So, you’ve just beaten Winona in Pokémon Ruby—congratulations! Now you may be Thinking about What to Do After Beating Winona in Pokémon Ruby . With her Skarmory’s defenses and Altaria’s DragonBreath, she can test even seasoned trainers. But what comes next?What to Do Beating Winona in Pokémon Ruby Many players often feel a little lost after earning the Feather Badge. Don’t worry—this guide breaks down everything you need to do step by step to keep your journey smooth and exciting.
Why Beating Winona is a Major Milestone
Defeating Winona earns you the sixth badge of the Hoenn region. This is a turning point in the game because it unlocks new mechanics and opens up multiple routes that push you closer to the Pokémon League.
Overview of the Feather Badge
- Obedience Boost: All Pokémon up to level 70 will now obey you, including traded ones.
- Travel Freedom: You can now use HM02 Fly outside of battle.
This is a huge shift in pacing—you can finally train high-level Pokémon without worrying about disobedience and cut down travel time drastically.
Importance of HM02 Fly
Fly is one of the most useful HMs in the game. It allows instant travel to previously visited cities, which is especially valuable as story events begin scattering you across Hoenn.
Tip: Teach Fly to a strong Flying-type like Swellow, Pelipper, or even Altaria.
Step 1: Check Your Current Team Status
Recommended Level Range
After the Fortree Gym, your team should ideally be Level 35–38. Lower than that, and you’ll risk being underprepared for upcoming battles.
Evaluate Type Coverage
Ask yourself:
- Do I have an Electric or Grass Pokémon for upcoming Water-types?
- Do I have Dark or Ghost coverage for Tate and Liza’s Psychic Gym?
- Am I balanced enough to handle mixed opponents?
Balancing your team now will save major headaches later.
Step 2: Restock in Fortree City
Items to Buy
- Hyper Potions
- Revives
- Full Heals
- Escape Ropes
Talk to NPCs
Many NPCs in Fortree hand out berries, TMs, and hidden items that can boost your team. Don’t skip conversations—you may pick up rewards competitors overlook.
Step 3: Explore Route 120
Wild Pokémon Encounters
- Absol – Rare, powerful Dark-type.
- Oddish – Grass support Pokémon.
- Kecleon – Appears camouflaged, revealed only with the Devon Scope.
Key Story Event: Meeting Steven Stone
Steven gives you the Devon Scope, allowing you to reveal hidden Kecleon blocking key paths. This is essential to progress the story.
Tip: Catch at least one Kecleon for variety in your Pokédex.
Step 4: Progress Towards Lilycove City
Rival Battle in Lilycove
Your rival will challenge you upon arrival. Expect a stronger team than before—prepare balanced counters.
Explore Lilycove’s Features
- Contest Hall: Unlock Pokémon Contests.
- Move Deleter: Remove unwanted HMs.
- Lilycove Department Store: Buy Ultra Balls, Full Restores, evolution stones, and battle-enhancing items.
Step 5: Prepare for Team Aqua’s Hideout
Near Lilycove, Team Aqua’s hideout kicks off a major story arc.
- Enemy Team: Primarily Water and Dark Pokémon.
- Best Counters: Train Electric-types like Manectric or Fighting-types like Hariyama.
Step 6: Surf to Mossdeep City
Importance of HM03 Surf
Surf is mandatory to reach Mossdeep City and explore water routes filled with new encounters: Tentacool, Wingull, Wailmer, and more.
Mossdeep Gym (Tate and Liza)
- Special Challenge: First mandatory Double Gym Battle.
- Best Counters: Dark-types (Mightyena), Ghost-types (Banette), or bulky Ground-types.
- Strategy: Use moves that target multiple enemies and pair strong sweepers with support Pokémon.
Optional Side Exploration
Safari Zone
Catch rare Pokémon like Pikachu, Girafarig, and Wobbuffet.
Hidden TMs & Items
Check side routes for valuable TMs like Earthquake, Ice Beam, or Flamethrower, which can give you a big late-game advantage.
Step 7: Training for the Final Gyms
- Target Levels: Reach at least Level 40–45 before challenging Mossdeep and Sootopolis.
- Balanced Team: Avoid stacking one type—diversity is key against upcoming mixed rosters.
Conclusion
Beating Winona is more than earning the Feather Badge—it’s the gateway to Hoenn’s late game. With HM02 Fly in hand, new exploration paths open, rival battles intensify, and Team Aqua’s plans escalate. By strengthening your team, preparing wisely, and exploring optional routes, you’ll stay ahead and ready for Mossdeep, Sootopolis, and ultimately the Pokémon League.
FAQs
1. What level should I be after defeating Winona?
Aim for Level 35–38, but pushing to 40 makes upcoming battles smoother.
2. What Pokémon should I catch on Route 120?
Absol (Dark-type powerhouse), Oddish (Grass support), and Kecleon (unique Color Change ability).
3. Is HM02 Fly necessary for progression?
Not mandatory for story, but essential for faster travel.
4. How do I prepare for the Lilycove rival battle?
Keep Electric, Grass, and Dark coverage to counter a mixed rival team.
5. What’s the best strategy for Tate and Liza?
Bring Dark/Ghost-types, plan strong Double Battle synergy, and use multi-target moves.
6. What should I buy at Lilycove Department Store?
Ultra Balls, Full Restores, evolution stones, and X-items for stat boosts.
7. What comes after Mossdeep?
Prepare for Sootopolis City, face Wallace/Juan, and continue towards Victory Road.
