After defeating the Mossdeep Gym in Pokémon Emerald, players find themselves at a crossroads in their adventure. Mossdeep Gym, located on the beautiful Mossdeep Island, is the place where trainers face off against the Gym Leaders Steven and Wallace. Winning this challenging battle is a significant milestone, but it raises the inevitable question: “What’s next?” This guide will walk you through the next steps, providing key advice on how to continue progressing through the game, uncovering new areas, and improving your team for upcoming challenges.

1. **Explore Mossdeep City and Its Surroundings**
After conquering the Mossdeep Gym, the first thing you’ll want to do is explore the city in more detail. Mossdeep is home to several interesting places, and you don’t want to miss any opportunities before you move forward in your journey.
– **Steven’s House**: Visit Steven Stone’s house, located in the southeastern corner of the city. Steven is the champion of the Hoenn region and one of the game’s most iconic characters. He will reward you with the **HM08 Dive**, an important move that lets you explore underwater areas. This opens up entirely new possibilities for exploration and discovery in the Hoenn region.
– **Space Center**: Don’t forget to check out the Space Center in Mossdeep. The Space Center is where you can trigger key events related to the game’s storyline, particularly concerning the legendary Pokémon that will play a major role in your adventure.
2. **Obtain the Dive HM and Begin Underwater Exploration**
The **Dive** HM, which you receive from Steven, is essential for exploring submerged areas around the Hoenn region. You can now travel to previously inaccessible areas by diving beneath the surface of the water. This opens up a variety of exciting opportunities, including:
– **Hidden Items and Pokémon**: Beneath the ocean, you will discover hidden items and encounter new wild Pokémon that aren’t available on the surface. The **Shards**, useful for exchanging at the Battle Frontier, and rare Pokémon like **Clamperl** (which evolves into either **Gorebyss** or **Huntail**) are just a few of the treasures awaiting you under the sea.
– **Legendary Encounters**: After receiving Dive, you can begin your pursuit of legendary Pokémon like **Kyogre** or **Groudon**, depending on which version of the game you’re playing. These legendary creatures are essential to progressing the game’s storyline and are a powerful addition to your team.
3. **Challenge the Elite Four and the Pokémon League**

Having conquered Mossdeep Gym, you’re now one step closer to the ultimate goal—challenging the Elite Four and the Pokémon League Champion. Before heading to the Elite Four, make sure your team is strong and well-rounded. Consider using the following tips:
– **Level Up Your Team**: While the Mossdeep Gym might have been a tough challenge, the upcoming battles at the Elite Four will require an even stronger team. Consider grinding at areas like **Route 118** or **Route 119**, where you can battle wild Pokémon and trainers to increase your levels.
– **Prepare for Type Matchups**: The Elite Four features a variety of different Pokémon types, so you will need a team that can handle all kinds of threats. Have a strong **Water-type** like **Lanturn** or **Swampert**, a **Fire-type** like **Blaziken**, and a reliable **Flying-type** for versatility.
4. **Head to the Southern Island for Legendary Pokémon**
Once you have the **Dive** HM, you’re also in a better position to catch the Legendary Pokémon **Lugia** or **Ho-Oh** on the Southern Islands, depending on your version. These islands are located near the Hoenn mainland and can be accessed by diving to hidden areas.
– **Southern Island and Legendary Battles**: After acquiring the necessary items, head to Southern Island where you can engage in legendary battles. These Pokémon are some of the strongest in the game and can give your team a significant boost.
5. **Unlock the Battle Frontier**
After defeating the Elite Four, a new challenge will open up for you—the **Battle Frontier**. The Battle Frontier offers a series of difficult, high-level battles with trainers from across the region. This facility is a great place to test your team’s strength, earn rare Battle Points (BP), and unlock valuable prizes.
– **Battle Frontier Challenges**: Here, you’ll be able to participate in several different battle facilities, each with its own unique rules and strategies. From the **Battle Factory** to the **Battle Pike**, these areas will challenge even the most seasoned Pokémon trainers.

6. **Wrap-Up: What to Do After Mossdeep Gym**
With the Mossdeep Gym defeated and your Pokémon team stronger than ever, you’re poised for an exciting continuation of your Pokémon Emerald adventure. Whether it’s diving beneath the waves for rare Pokémon or heading to the Elite Four for a final showdown, there’s always something new to explore. Make sure you continue strengthening your team, exploring new areas, and uncovering the secrets of the Hoenn region. Adventure awaits!
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By following these steps, you’ll be able to make the most of your time after Mossdeep Gym in **Pokémon Emerald**. Be sure to take the time to dive deep into the game’s rich world, uncover hidden treasures, and catch legendary Pokémon to bolster your team for the ultimate battle ahead. Happy exploring, and may your Pokémon journey continue to be filled with excitement and discovery!