All Gym Leaders in Pokemon Sword and Shield

Gamers working their way through Pokemon Sword and Shield will undoubtedly want to know more about the Gym Leaders they’ll encounter. By knowing more about the Gym Leaders and the types of Pokemon they use, you’ll be able to prepare a team capable of handling even the hardest of Dynamax challenges. To help, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on all of the Gym Leaders in Pokemon Sword and Shield!

All Gym Leaders in Pokemon Sword and Shield

1. Milo - Grass (Turffield Gym)

The first Gym Leader you’ll meet in Pokemon Sword and Shield is Milo who uses Grass-type Pokemon. Milo can be found at the Turffield Gym. To prepare for this Gym, you’ll want to equip yourself with Pokemon strong against Grass which include Fire, Flying, Bug, Poison, and Ice-type Pokemon.

If you chose Scorbunny as your starter and managed to catch a Flying-type Pokemon like Rookidee you should be fine.

Note that Milo’s Pokemon are at Lv. 19 and Lv. 20 respectively. Before you enter Turffield Gym, you may want to take a moment to train your Pokemon up to Lv. 19 or higher. In Pokemon Sword and Shield, every Gym comes with a mini challenge. At the Turffield Gym, you’ll need to herd a group of Wooloo towards bales of hay in order to make it into the final battle against Milo.

To do this, simply chase and steer the Wooloo in the direction of the hay bales while avoiding obstacles like Yamper. If the Wooloo see Yamper, they’ll panic and roll the other way. When you reach Milo, you’ll find yourself having to take down his two beloved Grass-type Pokemon, Gossifluer (Lv. 19) and Eldegoss (Lv.20).

Milo won’t Dynamax his first Pokemon, Gossifluer, so you’re safe to save your Dynamax until he sends out Eldegoss. In Dynamax, your moves change, but as long as you keep type advantages in mind (using Fire against Grass) you should be able to whittle Eldegoss down until it’s defeated.

By defeating Milo, you’ll earn rewards which include the Grass Uniform, TM10 - Magical Leaf, the ability to catch Pokemon up to Lv.25, and the ability to have Pokemon up to Lv.30 listen to you.

2. Nessa - Water (Hulbury Gym)

The second Gym Leader you’ll meet in Pokemon Sword and Shield is Nessa who uses Water-type Pokemon. Nessa can be found at the Hulbury Gym located in the town of Hulbury. You have the opportunity to speak with Nessa outside of Hulbury Gym before battle. To find Nessa, head East from the Gym towards the lighthouse.

To prepare for Hulbury Gym, you’ll want to equip yourself with Pokemon strong against Water which include Electric and Grass-type Pokemon. If you chose Grookey as your starter and managed to catch an Electric-type like Yamper you should be fine.

Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to catch Grass-type Pokemon like Eldegoss as you make your way over to Hulbury that are particularly effective against Water-type Pokemon. Note that Nessa’s Pokemon are Lv. 20, Lv. 23, and Lv. 24 respectively. Before you head into Hulbury Gym, you may want to take a moment to train up your Pokemon to Lv. 20 or higher.

In Pokemon Sword and Shield, every Gym comes with a mini challenge. At the Hulbury Gym, you’ll need to toggle a set of colorful switches (Red, Yellow, and Blue) on and off. To do this, you’ll want to flip switches in the following color order.

• Section 1: Red, Yellow, Red.
• Section 2: Yellow, Red.
• Section 3: Yellow, Red, Blue.

When you reach Nessa, you’ll find yourself having to take down her three beloved Water-type Pokemon, Goldeen (Lv. 20), Arrokuda (Lv. 23), and Drednaw (Lv. 24). Nessa won’t Dynamax her first two Pokemon, so you’re safe to save your Dynamax until Drednaw is sent out.

In Dynamax, your moves change, but as long as you keep type advantages in mind (using Grass against Water) you should be able to whittle Drednaw down until it’s defeated. By defeating Nessa, you’ll earn rewards which include the Water Uniform, TM36 - Whirlpool, the ability to catch Pokemon up to Lv. 30, and the ability to have Pokemon up to Lv. 35 listen to you.

