Timeline of events in Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire

Spoiler warning: this article may contain major plot or ending details.

In Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire, Ash Ketchum travels to the Hoenn region with Pikachu, meeting new friends in siblings May and Max and reuniting with Brock. Ash aims to collect eight Gym Badges to enter the Hoenn League, while May decides to instead focus on Pokémon Contests as a Pokémon Coordinator. Together, they face many challenges and threats, including the villainous Team Aqua and Team Magma, who plan to awaken Hoenn's Legendary Pokémon Kyogre and Groudon.

Following the Ever Grande Conference for Ash and the Hoenn Grand Festival for May, the group of friends reunites in Kanto, where Ash learns of a new kind of challenge: the Battle Frontier, a set of seven battle facilities manned by extremely powerful Trainers known as Frontier Brains, spread out all across the Kanto region. With this new and intriguing challenge ahead of him, Ash sets on a new journey through Kanto alongside his friends to earn all seven Frontier Symbols, with May getting another shot at her dream of becoming a Top Coordinator by competing in Kanto's Pokémon Contests.

Timeline

The order of many of these events is approximated and debatable.

Hoenn

Episode	Details
Get the Show on the Road	Ash arrives in Littleroot Town and meets with Professor Birch. Ash meets May, a beginning Trainer. May encounters Team Rocket for the first time. Team Rocket unintentionally heals Pikachu. Pikachu accidentally destroys May's bike. May chooses Torchic as her first partner Pokémon and receives a Pokédex and six Poké Balls from Professor Birch. Ash and May decide to travel together. Ash and May head to Oldale Town in order for Ash to register for the Hoenn League.
A Ruin with a View	May tries and fails to catch an Azurill. May's Torchic is revealed to know Peck and Ember. Ash and May arrive in Oldale Town. May meets a Nurse Joy for the first time and learns about Pokémon Centers. Ash registers for the Hoenn League. Giovanni assigns Jessie and James to create a Team Rocket branch in the Hoenn region in an attempt to learn more about the plans of Team Aqua and Team Magma. Ash learns about the Gym in Petalburg City. Ash and May encounter Team Magma for the first time.
A Family That Battles Together Stays Together!	Brock returns to Pewter City and reunites with his mother, Lola, who has returned to the Pewter Gym. Brock's Onix is revealed to know Slam. Brock leaves his Onix, Geodude, and Crobat with his brother, and changes his clothes before leaving for Hoenn to meet up with Ash.
There's no Place Like Hoenn	Ash and May arrive in Petalburg City. Ash goes to the Petalburg Gym and meets May's brother Max, her mother Caroline, and her father Norman, the local Gym Leader. Ash is unable to have an official Gym battle with Norman as he needs three Pokémon. He is allowed to have an unofficial battle, but loses. Max encounters Team Rocket for the first time. Max joins the group. Max receives a PokéNav while Ash and May receive a Badge case each from Norman. Ash learns of the Gym in Rustboro City and decides to head there.
Cerulean Blues	Misty returns to Cerulean City and resumes her post as the Cerulean Gym Leader. Misty encounters the Invincible Pokémon Brothers again. Misty manages to overcome her fear of Gyarados and is able to tame one herself.
You Never Can Taillow	Brock returns, with May and Max meeting him for the first time. Brock's Forretress is revealed to know Explosion. Brock rejoins the group. Ash learns that Brock only brought Forretress with him, having left his other Pokémon at the Pewter Gym. Ash catches a Taillow.
In the Knicker of Time!	Ash and his friends meet a Trainer named Nicholai. May participates in and loses her first Pokémon battle. Ash's Taillow is revealed to know Peck.
A Poached Ego!	May learns that there are multiple identical Nurse Joys and Officer Jennys in different cities. Jessie and James release Arbok and Weezing. James catches a Cacnea.
Tree's a Crowd	Ash learns that James has obtained a Cacnea. Ash catches a Treecko.
Showdown at the Oak Corral	Tracey meets the Magikarp salesman for the first time. Professor Oak and Delia meet Butch and Cassidy for the first time. Delia battles for the first time onscreen. Mimey is revealed to know Double Slap. Tracey's Scyther is revealed to know Quick Attack.
A Tail with a Twist	Jessie catches a Seviper. Ash's Taillow is revealed to know Wing Attack. Ash's Treecko is revealed to know Quick Attack.
A Bite to Remember	Max and May see an evolution for the first time. Brock's Forretress is revealed to know Tackle.
The Lotad Lowdown	Brock catches a Lotad.
All Things Bright and Beautifly!	Ash and his friends go to see a Pokémon Contest for the first time. Jessie is revealed to own a Hoenn Contest Pass, which she renews. Ash, Brock, May, and Max receive a Hoenn Contest Pass each. Ash learns that the first Hoenn League Gym is a Rock-type Gym. Ash begins to teach Pikachu Iron Tail in preparation for the Gym battle. Jessie competes in the Rustboro City Pokémon Contest and loses. May becomes interested in Pokémon Contests.
The Blue Badge of Courage	Misty meets Sakura again, while Tracey meets her for the first time. Sakura is revealed to have earned the Storm, Zephyr, and Hive Badges and obtained a Beautifly. Misty learns how to make Cascade Badges. Sakura challenges Misty to a Gym battle and wins, earning the Cascade Badge.
