Hey y’all! In this fun guide I’m just going to go over some important fights in the game, including rival battles, Gym Leaders, evil team admins, and the Elite Four. With most fights I will also include a few recommended Pokemon in case you’re still struggling with the fight. Please take into account that I’m not telling you what to use, as I personally enjoy the more underrated and weaker Pokemon more as well. This is just telling you what Pokemon on paper has the best matchup. Colored text indicates what starter you chose, so green text would be for the people who chose Treecko.

Let’s get started!

Bendan / May #1 (Route 103)

Treecko (Level 5)

Pound
Leer

Torchic (Level 5)

Scratch
Growl

Mudkip (Level 5)

Tackle
Growl

Suggestion #1

Your starter. I mean you don’t really have a choice here as Pokeballs aren’t available to you just yet. Since May’s starter doesn’t have an elemental move yet all you can really do is spam Tackle, Scratch or Pound until you win. I recommend leveling up to level 6 at least in the wild so you have the advantage, or else you might be forced to use your potion.

- - -

Gym Leader #1, Roxanne (Rustboro City Gym)

The next challenger you’ll face is Roxanne, your first gym leader who specializes in Rock types. You might think Rock types are easy pickings, but don’t underestimate her. Unlike Brock she actually tends to use Rock type attacks, which can deal supper effective damage to a big amount of the early game Pokemon.

Geodude (Rock and Ground type; Level 12)

Rock Tomb
Rock Throw
Tackle
Defense Curl

Geodude (Rock and Ground type; Level 12)

Rock Tomb
Rock Throw
Tackle
Defense Curl

Nosepass (Rock type; Level 15)

Rock Tomb
Tackle
Block
Harden

Suggestion #1

Your starter. If you chose Torchic you’re kind of required to evolve it prior to the battle in order to gain that super effective fighting type. For the other two, evolving is helpful but not required. Any move that is Absorb, Water Gun, Mud Shot, or Double Kick will make quick work of Roxanne. Stay weary of Nosepass though, she can prevent you from switching out by using Block, and it is bulkier than you might think.

Suggestion #2

Shroomish. Shroomish is a pure Grass type that can be found in the Petalburg Woods. Shroomish can use absorb to make quick work of both Geodudes, and through status moves like Stun Spore and Leech Seed it can hold its own against Nosepass. Treecko/Grovyle is still the better Grass type here but if you chose Torchic or Mudkip, this one might be worth looking into.

Suggestion #3

Lotad. Like Shroomish, Lotad is an early game Grass type that can be found on Route 102. In addition to the Grass type it is also a Water type, however it does not learn any Water moves by leveling up. I rank it one tier lower than Shroomish as while Lotad evolves as early as level 14, it lacks the status moves that make Shroomish so good.

- - -

Brendan / May #2 (Rustboro City) (OPTIONAL)

After beating the gym and making your way back South, your rival will ask if you want to battle.

Wingull (Water and Flying type; Level 13)

Water Gun
Wing Attack
Growl
Supersonic

Treecko (Grass type; Level 15)

Absorb
Quick Attack
Pound
Leer

Lotad (Water and Grass type; Level 13)

Absorb
Astonish
Nature Power
Growl

Torchic (Fire type; Level 15)

Ember
Scratch
Focus Energy
Growl

NOTE - For whatever reason, in this battle, and only when you chose Torchic, your rival will have one of two Pokemon depending on whether you’re fighting Brendan or May. I have no clue why they did this.

BRENDAN

Slugma (Fire type; Level 13)

Ember
Smog
Yawn

MAY

Torkoal (Fire type; Level 13)

Ember
Smog
Curse

BOTH

Mudkip (Water type; Level 15)

Water Gun
Mud-Slap
Growl
Bide


Suggestion #1

Your starter. Even with the type disadvantage against theirs, yours is probably evolved by this point which will allow you to overpower the opponent.

Suggestion #2

Marill / Wingull. I’m putting these two early game water types simply because of that Torkoal. Torkoal is usually not seen this early on and can actually be pretty rough to take out, with a massive defense stat that it can boost using Curse, and being able to easily poison you with smog. Leer and moves like that don’t work either because of its ability. Using an early game water type to overpower it is not a bad idea.

