This guide will go over the strengths and weaknesses of every gym leader and their Pokémon in Pokémon Sword and Shield for the Nintendo Switch.

With the release of Pokémon Sword and Shield, one of the staple features of the franchise has returned: gym leaders. The Trial Captains and Kahunas of the Alola Region in Pokémon Sun and Moon were met with mixed reception, but this time, gym leaders fit a prominent role within Galar. Players embark on what is called the Gym Leader Challenge, which means they need to collect eight badges in order to be eligible to become the Champion of the region.

Unlike previous games where players had to defeat the Elite Four to become Champion, they will need to enter a tournament of the top trainers in the region. These trainers include gym leaders, the main character's rival Hop, and the undefeated, reigning Champion himself, Leon.

The game's progression is tied to the number of gym badges the trainer has. As the number increases, they are able to catch stronger Pokémon and access newer places. Each gym leader specializes in a certain Pokémon type, so having a balanced team is essential. Players will need to face eight gym leaders in total before they can enter the tournament, but for the first time in Pokémon history, there are exclusive gym leaders for each game.

The fourth gym leader in Pokémon Sword is Bea, a fighting Pokémon specialist. In Pokémon Shield, the fourth gym leader is Allister, who uses Ghost-types. Additionally, the sixth gym leader in Pokémon Sword is Gordie, who uses Rock-type Pokémon. In Shield, players will have to battle Melony, an Ice-type trainer. This guide will outline the strengths and weaknesses of every gym leader and their Pokémon so that players can guarantee their place in the final tournament.

Milo, Leader of the Turffield Gym

Glossifeur / Grass / Level 19

• Magical Leaf
• Round
• Rapid Spin

Eldegoss / Grass / Level 20

• Magical Leaf
• Leafage
• Round

The first gym leader in Pokémon Sword and Shield is Milo, a Grass-type specialist. The Grass-type Pokémon strike a solid balance because they're weak to common types such as Fire and Flying but are strong against other common types like Water and Ground. Players who started with Scorbunny shouldn't have any problem with this gym because by level 20, Scorbunny should have evolved into a Raboot with Fire-type moves, such as Ember or Flame Charge.

Fortunately for those who didn't choose Scorbunny, there are some strong options readily available at this point in the game. Players can get Vulpix, the Fire-type Pokémon that evolves into Ninetales, on Route 3 or in the Wild Area. Or Rookidee, the Flying-type that evolves into the incredibly powerful Corviknight, on the first three routes or in the Wild Area as well. This gym should be fairly easy since Milo's Pokémon aren't particularly powerful or bulky.

After defeating Milo, players will be able to catch Pokémon up to level 25 and receive the Grass Badge, Grass Uniform, and TM10, which is Magical Leaf.

Nessa, Leader of the Hulbury Gym

Goldeen / Water/ Level 22

• Water Pulse
• Whirlpool
• Horn Attack
• Agility

Arrokuda / Water / Level 23

• Aqua Jet
• Bite
• Whirlpool
• Fury Attack

Drednaw / Water and Rock / Level 24

• Razor Shell
• Water Gun
• Headbutt
• Bite

Nessa is the second gym leader that players will have to face. She uses Water-type Pokémon, and if not prepared, players can have a hard time dealing with her. Grookey is a great choice since Grass-type moves will be stronger than her Water Pokémon. Especially Drednaw, who is 4x weak to Grass. At this point in the game, players have quite a few options that they can use if they didn't start with Grookey.

Players can catch Grubbin, who evolves into Vikavolt, a powerful Bug and Electric-type Pokémon. Another option is Yamper, the Electric-type Puppy Pokémon who evolves into Boltund. Pokémon Sword players can also catch Seedot, a Grass-type Pokémon who evolves into Shiftry, a Grass/Dark-type. While Shield players can get Lotad, the Water/Grass-type Pokémon that evolves into Ludicolo.

Gym leaders can be fairly straight-forward, but players should watch out for Arrokuda and Drednaw. Arrokuda knows the move Aqua Jet, a powerful priority move that attacks first, regardless of a Pokémon's Speed stat. While it isn't Gigantamaxed, Drednaw can still wipe out teams in its Dynamaxed form. While Electric-type moves will be strong against Drednaw, Grass-type moves are even stronger since it has a dual typing of Grass and Rock.

