Can you get a bike in Pokémon Omega Ruby? Yes, you absolutely can! In fact, getting a bike is a crucial step in your Hoenn region adventure, opening up new areas and significantly speeding up your travels. This guide will walk you through every step, from receiving your first trusty steed to unlocking the secrets of the advanced models.
Your First Wheels: The Bicycle Basics
After you begin your journey in Littleroot Town and meet Professor Birch, your initial exploration of Hoenn will be on foot. While this allows you to soak in the sights and sounds of the region, it won’t be long before you crave a faster mode of transport. The key to acquiring your first bicycle lies in reaching the town of Verdanturf Town.
Journey to Verdanturf Town
To get to Verdanturf Town, you’ll need to progress through the early gyms and storylines. This typically involves:
- Defeating Roxanne in the Rustboro City Gym.
- Dealing with the antics of Team Magma or Team Aqua in Meteor Falls.
- Helping Professor Birch out of a jam in Route 107.
Once you’ve navigated these early challenges, you’ll find yourself on Route 117, a pleasant path leading directly to Verdanturf Town.
The Bike Shop Encounter
Verdanturf Town is home to a very special establishment: the Bike Shop. This is where your bike acquisition journey truly begins. Upon entering the town, you’ll notice a prominent building with a bicycle symbol. This is your destination.
Inside the Bike Shop, you’ll meet the shop owner, a friendly fellow who is eager to help trainers get moving. However, there’s a slight catch. The shop owner is currently out of stock of new bicycles. He’s waiting for a delivery of bike parts, and until they arrive, he can’t sell you a bike.
The Missing Bike Part: A Familiar Face
The reason for the missing bike parts is tied to a rather familiar character you’ll encounter shortly after arriving in Verdanturf Town: Wally. You’ll find Wally practicing his Pokémon training on Route 117, near the entrance to Verdanturf. He’s struggling to catch his own Pokémon, and you’ll assist him.
After this encounter, Wally’s uncle will approach you. He’s the same person who owns the Bike Shop! He explains that Wally needs his bike to get around more easily and that the bike is currently at the Petalburg Woods. He requests your assistance in retrieving the bike for Wally.
Retrieving Wally’s Bike
Your mission is to head to Petalburg Woods, located just west of Rustboro City. It’s a forest filled with trees and wild Pokémon. Navigate through the woods, and you’ll eventually find Wally’s bike. It’s usually leaning against a tree or near a clearing.
Once you’ve found the bike, simply interact with it. Your character will recognize it as the missing bike. You can then return it to Wally’s uncle outside the Verdanturf Bike Shop.
Your Reward: A Brand New Bicycle!
With Wally’s bike safely returned, his uncle will be incredibly grateful. He’ll tell you that the delivery of new bikes has now arrived, and as a thank you for your help, he’ll gift you your very own bicycle! This is your first bike and will drastically improve your traversal speed across the vast lands of Hoenn.
The bicycle you receive is a standard model. It allows you to travel twice as fast as walking, making those long routes much more manageable. You can switch between walking and cycling by pressing the ‘A’ button.
Upgrading Your Ride: The Mach Bike and Acro Bike
While the standard bicycle is a fantastic upgrade, the true marvels of cycling in Pokémon Omega Ruby lie in its specialized variants: the Mach Bike and the Acro Bike. These aren’t just faster bikes; they offer unique abilities that are essential for accessing certain areas and secrets.
The Choice: Mach Bike or Acro Bike?
After you’ve obtained your standard bicycle and progressed further into the game, you’ll eventually find yourself on Cycling Road. This is a special route specifically designed for cycling, connecting Mauville City to the south of Verdanturf Town.
On Cycling Road, you’ll encounter a peculiar individual who offers you a choice. He has both the Mach Bike and the Acro Bike, and you can only choose one to take home. This is a significant decision, as each bike serves a different purpose.
The Mach Bike
The Mach Bike is all about speed and power. Its primary advantage is its ability to travel at a much higher speed than the regular bicycle.
