Conquering the Galar region in Pokémon Sword requires strategic planning and a well-trained team. Knowing the gym order and the type advantages each gym leader possesses is crucial for success. This guide will detail the official gym challenge order, provide insights into each gym leader, and answer frequently asked questions about optimizing your Pokémon journey.
The Official Gym Challenge Order in Pokémon Sword
The gym challenge in Pokémon Sword unfolds in a specific order, designed to test your skills and adaptability. Here's the sequence you'll face:
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Turffield Gym (Grass-type): Milo, the first Gym Leader, specializes in Grass-type Pokémon. Prepare Pokémon strong against Grass, such as Fire, Flying, Poison, Bug, Ice, or even Fighting types.
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Motostoke Gym (Fire-type): Nessa, the second Gym Leader, uses Water-type Pokémon. Fire, Grass, and Electric types are highly effective here.
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Hulbury Gym (Water-type): Kabuki, the third Gym Leader, focuses on Fighting-type Pokémon. Flying, Psychic, and Fairy types will prove most advantageous.
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Stow-on-Side Gym (Fighting-type): Bea, the fourth Gym Leader, uses Fighting-type Pokémon. Flying, Psychic, and Fairy types again are effective.
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Spikemuth Gym (Dark-type): The infamous Piers, the fifth Gym Leader, utilizes Dark-type Pokémon. Fighting, Bug, Fairy, and even Psychic types can effectively counter his team.
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Circhester Gym (Ice-type): Melony, the sixth Gym Leader, employs Ice-type Pokémon. Fire, Fighting, Rock, and Steel types will be your best bet here.
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Hammerlocke Gym (Ghost-type): Allister, the seventh Gym Leader, uses Ghost-type Pokémon. Ghost types are immune to Normal-type attacks, but Dark and Ghost are super effective.
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Wyndon Gym (Champion): Leon, the Champion, represents the pinnacle of Galar's Pokémon battling prowess. His team includes a variety of strong Pokémon, so be sure to have a diverse and well-rounded team to challenge him effectively.
What is the easiest gym in Pokémon Sword?
Many players find the Turffield Gym (Grass-type) to be the easiest. Milo's Pokémon are generally weaker than those encountered later in the game, making it a good opportunity to learn the game's mechanics and test your early-game team.
Which gym is hardest in Pokémon Sword?
The difficulty of a gym is subjective and depends on your team's strengths and weaknesses. However, many players consider the Spikemuth Gym (Dark-type) or the Champion Battle to be the most challenging. Piers' Dark-type Pokémon can be very powerful, and Leon's team boasts an impressive array of highly-skilled and diverse Pokémon.
What is the best team for Pokémon Sword gyms?
There isn't one definitive "best" team, as success depends on your play style and strategic choices. However, a balanced team including a variety of types (Fire, Water, Grass, Electric, Fighting, etc.) is generally recommended to cover weaknesses and exploit type advantages. Consider building your team around Pokémon with high attack stats and beneficial abilities.
What order should I challenge the Gyms in Pokémon Sword?
You must challenge the Gyms in the order listed above. The game's story and progression are structured around this specific sequence, and attempting to bypass any Gym will be prevented.
Can I train outside of the Gym order in Pokémon Sword?
While you are strongly encouraged to follow the official gym order, you can train your Pokémon outside of the gym battles to prepare for upcoming challenges. Wild Pokémon encounters, trainer battles, and using items like Rare Candies all allow you to enhance your team's strength before facing the next gym leader. However, remember that the difficulty will progressively increase, so maintaining a well-balanced and well-trained team is paramount to success.
By understanding the gym order, strategizing your team composition, and preparing adequately, you will be well-equipped to conquer the Galar region in Pokémon Sword. Good luck, Trainer!