- - -

Gym Leader #2, Brawly (Dewford Town Gym)

After taking a boat ride to this island, you’re free to challenge the next gym leader, Brawly. He uses Fighting types and can actually pose a threat if you’re coming in unprepared. He likes to raise his stats using moves like Bulk Up, Reflect, and Light Screen, while having strong Fighting moves like Focus Punch and Reversal to catch you off guard.

Machop (Fighting type; Level 16)

Karate Chop
Seismic Toss
Low Kick
Bulk Up

Meditite (Fighting and Psychic type; Level 16)

Focus Punch
Bulk Up
Reflect
Light Screen

Makuhita (Fighting type; Level 19)

Vital Throw
Arm Thrust
Reversal
Bulk Up


Suggestion #1

Sableye. It’s an underrated Dark and Ghost type that can be found in the deeper parts of the cave just north of the gym. It’s not the strongest Pokemon but being a Ghost type means it takes no damage from any of Brawly’s attacks. It’s basically a free win and an oversight on the developers’ part.

Suggestion #2

Taillow. The early game bird of this game who can practically one shot all of Brawly’s Pokemon with Wing Attack, save for maybe Makuhita. It’s just tier 2 because it’s not an automatic victory.

Suggestion #3

Abra. The classic Psychic type can be obtained in the same cave Sableye is in, though I had better luck encountering it on the first floor. It’s useless in its base form but once it evolves and gains Confusion it will tear through Brawly’s team. Meditite, while not weak to Confusion, will not be able to deal damage with Focus Punch when it is attacked the same turn. The worst thing you’ll have to watch out for is Light Screen, but it should still be an easy win.

- - -

Brendan / May #3 (Route 110)

Slugma (Fire type; Level 18)

Ember
Rock Throw
Smog
Yawn

Wingull (Water and Flying type; Level 18)

Water Gun
Wing Attack
Growl

Supersonic

Grovyle (Grass type; Level 20)

Absorb
Pursuit
Fury Cutter
Quick Attack


Wingull (Water and Flying type; Level 18)

Water Gun
Wing Attack
Growl

Supersonic

Lombre (Water and Grass type; Level 18)

Absorb
Astonish
Nature Power
Growl

Combusken (Fire and Fighting type; Level 20)

Ember
Double Kick
Peck
Focus Energy


Lombre (Water and Grass type; Level 18)

Absorb
Astonish
Nature Power
Growl

Slugma (Fire type; Level 18)

Ember
Rock Throw
Smog
Yawn

Marshtomp (Water and Ground type; Level 20)

Water Gun
Mud Shot
Foresight
Bide

Suggestion #1

Your starter. This will be the last time I’m covering the Rival suggestions as their team is diverse so the only way to have a good matchup is to have a diverse team of your own. That said, your starter should be able to handle the two level 18 Pokemon just fine.

Suggestion #2

A new elemental typing. If you chose Treecko, try a water type in Azuarill, Wingull, Gyarados or Tentacool. If you chose Torchic, try a grass type in Shroomish, Lombre, or Nuzleaf. If you chose Mudkip, try a Flying type in Beautifly or Taillow. These Pokemon will be able to handle your rival’s starter.

- - -

Wally #1 (Mauville City)

Before going in the gym, Wally wants to fight. Only, well, he’s not all that.

Ralts (Psychic type; Level 16)

Confusion
Double Team
Growl
Teleport

Suggestion #1

Anything not named Dustox. Seriously, I think Dustox is the only Pokemon with a losing matchup to Wally. Even Pokemon that are weak to Psychic can easily survive a hit and deal out way more damage.

Suggestion #2

Dustox. Don’t use Dustox.