All in a Day's Wurmple	Ash learns that Double Battles are common in Hoenn. May catches a Wurmple, making it her first caught Pokémon. Jessie also catches a Wurmple.
Gonna Rule The School!	Ash and his friends arrive in Rustboro City and meet Roxanne, the Rustboro Gym Leader. Ash challenges Roxanne to a Gym battle. Max is introduced to Professor Oak. Max visits the Pokémon Trainers' School and takes part in his first Pokémon battle, which is interrupted by Team Rocket. Ash and his friends learn that Jessie has obtained a Wurmple.
Winner by a Nosepass	May reveals her intentions to participate in Pokémon Contests instead of Gym battles. Pikachu masters Iron Tail. Ash defeats Roxanne and earns his first Hoenn League Badge, the Stone Badge.
Stairway to Devon	Ash learns that the second Hoenn League Gym is located on Dewford Island. Ash and his friends learn about Team Aqua and Team Magma, and have their first encounter with the former. Ash and his friends learn about Steven, who's currently on Dewford Island.
On a Wingull and a Prayer!	Ash and his friends meet Mr. Briney. Ash and his friends head for Dewford Island on Mr. Briney's boat.
Sharpedo Attack!	Brock's Lotad is revealed to know Razor Leaf. Ash and his friends arrive on Dewford Island.
Oaknapped!	Tracey meets Ritchie for the first time. Butch is revealed to own a Mightyena, while Cassidy is revealed to own a Sableye. Ritchie is revealed to have caught a Taillow, nicknamed "Rose". Tracey's Scyther is revealed to know Slash. Professor Oak begins to research Pokérus.
Brave the Wave	Ash and his friends meet Brawly, the Dewford Gym Leader. Ash's Taillow is revealed to know Quick Attack. Brawly's Makuhita evolves into a Hariyama. Ash has a Gym battle with Brawly and loses. Ash and his friends decide to stay on Dewford Island while Ash trains for a rematch with Brawly.
Which Wurmple's Which?	May tries to catch an Octillery and Ash tries to catch a Corphish, but both fail. Jessie's Wurmple is revealed to know String Shot.
A Hole Lotta Trouble	Ash and his friends meet Steven.
Gone Corphishin'	Ash catches a Corphish.
A Corphish Out of Water	May's Wurmple evolves into Silcoon. Jessie's Wurmple evolves into Cascoon.
A Mudkip Mission	May tries and fails to capture a Mudkip. James's Cacnea is revealed to know Needle Arm. Brock catches a Mudkip.
Turning Over a Nuzleaf	Ash's Corphish is revealed to know Vise Grip.
A Three Team Scheme!	Ash and his friends meet up with Professor Birch. Brock and Max encounter Team Magma for the first time. Team Aqua and Team Magma are revealed to possess the Red Orb and the Blue Orb, respectively.
Seeing is Believing!	Jessie's Cascoon is revealed to know Tackle and Harden. May's Silcoon evolves into Beautifly and learns Gust. Jessie's Cascoon evolves into Dustox and learns Poison Sting and Psybeam. Professor Birch leaves the group.
A Meditite Fight!	Ash meets Brawly again, and they prepare to start their rematch.
Just One of the Geysers	Ash's Corphish is revealed to know Harden. Ash defeats Brawly in a rematch, earning the Knuckle Badge.
Abandon Ship!	Ash and his friends are revealed to have left Dewford Island by boat, headed for Slateport City and then for Mauville City. Ash and his friends reach Slateport City.
Now that's Flower Power!	May's Beautifly is revealed to have learned Silver Wind. May meets her first rival, Drew. May receives a Pokéblock Case from Mr. Big.
Having a Wailord of a Time	Brock's first partner Pokémon is revealed to be his Onix.
Win, Lose or Drew!	May enters the Slateport City Pokémon Contest, making her debut as a Coordinator. Drew and Robert enter the Slateport Contest as well. Drew defeats May in the first round of the Battle Stage, eliminating her of the competition. Robert defeats Drew in the finals, earning the Slateport Ribbon.
The Spheal of Approval	Jessie's Seviper is revealed to know Wrap*. Ash and his friends leave Slateport City and head towards Mauville City.
A Different Kind of Misty!	Ash and his friends meet a Trainer named Thatcher.
A Poké-BLOCK Party!	Ash and his friends reach Mauville City. May and Max meet Jigglypuff for the first time. Jessie's Seviper uses Wrap for the first time.
Watt's with Wattson?	Ash and his friends arrive at the Mauville Gym and meet Wattson, the Mauville City Gym Leader, and his assistant, Watt. Ash has a Gym battle with Wattson and wins flawlessly, due to his Pikachu being overcharged from an earlier incident, earning the Dynamo Badge. Jessie's Dustox is revealed to know Whirlwind. Wattson catches an Electrike. Ash tries to return his Dynamo Badge, but Wattson tells him to keep it.
A Date With Delcatty	Misty meets Casey again, while Tracey meets her for the first time.
What You Seed is What You Get	Ash and his friends leave Mauville City and decide to head first to Fallarbor Town for May's next Contest, and then to Lavaridge Town for Ash's next Gym battle. Ash's Treecko learns Bullet Seed.
