Can you jump on your bike in Pokémon Emerald? Yes, you can! Jumping on your bike in Pokémon Emerald is a special ability that allows you to clear small gaps and reach new areas. This isn’t a standard jump you perform with a button press; instead, it’s tied to specific environmental interactions and the type of bicycle you possess. Mastering these techniques is key to unlocking all the secrets of the Hoenn region and will significantly enhance your exploration and fast travel capabilities.
Getting Your First Bicycle
Before you can even think about jumping, you need to acquire a bicycle. This essential mode of transportation is not found lying around; you’ll need to visit the proper location and interact with the right people.
The Bicycle Shop in Cerulean City
Wait, that’s Kanto! In Pokémon Emerald, the journey for your bicycle begins in the bustling city of Rustboro City. Once you’ve defeated Roxanne, the first Gym Leader, you can venture out. Your first stop for information about bikes should be the Pokémon Fan Club in Verdanturf Town. A key character there will mention the bicycle shop and a missing part.
The Devon Corporation’s Role
The path to obtaining your bicycle is intertwined with the story progression. After dealing with the fallout from the Granite Cave incident and the kidnapping of the Devon Corp president, you’ll eventually find yourself involved with Devon Corporation. A crucial item, the Go-Goggles, needs to be delivered to the Captain Stern in Slateport City. Completing this task opens up new avenues for obtaining the bicycle.
Acquiring the Bike Voucher
Following through with the Devon Corporation storyline will eventually lead you to receive a Bike Voucher. This voucher is your golden ticket to the cycling shop.
Attaining the Bicycle in Cycling Road
With the Bike Voucher in hand, make your way to Cycling Road. This unique route, located between Verdanturf Town and Fallarbor Town, is specifically designed for cyclists. At the entrance of Cycling Road, you’ll find the owner of the Bicycle Shop from Goldenrod City. Present him with your Bike Voucher, and he will reward you with a brand-new bicycle!
Types of Bicycles and Their Abilities
Pokémon Emerald features two distinct types of bicycles, each with unique characteristics that impact your traversal and ability to overcome obstacles. Choosing the right bike for the situation is crucial for efficient exploration and for performing those coveted “jumps.”
The Mach Bike
The Mach Bike is all about speed and agility. It’s the faster of the two bicycles and excels at navigating difficult terrain.
Key Features of the Mach Bike:
- Speed Boost: The Mach Bike provides a significant speed boost when you continuously tap the ‘B’ button. This acceleration is essential for breaking certain cracked walls and for navigating slippery surfaces.
- Maneuverability: While fast, the Mach Bike can be a bit trickier to control, especially on slopes and uneven ground. You’ll need to get used to its responsiveness.
When to Use the Mach Bike:
- Cycling Road: The Mach Bike is incredibly useful on Cycling Road itself, allowing you to gain momentum and clear sections quickly.
- Breaking Cracked Walls: Certain rocky walls have cracks that can be broken by a fast-moving Mach Bike. This is a primary way to unlock hidden paths and biking shortcuts.
- Slippery Surfaces: The Mach Bike’s speed can help you maintain momentum on ice or similar slippery surfaces, preventing you from slowing down too much.
The Acro Bike
The Acro Bike is designed for precision and allows for unique maneuvers, including the coveted “jump.”
Key Features of the Acro Bike:
- Jumping: The primary function of the Acro Bike is its ability to perform hops or small jumps over certain obstacles and gaps. This is achieved by pressing ‘B’ while moving.
- Wheelies: The Acro Bike can also perform wheelies, which can be stylish but don’t offer significant gameplay advantages for jumping.
- Controlled Movement: The Acro Bike offers more controlled movement compared to the Mach Bike, making it easier to navigate precise paths.
When to Use the Acro Bike:
- Crossing Gaps: The Acro Bike is your go-to for hopping over small gaps in the terrain. These gaps are often found on specific bike path routes or in areas that seem inaccessible otherwise.
- Navigating Obstacles: Certain areas might have small rocks or other minor obstacles that can be hopped over with the Acro Bike.
- Exploring Hidden Areas: Many hidden paths and secrets in Hoenn are only accessible by using the Acro Bike’s jumping ability.
How to Perform a “Jump” on Your Bike
The “jump” on your bike in Pokémon Emerald is not a single button press in the traditional sense. It’s an action performed with the Acro Bike to clear gaps.