3. Kabu - Fire (Motostoke Gym)

The third Gym Leader you’ll meet in Pokemon Sword and Shield is Kabu who uses Fire-type Pokemon. Kabu can be found at Motostoke Gym, though you’ll need to progress through the story before this Gym becomes available. To prepare for Motostoke Gym, you’ll want to equip yourself with Pokemon strong against Fire which include Water, Rock, and Ground-type Pokemon.

If you chose Sobble as your starter and managed to catch a Ground-type like Mudbray you should be fine. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to catch Water-type Pokemon like Chewtle as you explore the Wild Area that are highly effective against the Fire-type Pokemon of Motostoke Gym. Note that Kabu’s Pokemon are Lv. 25, Lv. 25, and Lv. 27 respectively.

Before entering Motostoke Gym, you may want to take a moment to train up your Pokemon to Lv. 25 or higher. In Pokemon Sword and Shield, every Gym comes with a mini challenge. At Motostoke Gym, you’ll need to catch or defeat wild Pokemon in battle. As you do this, you’ll also have to deal with a challenger attacking you and the Pokemon you’re trying to catch.

The goal is to catch these Pokemon rather than defeat them as catching them earns you 2 points while defeating them nets you 1. You’ll need to earn 5 points in total to challenge Kabu. When you reach Kabu, you’ll find yourself having to take down his three beloved Fire-type Pokemon, Ninetales (Lv. 25), Arcanine (Lv. 25), and Centiskorch (Lv. 27).

Kabu won’t Dynamax his first two Pokemon, so you’re safe to save your Dynamax until Centiskorch is sent out. In Dynamax, your moves change, but as long as you keep type advantages in mind (using Water against Fire) you should be able to whittle Centiskorch down until it’s defeated.

By defeating Kabu, you’ll earn rewards which include the Fire Uniform, TM38 - Will-O-Wisp, the ability to catch Pokemon up to Lv. 35, and the ability to have Pokemon up to Lv. 40 listen to you.

4a. Bea (Fighting) - Stow-on-Side Gym (exclusive to Pokemon Sword)

If you purchased a copy of Pokemon Sword, the fourth Gym leader you’ll meet is Bea who uses Fighting-type Pokemon. Bea can be found in the Stow-on-Side Gym in Stow-on-Side, a town nestled outside the rocky regions of Route 6. To prepare for Stow-on-Side Gym, you’ll want to equip yourself with Pokemon strong against Fighting which include Flying, Psychic, and Fairy-type Pokemon.

Unlike the previous three Gyms, your starter Pokemon won’t be particularly useful here. Instead, you’ll want to make sure you’ve caught an assortment of Flying, Psychic, and Fairy-type Pokemon. For example, you can use Flying-type Pokemon like Corviknight or Psychic/Flying combos like Woobat.

Other recommendations include Fairy-type Pokemon such as Alcremie and Psychic/Fairy combos like Ralts. Note that Bea’s Pokemon are Lv. 34, Lv. 34, Lv. 35, and Lv. 36 respectively. Before entering Stow-on-Side Gym, you may want to take a moment to train your Pokemon up to Lv. 34 or higher. In Pokemon Sword and Shield, every Gym comes with a mini challenge.

At Stow-on-Side Gym, you’ll be tasked with riding in a car and avoiding obstacles by spinning your joystick right and left. It’s a ton of fun, and shouldn’t be too difficult to complete. When you reach Bea, you’ll find yourself having to take down her four beloved Fighting-type Pokemon, Hitmontop (Lv. 34), Pangoro (Lv. 34), Sirfetch’d (Lv. 35), and Machamp (Lv. 36).

Bea won’t Dynamax her first three Pokemon, so you’re safe to save your Dynamax until Machamp is sent out. In Dynamax, your moves change, but as long as you keep type advantages in mind (using Flying against Fighting) you should be able to whittle down Machamp until it’s defeated.

By defeating Bea, you’ll earn rewards which include the Fighting Uniform, TM42 - Revenge, the ability to catch Pokemon up to Lv. 40, and the ability to have Pokemon up to Lv. 45 listen to you.