The Princess and the Togepi	Misty returns, with May and Max meeting her for the first time.
Training Daze	Meowth recalls how he met Jessie and James for the first time. Jessie, James and Meowth recall how they, Cassidy, and Butch went through training to become Team Rocket members.
A Togepi Mirage!	Misty's Togepi learns Safeguard and later evolves into Togetic. Ash learns that Misty has obtained a Gyarados. Misty's Gyarados is revealed to know Flamethrower. Misty leaves Togetic in the Mirage Kingdom and returns to Cerulean City.
Journey to the Starting Line!	Mimey is revealed to know Psychic.
I Feel Skitty!	May's Torchic is revealed to know Quick Attack. May catches a Skitty.
ZigZag Zangoose!	Ash and his friends meet up with Nicholai again. Nicholai is revealed to have challenged Norman and lost. James's Cacnea is revealed to know Sandstorm. Jessie's Seviper is revealed to know Bite.
Maxxed Out!	May's Skitty is revealed to know Double Slap.
Pros and Con Artists	Ash and his friends arrive in Fallarbor Town and meet up with Drew again. Ash has a battle against Drew and loses. Drew is revealed to have earned three Contest Ribbons already.
Come What May!	May, Jessie, and Drew compete in the Fallarbor Town Pokémon Contest. Jessie and Drew are eliminated in the semifinals. May wins the Fallarbor Contest and earns her first Ribbon.
Cheer Pressure	Ash and his friends meet up with Thatcher again.
Game Winning Assist	May's Skitty is revealed to know Assist.
Fight for the Meteorite!	Team Aqua and Team Magma battle again.
Poetry Commotion!	Ash and his friends arrive in Lavaridge Town and meet Flannery, the local Gym Leader. One of Flannery's Slugma, Mag, evolves into Magcargo.
Going, Going, Yawn	Ash battles Flannery and wins, earning the Heat Badge.
Going for a Spinda	Ash and his friends decide to head to Petalburg City via Mauville City for Ash's next Gym battle.
All Torkoal, No Play	Ash catches a Torkoal.
Manectric Charge	Ash and his friends return to Mauville City while on their way to Petalburg City, and meet Wattson and Watt again. Wattson's Electrike evolves into a Manectric. May has a battle with Watt and wins. Ash's Torkoal is revealed to know Iron Defense. Ash has an unofficial rematch with Wattson and loses. May learns that a Pokémon Contest will be held in Verdanturf Town.
Delcatty Got Your Tongue	May's Skitty learns Blizzard.
Disaster of Disguise	Ash and his friends arrive in Verdanturf Town and meet up with Drew again.
Disguise Da Limit	May's Skitty masters Blizzard. May and Jessie participate in the Verdanturf Contest, with May winning and earning her second Ribbon. Ash and his friends leave Verdanturf Town.
Take the Lombre Home	Brock's Lotad evolves into Lombre.
True Blue Swablu	May offers a Swablu a place on her team, but decides against it when Swablu's flock shows up.
Exploud and Clear!	Ash's Treecko evolves into Grovyle and learns Leaf Blade.
Putting the Air Back in Aerodactyl!	Gary is revealed to be working on Sayda Island as a Fossil Pokémon researcher. Gary meets Butch and Cassidy for the first time. Gary's Doduo is revealed to have evolved into a Dodrio.
A Double Dilemma	Ash and his friends arrive in Petalburg City.
Love, Petalburg Style!	Brock meets Norman and Caroline for the first time. Ash prepares for his Gym battle with Norman.
Balance of Power	Ash's Pikachu is revealed to have Static as his Ability. Ash's Grovyle is revealed to have Overgrow as its Ability. Ash has his Gym match with Norman and wins, earning him the Balance Badge.
A Six Pack Attack!	Ash learns that the next Gym is located in Fortree City and decides to head there. May and Max meet Professor Oak in person for the first time.
The Bicker the Better	Ash learns about Tag Battles and has his first official battle of that kind, along with May.
Grass Hysteria!	May catches a Bulbasaur.
Hokey Poké Balls!	Ash temporarily brings his Bulbasaur from Professor Oak's Laboratory to meet May's Bulbasaur.
A Fan with a Plan!	Ash and his friends arrive in Rubello Town and meet up with Drew again. May decides to enter the upcoming R1 Rubello Town Pokémon Contest. Drew is revealed to own a Masquerain. May's Bulbasaur is revealed to know Tackle.
Cruisin' for a Losin'	May and Drew enter the R1 Rubello Town Pokémon Contest. May's Beautifly is revealed to know Morning Sun. Drew wins the Rubello Contest and earns his fourth Ribbon.
Pearls are a Spoink's Best Friend	Ash and his friends encounter a wandering wild Spoink. Jessie buys a Magikarp disguised as a Feebas from the Magikarp salesman, but eventually loses it after the disguise comes off. Ash and his friends meet the Magikarp salesman for the first time. Ash's Torkoal is revealed to know Body Slam.
That's Just Swellow	Ash, May, and James participate in the Crossgate PokéRinger. Ash's Taillow evolves into Swellow. Ash wins the Crossgate PokéRinger, while James places second.
