Are you struggling in the Pokémon Sword and Shield? Want to win against many gym leaders, but you don’t know how?
We know that you are curious to know how to reach the end.
Pokémon Sword and Shield is an awesome game in the eyes of the players, but there is no denying the fact that the level of difficulty, or shall we say, is on the accessible side.
It is perfectly fine if you want to go on a fun adventure, but some users need a little strife.
POKEMON REGION
Tel us are you thinking ,”Where does the game of defeating Pokémon Leaders start?”Want to make your life a little sweeter?
Then, here you will find the solution you have been looking for!
ROLE WITH RULES
In the role-playing video game, each level is a challenge, and you will have to go through various hurdles to dethrone the undefeatable champion, Leon.
Let’s find out what each Gym Leader is packing in their poke balls and understand what moves and creatures you must use to outmatch your opponent as well.
Before you think about stepping into the challenge and facing Leon, you will have to take down all eight of the Galar region’s Gym Leaders while using Destiny Knot Sword and Shield and breeding various Pokemon.
You will have to be very careful at each level because the Gym leaders are spread throughout the land. Don’t be fooled into thinking that you can defeat all of them. Your over smartness might cost you! These Leaders have mastered a variety of Pokémon types, and they are ready to defeat you.
BEAT THE GYM LEADERS AND REACH THE TOP
Here you will get to know about all the Pokémon Sword and Shield Gym Leaders that you will have to take down the end route to Champion Leon.
Are you anticipating to know how the gyms shake out in Gala?
It is alright, we don’t blame you.
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield indeed have a huge difference that doesn’t come down to various kinds of Pokemon in their versions. We are also talking about Gym Leaders that you will be competing in the challenge.
Yep, when it comes to who you meet, there are Shields versus Sword specific variants.
For your reference, below we have listed the order of the gyms in Pokemon Sword and Shield, which also includes the instances where they diverge:
- Turffield Gym Leader Milo
- Hulbury Gym Leader Nessa
- Motostoke Gym Leader Kabul
- Stow-on-Side Gym Leader Bea (Sword)
- Stow-on-Side Gym Leader Allister (Shield)
- Ballonlea Gym Leader Opal
- Circhester Gym Leader Gordie (Sword)
- Circhester Gym Leader Melony (Shield)
- Spikemuth Gym Leader Piers
- Hammerlocke Gym Leader Raihan
PREPARE TO GET ADVANTAGE
Now you know the list of Pokemon Sword and Shield gym, so prepare your crew to face against them in the challenges that lie ahead for you.
We believe that college essay samples can be a great advantage to a student as much as knowing already what you will be facing in the next match. And honestly, it also assists a player to understand what they will do if they encounter a trickster like Opal.
Are worried about getting defeated and losing the most important challenge?
Then, don’t be!
Because we have explained everything in the guide below which will help you to move forward in the game when you get stuck.
So let’s get moving!
POKEMON SHIELD GYM LEADERS
Here is the complete journey of your game to reach and defeat Leon:
- Milo, Turffield Gym Leader
Your journey in the game starts from here.
The Gym Challenge quest will be your first stop, where you will have the first showdown against the master Milo.
After crossing the first obstacle, you will get plenty of choices to fight against the green squad of Milo. Your starter Pokémon will level up as Raboot or else into a Rookiedee, which will evolve and let to achieve your first victory.
Check out Milo’s team below:
- Gossifleur – Level 19 Grass-type
Weakness: Fire, Flying, Ice, Poison, and Bug
Will it Dynamax?: No
- Eldegoss – Level 20 Grass-type
Weakness: Fire, Flying, Ice, Poison, and Bug
Will it Dynamax?: Yes
Other team members:
- Shiftry – Level 60
- Bellossom – Level 61
- Cherrim – Level 61
- Flapple – Level 62 Grass
Once you have defeated Milo, you will receive the Grass Badge, which has the power to catch Pokémon up to level 25, TM10 Magical Leaf, train Pokemon up to Lv. 30, and the Grass Uniform.
Remember, this is the first step on the path to your glory, and there seven more Gym Leaders to go.
- Nessa, Hullbury Gym Leader
In the next level, you will encounter Pokemon Sword and Shield Water Gym Leader, Nessa.
Hulbury’s Nessa won’t even think twice before raining on your parade. To win against this master of Water-type Pokémon you will need to pack some Grass, Flying, or Electric-type firepower in your team.
If you picked Grookey, then you might have already evolved it into Thwackey. If you are looking for some advantage muscle, then you can find plenty of options in the hills.