- - -

Gym Leader #3, Wattson (Mauville City Gym)

After making it through his fun puzzle, you can challenge Wattson! He uses electric types and actually is a little tougher than his Ruby and Sapphire counterpart. Strategies like Sand Attack or Double Team won’t work as his signature move, Shock Wave, never misses. He also likes to throw out paralysis with Thunder wave. His Voltorb can Selfdestruct and Magneton can confuse you with Supersonic

Voltorb (Electric type; Level 20)

Spark
Rollout
Selfdestruct
Shock Wave

Electrike (Electric type; Level 20)

Shock Wave
Quick Attack
Howl
Leer

Magneton (Electric and Steel type; Level 22)

Shock Wave
Sonic Boom
Thunder Wave
Supersonic

Manectric (Electric type; Level 24)

Shock Wave
Quick Attack
Thunder Wave
Howl

Suggestion #1

Marshtomp. If you chose Mudkip your starter is all you need. You take no damage from any of his electric attacks, and your Mud Shot should kill all of Wattson’s Pokemon in one hit, aside from maybe Manectric. But even that thing can’t do much to you in return. Just beware of Voltorb outspeeding you and using Selfdestruct.

Suggestion #2

Breloom, Geodude. These two will be your best choices if you chose Torchic or Treecko. Breloom can dish out Paralysis with Stun Spore and drain HP with Leech Seed, all while freely throwing its powerful Mach Punch around to score KOs. Geodude is like Marshtomp a Ground type meaning it doesn’t take any electric damage. It also resists every other move Wattson has, but it has a little more trouble scoring KOs than Breloom. Still a viable choice, especially if you don’t want two grass types in Grovyle and Breloom.

Suggestion #3

Combusken. If you chose Torchic and none of the two above interest you, Combusken can usually get the job done as well. It’s just easily prone to getting paralyzed, due to being on the slower end as well as its double kick having 2 chances of activating Wattson’s static abilities. If you manage to avoid this Combusken should be strong enough to wipe Wattson’s team.

- - -

Maxie #1 (Mt. Chimney)

After working your way up the volcano, it’s time to take on your first evil team leader, Maxie. His Pokemon can hit fairly hard so beware of that.

Mightyena (Dark type; Level 24)

Bite
Sand Attack
Roar
Odor Sleuth

Zubat (Poison and Flying type; Level 24)

Wing Attack
Bite
Astonish
Supersonic

Camerupt (Fire and Ground type; Level 25)

Ember
Magnitude
Tackle
Focus Energy

Suggestion #1

Marshtomp. Yet again, Mudkip users are in luck. Marshtomp makes quick work of Maxie’s strongest Pokemon Camerupt with Water Gun or Mud Shot, while also being able to comfortably take on Mightyena and Zubat.

Suggestion #2

Gyarados. If you opted for Treecko or Torchic, Gyarados is a big help in this fight. Switching it in and out can lower Maxie’s attack with Intimidate, while you take virtually no damage from his Pokemon. Just watch out for Zubat confusing you with Supersonic.

- - -

Gym Leader #4, Flannery (Lavaridge Town Gym)

After going through Jagged Pass you will be able to challenge the Fire type gym run by Flannery. She is pretty strong in this game but with good preparation she won’t be too bad. She utilizes Sunny Day to both weaken super effective Water type attacks, as well as strengthening her own Fire moves. She particularly enjoys using Overheat, which has massive base power but will harshly lower her special attack after use. She can also set up a Light Screen to further weaken Water moves. Lastly she likes using Attract if you’re using male Pokemon.

Numel (Fire and Ground type; Level 24)

Overheat
Magnitude
Take Down
Sunny Day

Slugma (Fire type; Level 24)

Overheat
Smog
Light Screen
Sunny Day

Camerupt (Fire and Ground type; Level 26)

Overheat
Tackle
Attract
Sunny Day

Torkoal (Fire type; Level 29)

Overheat
Body Slam
Attract
Sunny Day

Suggestion #1

Marshtomp and Gyarados. These two strong Water types will resist her strongest attacks. Marshtomp can still hit her hard even after Sunny Day is up thanks to its secondary Ground type attacks. It will struggle taking out Torkoal and since your Marshtomp is most likely a male this gets even worse when Attract is used. Still, in a 1 v 1 it should usually come out on top. Gyarados is the more reliable of the two, although it lacks any super effective moves at this point. It’s bulkier than Marshtomp, can intimidate most of her team and can hit Torkoal on the special side with Bite, which can also flinch it.