A Shroomish Skirmish	May's Torchic evolves into Combusken and learns Fire Spin and Sky Uppercut.
Unfair Weather Friends	Ash and his friends encounter Brodie of Team Magma.
Who's Flying Now?	Ash and his friends arrive in Fortree City. Ash meets Winona, the Fortree Gym Leader, and challenges her to a Gym battle. James purchases what he believes to be a Chimecho from the Magikarp salesman. James's "Chimecho" is revealed to be a disguised Hoppip, which escapes before he can attempt to catch it. James catches a real Chimecho.
Sky High Gym Battle!	Ash has his Gym battle with Winona and wins, earning the Feather Badge.
Lights, Camerupt, Action!	Ash learns that the next Gym is located in Mossdeep City, and decides to head there via Lilycove City.
Crazy as a Lunatone	Ken and Mary from the Pokémon Mystery Club return, with May and Max meeting them for the first time.
A Scare to Remember!	Ash's Pikachu, during a bout of amnesia, temporarily joins Team Rocket.
Pokéblock, Stock and Berry	Ash and his friends arrive in Lilycove City. Ash and his friends learn how Pokéblocks are made. Ash starts teaching Swellow to use Aerial Ace. May and Jessie enter the Lilycove City Pokémon Contest.
Lessons in Lilycove	James's Chimecho is revealed to know Astonish and uses Double-Edge for the first time. Ash's Swellow learns Aerial Ace. May wins the Lilycove Contest, earning her third Ribbon.
Judgment Day!	Ash and his friends leave Lilycove City and head to Mossdeep City.
Clamperl of Wisdom	Ash and his friends encounter the wild Spoink again.
Luvdisc is a Many Splendored Thing!	Misty and Daisy are both revealed to have obtained a Luvdisc each.
The Evolutionary War	Ash and his friends meet up with Professor Birch again.
The Search for the Legend	Butch is revealed to own a Cloyster, while Cassidy is revealed to own a Tentacruel.
Training Wrecks	Ash, his friends, and Team Rocket get lost at sea after Team Rocket's attempt to steal Pikachu.
Gaining Groudon	While lost at sea, Ash and his friends are held captive by Team Magma. Ash and his friends meet Maxie, the leader of Team Magma. Team Magma is revealed to have captured Kyogre while Team Aqua has captured Groudon. Shelly frees Kyogre from Team Magma's captivity, allowing Archie to take control of it with the Red Orb. Ash's Pikachu accidentally absorbs the Blue Orb into his body. Ash meets up with Lance again.
The Scuffle of Legends	Brock meets Lance again, with May and Max meeting him for the first time. Archie temporarily bonds with the Red Orb, but later loses possession of it when it is separated from him. Groudon is freed from Team Aqua's captivity by Pikachu. Pikachu loses possession of the Blue Orb after it is separated from his body. The Red and Blue Orbs are destroyed. Groudon and Kyogre retreat back into their sleeping grounds. Team Magma and Team Aqua's attempts to change the world are ended.
It's Still Rocket Roll to Me!	Ash and his friends arrive in Mossdeep City and meet Tate and Liza, the Mossdeep Gym Leaders. Ash challenges Tate and Liza to a Gym battle, which is revealed to be a Double Battle.
Solid as a Solrock	Ash's Swellow is revealed to know Double Team. Ash defeats Tate and Liza in a Gym battle, earning the Mind Badge.
Vanity Affair	Ash and his friends meet Drake, a member of the Hoenn Elite Four. Ash has a battle with Drake and loses.
Where's Armaldo?	May's Bulbasaur learns Petal Dance.
A Cacturne for the Worse	May meets Harley, a fellow Pokémon Coordinator and her latest rival. Ash and his friends arrive in Purika City on Izabe Island. May and Harley enter the Purika Contest and May wins, earning her fourth Ribbon.
Claydol Big and Tall	Ash tries and fails to catch a giant Claydol.
Once in a Mawile	Brock's Lombre evolves into Ludicolo by using Samantha's Water Stone and learns Bullet Seed.
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snorunt	Ash catches a Snorunt.
Do I Hear a Ralts?	Max befriends a wild Ralts, which he promises to return to when he begins his Pokémon journey.
The Great Eight Fate!	Ash and his friends arrive in Sootopolis City and meet Juan, the local Gym Leader. Ash challenges Juan to a Gym battle, which is revealed to be a Double Battle followed by a Single Battle. Ash wins the Double Battle against Juan and begins the Single Battle against him.
Eight Ain't Enough	Ash wins his Gym battle against Juan and earns the Rain Badge, qualifying him for the Hoenn League. Ash learns that the Hoenn League will start in three months in Ever Grande City. May learns that a Pokémon Contest will be held in Pacifidlog Town.
Who, What, When, Where, Wynaut?	Ash and his friends meet up with Drew again. Drew is revealed to have obtained his fifth Contest Ribbon, thus qualifying him for the Grand Festival. May learns that there is only one Pokémon Contest remaining before the Hoenn Grand Festival, and that the event itself will start in six weeks. May has a battle with Drew, which gets interrupted by Team Rocket.
Date Expectations	Ash's Snorunt is revealed to know Ice Beam, but has not mastered it.