4b. Allister (Ghost) - Stow-on-Side Gym (exclusive to Pokemon Shield)

If you purchased a copy of Pokemon Shield, the fourth Gym Leader you’ll meet is Allister who uses Ghost-type Pokemon. Allister can be found at the Stow-on-Side Gym in Stow-on-Side, a town nestled outside of the rocky regions of Route 6. To prepare for Stow-on-Side Gym, you’ll want to equip yourself with Pokemon strong against Ghost which include Dark, Steel, and Ghost-type Pokemon.

Unlike the previous three Gyms, your starter Pokemon won’t be particularly useful here. Instead, you’ll want to make sure you’ve caught an assortment of Dark, Steel, and Ghost-type Pokemon. For example, you can use Dark-type Pokemon like Thievul and the Steel-type moves of Corviknight. Other recommendations include Ghost-type Pokemon like Drifloon and Duskull.

Note that Allister’s Pokemon are Lv. 34, Lv. 35, Lv. 34, and Lv. 36 respectively. Before entering the Stow-on-Side Gym, you may want to take a moment to train your Pokemon up to Lv. 34 or higher. In Pokemon Sword and Shield, every Gym comes with a mini challenge. At the Stow-on-Side Gym, you’ll be tasked with riding in a car and avoiding obstacles by spinning your joystick right and left.

It’s a ton of fun, and shouldn’t be too difficult to complete. When you reach Allister, you’ll find yourself having to take down his four beloved Ghost-type Pokemon, Galarian Yamask (Lv. 34), Galarian Corsola aka Cursola (Lv. 35), Mimikyu (Lv. 34), and Gengar (Lv. 35). Allister won’t Dynamax his first three Pokemon, so you’re safe to save your Dynamax until Gengar is sent out.

In Dynamax, your moves change, but as long as you keep type advantages in mind (using Dark against Ghost) you should be able to whittle down Gengar until it’s defeated. By defeating Allister, you’ll earn rewards which include the Ghost Uniform, TM77 - Hex, the ability to catch Pokemon up to Lv. 40, and the ability to have Pokemon up to Lv. 45 listen to you.

5. Opal (Fairy) - Ballonlea Gym

The fifth Gym Leader you’ll meet in Pokemon Sword and Shield is Opal who uses Fairy-type Pokemon. Opal can be found in Ballonlea Gym in Ballonlea, a town secluded in the northern forest regions of Galar. To prepare for Ballonlea Gym, you’ll want to equip yourself with Pokemon strong against Fairy which include Poison and Steel-type Pokemon.

Again, your starter Pokemon won’t be particularly useful here. Instead, you’ll want to make sure you’ve caught an assortment of Poison, Steel, and Psychic-type Pokemon. For example, you can use the Steel-type moves of Corviknight or the Poison-type moves of a Pokemon like Stunky.

Given that Opal’s Pokemon have dual types, you’ll also want to pay attention to each Pokemon’s unique strengths and weaknesses when strategizing your team. Across the board, Steel-type moves tend to be the safest bet. Note that Opal’s Pokemon are Lv. 36, Lv. 36, Lv. 37, and Lv. 38 respectively.

Before entering Ballonlea Gym, you may want to take a moment to train your Pokemon up to Lv. 36 or higher. In Pokemon Sword and Shield, every Gym comes with a mini challenge. At Ballonlea Gym, you’ll be tasked with answering trivia questions. To make this process easier, we’ve outlined all questions and correct answers below.

• Q: Do you know about Fairy-type’s weakness?
• A: Poison

• Q: What was the previous Trainer’s name?
• A: Annette

• Q: What do I eat for breakfast every morning?
• A: Omelettes

• Q: Do you know my nickname?
• A: The Wizard

• Q: What is my favorite color?
• A: Purple

• Q: How old am I?
• A: 16

When you reach Opal, you’ll find yourself having to take down her four beloved Fairy-type Pokemon, Galarian Weezing (Lv. 36), Mawile (Lv. 36), Togekiss (Lv. 37), and Alcremie (Lv. 38). Opal won’t Dynamax her first three Pokemon, so you’re safe to save your Dynamax until Alcremie is sent out.

