Pocket Gaiden FAQ

Pocket Gaiden FAQ

Q: What game is this, is it a rom hack?
A: This is a rom hack called Pocket Gaiden, it's based on Emerald and was recently created in Feb 2020 by Mantager/Ocean. I'm playing on an older version (v1.2) since the latest and final version has a MUCH tougher penultimate fight (requires a ton of luck to win).

Q: What Pokemon will you use for this run?
A: I'm forced to start with a Dedenne, and I will be picking up a Seedot about 9 minutes in and evolving it to Shiftry to do the last four fights.

Q: Why is Shiftry so good for this run?
A: It gets Growth which boosts physical and special attack (no X items in this game). It also resists the first trainer it fights which is good since it's super underlevelled there. It also gets a workable movepool that can beat the last few fights, unlike the other limited options in the hack.

Q: Are there any manipulations?
A: Yes, I will manipulate the Seedot. This will require me to take a specific (flexible) number of steps leading up to the manip, as well as hitting an eight frame window (seven of the eight frames are Seedots) using a conventional RSE encounter manip.

Q: What are the IVs on the Seedot?
A: It depends on which frame I hit. They all have a wide range of IVs, natures, and abilities, but the key thing is I've routed almost all of them so they have their own specific strats. For the most part, it'll be the same other than some defensive damage ranges and maybe saving a turn here and there. But I would say the best one of the bunch has a Quiet nature, with 22 HP (avg), 10 Att, 6 Def, 21 SpA (avg), 4 SpD and 3 Speed.

Q: That really doesn't seem that good r.e. IVs. Does this even work?
A: That is correct, in theory I could hunt for something better, but it's a lot of work to find these Seedots manually (I don't know how to bot it). Regardless, the Special Attack is really all you need and that's pretty solid.

Q: What is the best time / WR?
A: 36:30 by me.

Q: How much better do you think this can get time-wise?
A: Definitely a low 36:xx is reasonable, provided I get Seedot first try, hit no spinners and have reasonable luck on the last four fights. Sub-36 will be harder and may need the stronger Quiet Seedot, and also involve a bit more risk.