Mean With Envy	Ash and his friends arrive in Pacifidlog Town. May and Jessie enter the Pacifidlog Contest and advance to the Contest Battles. Ash starts training Snorunt to use Ice Beam properly. May learns that the Hoenn Grand Festival will start in a month.
Pacifidlog Jam	May wins the Pacifidlog Contest and earns her fifth Ribbon, securing her a place in the Hoenn Grand Festival.
Berry, Berry Interesting	Ash and his friends head to Slateport City for the Hoenn Grand Festival. May catches a Munchlax.
Less is Morrison	Ash meets Morrison, a new friend and rival for the Hoenn League.
The Ribbon Cup Caper	Team Magma and Team Aqua are revealed to have been disbanded. Ash and his friends encounter Brodie again. Ash and his friends reach Slateport City.
Hi Ho Silver Wind!	Harley and Robert are revealed to have five Contest Ribbons each. Drew and Harley meet each other for the first time. May, Drew, Harley, and Robert enter the Hoenn Grand Festival and get past the first round.
Deceit and Assist	Harley is revealed to own a Banette. May's Skitty reveals via Assist that Munchlax knows Solar Beam. May, Drew, Harley, and Robert advance to the Battle Stage of the Hoenn Grand Festival. May starts her battle with Harley in the first round of the Battle Stage.
Rhapsody in Drew	May wins her battle against Harley and advances to the second round of the Battle Stage. Robert is revealed to own a Claydol. Ash's Snorunt evolves into Glalie and masters Ice Beam. May defeats Anthony and advances to the quarterfinals. Drew also advances to the quarterfinals. Drew is revealed to have obtained a Flygon. Drew defeats May in the quarterfinals and advances to the semifinals. Drew defeats his opponent in the semifinals and advances to the finals. Robert defeats Drew in the finals, winning the Hoenn Grand Festival. Robert receives the Ribbon Cup and becomes a Top Coordinator.
Island Time	Ash and his friends leave Slateport City and head to Ever Grande City.
Like a Meowth to a Flame	Ash arrives in Ever Grande City and registers for the Ever Grande Conference. Ash meets Tyson, a new rival. Ash decides to use only his current party Pokémon in the tournament instead of using any of his Pokémon at Oak's.
Saved by the Beldum	Morrison is revealed to have earned his eighth Badge and own a Swampert, a Girafarig, a Steelix, a Growlithe, and a Gligar. The Ever Grande Conference begins. Morrison's Beldum evolves into Metang. Morrison defeats Jump, making it through the preliminary round. Tyson defeats Vivica, making it through the preliminary round. Ash defeats Gilbert, making it through the preliminary round.
From Brags to Riches	Morrison defeats Gavin in a Double Battle, advancing to the next round. Ash defeats Dominick in a Double Battle, advancing to the next round. Tyson also wins his Double Battle, advancing to the next round.
Shocks and Bonds	Ash, Morrison, and Tyson are revealed to have made it to the third qualifying round. Ash defeats Clark in a Double Battle, advancing to the Victory Tournament. Morrison also defeats his opponent, advancing to the Victory Tournament. Tyson defeats Johnny in a Double Battle, advancing to the Victory Tournament. Tyson is revealed to own a Sceptile and a Donphan. Ash begins his Full Battle against Katie.
A Judgment Brawl	Ash continues his Full Battle with Katie and wins, advancing to the eighth-finals. Morrison and Tyson also advance to the eighth-finals. Ash begins his Full Battle with Morrison.
Choose It or Loose It!	Ash continues his Full Battle against Morrison and wins, advancing to the quarterfinals. Tyson also advances to the quarterfinals. Tyson is revealed to own a Hariyama and a Shiftry. Ash begins his Full Battle with Tyson.
At the End of the Fray	Ash continues his Full Battle against Tyson in the quarterfinals and ultimately loses, finishing in the Top 8. Tyson moves on to the semifinals and wins, advancing to the final round. Tyson defeats his opponent in the finals and wins the Ever Grande Conference. The Ever Grande Conference ends.
The Scheme Team	Ash, Brock, May, and Max go their separate ways. Team Rocket's headquarters and the Viridian Gym are revealed to have been rebuilt. Ash meets Scott, who tells him about the Battle Frontier. Ash meets Agatha of the Kanto Elite Four, who is revealed to be filling in as the Viridian Gym Leader until the new Gym Leader arrives. Ash battles Agatha at the Viridian Gym and loses. Ash decides to challenge the Battle Frontier. Ash returns home and meets up with Misty. Misty is revealed to have obtained an Azurill, which she hatched from an Egg she received from Tracey. In the process, Tracey's Marill is revealed to have produced an Egg. Max arrives in Pallet Town with Professor Birch.
The Right Place and the Right Mime	May arrives in Pallet Town and rejoins Ash and Max. May and Max meet Delia and Tracey for the first time. Misty and Tracey meet Professor Birch for the first time. Ash tells his friends about the Battle Frontier. May is revealed to be planning to enter Pokémon Contests in Kanto. Ash, May, and Max decide to travel together through Kanto. May reveals she left Beautifly and Skitty at the Petalburg Gym. Ash's Snorlax is revealed to know Tackle. Misty's Azurill is revealed to know Water Gun. May receives a Squirtle from Professor Oak and agrees to leave Bulbasaur with him at his lab. Ash leaves his Torkoal and Glalie at Professor Oak's lab. Professor Oak gives Ash and May a new Pokédex each, while Max has his PokéNav updated. Ash learns that the first Battle Frontier facility is the Battle Factory, located near Cerulean City. Ash's Phanpy rejoins his team. Brock returns from Pewter City and rejoins the group. Ash, May, Brock, and Max begin their journey through Kanto, accompanied by Misty.