You can find Bountsweet in various sections of the Wild Area. On Route 2, Shield players can get Lotad, while Sword players can access Seedot.
Later, you can give them a Toxel at the Pokémon Nursery on Route 05.
If you Toxel up to level 30, then you might run into Nessa’s Pokémon. Here is a look at Nessa’s team:
- Goldeen – Level 22 Water-type
Weakness: Electric, Grass
Will it Dynamax?: No
- Arrokuda – Level 23 Water-type
Weakness: Electric, Grass
Will it Dynamax?: No
- Drednaw – Level 24 Water and Rock-type
Weakness: Electric, Grass, Fighting, Ground
Will it Dynamax?: Yes
Other team members:
- Golisopod – Level 60 Water-type
- Pelipper – Level 60 Flying and Water-type
- Quagsire – Level 61 Ground and Water-type
- Toxapex – Level 61 Poison and Water-type
After you defeat Nessa’s team, you will be rewarded with the Water Badge, TM36 Whirlpool, the ability to catch Pokémon up to level 30, and much more.
Now, you will be heading to the next challenge, which is in Motostoke City and there the cunning Kabu will be anticipatedly waiting for your arrival.
- Kabu, Motostoke Gym Leader
After you reach the stadium, you will meet Kabu, who is known for burning to ashes who dares to stand in his way.
Till now, the Pokémon Cup Challenge wasn’t a daunting task, but now, the real struggle will begin.
After you defeated the Gym Leaders with Water and Grass, you will need some of your finest Pokémon to douse his flames.
Don’t worry, defeating him is not that tough.
A task will await you, where you have to either knock out or capture Pokémon to make your gaming time hassle-free.
You will be on a bonus side here!
Wanna know how?
You can keep the Pokémon that you catch here with you, which includes a handy Litwick which can evolve into a Sizzlipede or a Chandelure.
If you choose Sobble as your starter, it will get evolved into Sizzile, and you will have a huge advantage later.
Other options include Rolycoly, who gets evolved into a heavyweight bruiser against the rival team and the formidable options are Rock and Ground-type Pokémon.
Here’s a breakdown of Kabu’s team:
- Ninetales – Level 25 Fire-type
Weakness: Water, Rock, Ground
Will it Dynamax?: No
- Arcanine – Level 25 Fire-type
Weakness: Water, Rock, Ground
Will it Dynamax?: No
- Centiskorch – Level 27 Fire and Bug-type
Weakness: Water, Rock, Ground
Will it Dynamax?: Yes
Other crew members:
- Torkoal – Level 60 Fire-type
- Salazzle – Level 61 Poison and Fire-type
- Centiskorch – Level 62 Fire and Bug-type
Once Kabu’s fire gets extinguished, you will attain a Fire Badge, TM38 Will-o-The-Wisp, the ability to catch Pokémon up to level 35, and much more.
Now, you will be sent to your next challenge, and that is in Stow-On-Side.
- Bea, Stow-On-Side Gym Leader
In the next challenge, all you Pokemon Sword Gyms players will be facing off against the martial arts master, Bea.
If you are a newbie, let us remind you that Bea’s gym has a soft spot for carnival rides.
You will have to cross all three sections of obstacles to meet Bea.
Once you can clear all of them, then it is time to fight against Bea.
Now, it is the right time to use Toxel that might have become a might Toxitricity, which is the best to face off against Bea’s crew.
Let’s check out Bea’s team below:
- Hitmontop – Level 34 Fighting-type
Weakness: Psychic, Flying, Fairy
Will it Dynamax?: No
- Pangoro – Level 34 Fighting and Dark-type
Weakness: Psychic, Flying, Fairy
Will it Dynamax?: No
- Sirfetch’d – Level 35 Fighting-type
Weakness: Psychic, Flying, Fairy
Will it Dynamax?: No
- Machamp – Level 36 Fighting-type
Weakness: Psychic, Flying, Fairy
Will it Dynamax?: Yes
Other team members:
- Hawlucha – Level 60 Fighting and Flying-type
- Grapploct – Level 60 Fighting-type
- Falinks – Level 61 Fighting-type
Once the team of Bea is down, you will be given a Fighting Badge, TM42 Revenge, the ability to catch Pokémon up to level 40, and much more.
Don’t be happy yet!
We know that you have defeated four gyms, but you are halfway done.
Now, it is the time for you to head towards your next challenge, which is waiting for your arrival.
