But let’s be honest: completing the Hoenn Pokédex (a whopping 386 Pokémon, including Johto and Kanto imports) is a monumental grind. Trading from Ruby, Sapphire, FireRed, LeafGreen, and Colosseum is a logistical nightmare in 2026.

And if you really want to earn that gold Trainer Card? Play the long game. Hoenn is worth the adventure. Have you ever used a completed save file for Pokémon Emerald? Or are you a purist? Let us know in the comments below.

If you use one, do so consciously. Don’t pretend you caught that Feebas legitimately. Instead, appreciate it as a , not an achievement.