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Pokemon X & Y Gym Leaders
Welcome to the wonderful world of Kalos! A new generation brings uncharted terrain and unforeseen challenges. The Pokemon X and Y Gym Leaders are no exception, you may find yourself in front of a brick wall when facing them. This Gym Leaders guide for Pokémon X and Y will give you the information and advice you need to defeat them with ease
Gym #1 Satalune Gym - Leader Viola
Strategy
If you chose Fennekin as your starting companion, you’ll have no trouble with this gym. However, Surskit resists fire with it’s dual Bug/Water typing. Luckily, a Pikachu can be caught in Santalune Forest. If you didn’t choose Fennekin in favour of Chespin or Froakie, no worries, Pansear can also be caught in Santalune Forest. Overall, Viola isn’t terribly hard, she’s only the first gym leader after all. If you’re worried, bring along plenty of potions.
Gym #2 Cyllage Gym - Leader Grant
Strategy
Fighting type will make short work of Grant’s Pokemon, especially Amaura who suffers from a quad weakness due to it’s Rock/Ice typing. Luckily, Mienfoo can be caught on Route 8 shortly before Ambrette town. Water and Grass can become useful, but bear in mind that Amaura won’t be weak to Water and it’s ability turns Normal moves into Ice type, so Grass can be at a disadvantage.
Gym #3 Shalour Gym - Leader Korrina
Strategy
Unfortunately, she doesn’t use Lucario like earlier (not yet anyway, hint hint). If you picked up Fennekin and have fully evolved it to Delphox by the time you’re here, this gym is a doddle. Flying types can also come in handy, even against Hawlucha, who still receives double damage from Flying despite being part Flying itself. A Sigilyph can be caught on Route 10 for dual Psychic/Flying if you fancy it.
Gym #4 Courmaline Gym - Leader Ramos
Strategy
Fire will make short work of this gym. Fennekin users will be pleased at this. Likewise, if you picked Charmander from Professor Sycamore you’ll have no worries here at all. Ice moves can be useful if you happen to lack Fire, and Amaura/Aurorus is most likely your best bet at this point, but be warned as it is weak to Grass. Flying Pokemon can also be very effective against Ramos, and there has been plenty of choice up to now to have picked one up.
Gym #5 Lumiose Gym - Leader Clemont
Strategy
Much like Elesa from the past generation of games, Clemont packs a pesky Emolga who’s immune to Ground. Fortunately, Grant gives you Rock Tomb which can pick off the flying squirrel fairly easily. Route 13 prior to revisiting Lumiose City is packed full of Ground types as well, so you have no shortage of choice there.
Gym #6 Laverre Gym - Leader Valerie
Strategy
If Valerie’s eyes don’t creep you out, her variety of Pokémon might instead. She’s got a surprising mix, Mawile being her wall with Steel type blocking off many other types. Mr. Mime being part Psychic is interesting too. If you happen to have a poison type, or someone who can learn TM09 - Venoshock, which could be picked up on Route 6 much earlier, then you stand a good chance of success. Fire types can make short work of Mawile, being the wall here. Sylveon is fairly specially defensive, so hit it with physical attacks if you lack Poison.
Gym #7 Anistar Gym - Leader Olympia
Strategy
Surprisingly, two of her Pokemon are weak to Electric attacks, meaning you might not have to worry about Dark types much at all. Thunderbolt comes in very useful here (and much later too), so make use of it! If you lack an Electric type or someone who can learn Thunderbolt, Dark or Ghost are your best bets. Haunter could be caught on Route 14 and if you’re playing X Mightyena lurk on Route 15. A solid STAB boosted Crunch will be devastating against Meowstic, who favours offence over defense.
Gym #8 Snowbelle Gym - Leader Wulfric
Strategy
It’s no secret that Wulfric’s Pokemon have a severe weakness to Fire, especially Abomasnow. Ice/Grass isn’t the best type against Fire, suffering four times damage to it. Delphox/Charizard owners are in for an easy ride, a shame for the last gym leader. If you lack Fire, however, Fighting type is very solid against Ice, even Rock and Steel if you happen to possess them. Be warned with Rock types though, Ice also deals super effective damage to you.
Congratulations on defeating the Pokémon X and Y Gym Leaders! You're now ready to take on the Elite Four!