ALLISTER, STOW-ON-SIDE GYM LEADE
You will be up against the Pokémon Shield players, who are far spookier than Bea’s team.
Allister’s team is dividing into three sections, which are all set to take you on.
Thinking, how to take down Allister?
Then Dark-type Pokémon is your best bet.
You can use Morgrem, Impidimp, and thief Ticket, who is evolved into Thievul.
Let’s check out Allister’s team below:
- Yamask – Level 34 Ground and Ghost-type
- Mimikyu – Level 34 Ghost and Fairy-type
- Cursola – Level 35 Ghost-type
- Gengar – Level 36 Ghost and Poison-type
- Dusknoir – Level 60 Ghost-type
- Chandelure – Level 60 Ghost and Fire-type
- Runerigus – Level 61 Ground and Ghost-type
After defeating Allister, you get awarded with a Ghost Badge, TM77 Hex, the ability to catch Pokémon up to level 40, and the Ghost Uniform.
Now, you will be heading towards to battle against Opal, who is waiting for you in Ballonlea.
- Opal, Ballonlea Gym Leader
In this challenge, you will have to answer a question in each match and fight three gym trainers in a row.
If you get a question right, you will gain a stat boost, and if not, you will be temporarily downgraded.
Remember that all the questions are very tricky, so think before you answer.
Also, Opal’s team is very strong against Dark, Dragon, and Fighting Pokémon, so make sure to use Poison and Steel-type Pokémon in your team.
Your Rookiedee might be evolved into Corviknight, so you can grab this opportunity to damage the team.
Here’s the team that Opal wants to defeat you with:
- Weezing – Level 36 Poison and Fairy-type
Weakness: Psychic, Steel
Will it Dynamax?: No
- Mawile – Level 36 Fairy and Flying-type
Weakness: Ground, Fire
Will it Dynamax?: No
- Togekiss – Level 37 Fairy and Steel-type
Weakness: Electric, Rock, Ice, Poison, Steel
Will it Dynamax?: No
- Alcremie – Level 38 Fairy-type
Weakness: Dark, Poison, Steel
Will it Dynamax?: Yes
Other team members:
- Barbaracle – Level 40 Rock and Water-type
- Shuckle – Level 40 Bug and Rock-type
- Stonjourner – Level 41 Rock-type
- Coalossal – Level 42 Fire and Rock-type
After beating Opla, you will get awarded with TM87 Draining Kiss, the ability to catch Pokémon up to level 45, Fairy Badge, and the Fairy Uniform.
You deserve a pat on your back for reaching this far!
Now, only three more gyms to conquer, and then you will possess all the abilities of eight gyms.
- Gordie, Circhester Gym Leader
After winning the fifth challenge, the Rock-type master and a rock star of fashion, Gordie awaits for you.
Seriously, his rock-type defense is no joke!
In the upcoming challenge, you have to defeat several gym trainers, a room full of pitfalls, and much more.
When a trap is near you, you will get identified when your controller begins vibrating.
Once you clear all the pitfalls, Gordi will be waiting to rock and roll with you.
Psst… Wanna know his weak spots?
You can use any from Fighting, Water, Steel, and Grass-types, but if you are really looking forward to defeating your opponent, Scorbunny is the best.
But let us warn you about Gordie’s team here!
They can withstand most one-hit knockouts, so play carefully.
You can take some load off by using Diglett, Seedot, and Lotad.
To be on the safer side, you can use Water-type when Gordie summons Coalossal.
Before defeating him, you will have to get through his team first, which includes:
- Barbaracle – Level 40 Water and Rock-type
Weakness: Electric, Grass, Fighting, Ground
Will it Dynamax?: No
- Shuckle – Level 40 Rock and Bug-type
Weakness: Electric, Grass, Fighting, Ground
Will it Dynamax?: No
- Stonjourner – Level 41 Rock-type
Weakness: Ground, Fighting, Grass, Ice
Will it Dynamax?: No
- Coalossal – Level 42 Rock and Fire-type
Weakness: Water, Fighting, Ground
Will it Dynamax?: Yes
Another team member:
Tyranitar – Level 61 Rock and Dark-type
When Gordie’s defense is damaged, you will earn the Rock Uniform, the Rock Badge, TM48 Rock Tomb, and the ability to catch Pokémon up to level 50.
Melony, Circhester Gym Leader
Just like Gordie, Melony’s gym contains hidden pitfalls as well.
While you use rods or throw wind to eliminate the threats, various gym trainers will wait to take you down.