The Mechanics of Jumping
To successfully perform a jump with the Acro Bike, follow these steps:
- Acquire the Acro Bike: Ensure you have the Acro Bike from the shop owner on Cycling Road. You can swap between the Mach Bike and Acro Bike at the shop.
- Approach the Gap: Ride your Acro Bike towards a small gap or ledge that is clearly designed to be jumped over. These gaps are typically only one tile wide.
- Press ‘B’ While Moving: As you approach the gap, press and hold the ‘B’ button. Your character will perform a small hop, clearing the gap.
Important Note: The Mach Bike cannot perform this jumping maneuver. If you are on the Mach Bike, you will simply crash into the gap or obstacle.
Locating Jump Opportunities and Bike Path Routes
The world of Hoenn is dotted with various bike path routes and areas where your bicycle’s abilities are essential for progression and discovery.
Key Locations for Jumping and Bike Use:
- Cycling Road: As mentioned, this is the primary location where you test and get accustomed to your bikes. It features various inclines and slopes that highlight the differences between the Mach Bike and Acro Bike. While there aren’t explicit “jumps” to be made here in the sense of clearing gaps, mastering the bikes here is paramount.
- Secluded Paths and Caves: Many areas throughout Hoenn, often off the beaten path, contain small ledges or gaps that can only be crossed with the Acro Bike’s jump. These often lead to rare items, hidden trainers, or unique Pokémon.
- Route 210 (Later Game): After the post-game content is unlocked, certain sections of routes might become accessible with the Acro Bike’s jumping ability. These often lead to trainer rematches or special items.
Utilizing Biking Shortcuts
Both bikes can contribute to biking shortcuts. The Mach Bike’s speed is invaluable for quickly traversing long routes, effectively cutting down travel time. The Acro Bike, by allowing you to jump over obstacles, can open up entirely new, more direct paths that would otherwise be impassable.
Swapping Your Bicycles
You don’t have to commit to one bike forever! The shop owner on Cycling Road allows you to swap your current bike for the other type.
The Process of Swapping
- Return to Cycling Road: Travel back to the entrance of Cycling Road, the route between Verdanturf Town and Fallarbor Town.
- Speak to the Shop Owner: Locate the man who gave you your bicycle. He will be standing near the entrance.
- Request a Swap: Speak to him, and he will offer to swap your current bicycle for the other model.
This flexibility is crucial. You might need the Mach Bike’s speed for a particular section of Cycling Road or to break through cracked walls, but then require the Acro Bike’s jumping ability to access a hidden item or a new area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the fastest way to travel in Pokémon Emerald?
The fastest way to travel in Pokémon Emerald is by using the Mach Bike in conjunction with the move “Fly” or by utilizing the Fast Travel function unlocked later in the game via PokéCenters. However, for traversing specific routes and areas with obstacles, the Mach Bike and Acro Bike are indispensable.
Can I jump on my bike without the Acro Bike?
No, you can only perform the “jump” maneuver over gaps with the Acro Bike. The Mach Bike is designed for speed and cannot jump.
Where can I get a bicycle in Pokémon Emerald?
You can obtain a bicycle after progressing through the main story and receiving a Bike Voucher from the Devon Corporation. You then take this voucher to the shop owner located at the entrance of Cycling Road.
What does HM06 do?
HM06 is the move “Whirlpool,” which is used for surfing across specific bodies of water that have whirlpools. It does not relate to your bicycle or jumping on it.
How do I get the Mach Bike and Acro Bike?
You initially receive one bicycle. To get the other, you must return to the shop owner on Cycling Road and ask to swap your current bicycle for the other model.
Are there any specific bike path routes that require jumping?
Yes, several bike path routes and areas throughout Hoenn contain small gaps that can only be cleared by jumping with the Acro Bike. These are often used to access optional areas or collect special items.
How do I perform a speed boost on the Mach Bike?
To achieve a speed boost on the Mach Bike, continuously tap the ‘B’ button while riding. This will gradually increase your speed, allowing you to break certain obstacles.
Is the Acro Bike useful for finding biking shortcuts?
Absolutely. The Acro Bike can help you discover biking shortcuts by allowing you to jump over obstacles that would otherwise block your path, creating more direct routes.
By mastering the use of both the Mach Bike and the Acro Bike, and knowing when to swap between them, you’ll be able to navigate the vast and intricate landscape of Hoenn more efficiently, uncover hidden secrets, and fully experience all that Pokémon Emerald has to offer. Happy biking!