Navigating the open world of Paldea in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet introduces a fresh twist to the classic gym challenge. Unlike previous entries, players can challenge the eight Gym Leaders in any sequence, but strategic ordering based on Pokémon levels ensures smoother victories and steady progression. This guide outlines the optimal path, detailing each leader’s roster, recommended counters, and preparation tips to triumph over Victory Road, culminating in the Elite Four and Champion showdowns.
Why Gym Order Matters in Paldea’s Open World
The freedom to roam Paldea means gym battles don’t scale dynamically, making preparation key. Starting with lower-level gyms builds your team’s strength progressively. Aim for the sequence from Cortondo to Glaseado Mountain for balanced difficulty, aligning with rising levels from around 15 to 48. Stock up on healing items, TMs, and consider Terastallization for acing final Pokémon in each fight.
Cortondo Gym: Bug Specialist Katy
The first recommended stop is Cortondo, where Bug-type expert Katy fields early-game foes. Her team peaks at low levels, ideal for beginner squads.
- Teddiursa (Lv. 14): Normal-type weak to Fighting.
- Nymble (Lv. 14): Bug-type; Fire, Flying, or Rock moves dismantle it.
- Tarakomah (Lv. 15, Tera Bug): Core ace; exploit with Fire-types like starter Fuecoco.
Enter at Level 15+. Fire or Flying Pokémon like Fletchling shred her lineup. Quick swaps prevent status ailments from Sticky Web.
Medali Gym: Normal-Type Leader Larry
Larry’s unassuming Normal team hides punchy attacks. His initial battle suits post-Cortondo teams around Level 20.
| Pokémon | Level | Weaknesses | Counters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starly | 17 | Fighting, Rock, Ice | Machop, Rookidee |
| Whimsicott | 18 | Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying | Litleo, Wingull |
| Combee | 18 | Fire, Flying, Rock | Fuecoco evo |
| Oinkologne (Tera Normal) | 20 | Fighting | Primeape line |
Fighting-types dominate; a solid Machop or evolved starter handles sweeps. Watch for Taunt disrupting setups.
Levincia Gym: Electric Prodigy Iono
Streaming sensation Iono’s Electric squad demands Level 22+ teams. Ground-types rule here.
- Bellibolt (Lv. 23): Ground moves like Dig excel.
- Magnemite (Lv. 23): Ground immunity to Electric.
- Wattrel (Lv. 23, Tera Electric): Rock or Ice since Ground fails on Flying.
Mudbray or Diglett crushes most; pair with Rock for Wattrel. Grass resists aid backups.
Cascarrafa Gym: Water Master Kofu
Kofu’s slippery Water team requires Level 28+ prep. Electric and Grass counter effectively.
| Pokémon | Level | Counters |
|---|---|---|
| Veluza | 28 | Grass (Meowscarada), Electric |
| Wugtrio | 29 | Grass, Electric |
| Waluging (Tera Water) | 30 | Electric (Pawmi evo) |
Pawmot or Bellibolt zaps them; Grass starters provide bulk.
Artazon Gym: Artistic Grass Leader Brassius
Brassius’s Grass crew falls to Fire/Flying at Level 18+, though slotted mid-game.
- Smoliv (Lv. 16): Fire one-shots.
- Dolliv (Lv. 16): Flying resists.
- Sudowoodo (Tera Grass, Lv. 17): Fire/Flying.
Fuecoco or Fletchling sweeps; simple matchup.
Montenevera Gym: Ghost Rapper Ryme
Ghost specialist Ryme’s spooky set needs Level 45+ Dark/Ghost hunters.
| Pokémon | Level | Counters |
|---|---|---|
| Tinkatink | 45 | Ground/Fighting |
| Mimikyu | 45 | Dark (Mightyena) |
| Banette (Tera Ghost) | 46 | Dark/Ghost |
Umbreon or Houndoom; avoid Normal/Fighting.
Alfornada Gym: Psychic Enigma Tulip
Tulip’s mind-bending Psychics yield to Bug/Dark/Ghost at Level 44+.
- Flittle (Lv. 43): Bug moves.
- Wigglytuff (Lv. 44): Dark.
- Gardevoir (Tera Psychic, Lv. 45): Bug/Dark.
Spidops or Lokix dominate.
Glaseado Gym: Ice Climber Grusha
Final gym: Grusha’s Icemonsters at Level 47+. Fire/Rock/Fighting melt them.
| Pokémon | Level | Counters |
|---|---|---|
| Frosmoth | 47 | Fire/Rock |
| Altaria | 47 | Fire/Steel |
| Cetitan (Tera Ice) | 48 | Fire/Fighting |
Armarouge or Flamigo; Steel resists hail.
Elite Four and Champion: Endgame Challenges
Post-gyms, face Elite Four at Level 57-60+. Heal between bouts.
Rika (Ground)
Level 57 Whiscash, Camerupt, Donphan, Dugtrio, Clodsire (Tera Ground). Water/Grass.
Poppy (Steel)
Level 58 Corviknight, Bronzong, Magnezone, Metagross candidate, Tinkaton (Tera Steel). Fire/Ground.
Larry (Flying, Rematch)
Level 67 Staraptor, Flamigo, Oricorio, Altaria, Houndstone (Tera Flying). Ice/Rock like Baxcalibur.
Hassel (Dragon)
Level 67 Noivern, Dragalge, Baxcalibur, Haxorus, Flapple (Tera Dragon). Ice/Dragon.
Champion Geeta
Diverse Level 62 Glimmora, Kingambit, Veluza, Avalugg, Lycanroc, Garchomp (Tera). Fire/Fighting versatile.
Post-Game Rematches: Leveling Up the Challenge
After Victory Road, rematch Gym Leaders at Levels 65-70 with evolved powerhouses. Example: Brassius’s Lokix (Lv.65), Spidops; counter with Fire/Flying. Prep high-level teams; great for EXP grinding.
Essential Battle Tips for Success
- Tera Types: Last Pokémon often Terastallizes; predict and counter.
- Team Variety: Cover multiple types; EVs/IVs via farming.
- Items: Revives, Full Restores crucial for Elite Four.
- Leveling:
Use Chansey hunts, EXP candies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best gym order in Scarlet and Violet?
Cortondo > Medali > Artazon > Levincia > Cascarrafa > Montenevera > Alfornada > Glaseado for level progression.
How do I beat Iono’s gym?
Ground-types like Diglett; Rock/Ice for Wattrel.
What levels for Elite Four?
Level 60+ recommended; Ice for Larry/Hassel, Fire for Geeta.
Are there gym rematches?
Yes, post-game at Lv.65+ with stronger teams.
Can I skip gyms?
No, all eight needed for Elite Four.
References
- Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: How to beat all Gym Leaders and the Elite Four — iMore. 2022-11-18. https://www.imore.com/gaming/nintendo-switch/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-how-to-beat-all-gym-leaders-and-the-elite-four
- Pokémon Scarlet & Violet gym order: All paths & level order — Dexerto. 2022-11-20. https://www.dexerto.com/pokemon/pokemon-scarlet-violet-gym-order-all-paths-level-order-1989455/
- Gym Leader Rematches – Pokemon Scarlet and Violet (SV) — Game8. 2024-01-15. https://game8.co/games/Pokemon-Scarlet-Violet/archives/398145
- Gym Rematches – Pokémon Scarlet & Violet — Serebii. 2023-12-01. https://www.serebii.net/scarletviolet/gymrematches.shtml