When you reach Lilycove City in the world of Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald, you’ve already made significant progress on your journey through Hoenn. The vibrant coastal town offers various attractions, but once you’ve explored all it has to offer, the next step can feel like a bit of a mystery. Fear not, trainers! We’re here to guide you on where to go next, ensuring that your adventure continues without a hitch.

1. Head to Mossdeep City: The Next Major Stop
After you’ve wrapped up your business in Lilycove, your next destination is Mossdeep City. To get there, you’ll need to head east from Lilycove City, using Route 124 and Route 125, two beautiful yet challenging water routes. As you sail through these oceanic paths, prepare to encounter new trainers, wild Pokémon, and possibly some tough battles against wild Water-type Pokémon.
Once you reach Mossdeep City, you’ll be welcomed by its serene atmosphere and the chance to meet the next major Gym Leaders, Steven Stone and his partner Wallace. This city is also home to the Space Center, which plays an important role in the game’s storyline. But before you jump into any battles, it’s worth taking your time to explore, speak to the townspeople, and uncover the hidden secrets of this remarkable city.
2. Take on the Mossdeep City Gym
Mossdeep’s Gym is the perfect place to show off your hard-earned skills. Unlike other gyms, the Mossdeep Gym has a dual challenge. Both Gym Leaders, Steven and Wallace, specialize in Psychic and Water-type Pokémon, respectively. This creates an interesting dynamic that demands strategic thinking. Water-type Pokémon trainers might find themselves in a tricky spot against Psychic moves, while Psychic-type enthusiasts will need to keep an eye out for Water-type counters. Prepare your best team and tackle this double battle with confidence.
Winning the Mossdeep Gym Battle will reward you with the Mind Badge, unlocking new capabilities for your Pokémon and allowing you to continue your journey across Hoenn.
3. Discover the Sealed Chamber and Dive Deeper
Once you’ve conquered Mossdeep, it’s time to explore some of the lesser-known but exciting parts of the Hoenn region. Near Mossdeep City is the Sealed Chamber, a mysterious location that holds special puzzles and rare items. To access this area, you’ll need the Dive ability, which you can use to explore underwater. The Sealed Chamber holds hidden secrets tied to the legendary Pokémon of Hoenn, including Registeel, Regice, and Regirock. So, if you’re a fan of exploration and uncovering ancient mysteries, diving into the Sealed Chamber is definitely worth your time.
But don’t be fooled—this isn’t just a simple dive. The Sealed Chamber has its own set of challenges, so be prepared with the right moves, items, and your best puzzle-solving skills.

4. Head Back to Slateport City for More Exploration
For those who enjoy revisiting old areas to discover new ones, Slateport City offers an exciting detour. Although it might seem like an earlier stop, the city has much more to offer once you’ve acquired the necessary HM moves. The Slateport Harbor can take you to routes you might have previously overlooked. Exploring these areas provides new Pokémon encounters and potential items that might assist you on your ongoing adventure.
5. The Battle Frontier Awaits
Once you’ve tackled the main storyline and defeated the Elite Four, your journey isn’t over. Hoenn is home to the Battle Frontier, a complex facility designed to test your battle skills in ways that go beyond the regular Gym challenges. Whether you want to test your team against the best trainers or unlock rare rewards, the Battle Frontier provides endless opportunities for post-game action.
Conclusion
After leaving Lilycove City, the Hoenn region offers an abundance of exciting destinations and activities to keep your Pokémon adventure fresh and exhilarating. Whether you decide to head straight for Mossdeep City or take some time to explore underwater caves and revisit old towns, there’s always something new around the corner. Keep your Pokémon team sharp, your wits about you, and continue your quest for Pokémon mastery in the diverse and thrilling world of Hoenn.