Suggestion #2

Graveler and Nosepass. Even though they have a good type matchup I still think they’re not as good as the two above. To begin with they get hit super effectively by Flannery’s ground moves on some of her Pokemon, and despite resisting the attack, they’ll still take massive damage from Overheat, especially in the sun. Graveler has low special defense and Nosepass has low HP. Nosepass in particular also doesn’t deal a ton of damage in return, even though he gets Rock Slide pretty early on. You can however spread paralysis with Thunder Wave.

- - -

Gym Leader #5, Norman (Petalburg City Gym)

Immediately after beating Flannery you can go back to Petalburg to challenge your dad Norman. He uses Normal types and has one of the most dangerous Pokemon in the game in Slaking, so be careful. He likes to use status moves like Teeter Dance, Encore and Yawn, and can set up with Belly Drum. Lastly Slaking has a nasty surprise in Counter, so hitting it on the special side is advised.

Spinda (Normal type; Level 27)

Facade
Psybeam
Teeter Dance
Encore

Vigoroth (Normal type; Level 27)

Facade
Slash
Faint Attack
Encore

Linoone (Normal type; Level 29)

Facade
Slash
Headbutt
Belly Drum

Slaking (Normal type; Level 31)

Facade
Faint Attack
Counter
Yawn

Suggestion #1

Sableye and Hariyama. These two will give you the easiest victory. Sableye is immune to all Norman’s Normal and Psychic type attacks, and the two opponents that use Faint Attack don’t have the greatest special attack. Due to Sableye’s poor attack and movepool you’re kind of forced to run Rock Smash and rely on defense drops to win, but you should be able to get there no problem. Hariyama is an absolute beast, with tons of HP and Attack. Vital Throw alone should be enough to one shot Norman’s first three Pokemon, and you can even set up Bulk Up on Slaking as it has to rest every other turn.

Suggestion #2

Combusken, Lairon and Breloom. Even if they’re not as easy of a win as the two above, these three will still get you there. Combusken hits hard with Double Kick but takes quite a large amount of damage from Norman’s attacks. It can do well but sweeping on its own is a little hard if you don’t set up Bulk Ups. Breloom hits super hard with Mach Punch and can recover HP through Leech Seed or Mega Drain. It might be wise to use status moves on Slaking to cripple it even further as a Counter can hurt. Lairon is just a wall, capable of resisting every move Norman has. It won’t deal a lot of damage but it’ll give you a slow win just like Sableye.

Suggestion #3

Graveler and Nosepass. Same reasons as with Flannery, these two will get the job done but just aren’t as efficient as the ones already mentioned.

- - -

Brendan and May #4 (Route 119)

Slugma (Fire type; Level 29)

Ember
Rock Throw
Amnesia
Harden

Pelipper (Water and Flying type; Level 29)

Wing Attack
Mist
Protect
Supersonic

Grovyle (Grass type; Level 31)

Leaf Blade
Fury Cutter
Pursuit
Screech


Pelipper (Water and Flying type; Level 29)

Wing Attack
Supersonic
Mist
Protect

Lombre (Water and Grass type; Level 29)

Absorb
Fury Swipes
Fake Out
Nature Power

Combusken (Fire and Fighting type; Level 31)

Double Kick
Peck
Bulk Up
Sand Attack


Lombre (Water and Grass type; Level 29)

Absorb
Fury Swipes
Fake Out
Nature Power

Slugma (Fire type; Level 29)

Ember
Rock Throw
Amnesia
Harden

Marshtomp (Water and Ground type; Level 31)

Mud Shot
Take Down
Foresight
Mud Sport

- - -

Gym Leader #6, Winona (Fortree CIty Gym)

After obtaining the Devon Scope from Steven Stone, you can clear the path to the 6th gym. Winona uses Flying types and is surprisingly hard for her typing. She has some annoying status moves on all her Pokemon, but the biggest threat is easily her Altaria. Dragon Dance gives it a stat boost in attack and speed every time it uses it, meaning that STAB Aerial Ace as well as that Earthquake are going to be doing insane amounts of damage if you allow her to set up.


