The Pokémon universe is vast and expands beyond video games into different forms of media, including the Pokémon Adventures manga, the official anime, and other adaptations. Each of these mediums offers unique insights into Pokémon characters, deepening our understanding of their stories, motivations, and lore.
This series, Pokémon Character Lore Explained, will explore key Pokémon characters across all media, uncovering their full stories from different perspectives.
For our first deep dive, we’ll focus on one of the most iconic trainers in the Pokémon universe—Steven Stone. A reserved yet charismatic champion, Steven is known for his love of rare stones and Steel-type Pokémon.
Contents
Steven Stone in the Video Games
Who is Steven Stone?
Steven Stone hails from the Hoenn region and is a Steel-type specialist. His name, Stone, is a fitting nod to his passion for rare rocks and fossils.
In the games, he is the son of the Devon Corporation’s president, a company known for developing various Pokémon-related products.
Steven’s Appearances in the Games
Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire (Champion Role)
- In these games, Steven is the Champion of the Pokémon League.
- The player first meets him in Dewford Town’s Granite Cave, where they deliver a letter from his father.
- Later, he appears on Route 118 and Route 120, where he gives the player the Devon Scope (used to reveal hidden Kecleon).
- He plays a key role in the Cave of Origin event, helping to stop the legendary Pokémon from causing havoc.
- The final battle against Steven takes place at the Pokémon League, where he serves as the Hoenn Champion.
Pokémon Emerald (Retired Champion)
- In Emerald, Steven has stepped down as Champion, and Wallace has taken his place.
- Steven is now focused on finding rare stones and is hiding in Meteor Falls.
- The player can battle him here in a challenging post-game match.
Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver (Older and Still Searching for Stones)
- In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Steven appears in the Kanto region.
- He is searching for Latios & Latias and can be found at the Pewter Museum.
- He offers the player a Hoenn starter Pokémon.
- His appearance suggests he is still traveling and researching rare stones.
Pokémon Black, White & Black 2, White 2 (Cameo References)
- Steven is mentioned in Black & White by a tourist in Undella Town who describes him as a powerful trainer collecting rare stones.
- In Black & White 2, Steven participates in the Pokémon World Tournament, showcasing his Steel-type expertise.
Pokémon Masters (Mobile Game Appearance)
- In Pokémon Masters, Steven is paired with his trusted Metagross.
- He plays a role in the game’s special events, teaming up with Wallace and battling evil teams.
Steven’s Pokémon Teams in the Games
Champion Team (Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire)
- Skarmory
- Claydol
- Aggron
- Cradily
- Armaldo
- Metagross (Ace Pokémon)
Steven’s love for fossils and rare stones is reflected in his Cradily and Armaldo, both of which come from fossilized Pokémon.
Post-Game Team (Emerald – Meteor Falls Battle)
- The same as his Champion Team, but with higher levels.
Pokémon Black & White 2 Team (World Tournament)
- Metagross
- Aggron
- Archeops
- Excadrill
- Cradily
- Claydol
This team adds two more fossil-based Pokémon, reinforcing Steven’s obsession with ancient stones.
Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire Team
- Same as his Ruby/Sapphire team, but now features a Mega Metagross.
Steven Stone in the Pokémon Adventures Manga
Steven also plays a prominent role in the Pokémon Adventures manga, specifically in the Ruby & Sapphire and Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire arcs.
Champion of Hoenn & Wallace’s Rival
- In the manga, Steven becomes Champion by defeating Wallace, who then steps down to become the Sootopolis Gym Leader.
- Just like in the games, Steven is obsessed with rare stones and partners with the Devon Corporation to stop Team Magma & Team Aqua.
The Submarine & Legendary Battle
- Steven and the Devon Corporation develop a submarine to prevent Team Magma & Aqua from awakening Groudon and Kyogre.
- Despite their efforts, the submarine is stolen, leading to a massive battle.
Steven’s Tragic Fate in the Manga
💀 SPOILER ALERT!
- During the battle against Groudon & Kyogre, Steven pushes himself too far and dies from exhaustion.
- Wallace is so inspired by Steven’s sacrifice that he becomes the new Champion.
Alternate Timeline Resurrection
- In the Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire manga arc, Celebi transports Ruby & Sapphire to an alternate timeline where Steven survives.
- Here, Steven helps battle a meteorite threatening the world alongside Rayquaza.
Steven Stone in the Pokémon Anime
First Appearance: Ruby & Sapphire Anime
- Steven appears in the Advanced Generation anime during the Hoenn saga.
- He is never mentioned as Champion and is simply portrayed as a strong trainer obsessed with rare stones.
Longest Gap Between Appearances
- Steven has the longest gap between his first and second anime appearances—a total of 642 episodes!
- His second appearance was in Pokémon X & Y, making him the longest-absent returning character in the series.
Pokémon X & Y Mega Evolution Special
- Steven finally returns in Pokémon X & Y, appearing in the Mega Evolution Specials.
- He is now confirmed to be the Champion of Hoenn.
- He battles Alain (from the Mega Evolution specials) using his Shiny Mega Metagross.
Animated Trailers
- Steven appears in the Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire animated trailer, battling Brendan with his Mega Metagross.
- He also appears in Pokémon Masters’ promotional trailer, teaming up with Cynthia and Lance.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Steven Stone
Steven Stone remains one of the most iconic Champions in Pokémon history. His love for rare stones, elegant battling style, and reserved personality make him a fan-favorite character.
💎 Key Takeaways:
✔️ Steel-type Master and Fossil Pokémon enthusiast
✔️ Champion of Hoenn in Ruby & Sapphire & ORAS
✔️ Replaced by Wallace in Emerald & the manga
✔️ Tragically dies in the manga’s original timeline but survives in an alternate reality
✔️ Returns in Pokémon X & Y with Mega Metagross