All Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Paldea Gym Leaders revealed

Grusha Gym leader Pokemon Scarlet & violet

The Gym Leader challenge is a staple of Pokemon games and here’s a look at all of the Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Gym Leaders you’ll come across in the Paldea region.

For years, players have embarked on Pokemon journeys that consist of proving their dominance in battles and aiming for the title of becoming a Pokemon Master. Before a player can be crowned Champion, they must earn the right to challenge the Elite Four by taking on a series of battles across the region.

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The journey traditionally involves defeating Gym Leaders and collecting badges along the way. While Pokemon Scarlet & Violet will innovate the franchise’s storytelling by offering three separate journeys to complete, one of them will be the familiar Gym Leader challenge.

In order to gather intel on your opponents across the Paldea region, here’s a list of all the Gym Leaders in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.

Every Gym Leader in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet will offer players a ton of content to enjoy including Gym Leader battles. These are known to be some of the most difficult battles you’ll encounter throughout the game.

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You can expect there to be the classic number of eight Gyms to conquer. Usually, Gyms will deliver a few warmup battles that you’ll have to win before you can challenge the Gym Leader.

Here’s a breakdown of every Gym Leader in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet so far, along with their Pokemon type specialization.

Brassius – Artazon Gym

Brassius Artazon Gym leader Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

As the Gym Leader of Artazon town, Brassius specializes in utilizing Grass-type Pokemon. Artazon town itself is full of vibrant colors, flowers, and art, which makes Brassius the ideal Gym Leader.

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It is said that Brassius uses his position as a Gym Leader to judge the aesthetic sensibilities of trainers. Brassius is always on the lookout for art and thus treats Pokemon battles as works of art.

Brassius is partnered with a Smoliv as his trustiest companion.

Grusha – Glaseado Gym

Grusha and Cetitan Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Grusha was the first Scarlet & Violet Gym Leader revealed by The Pokemon Company and he is the Leader of the Glaseado Gym – specializing in Ice-type Pokemon.

Grusha utilizes the Paldea region’s Cetitan as his main Pokemon companion. Cetitan is an Ice-type Pokemon that can access the fantastic Thick Fat or Slush Rush abilities. Don’t be surprised to see most Gym Leaders utilize Pokemon from the Paldea region as their ace Pokemon.

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Grusha used to be a professional snowboarder and you can tell from the image above that his Gym setting is winterized with a ton of snow and ice.

Iono – Levincia Gym 

Iono and Bellibolt Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Iono is a charismatic Gym Leader who specializes in Electric-type Pokemon. You’ll face off with her during your Gym Leader challenge, as Iono is the Gym Leader of the Levincia Gym.

Iono’s reveal trailer was rather interesting as players were asked to guess the influencer and streamer’s partner Pokemon. Despite the two oddly colored Magnemite on top of her head, her partner Pokemon have been revealed to be Wattrel, Bellibolt, Luxio, and Mismagius.

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Bellibolt uses its body to create electricity that is then discharged from two bumps on its head that resemble eyeballs.

Katy – Cortondo Gym

katy holding poke ball in pokemon scarlet and violet

In Cortondo, you’ll find Katy, and she specializes in the art of Bug-type Pokemon.

So it’s no surprise to see that she favors bug-type Pokemon in her conquest to beat you, and this means you’ll have to find a way to combat strong versions of Nymble, Tarountula, and Teddiursa.

Kofu – Cascarrafa Gym

kofu poke ball in pokemon scarlet and violet

Kofu is the king of the Cascarrafa Gym, and he will test your ability to deal with Water-based Pokemon.

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His main pals are Veluza, Wugtrio, and Crabominable, but it could be some time before you even get to tussle with him as you’ll have to complete an objective that requires you to locate his wallet.

Larry – Medali Gym

larry in pokemon scarlet and violet

Based in the Medali area, Larry’s no-onsense-looking appearance and demeanor are nothing to scoff at as he will attempt to thwart your Gym quest with Normal-type Pokemon.

To do so, he utilizes the abilities of Komala, Dudunsparce, and Staraptor. Underestimate, arguably, the most normal Gym leader in Pokemon history at your own peril.

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Ryme – Montenevera Gym

ryme in pokemon scarlet and violet

As for Ryme, she dabbles in the scarier side of things where Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are concerned as she has a firm grasp of Ghost-type Pokemon.

With the knowledge that her loyal team consists of Banette, Mimikyu, Houndstone, and Toxtricity, you should be able to prepare adequately.

Tulip – Alfornada Gym

tulip in pokemon scarlet and violet

The final Gym Leader on our list is Tulip, and she enjoys using Psychic-type Pokemon to bring the best out of Pokemon Champion wannabes.

Farigiraf, Gardevoir, Espathra, and Florges will be found right alongside her and their presence could psychologically hinder you.

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Geeta – Champion & Chairwoman of the Pokemon League

Ms. Geeta Champion Pokemon Scarlet Violet

On your journey to becoming a Champion-ranked trainer in the Paldea region, you’ll likely run into Geeta quite often seeing as she is the Chairwoman of the Pokemon League that oversees the Gym challenge.

Geeta is also the best and most skilled Champion-ranked trainer in Paldea, which means she is essentially Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s ultimate test.

While trainers are inspired by Geeta, she’s always on the lookout for young talent to test their skills through the Pokemon League, and she has her eye on you.

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Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Gym Leader challenge explained

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet gyms

For starters, the formula of defeating eight Gym Leaders, collecting eight badges, challenging the Elite Four, and becoming Champion will persist in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. However, players will have to complete a Gym Test before challenging the Gym Leader.

One major change that Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will deliver is the ability to challenge the Gym Leaders in any order. Previously Pokemon games would set players on a linear path that presented one Gym Leader after another, with a notable increase in difficulty along the way.

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In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet you have the freedom to explore cities and challenge Gym Leaders at your own pace.


Now that we’ve covered Pokemon Scarlet & Violet’s gym leaders, here are some more guides for you to check out:

How to get Gimmighoul Roaming Form in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet | Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Tera Raid Battles explained | How many Pokemon are there? | How to catch Shiny Pokemon in Scarlet & Violet | How does EXP Share work in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet? | How to catch all Legendaries in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet | How to breed eggs in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

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Image Credit: Game Freak / The Pokemon Company