Navigating the Gym Leaders in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Best Order to Challenge

The highly anticipated ninth-generation Pokémon titles, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, have finally been released, and they are taking the gaming world by storm. These games not only include all the beloved features that fans have come to know and love but also introduce a plethora of new mechanics and options that inject fresh life into the franchise.

One of the most exciting aspects of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is the introduction of the first fully open-world adventure in the mainline series. Players now have the freedom to explore the game world in any way they choose, and this newfound freedom extends to how they progress through the game’s story. For the first time ever, players have the option to choose from three primary story paths and tackle them in almost any order they wish.

While two of these story paths are completely new, the classic objective of challenging the region’s eight Gym leaders and facing off against the Elite Four makes a return in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. With the game now open-world, players have the flexibility to challenge any Gym leader at any time, raising the question of what the best order is to take on these formidable foes.

The first Gym players should consider tackling is the Cortondo Gym, a Bug-type Gym led by Katy. Located in Cortondo City, players will need a team of around level 10 or higher to counter Katy’s Bug team. With Pokémon like Nymble, Tarountula, and Teddiursa in her lineup, players with Fire, Flying, or Rock-type Pokémon will have an advantage in securing their first Gym Badge.

Next up is the Artazon Gym, a Grass-type Gym led by Brassius. Players should aim to reach level 15 or higher before challenging this Gym, as Grass types are weak to Fire, Bug, Flying, Ice, and Poison-type Pokémon. By defeating Brassius’s team of Petlil, Smoliv, and Sudowoodo, players can earn their second Gym Badge along with the TM020, Trailblaze.

The challenge ramps up at the Levincia Gym, an Electric-type Gym led by Iono. With Electric-types being weak to Ground-types, players should have a team of at least level 20, if not 25, before taking on this Gym. By overcoming Iono’s team of Wattrel, Bellibolt, Luxio, and Mismagius, players can secure their third Gym Badge and receive the TM048, Volt Switch.

The Cascarrafa Gym, a Water-type Gym led by Kofu, presents another formidable challenge for players. Located in the oasis resort of Cascarrafa, players should have a team of level 30 or higher to face Kofu’s team of Veluza, Wugtrio, and Crabominable. By utilizing Ground and Electric-type Pokémon, players can claim their fourth Gym Badge and the TM022, Chilling Water.

Moving on to the Medali Gym, a Normal-type Gym led by Larry, players can test their skills against Pokémon like Komala, Dundunsparce, and Staraptor. Dark-type Pokémon will be crucial in countering Larry’s team and securing the fifth Gym Badge along with the TM025, Facade.

The Montenevera Gym, a Ghost-type Gym led by Ryme, provides another challenging battle for players. By utilizing Dark-type Pokémon against Ryme’s Banette, Mimikyu, Houndstone, and Toxtricity, players can claim their sixth Gym Badge and the TM114, Shadow Ball.

Next up is the Alfornada Gym, a Psychic-type Gym led by Tulip. Players should have a team close to level 45 before taking on Tulip’s team of Farigiraf, Gardevoir, Espathra, and Florges. With Bug, Dark, and Ghost-type Pokémon, players can emerge victorious and earn their seventh Gym Badge along with the TM120, Psychic.

The final challenge awaits at the Glaseado Gym, an Ice-type Gym led by Grusha. Players will need a team of level 45 or higher to face Grusha’s team of Frosmoth, Beartic, Cetitan, and Altaria. By utilizing Fire, Fighting, Rock, and Steel-type Pokémon, players can claim their eighth and final Gym Badge along with the TM124, Ice Spinner.

With each Gym Badge and new TM move earned, players can progress through the game’s storyline and ultimately prove themselves to be the very best Pokémon trainers. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet offer a thrilling and immersive gaming experience that will delight both long-time fans and newcomers to the series.