Swablu (Normal and Flying type; Level 29)

Aerial Ace
Mirror Move
Perish Song
Safeguard

Pelipper (Water and Flying type; Level 30)

Aerial Ace
Water Gun
Protect
Supersonic

Tropius (Grass and Flying type; Level 29)

Aerial Ace
Sunny Day
Solar Beam
Synthesis

Skarmory (Steel and Flying; Level 31)

Aerial Ace
Steel Wing
Fury Attack
Sand Attack

Altaria (Dragon and Flying; Level 33)

Aerial Ace
Dragon Breath
Earthquake
Dragon Dance

Suggestion #1

Swampert. If you’ve managed to grind your Mudkip all the way to a Swampert you won’t struggle too much. Just make sure to visit the Abandoned Ship to the east of Dewford Town where you can find the TM for Ice Beam, which will greatly benefit you in this gym. Swampert can one hit KO Swablu, Tropius and Skarmory with Ice Beam for the first two and Surf for the latter. Pelipper shouldn’t be able to do much to you, and Altaria is a whole lot less scary with Ice Beam on your side.

Suggestion #2

If you didn’t choose Mudkip, try Manectric. It hits hard with Spark or Thunderbolt and can easily beat anything not named Altaria. Earthquake is just too strong for Manectric to handle, but you should be faster than it so getting a Thunder Wave off to cripple it is not a bad sacrifice.

- - -

Brendan and May #5 (Lilycove City)

Tropius (Grass and Flying type; Level 31)

Magical Leaf
Stomp
Whirlwind
Sweet Scent

Slugma (Fire type; Level 32)

Ember
Rock Throw
Amnesia
Harden

Pelipper (Water and Flying type; Level 32)

Wing Attack
Mist
Supersonic
Protect

Grovyle (Grass type; Level 34)

Leaf Blade
Fury Cutter
Pursuit
Screech


Tropius (Grass and Flying type; Level 31)

Magical Leaf
Stomp
Whirlwind
Sweet Scent

Pelipper (Water and Flying type; Level 32)

Wing Attack
Mist
Supersonic
Protect

Ludicolo (Water and Grass type; Level 32)

Absorb
Nature Power
Astonish
Growl

Combusken (Fire and Fighting type; Level 34)

Quick Attack
Peck
Bulk Up
Sand Attack


Tropius (Grass and Flying type; Level 31)

Magical Leaf
Stomp
Whirlwind
Sweet Scent

Ludicolo (Water and Grass type; Level 32)

Absorb
Nature Power
Astonish
Growl

Slugma (Fire type; Level 32)

Ember
Rock Throw
Amnesia
Harden

Marshtomp (Water and Ground type; Level 34)

Mud Shot
Take Down
Foresight
Mud Sport

- - -

Maxie #2 (Magma Hideout)

After obtaining the Magma Emblem on top of Mt. Pyre, you can head back to Jagged Pass and enter the Magma Hideout. At the bottom you will encounter and fight Maxie yet again. Suggestions are the same as last time.

Mightyena (Dark type; Level 37)

Take Down
Roar
Scary Face
Swagger

Crobat (Poison and Flying type; Level 38)

Air Cutter
Bite
Wing Attack
Confuse Ray

Camerupt (Fire and Ground type; Level 39)

Earthquake
Rock Slide
Take Down
Amnesia

- - -

Gym Leader #7, Tate & Liza (Mossdeep City Gym)

After making your way to Mossdeep City you’re free to challenge the Psychic gym ran by twins Tate and Liza. This gym battle is unique in that it’s in the format of a double battle. This can allow you to use some cool strategies that wouldn’t work in single battles (don’t use Thunder on your Swellow though). Tate and Liza are a lot harder than in Ruby and Sapphire, with two new additions to their team that have good synergy with each other.

Claydol (Ground and Psychic type; Level 41)

Earthquake
Psychic
Ancient Power
Light Screen

Xatu (Psychic and Flying type; Level 41)

Psychic
Calm Mind
Confuse Ray
Sunny Day

Solrock (Rock and Psychic type; Level 42)

Psychic
Sunny Day
Solar Beam
Flamethrower

Lunatone (Rock and Psychic type; Level 42)

Psychic
Calm Mind
Light Screen
Hypnosis

Suggestion #1

Swampert and Shiftry. Due to the way Surf operates in this game, only hitting both opponents but not your partner, it’s a great move to spam. Especially when it hits 3 out of 4 Pokemon for super effective damage. On top of that Swampert is bulky enough to take any hit that isn’t Solar Beam. Taking out Xatu and Solrock as soon as possible should be your priority, since they can set up the sun. Shiftry is nice because it hits hard, is immune to Psychic and will generally outspeed everything save maybe Xatu.