- Key Feature: Unparalleled speed.
- Benefit: Makes traversing long distances incredibly quick.
- Advantage: Essential for overcoming certain obstacles that require rapid movement.
- Disadvantage: Less agile than the Acro Bike.
The Mach Bike is particularly useful for:
- Speed Runs: If you’re looking to finish the game quickly.
- Certain Puzzles: Some areas require you to move very fast to trigger events.
- General Travel: For players who prioritize efficient movement.
The Acro Bike
The Acro Bike is designed for agility and precision. While not as fast as the Mach Bike, it offers a unique set of maneuvers.
- Key Feature: Ability to perform hops and wheelies.
- Benefit: Allows access to areas blocked by small obstacles.
- Advantage: Essential for finding hidden items and accessing specific routes.
- Disadvantage: Slower overall speed compared to the Mach Bike.
The Acro Bike is particularly useful for:
- Crossing Gaps: The Acro Bike can hop over small ledges or gaps in the terrain.
- Navigating Tight Spaces: Its maneuverability helps in complex routes.
- Finding Secrets: Many hidden paths and items are only accessible with the Acro Bike.
The Decision-Making Process
Choosing between the Mach Bike and the Acro Bike can be tough. Consider your playstyle:
- If you prioritize speed and efficiency for general gameplay and battling, the Mach Bike is likely your best bet.
- If you enjoy exploration, finding secrets, and overcoming unique challenges, the Acro Bike will be more rewarding.
Important Note: You can only choose one from Cycling Road. However, there is a way to obtain the other bike later in the game, albeit with a bit more effort.
Swapping Your Bike
If you initially chose the Mach Bike but later realize you need the Acro Bike, or vice-versa, you don’t have to despair. After making your choice on Cycling Road, you can later revisit the person who offered you the bikes. They will be in a different location depending on which bike you chose.
- If you chose the Mach Bike: The person will be located in Fallarbor Town, outside the Pokémon Center.
- If you chose the Acro Bike: The person will be located in Verdanturf Town, near the Bike Shop.
By speaking to them at these locations, you can swap your current bike for the other one. This means you can eventually have access to both the Mach Bike and the Acro Bike throughout your playthrough.
Essential Bike-Related Items and Locations
Beyond the bikes themselves, a few key items and locations are intrinsically linked to your cycling adventures in Omega Ruby.
The Go-Goggles
While not directly related to acquiring the bike, the Go-Goggles are a crucial item that complements your cycling experience. You receive the Go-Goggles from a scientist in the Weather Institute on Route 119 after you’ve cleared the trouble caused by Team Magma/Aqua there.
The Go-Goggles are required to progress through certain routes, specifically those affected by sandstorms or intense weather. Without them, you’ll be unable to see clearly and navigate these areas effectively. Since many of these routes are best traversed by bike, the Go-Goggles become an indirect but vital part of your cycling journey.
The Surf HM
The Surf HM is another fundamental item for any Pokémon trainer. While its primary function is to allow your Pokémon to travel across water, it also plays a role in your exploration, sometimes opening up paths that can be more efficiently covered by bicycle once you disembark.
You typically obtain the Surf HM after defeating the eighth gym leader, Wallace, in Sootopolis City. Having a Pokémon that knows Surf will allow you to reach new islands and coastal areas, expanding your world and the routes you can take.
The Bicycle Evolution
The term “evolution bike” isn’t an official in-game term, but it’s a concept many players might associate with the progression from the standard bicycle to the more advanced Mach Bike and Acro Bike. Each bike represents an evolution in your ability to traverse the Hoenn region, unlocking new gameplay possibilities and secrets. The progression from walking to a standard bike, and then to specialized bikes, marks significant milestones in your adventure.
Bike Parts
As mentioned earlier, the initial scarcity of bikes in the Bike Shop in Verdanturf Town is due to a lack of bike parts. This detail highlights the mechanical nature of acquiring your first bicycle and sets up the quest to retrieve Wally’s bike, which is essential for the shop to receive its new stock.