A Real Cleffa-Hanger	Brock is revealed to have left his Ludicolo at home with his mother and siblings. Misty's Azurill is revealed to know Bubble and Refresh. May's Munchlax is revealed to know Metronome. Misty leaves Ash's group to return to the Cerulean Gym.

Kanto (Battle Frontier)

Episode	Details
Lucario and the Mystery of Mew	Ash is revealed to be capable of using Aura.
Numero Uno Articuno	May, Max, and Brock meet Scott for the first time. Ash and his friends arrive at the Battle Factory and meet Factory Head Noland, the first Frontier Brain. Ash's Charizard returns from the Charicific Valley. Ash and Charizard prepare to face off against Noland and Articuno.
The Symbol Life	Ash's Charizard is revealed to have learned Dragon Breath and Overheat. Ash and Charizard battle and defeat Noland and Articuno, earning Ash his first Frontier Symbol, the Knowledge Symbol. Ash receives the Frontierfolio from Noland. Ash learns that the next Battle Frontier facility is the Battle Arena, and decides to head there. Charizard returns to the Charicific Valley.
Hooked on Onix	May's Squirtle is revealed to know Bubble. Ash's Phanpy is revealed to know Hidden Power.
On Cloud Arcanine	Ash and his friends meet up with Drew again. Drew is revealed to have earned his first Kanto Ribbon. May attempts to catch an Arcanine, but decides against it later. May's Squirtle is revealed to know Tackle and Water Gun. May learns that a Pokémon Contest will be held in Saffron City.
The Saffron Con	Ash and his friends arrive in Saffron City and meet up with Harley. Harley is revealed to have obtained an Ariados. May's Squirtle learns Ice Beam. May and Jessie each obtain a Kanto Contest Pass, allowing them to compete in Kanto Pokémon Contests.
A Hurdle for Squirtle	May, Jessie, and Harley compete in the Saffron City Pokémon Contest. May wins the Saffron Contest, earning her first Kanto Ribbon.
Pasta La Vista	Ash and his friends leave Saffron City.
Sweet Baby James!	May and Max learn that James comes from a rich family. James leaves Chimecho with Nanny and Pop-Pop to continue recovering from a fever. James catches a Mime Jr.
A Chip Off the Old Brock	Brock's Mudkip evolves into Marshtomp and learns Mud Shot.
Wheel...of Frontier!	Ash temporarily returns his Snorlax back to his team from Professor Oak's Laboratory. Ash and his friends arrive at the Battle Arena and meet Arena Tycoon Greta, the second Frontier Brain. Ash's Snorlax is revealed to have learned Protect and Rest. Ash battles Greta and wins, earning the Guts Symbol. Ash learns the next Battle Frontier facility is the Battle Dome, located south of Lavender Town.
May's Egg-cellent Adventure!	May's Munchlax learns Focus Punch and uses Solar Beam for the first time. Ash's Pikachu learns Volt Tackle. May receives a Pokémon Egg from Christopher and Jeannie.
The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon	Misty's Staryu is revealed to know Bubble Beam. Professor Oak is revealed to own a Dragonite.
Weekend Warrior	May enters the Silver Town Pokémon Contest and wins, earning her second Kanto Ribbon.
On Olden Pond	May's Squirtle learns Rapid Spin.
Tactic Theatrics!!	Ash and his friends arrive at the Battle Dome and meet Dome Ace Tucker, the third Frontier Brain. Ash battles Tucker and wins, earning the Tactics Symbol.
Reversing the Charges	Ash learns that the next Battle Frontier facility is the Battle Pike near Fuchsia City. Ash's Phanpy evolves into Donphan and learns Hyper Beam.
The Green Guardian	Ash's Pikachu masters Volt Tackle. Ash and his friends meet Solana and learn about Pokémon Rangers.
From Cradle to Save	Brock catches a Bonsly.
Time Warp Heals All Wounds	May's Egg hatches into an Eevee.
Queen of the Serpentine!	Ash and his friends arrive at the Battle Pike and meet Pike Queen Lucy, the fourth Frontier Brain. Ash battles Lucy and wins, earning the Luck Symbol. Ash learns that the next Battle Frontier facility, the Battle Palace, is on Metallica Island near Seafoam Islands.
Off the Unbeaten Path	Ash, his friends, Jessie, and James all enter the Pokémon Orienteering competition. James wins the competition and receives the Pokémon Teamwork Medal. May learns the next Pokémon Contest will be held in Wisteria Town.
Harley Rides Again	Ash and his friends arrive in Wisteria Town and meet up with Harley again. May and Harley enter the Wisteria Town Pokémon Contest. Harley is revealed to have earned three Kanto Ribbons and own an Octillery. May's Munchlax is revealed to know Tackle. Harley defeats May in the final round, earning the Wisteria Ribbon, his fourth Kanto Ribbon. In the process, May suffers her first loss in the Kanto region, as well as her first loss to Harley. May learns from Lilian that the next Pokémon Contest will be held on Chrysanthemum Island. May receives an invitation for the Chrysanthemum Contest from someone she suspects to be Drew.