Suggestion #2

Sceptile and Absol. Sceptile has one of the best Grass moves in the game with Leaf Blade, which can easily knock out Solrock and Lunatone in one hit. Claydol will probably survive one but since this is a double battle you can just throw both attacks at him turn one. Absol hits insanely hard with Shadow Ball, which can be obtained inside Mt. Pyre, and by finding a way to set up a Swords Dance you’re basically guaranteed to knock everything out in one hit. It’s a lot frailer than even Shiftry though.

- - -

Maxie #3 (Mossdeep City)

Right when you thought you were done with them, here Maxie comes yet again. This time you’re in a double battle, with none other than Steven Stone fighting alongside you. His overpowered Pokemon make it so you don’t really need any specific Pokemon to beat the battle, but the same suggestions still apply. I’m not going to go over the Pokemon as they’re the same as last time, just a couple levels higher.

- - -

Archie (Seafloor Cavern)

After obtaining Dive from Steven Stone, you can find and make your way through Seafloor Cavern until you find Archie.

Mightyena (Dark type; Level 41)

Take Down
Swagger
Roar
Scary Face

Crobat (Poison and Flying type; Level 41)

Wing Attack
Air Cutter
Bite
Confuse Ray

Sharpedo (Water and Dark type; Level 43)

Slash
Screech
Taunt
Swagger

Suggestion #1

Manectric. It sweeps him completely. Honestly most Pokemon not weak to Crobat’s flying moves should be able to handle this.

- - -

Gym Leader #8, Juan (Sootopolis City Gym)

Now that Rayquaza has made Groudon and Kyogre stop fighting you’re free to challenge the final gym of the game. Juan uses Water type Pokemon. He’s not too strong but uses some annoying tactics like Attract, Encore and the notorious Double Team Kingdra that has Rest and a Chesto Berry to instantly wake up.

Luvdisc (Water type; Level 41)

Water Pulse
Flail
Attract
Sweet Kiss

Whiscash (Water and Ground type; Level 41)

Earthquake
Water Pulse
Amnesia
Rain Dance

Crawdaunt (Water and Dark type; Level 43)

Crabhammer
Water Pulse
Leer
Taunt

Sealeo (Ice and Water type; Level 43)

Aurora Beam
Water Pulse
Body Slam
Encore

Kingdra (Water and Dragon Type; Level 46)

Water Pulse
Ice Beam
Double Team
Rest

Suggestions #1

Manectric, Ludicolo, Sceptile. These Pokemon have a field day in this gym, generally knocking out most Pokemon in one hit, aside from maybe Sealeo and Kingdra. Sceptile has to watch out for a potential Ice move but should still be strong enough to survive it. Luck is also required if that Kingdra starts setting up Double Teams.

- - -

Wally #2 (Victory Road)

Right as you enter Victory Road, you get challenged by that one kid who had the weak Ralts. Not your rival throughout the game, no, we never see them again. But Wally wants to fight. Same suggestion as with your usual rival applies, just use a diverse team since he uses a lot of different types. Careful of the lead Altaria, you might want to start the battle with a Pokemon that knows Ice Beam.

Altaria (Dragon and Flying type; Level 44)

Aerial Ace
Dragon Breath
Dragon Dance
Safeguard

Delcatty (Normal type; Level 43)

Faint Attack
Assist
Charm
Sing

Roselia (Grass and Poison type; Level 44)

Magical Leaf
Toxic
Giga Drain
Leech Seed

Magneton (Electric and Steel type; Level 41)

Thunderbolt
Tri Attack
Screech
Supersonic

Gardevoir (Psychic type; Level 45)

Psychic
Calm Mind
Future Sight
Double Team

- - -

Elite Four #1, Sidney (Ever Grande City)

After making it to Ever Grande, you are free to challenge the Elite Four! Sidney is a Dark type user who shouldn’t be too much of an issue, just beware of Swords Dance.

