Gen 3 Pokemon Tier List: The Strongest Pokemon in Ruby & Sapphire

Gen 3 is regarded as one of the best Pokemon generations ever. The Hoenn region was home to some of the franchise’s most beloved Pokemon, some of which are sorely missing in Sword & Shield.

In this article, we’re checking out 10 of the strongest Pokemon in Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. We top things off with a full gen 3 Pokemon tier list based on community overall rankings.

Top 10 Strongest Gen 3 Pokemon​

Manectric​

Due to its slightly weird appearance, Manectric was never a big fan favorite. Because of its cone-like head and dull coloring, this Lightning-type gen 3 Pokemon was often overlooked by most. Those with keener eyes, however, could see its potential thanks to its impressive Special Attack and Speed stats.

Zangoose​

This Normal Type Pokemon outclassed others such as Seviper. By packing the same physical attack punch in combination with its higher speed, it was able to land Dark-type moves at faster rates. Zangoose got even stronger in Omega Ruby thanks to a more diverse moveset.

Swampert​

With all of the advantages of a Water-type Pokemon without any of the weaknesses, Swampert was a true gen 3 terror. Thanks to being also a Ground-type, Swampert is immune to all Electric attacks, giving it a significant advantage over the other starter Pokemon. On top of that, it has access to both Earthquake and Surf, making it the ideal choice for taking out multiple opponents.

Sceptile​

One of the first gen 3 Grass-types to prioritize attack and speed, Sceptile changed the game for its class. Up until Ruby and Sapphire, Grass-types focused on defensive moves. By bringing Leaf Blade into the game, Sceptile instantly became the must-have Grass-type Pokemon thanks to its unique offense-based moveset.

Blaziken​

There’s no contest that Blaziken’s unique mix of Fire and Fighting-type make it one of the strongest Pokemon in existence. Its well-balanced offense stats give it the potential to take out entire teams. It’s unfortunate it never made the cut for Sword & Shield.

Metagross​

This Psychic and Steel powerhouse was a true all-rounder Pokemon. Thanks to Clear Body, it could avoid stat manipulation moves while Meteor Mash and Psychic give it the potential to land Super Effective attacks on almost any opponent.

Milotic​

Despite being a pure Water-type Pokemon, gen 3’s Milotic had terrifying stats. Its defensive ones in particular allow it to withstand most attacks outside of Super Effectives. Thanks to moves like Recover and Refresh, it is able to outlast most opponents it faces making it a frustrating Pokemon to deal with.

Salamence​

A Dragon-type that’s as frustrating to train as it is to fight against, Salamence is worth having on almost every team. It’s painful to raise from a Shelgon since it evolves at level 55, but its incredible stats and moveset make it well worth the effort.

Absol​

This Dark-type Pokemon has become an icon thanks to its high attack and the wide array of moves it can draw from. Despite its low speed, this Pokemon dominated the gen 3 metagame back in its prime. It’s still a pretty powerful pick to add to your roster.

Rayquaza​

The Legendary Pokemon of gen 3 are all pretty strong but Rayquaza stands head and shoulder above its brethren. Thanks to Extremespeed and its impressive stats, this fierce dragon is not to be messed with. It’s an Emerald exclusive but absolutely worth taking the time to pick up.

Full Gen 3 Pokemon Tier List​

S Tier​

• Rayquaza
• Metagross
• Milotic
• Absol
• Blaziken
• Salamence
• Swampert
• Mudkip
• Gardevoir
• Aggron
• Flygon
• Latias
• Latios
• Kyogre
• Groudon
• Sceptile

A Tier​

• Ludicolo
• Treecko
• Torchic
• Manectric
• Hariyama
• Sableye
• Aron
• Sharpedo
• Wailord
• Mawile
• Camerupt
• Torkoal
• Altaria
• Zangoose
• Seviper
• Crawdaunt
• Banette
• Dusclops
• Tropius
• Glalie
• Walrein
• Regice
• Registeel
• Jirachi
• Deoxys
• Mightyena
• Swellow
• Ralts
• Kirlia
• Breloom
• Ninjask
• Cacturne
• Armaldo
• Grovyle

B Tier​

• Roselia
• Combusken
• Marshtomp
• Poochyena
• Dustox
• Lotad
• Lombre
• Seedot
• Nuzleaf
• Pelipper
• Linoone
• Slaking
• Slakoth
• Zigzagoon
• Skitty
• Electrike
• Masquerain
• Makuhita
• Wailmer
• Numel
• Cacnea
• Lunatone
• Solrock
• Whiscash
• Corphish
• Anorith
• Shuppet
• Chimecho
• Sealeo
• Relicanth
• Bagon
• Shelgon
• Regirock
• Beldum
• Snorunt
• Kecleon
• Cradily
• Claydol
• Plusle
• Minun
• Medicham
• Azurill
• Exploud
• Vigoroth
• Beautifly

C Tier​

• Huntail
• Clamperl
• Gorebyss
• Wynaut
• Castform
• Feebas
• Lileep
• Baltoy
• Barboach
• Spinda
• Swalot
• Meditite
• Nosepass
• Loudred
• Whimsur
• Nincada
• Shroomish
• Surskit
• Wingull
• Wurmple

D Tier​

• Silcoon
• Cascoon
• Taillow
• Volbeat
• Illumise
• Luvdisc