Once you are done, prepare yourself for another challenge.
Here’s a breakdown of the team that Melony sends into the next challenge:
- Frosmorth – Level 40 Bug and Ice-type
Weakness: Fire
Will it Dynamax?: No
- Darmanitan – Level 40 Ice-type
Weakness: Fighting, Steel, Fire, Rock
Will it Dynamax?: No
- Eiscue – Level 41 Ice-type
Weakness: Fighting, Steel, Fire, Rock
Will it Dynamax?: No
- Lapras – Level 42 Water and Ice-type
Weakness: Electric, Rock, Fighting, Grass
Will it Dynamax?: Yes
Another team member:
Mr. Rime – Level 60 Ice and Psychic-type
Once the ice is cracked, you will be given the Ice Badge, TM27 Icy Wind, the ability to catch Pokémon up to level 50, and the Ice Uniform.
- Piers, Spikemuth Gym Leader
You have finally made it to Dark Type Gym Leader, Spikemuth, who is waiting to defeat you with his rock band and Piers.
Once you take on the Team Yell members, Piers will face you next.
Here, your best bet is a field team that consists of Bug, Fighting, and Fairy-type Pokémon.
With your team sorted, here’s the squad that Piers will send against you:
- Scrafty – Level 44 Dark and Fighting-type
Weakness: Fighting, Flying, Fairy
Will it Dynamax?: No
- Malamar – Level 45 Dark and Psychic-type
Weakness: Bug, Fairy
Will it Dynamax?: No
- Skuntank – Level 45 Dark and Poison-type
Weakness: Ground
Will it Dynamax?: No
- Obstagoon – Level 46 Dark and Normal type
Weakness: Fighting, Fairy
Will it Dynamax?: No
Once you silenced Piers, you will earn the Dark Badge, TM85 Snarl, the ability to catch Pokémon up to level 55, and the Dark Uniform.
Now, all that is left is to defeat the final Gym and claim your reward in the final Gym Challenger quest.
- Raihan, Hammerlocke Gym Leader
Raihan is your last stop!
He has deemed you worthy of fighting against him, but you will need to up your game to beat him.
Raihan won’t waste a second and task him three gyms to defeat you.
Once they are beaten Raihan will appear in his favorite format of Pokémon challenge.
You might have various abilities, but he has great defense and strength to dodge the attacks.
To defeat Raihan, you will have to use a tough Fire-type like Skuntank or Cinderace while taking down Gigalith.
You will need more power to bring the heat because Raihan’s team includes:
- Gigalith – Level 46 Rock-type
Weakness: Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground, Steel
Will it Dynamax?: No
- Flygon – Level 47 Ground and Dragon-type
Weakness: Ice, Fairy, Dragon
Will it Dynamax?: No
- Sandaconda – Level 46 Ground-type
Weakness: Flying, Bug, Grass
Will it Dynamax?: No
- Duraludon – Level 48 Dragon and Steel-type
Weakness: Ice, Fairy
Will it Dynamax?: Yes
Other team members:
Torkoal – Level 60 Fire-type
Goodra – Level 60 Dragon-type
Turtonator – Level 61 Fire and Dragon-type
Congrats mate! You have taken down one of the biggest and toughest trainers and for the biggest defeat, you will get the greatest reward, and that is TM99 Breaking Swipe, the ability to catch Pokémon up to level 60, the Dragon Uniform, and Dragon Badge.
Don’t think that you have got the power because your journey is not over yet.
Leon: Pokemon Sword and Shiel
Next, you will be heading to beat the Undefeated Champion of the Galar region, Leon in the ultimate showdown.
You will also encounter Bede, a Fairy Gym Pokemon Sword, and many others.