Once defeated, Nessa will give players the Water Badge, Water Uniform, and TM 36, Whirlpool. Players will also be able to catch Pokémon up to level 30.

Kabu, Leader of the Motostoke Gym

Ninetales / Fire / Level 25

• Will-O-Wisp
• Fire Spin
• Quick Attack
• Ember

Arcanine / Fire / Level 25

• Will-O-Wisp
• Flame Wheel
• Bite
• Agility

Centiskorch / Fire and Bug / Level 27

• Flame Wheel
• Coil
• Bug Bite
• Smokescreen

Kabu is the third gym leader that players will face on the Gym Challenge. In the game, he is described as the wall that most trainers can't get passed. While his Fire-type Pokémon are powerful, they are extremely vulnerable defensively. Fire-type Pokémon are weak to many common types like Water, Ground, and Rock. Trainers who chose Sobble will breeze through this gym pretty easily, but luckily for the others, there are a lot of options for them to choose from.

Players can catch Drilbur, a Ground-type Pokémon that evolves into one of the strongest Pokémon in the game, Excadrill. Other options are Lotad or Rolycoly, a Rock Pokémon who evolves into the interesting Rock and Fire-type Coalossal. Trainers can also catch Chewtle, who evolves into Nessa's signature Pokémon, Drednaw.

Two of Kabu's Pokémon have Will-O-Wisp which burns Pokémon, damaging them residually and lowering their Attack stat by one half, so players should bring a couple of Burn Heals to take care of that. Kabu's signature Pokémon, Centiskorch, is a unique Bug and Fire-type that can decimate unprepared teams. Its move Coil raises its Attack, Defense, and Accuracy. If players don't defeat it quickly after it Dynamaxes, they can be in some serious trouble. With its type, Rock-type moves will deal 4x damage to it, making Drednaw or Rolycoly both strong options to use against it.

After getting over the wall that is Kabu, players will receive the Fire Badge, the Fire Uniform, and TM38, Will-O-Wisp. Trainers will also be able to catch Pokémon over level 35.

Bea, Leader of the Stow-on-Side Gym in Pokémon Sword

Hitmontop / Fighting / Level 34

• Triple Kick
• Quick Attack
• Counter
• Revenge

Pangoro / Dark and Fighting / Level 34

• Bullet Punch
• Circle Throw
• Night Slash
• Work Up

Sirfetch'd / Fighting / Level 35

• Detect
• Swords Dance
• Brutal Swing
• Revenge

Machamp (Gigantamax) / Fighting / Level 36

• Scary Face
• Revenge
• Knock Off
• Strength

The first Pokémon Sword Exclusive gym leader for Stow-on-Side is Bea, the Fighting-type specialist. Her Pokémon will pack powerful punches, and if trainers are not prepared they can be blindsided fairly easily. Fighting-type Pokémon are weak to Psychic, Flying, and Fairy Pokémon, and Fighting-type moves cannot hit Ghost-types. However, several of Bea's Pokémon carry Dark-type moves that are stronger against Psychic and Ghost-types.

It's recommended that trainers take Flying or Fairy-type Pokémon. Pokémon such as Corviknight and Rufflet are great options for Flying Pokémon. Inteleon, the final evolution of Sobble, can learn a couple of Flying-type moves as well. If players want to use a Fairy-type, Gardevoir, the final evolution of Ralts, can be a good option even though its half Psychic-type makes Bea's Dark moves deal neutral damage.

Another strong Pokémon trainers can use is Ribombee, the evolution of Cutiefly. Ribombee's unique Bug/Fairy typing makes Fighting-type moves do one-fourth of their normal damage and Dark moves still do half.

When Bea is defeated she gives the player the Fighting Badge, Fighting Uniform, and TM42, Revenge. Players will also be able to catch Pokémon up to level 40.