Odd Pokémon Out!	Ash's Grovyle evolves into a Sceptile. The shock of Meganium's rejection causes Sceptile to become unable to use any moves.
Spontaneous Combusken!	Ash and his friends arrive in Chrysanthemum Island and meet up with Drew again. It is revealed that May's invitation was sent by Brianna rather than Drew. May and Jessie enter the Chrysanthemum Contest. James's Mime Jr. is revealed to know Mimic and Tickle. May's Combusken learns Mega Kick. May wins the Chrysanthemum Contest, earning her third Kanto Ribbon.
Cutting the Ties that Bind!	May's Eevee is revealed to know Shadow Ball. Ash and his friends meet Palace Maven Spenser, the fifth Frontier Brain. Ash's Sceptile regains its ability to use moves.
Ka Boom with a View!	Ash and his friends arrive at the Battle Palace. Ash temporarily adds his Heracross back to his team from Professor Oak's Laboratory. Ash's Sceptile learns Solar Beam. Ash battles Spenser and wins, earning the Spirits Symbol.
King and Queen for a Day!	Ash's next Battle Frontier match is revealed to be at the Battle Tower near Cremini Town. James's Mime Jr. is revealed to know Teeter Dance. Brock's Bonsly is revealed to know Flail.
Curbing the Crimson Tide!	Ash's Sceptile is revealed to know Agility. May's Squirtle is revealed to know Withdraw. May learns that a Pokémon Contest will be held in Gardenia Town.
What I Did for Love!	Ash and his friends arrive in Gardenia Town. May's Eevee learns Dig and is revealed to know Tackle. Brock obtains a Kanto Contest Pass and enters a Pokémon Contest for the first time. May enters the Gardenia Town Pokémon Contest along with Brock. Brock's Marshtomp is revealed to have learned Protect and Tackle. May defeats Brock in the finals, winning the Gardenia Contest and earning her fourth Kanto Ribbon.
Talking a Good Game!	Ash and his friends arrive at the Battle Tower and meet Salon Maiden Anabel, the sixth Frontier Brain. Ash adds one of his Tauros from Professor Oak's Laboratory to his team for the duration of his Battle Tower challenge. Ash battles Anabel, but loses the match, resulting in his first Battle Frontier loss.
Second Time's the Charm!	Ash's Tauros is revealed to know Double Team. Ash has a rematch against Anabel and wins, winning himself the Ability Symbol. The final Battle Frontier facility, the Battle Pyramid, is revealed to be located near Pewter City for now.
Pokémon Ranger - Deoxys' Crisis! (Part 1)	Ash and his friends meet up with Pokémon Ranger Solana again and encounter the Mythical Pokémon Deoxys.
Pokémon Ranger - Deoxys' Crisis! (Part 2)	May's Combusken is revealed to know Flamethrower.
All That Glitters is Not Golden!	Ash tries to catch a Sudowoodo, but fails due to it already having a Trainer. May learns that a Pokémon Contest will be held in Mulberry City.
New Plot, Odd Lot!	Ash and his friends arrive in Mulberry City and meet up with Harley again. Harley is revealed to have won his fifth Kanto Contest Ribbon already, qualifying him for the Kanto Grand Festival. Harley and Team Rocket form an alliance in order to ensure May loses her next Pokémon Contest. Harley loans his Cacturne and Banette to Jessie. May and Jessie enter the Mulberry Contest and advance to the Battle Stage.
Going for Choke!	May wins the Mulberry Contest, earning her fifth Kanto Ribbon and securing her a place in the Kanto Grand Festival. The group learns that the Kanto Grand Festival will be held at Indigo Plateau. Harley takes Cacturne and Banette back from Jessie. Drew is revealed to have earned four more Kanto Ribbons, thus bringing his total to five and qualifying him for the Kanto Grand Festival.
The Ole' Berate and Switch!	Team Rocket temporarily breaks up, and Jessie and James temporarily join with Butch and Cassidy, respectively. May and Max meet Butch and Cassidy for the first time.
Grating Spaces!	Ash and his friends arrive at Pewter City. May and Max meet Brock's family while Ash meets Brock's mother, Lola, for the first time. Brock's Onix is revealed to have evolved into Steelix and learned Iron Tail and Dragon Breath. Jessie and James receive a Charizard and an Aggron, respectively, from the Team Rocket HQ. The Pokémon are later taken away by Delibird to be delivered to Cassidy and Butch. Brock's Geodude is revealed to have learned Sandstorm and Mega Punch.
Battling the Enemy Within!	Ash and his friends arrive at the Battle Pyramid and meet Pyramid King Brandon, the seventh and final Frontier Brain. Ash is possessed by the evil spirit of the King of Pokélantis, which comes from a stone sphere sealed in the Ancient Ruins. Brandon agrees to battle the King of Pokélantis in order to save Ash. Ash's Sceptile faces Brandon's Regirock in an unofficial battle and loses. Brandon promises Ash an official battle, but it will not be for some time because he has business elsewhere. Ash sees Ho-Oh for the third time, while May, Brock, and Max see it for the first time.