In Dynamax, your moves change, but as long as you keep type advantages in mind (using Poison against Fairy) you should be able to whittle down Alcremie until it’s defeated. By defeating Opal, you’ll earn rewards which include the Fairy Uniform, TM87 - Draining Kiss, the ability to catch Pokemon up to Lv. 45, and the ability to have Pokemon up to Lv. 50 listen to you.

6a. Gordie (Rock) - Circhester Gym (exclusive to Pokemon Sword)

If you purchased a copy of Pokemon Sword, the sixth Gym Leader you’ll meet is Gordie who uses Rock-type Pokemon. Gordie can be found at the Circhester Gym in Circhester, a town tucked away in the northeastern mountain regions of Galar. To prepare for the Circhester Gym, you’ll want to equip yourself with Pokemon strong against Rock which include Water, Grass, Ground, Steel, and Fighting-type Pokemon.

Again, if you chose Sobble or Grookey as your starter Pokemon, you shouldn’t have too much trouble getting through Circhester Gym. You can also use Grass-type Pokemon you’ve caught like Eldegoss, or Ground-types like Mudsdale. Note that Gordie’s Pokemon are Lv. 40, Lv. 40, Lv. 41, and Lv. 42 respectively.

Before entering Circhester Gym, you may want to take a moment to train your Pokemon up to Lv. 40 or higher. In Pokemon Sword and Shield, every Gym comes with a mini challenge. At Circhester Gym, you’ll have to work your way across the floor without stumbling over a false floor. It’s a huge (annoying) hassle, though you can always use a Detector or our guide to help steer you in the right direction.

Below, we’ve outlined where to walk in Circhester Gym!

• Section 1: Forward 2, right 3 to the boulder. Up 3, left 3, up 3 to the platform. Left 3, up 3, right towards the boulder, then exit.
• Section 2: Forward 5, left to the boulder, up 2, left 1, up to the next boulder. Right one, step onto the platform, move 1 space, right 1 until you’re a space away from the next platform on your right. Up 1, right onto the platform, exit platform right, up until you’re parallel with Gym Trainer on your left. Head to the wall, up to the boulder, left to the boulder, up 1, all the way left to the platform to the next area.
• Section 3: Enter from the left. Up 3, left 2, up 1, left 1, up to the boulder. Right 1, step onto the platform, keep going on the platform then exit. Right to the wall, up 3, left 2, up 1, left 1, up 2, left 1, up 2, right 1 to the platform. Exit the platform, then head up and around to the next platform.

When you reach Gordie, you’ll find yourself having to take down his four beloved Rock-type Pokemon, Barbaracle (Lv. 40), Shuckle (Lv. 40), Stonjourner (Lv. 41), and Coalossal (Lv. 42). Gordie won’t Dynamax his first three Pokemon, so you’re safe to save your Dynamax until Coalossal is sent out.

In Dynamax, your moves change, but as long as you keep type advantages in mind (Using Water against Rock), you should be able to whittle down Coalossal until it’s defeated. By defeating Gordie, you’ll earn rewards which include the Rock Uniform, TM48 - Rock Tomb, the ability to catch Pokemon up to Lv. 50, and the ability to have Pokemon up to Lv. 60 listen to you.

6b. Melony (Ice) - Circhester Gym (exclusive to Pokemon Shield)

If you purchased a copy of Pokemon Shield, the sixth Gym Leader you’ll meet is Melony who uses Ice-type Pokemon. Melony can be found at the Circhester Gym in Circhester, a town tucked away in the northeastern mountain regions of Galar. To prepare for Circhester Gym, you’ll want to equip yourself with Pokemon strong against Ice which include Fire, Rock, Fighting, and Steel-type Pokemon.

Again, if you chose Scorbunny as your starter Pokemon, you shouldn’t have too much trouble getting through Circhester Gym. You can also use the Steel-type moves of Corviknight, or a Fire/Rock combo like Coalosal. Note that Melony’s Pokemon are Lv. 40, Lv. 40, Lv. 41, and Lv. 42 respectively. Before entering Circhester Gym, you may want to take a moment to train your Pokemon up to Lv. 40 or higher.

In Pokemon Sword and Shield, every Gym comes with a mini challenge. At Circhester Gym, you’ll have to work your way across the floor without stumbling over a false floor. It’s a huge (annoying) hassle, though you can always use a Detector or our guide to help steer you in the right direction. Below, we’ve outlined where to walk in Circhester Gym!