Allister, Leader of the Stow-on-Side Gym in Pokémon Shield

Yamask / Ghost and Ground / Level 34

• Brutal Swing
• Hex
• Disable

Mimikyu / Ghost and Fairy / Level 34

• Shadow Sneak
• Baby-Doll Eyes
• Hone Claws
• Slash

Cursola / Ghost / Level 35

• Ancient Power
• Curse
• Hex

Gengar (Gigantamax) / Ghost and Poison / Level 36

• Venoshock
• Hypnosis
• Hex
• Payback

Allister, the gym leader of Stow-on-Side in Pokémon Shield, is a user of Ghost-type Pokémon. Ghost Pokémon are weak only to Dark-type and other Ghost-type Pokémon. Since Ghosts are weak to Ghosts, it's suggested that trainers use Dark-type Pokémon, such as Thieval, Obstagoon, or Shiftry. Shiftry is also a strong Pokémon against Nessa since it is Grass/Dark.

However, players do need to watch out for Allister's Mimikyu. Dark-type moves are not supereffective against it because it is also half Fairy. Its ability Disguise also allows it to tank the first hit from a Pokémon without taking any damage.

Once defeated, Allister will give players the Ghost Badge, Ghost Uniform, and TM77, which is Hex. Additionally, trainers will be able to catch Pokémon up to level 40.

Opal, Leader of the Ballonlea Gym

Galarian Weezing / Poison and Fairy / Level 36

• Sludge
• Fairy Wind
• Tackle

Mawile / Steel and Fairy / Level 36

• Draining Kiss
• Iron Defense
• Crunch
• Astonish

Togekiss / Fairy and Flying / Level 37

• Air Slash
• Draining Kiss
• Ancient Power

Alcremie (Gigantamax) / Fairy / Level 38

• Draining Kiss
• Acid Armor
• Sweet Kiss

Opal is the fifth gym leader that trainers will face on their Gym Leader Challenge. She uses Fairy-type Pokémon, with a variety of secondary types. Generally, Fairy Pokémon are weak to Steel and Poison-types. Galarian Weezing is Poison/Fairy, so it takes neutral damage from Poison attacks. However, it does become weak to Ground and Psychic Pokémon. Mawile is Steel/Fairy, so it can't be hurt by Poison moves and takes neutral damage from Steel attacks. However, it becomes weak to Fire and Ground-type moves with the added typing.

The best Pokémon that players can have for this gym is Excadrill. The Ground/Steel type will hit every single one of Opal's Pokémon for super-effective damage.

When players defeat Opal, she will give them the Fairy Badge, Fairy Uniform, and TM87 which is Draining Kiss. Players will also be able to catch Pokémon up to level 45.

Gordie, Leader of the Circhester Gym in Pokémon Sword

Barbacle / Rock and Water / Level 40

• Shell Smash
• Rock Tomb
• Razor Shell

Shuckle / Rock and Bug / Level 40

• Struggle Bug
• Rock Tomb
• Stone Edge
• Power Split

Stonjourner / Rock / Level 41

• Rock Tomb
• Stealth Rock
• Wonder Room
• Body Slam

Coalossal (Gigantamax) / Rock and Fire / Level 42

• Heat Crash
• Stealth Rock
• Rock Tomb
• Tar Shot

Gordie, the Rock-type trainer, is the sixth gym leader players will face in Pokémon Sword and the second version exclusive gym leader in this region. While many of the Rock-type Pokémon are strong defensively, they have a lot of weaknesses. Fighting, Water, Grass, Ground, and Steel-type attacks all do super-effective damage to Rock Pokémon.

Inteleon, the final evolution of Sobble, is a great option for this gym because Gordie's Coalossal is 4x weak to Water. Like many of the other gyms, Excadrill is also a solid choice because of its Ground and Steel moves are super effective against every single one of Gordie's Pokémon.

Once Gordie is defeated, trainers will be able to catch Pokémon up to level 50, and he will also give them the Rock Badge, Rock Uniform, and TM48, Rock Tomb.