Legendary Bike
There isn’t a “legendary bike” in the traditional sense in Pokémon Omega Ruby. The Mach Bike and Acro Bike are the pinnacle of bicycle technology available to players. However, the impact of these bikes on your journey, their ability to unlock otherwise inaccessible areas, and the strategic choice they present might lead some players to metaphorically consider them “legendary” in their own right. They are certainly legendary in their utility!
Mastering Cycling Road and Beyond
Cycling Road is more than just a route; it’s a testament to the importance of bicycles in Hoenn. This long, winding path is specifically designed to test your cycling prowess.
Navigating Cycling Road
Cycling Road presents a series of ramps and turns. Using the Mach Bike on this route is particularly exhilarating, allowing you to gain significant speed and jump over gaps. The Acro Bike, while slower, can be used to hop over smaller obstacles or navigate certain tight corners with more control.
The challenge of Cycling Road often lies in maintaining momentum and executing precise turns. Mastering these skills will not only make the route easier but will also prepare you for other areas where quick and controlled cycling is essential.
The Benefits of Cycling
The advantages of having a bicycle, especially the Mach Bike and Acro Bike, are numerous:
- Speed: Significantly reduces travel time between locations.
- Access: Unlocks new areas and hidden items accessible only by bike.
- Exploration: Encourages players to explore the vast Hoenn region more thoroughly.
- Gameplay Variety: Adds a dynamic element to movement and navigation.
Strategic Use of Bikes
- Mach Bike for Speed: When you need to get from point A to point B quickly, especially to reach a Pokémon Center or a distant town, the Mach Bike is your go-to. It’s also excellent for traversing routes with strong headwinds or challenging terrain.
- Acro Bike for Secrets: If you’re hunting for hidden items, TMs, or want to reach secluded areas with valuable Pokémon, the Acro Bike is indispensable. Its ability to hop over ledges and small gaps opens up many shortcuts and secret paths.
Cycling Road and Elite Four Preparation
While not directly linked to training Pokémon for battle, mastering Cycling Road can indirectly help your preparation for the Elite Four. Being able to quickly travel back to towns for supplies, Pokémon Centers, or to train at different locations saves valuable time. This allows for more efficient grinding and preparation before challenging the final trainers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bikes in Omega Ruby
Q1: How do I get my first bike in Pokémon Omega Ruby?
You receive your first bicycle by helping Wally’s uncle in Verdanturf Town. You need to retrieve Wally’s misplaced bike from Petalburg Woods. Once returned, the shop owner will give you a bicycle as a thank you.
Q2: Can I get both the Mach Bike and the Acro Bike?
Yes, you can. You initially choose one on Cycling Road. Later, you can find the person who gave you the bike in either Fallarbor Town (if you chose the Mach Bike) or Verdanturf Town (if you chose the Acro Bike) to swap for the other.
Q3: What is the fastest bike in Pokémon Omega Ruby?
The Mach Bike is the fastest bicycle, offering a significant speed boost compared to the standard bicycle and the Acro Bike.
Q4: What is the purpose of the Acro Bike?
The Acro Bike’s purpose is to allow you to hop over small obstacles and gaps, which is necessary for accessing certain routes, items, and secrets that the Mach Bike cannot reach.
Q5: Where is the Bike Shop?
The first Bike Shop you’ll encounter is in Verdanturf Town.
Q6: Do I need the Go-Goggles to use my bike?
No, you don’t need the Go-Goggles to use your bike. However, the Go-Goggles are required for navigating certain routes that are often best traversed by bike due to their challenging terrain or weather conditions.
Q7: Can I break rocks with my bike?
No, you cannot break rocks with your bike. That ability is reserved for Pokémon moves like Rock Smash or Strength.
Q8: What happens if I lose my bike?
You cannot lose your bike. Once obtained, it remains in your possession throughout the game. You can switch between walking and cycling at will.
By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of cycling in Pokémon Omega Ruby, unlocking the full potential of your Hoenn adventure. Happy riding!