Mightyena (Dark type; Level 46)

Crunch
Double Edge
Roar
Sand Attack

Shiftry (Grass and Dark type; Level 48)

Extrasensory
Double Team
Torment
Swagger

Cacturne (Grass and Dark type; Level 46)

Needle Arm
Faint Attack
Leech Seed
Cotton Spore

Crawdaunt (Water and Dark type; Level 48)

Surf
Strength
Facade
Swords Dance

Absol (Dark type; Level 49)

Aerial Ace
Rock Slide
Slash
Swords Dance

Suggestion #1

Blaziken, Breloom, Hariyama. It really only takes a strong Fighting type to beat him. All of his Pokemon are so frail that one Brick Break will usually knock them out. Breloom in particular has to watch out for Aerial Ace, but with Mach Punch you’ll go first so it’s not a big deal.

- - -

Elite Four #2, Phoebe (Ever Grande CIty)

Your next opponent is the Ghost type user Phoebe. She has a surprisingly offensive team for her type, using Pokemon that normally fit more in a defensive role.

Dusclops (Ghost type; Level 49)

Shadow Punch
Curse
Confuse Ray
Protect

Banette (Ghost type; Level 49)

Shadow Ball
Faint Attack
Will-O-Wisp
Grudge

Banette (Ghost type; Level 49)

Shadow Ball
Thunderbolt
Psychic
Facade

Sableye (Dark and Ghost type; Level 50)

Shadow Ball
Faint Attack
Night Shade
Double Team

Dusclops (Ghost type; Level 51)

Shadow Ball
Earthquake
Rock Slide
Ice Beam

Suggestions #1

Sharpedo, Absol, Shiftry. These three are probably the strongest matchup you’ll find. Dark type is a must if you want to counter her strong Ghost and Dark moves. They’re all a bit frail but should be able to score KOs before getting attacked. Her Dusclops will probably live a hit but they have poor offensive stats so you shouldn’t be in any danger.

- - -

Elite Four #3, Glacia (Ever Grande City)

Glacia the Ice Queen will be your third opponent. She has some annoying moves but if infamously known for her Sheer Cold Walrein. If that move lands on your Pokemon it’s an instant KO. It can basically turn every battle in its favor through luck. Have fun!

Sealeo (Ice and Water type; Level 50)

Ice Ball
Body Slam
Hail
Encore

Glalie (Ice type; Level 50)

Ice Beam
Crunch
Icy Wind
Light Screen

Glalie (Ice type; Level 52)

Ice Beam
Shadow Ball
Hail
Explosion

Sealeo (Ice and Water type; Level 52)

Blizzard
Hail
Double Edge
Attract

Walrein (Ice and Water type; Level 53)

Ice Beam
Surf
Body Slam
Sheer Cold

Suggestion #1

Blaziken, Hariyama. These two will absolutely destroy Glacia. She has no answers aside from Walrein, and he’s getting two hit KO’d. It might be wise to set up a Bulk Up with Blaziken before Walrein comes out so you’re sure to kill it in one hit. Hariyama with Thick Fat as its ability should just be in a league of its own here, it will never die (aside from Sheer Cold of course).

Suggestion #2

Manectric, Breloom. These two will probably be fine but might struggle against the power of her Walrein. Good alternatives though.

- - -

Elite Four #4, Drake (Ever Grande City)

The final member of the Elite Four, and he lives up to the expectations. Drake can be really strong if you’re not prepared, with nasty Dragon types that can set up and sweep you.

Shelgon (Dragon type; Level 52)

Dragon Claw
Rock Tomb
Double Edge
Protect

Kingdra (Water and Dragon type; Level 53)

Surf
Body SLam
Dragon Dance
Smoke Screen

Flygon (Ground and Dragon type; Level 54)

Dragon Breath
Earthquake
Crunch
Flamethrower

Altaria (Dragon and Flying type; Level 54)

Aerial Ace
Dragon Breath
Double Edge
Dragon Dance

Salamence (Dragon and Flying type; Level 55)

Dragon Claw
Rock Slide
Crunch
Flamethrower

Suggestion #1

Swampert and Walrein. If you want a perfect Dragon killer, look no further. Walrein’s Ice Beams will hurt tremendously, capable of knocking everything except Kingdra out in one hit. Swampert might fall short of a kill against Shelgon but it’s no big deal. Yet again a Kingdra is the thorn in your side. I would suggest running toxic on your Dragon killer to make sure it doesn’t get up too many Smoke Screens and Dragon Dances for free.

