The small Desert Ruins between routes

Guide to Pokemon Emerald's Desert Ruins: find Stardust, TM37 Sandstorm, and battle trainers. Learn about Pokemon like Trapinch, Sandshrew, Cacnea, and Baltoy.

As you are now back on route 112, head east. Hop over the ledges and pick up the Nugget. Continue east to the fork that splits route 111 from route 112. To the north is the desert. With the Go-Goggles, you can enter now. If you don't have the Mac Bike, go back to Mauville City and get it, since you'll need it for the upcoming part. Rock Smash will also be necessary.

Desert Ruins Pokemon:

• Trapinch (Common)
• Sandshrew (Uncommon)
• Cacnea (Uncommon)
• Baltoy (Rare)

Trapinch evolves into Vibrava at Level 35 and Flygon at Level 45. Sandshrew evolves into Sandslash at level 22. Cacnea evolves into Cacturne at level 32. Baltoy evolves into Claydol.

Trainers:

• Picnicker Heidi: Sandshrew (Lvl. 22), Baltoy (Lvl. 22) - $352
• Camper Beau: Baltoy (Lvl. 21), Baltoy (Lvl. 21), Sandshrew (Lvl. 22) - $336
• Camper Drew: Sandshrew (Lvl. 23) - $368
• Picnicker Becky: Marill (Lvl. 22), Sandshrew (Lvl. 22) - $352
• Ruin Maniac Dusty (Match Call Trainer): Sandslash (Lvl. 23) - $1380
• Picnicker Celia: Marill (Lvl. 22), Lombre (Lvl. 22) - $352
• Ruin Maniac Bryan: Sandshrew (Lvl. 22), Sandslash (Lvl. 22) - $1320
• Camper Branden: Taillow (Lvl. 22), Nuzleaf (Lvl. 22) - $352

When entering the desert from the south, pick up the Stardust. Head north to the other end of the desert, then east to find a trainer in the northeast corner. Head south to find two trainers, then continue south to find two more trainers. Finally, head south for 3 more trainers. At the very bottom, you'll find TM37: Sandstorm. This attack lasts five turns and inflicts damage on both Pokemon, unless they are Ground, Rock, or Steel type. Note that all battles in the desert will have an endless sandstorm effect.

After dealing with the trainers, head back north to the desert entrance. To your north and east, a tower may appear. If it's not there, wait and return later. Once visible, enter the tower with the Mach Bike and a Pokemon with Rock Smash.