Melony, the Leader of Circhester Gym in Pokémon Shield

Frosmoth / Ice and Bug / Level 40

• Icy Wind
• Feather Dance
• Bug Buzz
• Hail

Galarian Darmanitan / Ice / Level 40

• Icicle Crash
• Headbutt
• Taun
• Fire Fang

Eiscue / Ice / Level 41

• Amnesia
• Freeze-Dry
• Hail
• Icy Wind

Lapras (Gigantamax) / Water and Ice / Level 42

• Icy Wind
• Ice Beam
• Surf
• Sing

Melony, the Ice-type trainer, is the Circhester Gym Leader in Pokémon Shield. Ice-types have very powerful offensive strength, but except for Lapras, they are lacking defensively. Ice-types are weak to many common attacking moves, such as Fire, Fighting, Rock, and Steel. Excadrill is still a great choice for trainers to use, as is Cinderace, the final evolution of Scorbunny.

However, trainers should keep in mind that Melony's Lapras is also a Water-type, which will be strong against Fire and Rock. Aegislash is a solid Steel/Ghost-type that can be used at many points in the game, and Conkeldurr is one of the strongest Fighting-types that packs a powerful punch.

When trainers beat Melony, she will give them the Ice Badge, Ice Uniform, and TM27, Icy Wind. They will also be able to catch Pokémon up to level 50.

Piers, Leader of the Spikemuth Gym

Scrafty / Dark and Fighting / Level 44

• Fake Out
• Sand Attack
• Brick Break
• Payback

Malamar / Dark and Psychic / Level 44

• Night Slash
• Foul Play
• Psycho Cut
• Payback

Skuntank / Dark and Poison / Level 45

• Sucker Punch
• Screech
• Toxic
• Snarl

Obstagoon / Dark and Normal / Level 46

• Obstruct
• Throat Chop
• Counter
• Shadow Claw

Piers, the penultimate gym leader that trainers will face, specializes in Dark-type Pokémon. He is also unique in that he doesn't Dynamax his Pokémon, and the battle doesn't occur in a stadium like every other one. Dark-type Pokémon are weak to Fairy, Bug, and Fighting-type attacks, but all of Piers's Pokemon have secondary types that trainers can take advantage of.

Scrafty is 4x weak to Fairy moves, Malamar is 4x weak to Bug, and Obstagoon will take 4x damage from Fighting-type attacks. Players should bring a Fairy type, such as Galarian Weezing, Alcremie, or Ribombee. Piers's Skuntank doesn't have a damaging Poison move that can do super-effective damage to Fairy Pokémon.

After he is defeated, he will give trainers the Dark Badge, Dark Uniform, and TM85, which is Snarl. Pokémon up to level 55 can now be caught.

Raihan, Leader of the Hammerlocke Gym

Gigalith / Rock / Level 46

• Stealth Rock
• Sand Tomb
• Rock Blast
• Body Press

Flygon / Ground and Dragon / Level 47

• Thunder Punch
• Breaking Swipe
• Crunch
• Steel Wing

Sandaconda / Ground / Level 46

• Protect
• Glare
• Fire Fang
• Earth Power

Duraludon (Gigantamax) / Steel and Dragon / Level 48

• Breaking Swipe
• Body Press
• Stone Edge
• Iron Head

Raihan, the second strongest trainer in the Galar Region, is the eighth and final gym leader that trainers will need to face in order to enter the final tournament. While he is a Dragon specialist, half of his team aren't actually Dragon-type Pokémon. Instead, he uses Pokémon that benefit from Gigalith's ability which generates Sandstorm weather conditions. This battle is unique in that it is a Double Battle, so players will have to fight two Pokémon at once.

Players will need to have a fairly balanced lineup since there isn't one type that can hit all of Raihan's Pokémon for super-effective damage. Ground Pokémon are good against Gigalith and Duraludon, and Ice Pokémon will beat Flygon and Sandaconda quickly. Abomasnow is a great choice because its ability gets rid of Gigalith's Sand Stream by creating Hail conditions when entering battle. Also, its Grass/Ice type allows it to do super-effective damage on three out of his four Pokémon.

After defeating Raihan, trainers will receive the Dragon Badge, Dragon Uniform, and TM99, which is Breaking Swipe. Players will also be able to catch Pokémon of any level and join the final tournament.

Next: Our Review for Pokémon Sword & Shield!

Pokémon Sword & Shield are available now for the Nintendo Switch.