Slaking Kong!	Ash befriends an Aipom who starts following the group.
May, we Harley Drew'd Ya!	Ash and his friends arrive at the Indigo Plateau, site of the Kanto Grand Festival. Ash, May, and Max meet Solidad, a Coordinator from Pewter City and an acquaintance of Brock, Drew, and Harley. Solidad, Drew, Harley, and May advance from the preliminaries to the first round of the Kanto Grand Festival. Ash discovers that the Aipom he met previously is following the group when she steals his hat again. Drew is revealed to have obtained an Absol.
Thinning the Hoard!	Ash fails to catch the Aipom that has been following the group. Aipom develops an interest in Pokémon Contests. May, Drew, Harley, and Solidad advance to the Contest Battles of the Kanto Grand Festival. Harley is revealed to own a Wigglytuff. May defeats Harley and advances to the quarterfinals. Drew and Solidad defeat their opponents and advance to the quarterfinals. May starts her battle with Drew in the quarterfinals.
Channeling the Battle Zone!	May wins her battle against Drew in the quarterfinals. May's Combusken learns Overheat. The Aipom that has been following Ash is revealed to know Swift and Focus Punch. Ash finally catches Aipom. Solidad is revealed to own a Pidgeot and a Butterfree. Solidad defeats May in the semifinals. Solidad wins the Kanto Grand Festival, earning the Ribbon Cup and the title of Top Coordinator. Ash learns that the Battle Pyramid is in Fennel Valley for now.
Aipom and Circumstance!	Ash's Aipom is revealed to know Double Team.
Overjoyed!	Ash and his friends arrive in Fennel Valley and meet Brandon again. Brandon is revealed to own a Registeel. Ash sends his Aipom to Professor Oak's Laboratory in exchange for his Torkoal, which is revealed to have learned Heat Wave. Ash's Torkoal faces Brandon's Registeel in an official battle, but is defeated. Brandon leaves the Battle Pyramid to catch a Pokémon on his own.
The Unbeatable Lightness of Seeing!	May's Beautifly and Skitty return from Petalburg City. Beautifly is revealed to have learned Psychic. Ash receives a postcard informing him of the Sinnoh region from Gary, and a fishing lure from Misty. Drew is revealed to own a Butterfree. May has a practice Contest Battle against Drew and loses. Drew and Harley announce that they, along with Solidad, are heading to Johto to participate in Pokémon Contests there.
Pinch Healing!	Ash is revealed to have added Aipom back to his team and sent Torkoal back to Professor Oak's Laboratory. Brandon is revealed to have found the Pokémon he left to search for, being ready for a rematch with Ash.
Gathering The Gang of Four!	Ash's Bulbasaur is sent over by Tracey from Professor Oak's Laboratory. Ash's Squirtle returns from the Squirtle Squad and is revealed to have learned Rapid Spin. Ash's Charizard returns from the Charicific Valley and is revealed to have learned Steel Wing. Ash meets Brandon again, and is allowed to have a rematch with him. Scott explains that those who successfully defeat the Battle Frontier enter the Hall of Fame and become Frontier Brain candidates. Scott is revealed to own the Battle Frontier. Ash and Brandon begin their rematch. Brandon is revealed to own a Dusclops.
Pace - The Final Frontier!	Brandon is revealed to own a Ninjask and a Solrock, and to have caught a Regice, the Pokémon he left search for earlier. Ash continues his rematch against Brandon and wins, earning the Brave Symbol and entering the Battle Frontier Hall of Fame. Scott offers Ash a position as a Frontier Brain, but Ash turns it down, though the offer remains open. Ash's Bulbasaur, Charizard, and Squirtle return to Professor Oak's Laboratory, the Charicific Valley, and the Squirtle Squad, respectively.
Once More with Reeling!	Ash and his friends arrive in Terracotta Town. Ash and May learn about the unofficial Terracotta Contest and decide to enter, with Ash competing in a Pokémon Contest for the first time. Ash and May both pass the Appeals Round and enter the final round. May's Combusken evolves into Blaziken, learns Blaze Kick, and is revealed to have Blaze as its Ability.
Home is Where the Start Is!	Ash and May tie in the final round of the unofficial Terracotta Contest and decide to split the Terracotta Medal in half. May announces her decision to go to the Johto region alone. May and Max return to Petalburg City, while Brock returns to Pewter City. Ash encounters Gary, who is revealed to have obtained an Electivire. Ash returns to Pallet Town and challenges Gary to a battle, but loses. Gary returns to Sinnoh to continue his research. Ash receives a new Pokédex from Professor Oak. Ash decides to go to Sinnoh, leaving behind all his Pokémon except Pikachu. Ash's Aipom stows away on the ship Ash and Pikachu are riding, following them to Sinnoh.

Related articles

• Timeline of events in Pokémon the Series
  • The Beginning
  • Gold and Silver
  • Diamond and Pearl
  • Black & White
  • XY
  • Sun & Moon
  • Journeys
• Timeline of events in Pokémon Horizons: The Series

This article is part of Project Anime, a Bulbapedia project that covers all aspects of Pokémon animation.