Other Pokémon in the game are listed below:
- Mawile – Level 51 Steel and Fairy-type
- Gardevoir – Level 51 Psychic and Fairy-type
- Rapidash – Galarian Rapidash Level 52 Psychic and Fairy-type
- Hatterene – Level 53 Psychic and Fairy-type
- Sylveon – Level 62 Fairy-type
Pokemon Sword and Shield Badges
Eventually, all the Pokemon Sword and Shield Trainers and badges you collect forms a coin-like structure. You can get an opportunity to view it on the League Card section of the menu. Below we have listed some Pokémon Shield and Sword exclusives:
Pokémon Sword exclusives:
- Deino (Dark/Dragon)
- Hydreigon (Dark/Dragon)
- Jangmo-o (Dragon)
- Kommo-o (Dragon/Fighting)
- Hakamo-o (Dragon/Fighting)
- Farfetch’d (Normal/Flying)
- Sirfetch’d (Fighting)
- Zweilous (Dark/Dragon)
- Gothita (Psychic)
- Gothorita (Psychic)
- Gothitelle (Psychic)
- Turtonator (Fire/Dragon)
- Seedot (Grass)
- Nuzleaf (Grass/Dark)
- Shiftry (Grass/Dark)
- Mawile (Steel/Fairy)
- Solrock (Rock/Psychic)
- Basculin (Water)
- Darumaka (Ice)
- Darmanitan (Ice)
- Scraggy (Dark/Fighting)
- Scrafty (Dark/Fighting)
- Rufflet (Normal/Flying)
- Braviary (Normal/Flying)
- Swirlix (Fairy)
- Slurpuff (Fairy)
- Passimian (Fighting)
- Coalossal (Rock/Fire)
- Flapple, (Grass/Dragon)
- Stonjourner (Rock)
- Indeedee, Male (Psychic/Normal)
Pokémon Shield exclusives:
- Goomy (Dragon)
- Sliggo (Dragon)
- Goodra (Dragon)
- Larvitar (Rock/Ground)
- Pupitar (Rock/Ground)
- Tyranitar (Rock/Ground)
- Galarian Ponyta (Psychic)
- Solosis (Psychic)
- Duosion (Psychic)
- Reuniclus (Psychic)
- Drampa (Normal/Dragon)
- Vullaby (Dark/Flying)
- Mandibuzz (Dark/Flying)
- Gengar (Ghost/Poison)
- Lapras (Water/Ice)
- Cursola (Ghost)
- Lotad (Water/Grass)
- Lombre (Water/Grass)
- Ludicolo (Water/Grass)
- Sableye (Dark/Ghost)
- Lunatone (Rock/Psychic)
- Croagunk (Poison/Fight)
- Toxicroak (Poisin/Fight)
- Basculin, Blue-stripe form (Water)
- Spritzee (Fairy)
- Aromatisse (Fairy)
- Oranguru (Normal/Psychic)
- Appletun (Grass/Dragon)
- Eiscue (Ice)
- Indeedee, Female (Psychic/Normal)
Here are some of the frequently asked questions by the players of Pokemon Sword and Shield:
- How many Gyms in Sword and Shield?
In Sword and Shield, there are eight Gyms in total. For each Gym, there will be a Gym Leaders too, where Trainers will fight for the ultimate Gym Challenge experience in the video game series.
- Can you become a Gym Leader in Pokemon Sword and Shield?
Yes, you become the Gym Leader after defeating all eight Gym Leaders and earn their Badges. After you take on the previous Gym Leaders, you will become the new champion of the region.
So you will be earning Grass, Dragon, Water, Ice, Fire, Rock, Fighting, Ghost, Fairy, Dark types, which you can use to defeat the new enemy.
- Why is there no elite four in Sword and Shield?
Unfortunately, the Pokemon Sword and Shield elite four will not get featured because the Galar region uses a different version for its Pokemon League. These rules regarding Pokémon League are also used in the Pokémon series.
- Which is better Sword or Shield?
Many people wonder, “Should I get Pokémon Shield or Sword on Nintendo Switch?”
It is one of the most asked questions, and we are here to help you decide which one to get.
Want to know which one is the best for you?
Then read on!
Gamers have been choosing between two versions for a very long time. The difference between them is very subtle, but some users stick to only a certain version due to small differences.
Pokémon Shield and Pokémon Sword are very different. From version-exclusive Gym leaders to version-exclusive Pokémon, there are many unique options in both versions.
So it is important to understand what you are getting before you pick any one from Shield and Sword.
Unsurprisingly, Pokemon Sword is one of the loved version and is being sold better than Shield.
Anecdotally, we have seen huge support for Pokemon Sword over Shield in recent times.
Sources say that Sword contains the most legendary and celebrated new creatures as well.
So next time, when you are confused, which one to choose from Sword and Shield, then get Sword only.
Trust us, you won’t regret it!
Wrapping Up
We hope you understood how to defeat the Gym Leaders to reach Leon’s level and dethrone him. Tackling the leaders and their minions is not a piece of cake, but with unique tactics and Pokémon, you can beat them all. After defeating Raihan, your journey will get more difficult, so be careful. One good thing is that you will be able to join the final tournament and catch Pokémon.
If you found this article helpful, then do share this read with your gaming buddies so they can reach the final tournament as well.
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