you’ve managed to get your hands on a Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Awesome! Now, let's talk about how to make the most of these fantastic Pokémon.

• Check IVs and Natures: Before investing too much time in training, check your starter’s IVs (Individual Values) and nature. IVs are hidden stats that contribute to a Pokémon's potential, while nature affects which stats grow faster. You can use an IV calculator or visit the IV Judge in the Pokémon Center after defeating the Elite Four. A good nature can significantly impact your Pokémon's performance in battle. For example:
  • Bulbasaur/Venusaur: A Modest (+Special Attack, -Attack) or Calm (+Special Defense, -Attack) nature can be beneficial.
  • Charmander/Charizard: A Modest or Timid (+Speed, -Attack) nature is great for Special Attack-focused Charizards, while an Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) nature works well for Mega Charizard X.
  • Squirtle/Blastoise: A Modest or Calm nature can enhance Blastoise’s Special Attack and Special Defense.
• EV Training: EV (Effort Value) training is crucial for competitive battling. EV training involves battling specific Pokémon to increase certain stats. For example:
  • To increase Special Attack, battle Pokémon like Roselia or Tentacool.
  • To increase Speed, battle Pokémon like Wingull or Zubat.
  • To increase Defense or Special Defense, look for Pokémon like Aron or Tentacool.
• Move Sets: Choosing the right moves can make a big difference. Here are some recommended movesets for each starter:
  • Venusaur: Giga Drain, Sludge Bomb, Sleep Powder, Hidden Power (Fire/Ice)
  • Charizard: Fire Blast, Air Slash, Dragon Pulse, Focus Blast (for Mega Charizard Y) or Flare Blitz, Dragon Claw, Earthquake, Thunder Punch (for Mega Charizard X)
  • Blastoise: Water Spout/Hydro Pump, Aura Sphere, Ice Beam, Dark Pulse
• Mega Evolution: Don’t forget that Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise all have Mega Evolutions in ORAS. Mega Evolving can significantly boost their stats and abilities, giving you a strategic advantage in battles. Experiment with both Mega Charizard X and Mega Charizard Y to see which one fits your play style.

By paying attention to these details, you can raise your Kanto starters into formidable members of your team.

Conclusion

Getting the Kanto starters in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire is totally achievable through various methods like Pokémon Bank, trading, and breeding. Each method has its own pros and cons, so choose the one that best suits your resources and preferences. Once you have your Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle, invest time in training them, optimizing their IVs, natures, and move sets. With the right care, these Gen 1 classics can become powerhouses in your ORAS adventure. Happy training, and may your battles be ever in your favor!