☰
Walkthroughs

What's the difference between Pokemon Omega Ruby and Pokemon Alpha Sapphire?

Spoiler: not much

What's the difference between Pokemon Omega Ruby and Pokemon Alpha Sapphire?
By Mark Brown
|
3DS
| Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire

Since the dawn of time (well, 1998), Pokemon has been sold in two versions. And nothing has changed for the most recent game, Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.

But what's different between the two games? Which should you buy, and do you need both?

Well, the two games are practically identical. They have the same features, world map, and gyms. The main difference is that in Omega Ruby you'll be fighting Team Magma, while in Alpha Sapphire your rival is Team Aqua which slightly changes the events of the narrative.

Also, a number of Pokemon are exclusive to each version of the game. Certain fossilised Pokemon, some of the legendary monsters, and a few common critters who stalk the land can only be found on one version of the game.

That means if you want to catch 'em all, you'll either need to buy both copies of the game or trade with friends or strangers online. But otherwise, you'll get a full experience, whichever game you pick.

The complete list of exclusive Pokemon can be found below:

Exclusive to Omega Ruby

Standard Pokemon Seedot
  • Seedot
  • Nuzleaf
  • Shiftry
  • Mawile
  • Zangoose
  • Solrock
  • Throh
  • Skrelp
  • Dragalge
Ancient Pokemon Kabutops
  • Kabuto
  • Kabutops
  • Shieldon
  • Bastiodon
  • Archen
  • Archeops
Legendary Pokemon Groundon
  • Ho-Oh
  • Groudon
  • Palkia
  • Tornadus
  • Reshiram
Exclusive versions of Pokemon
  • West Sea Shellos
  • West Sea Gastrodon

Exclusive to Alpha Sapphire

Standard Pokemon Sableye
  • Lotad
  • Lombre
  • Ludicolo
  • Sableye
  • Seviper
  • Lunatone
  • Sawk
  • Clauncher
  • Clawitzer
Ancient Pokemon Omastar
  • Omanyte
  • Omastar
  • Cranidos
  • Rampardos
  • Tirtouga
  • Carracosta
Legendary Pokemon Kyogre
  • Lugia
  • Kyogre
  • Dialga
  • Thundurus
  • Zekrom
Exclusive versions of Pokemon
  • East Sea Shellos
  • East Sea Gastrodon

Which version will you get?

Mark Brown
Mark Brown
Twitter
Mark Brown spent several years slaving away at the Steel Media furnace, finally serving as editor at large of Pocket Gamer before moving on to doing some sort of youtube thing.