- - -

Champion Wallace (Ever Grande City)

And your final challenge is here! Wallace became Champion during our sleep and now the Water user wants to defend his throne. His whole team is scary, don’t sleep on any of them. Wailord’s Water Spout, Dragon Dance Gyarados and Leech Seed Double Team Ludicolo are your biggest problems, and then of course his Milotic.

Wailord (Water type; Level 57)

Water Spout
Blizzard
Double Edge
Rain Dance

Tentacruel (Water and Poison type; Level 55)

Hydro Pump
Sludge Bomb
Ice Beam
Toxic

Whiscash (Water and Ground type; Level 56)

Surf
Earthquake
Hyper Beam
Amnesia

Ludicolo (Water and Grass type; Level 56)

Surf
Giga Drain
Leech Seed
Double Team

Gyarados (Water and Flying type; Level 56)

Surf
Earthquake
Hyper Beam
Dragon Dance

Milotic (Water type; Level 58)

Surf
Ice Beam
Toxic
Recover

Suggestion #1

Sceptile, Manectric, Ludicolo. I mean at this point you should know a Water type’s weaknesses. Manectric will struggle with Ludicolo and Whiscash, and potentially Gyarados if it has a Dragon Dance set up. It’s still not a bad Pokemon to have for this fight though. Sceptile can dish out a lot of damage but struggles with Tentacruel, Gyarados and even Milotic since that thing is so bulky. Ludicolo is surprisingly like the most useful Pokemon this fight, having good matchups against everything aside from Tentacruel.

And there you go, you are now Champion of Hoenn! Too bad there’s still one more person you’ll have to beat to call yourself the greatest. Deep down in Meteor Falls, you will encounter a certain …

- - -

Steven Stone (Meteor Falls)

That’s right! Mr Stone himself is challenging you to one final, ultimate battle. His levels are insanely high so grinding is definitely in order. He focuses on steel types but uses a lot of rock types as well. With one or two exceptions he just focuses on offense.

Skarmory (Steel and Flying; Level 77)

Aerial Ace
Steel Wing
Spikes
Toxic

Claydol (Ground and Psychic; Level 75)

Earthquake
Ancient Power
Reflect
Light Screen

Cradily (Rock and Grass type; Level 76)

Giga Drain
Ancient Power
Ingrain
Confuse Ray

Armaldo (Rock and Bug type; Level 76)

Ancient Power
Water Pulse
Aerial Ace
Slash

Aggron (Steel and Rock type; Level 76)

Earthquake
Dragon Claw
Thunder
Solar Beam

Metagross (Steel and Psychic type; Level 78)

Meteor Mash
Psychic
Earthquake
Shadow Ball

Suggestion #1

Swampert. It has a positive matchup against everything not named Cradily. Surf and Earthquake will literally handle the rest of Steven’s team no problem.

Suggestion #2

Gyarados and Blaziken. Blaziken has a good matchup against Skarmory, Cradily, Aggron and Metagross, although of course you need to watch out for super effective moves. Still, with a bulk up or two it won’t be too hard. Gyarados is similar to Swampert but with an immunity to Earthquake. One thing that does help it is its Intimidate ability. It allows Gyarados to switch in and out more easily and weaken Steven’s highly leveled team. Beware that Gyarados cannot intimidate Metagross, although you shouldn’t take too much damage from its moves.

- - -

And that’s it! You have now beaten Pokemon Emerald completely (well, aside from the Battle Frontier). I’m aware I mentioned a lot of Pokemon pretty frequently, however I do believe those are the strongest Pokemon in the game. That doesn’t mean that they’re the only viable ones, you can really use whatever you want. This is just here to help if you happen to be stuck on one battle.