• Section 1: Forward 2, right 3 to the boulder. Up 3, left 3, up 3 to the platform. Left 3, up 3, right towards the boulder, then exit.
• Section 2: Forward 5, left to the boulder, up 2, left 1, up to the next boulder. Right one, step onto the platform, move 1 space, right 1 until you’re a space away from the next platform on your right. Up 1, right onto the platform, exit platform right, up until you’re parallel with Gym Trainer on your left. Head to the wall, up to the boulder, left to the boulder, up 1, all the way left to the platform to the next area.
• Section 3: Enter from the left. Up 3, left 2, up 1, left 1, up to the boulder. Right 1, step onto the platform, keep going on the platform then exit. Right to the wall, up 3, left 2, up 1, left 1, up 2, left 1, up 2, right 1 to the platform. Exit the platform, then head up and around to the next platform. 

When you reach Melony, you’ll find yourself having to take down her four beloved Ice-type Pokemon, Frosmoth (Lv. 40, Darmanitan (Lv. 40), Eiscue (Lv. 41), and Lapras (Lv. 42). Melony won’t Dynamax her first three Pokemon, so you’re safe to save your Dynamax until Lapras is sent out.

In Dynamax, your moves change, but as long as you keep type advantages in mind (using Fire against Ice) you should be able to whittle down Lapras until it’s defeated. By defeating Melony, you’ll earn rewards which include the Ice Uniform, TM27 - Icy Wind, the ability to catch Pokemon up to Lv. 50, and the ability to have Pokemon up to Lv. 60 listen to you.

7. Piers (Dark) - Spikemuth Gym

The seventh Gym Leader you’ll meet in Pokemon Sword and Shield is Piers who uses Dark-type Pokemon. Piers can be found in Spikemuth Gym in Spikemuth, a town situated along the eastern border of the Galar region. To prepare for Spikemuth Gym, you’ll want to equip yourself with Pokemon strong against Dark which include Fairy, Fighting, and Bug-type Pokemon.

Our recommendations here include Fairy-type Pokemon like Alcremie, Fighting-type Pokemon like Galarian Sirfetch’d, and Bug-type like Ribombee. Note that Piers’ Pokemon are Lv. 44, Lv. 45, Lv. 46, and Lv. 45 respectively. Before entering Spikemuth Gym, you may want to take a moment to train up your Pokemon up to Lv. 44 or higher.

In Pokemon Sword and Shield, every Gym comes with a mini challenge. The challenge for Spikemuth Gym is somewhat unconventional in that you won’t have to solve anything within the Gym. Instead, the challenge is getting to the Gym at all as Spikemuth is off-limits. To get to Spikemuth Gym, you’ll need to defeat members of Team Yell, and slink around alleyways until you reach the entrance.

When you reach Piers, you’ll find yourself having to take down his four beloved Dark-type Pokemon, Scrafty (Lv. 44), Malamar (Lv. 45), Galarian Obstagoon (Lv. 46), and Skuntank (Lv. 45). Again, Piers won’t Dynamax his first three Pokemon, so you’re safe to save your Dynamax until Skuntank is sent out.

We noticed Piers didn’t opt to Dynamax his Skuntank until we initiated, so it may be possible to defeat Piers without using Dynamax at all. Of course, why would you want to do that when Dynamax is so much fun? Keep in mind that in Dynamax, your moves change, but as long as you keep type advantages in mind (using Fairy against Dark) you should be able to whittle down Skuntank until it’s defeated.

By defeating Piers, you’ll earn rewards which include the Dark Uniform, TM27 - Icy Wind, the ability to catch Pokemon up to Lv. 55, and the ability to have Pokemon up to Lv. 70 listen to you.

8. Raihan (Dragon) - Hammerlocke Gym

Last, but certainly not least, the eighth and final Gym Leader you’ll meet in Pokemon Sword and Shield is Raihan who uses Dragon-type Pokemon. Raihan can be found in Hammerlocke Gym in Hammerlocke, which you visited previously and is smack dab in the center of the Galar region.

To prepare for Hammerlocke Gym, you’ll want to equip yourself with Pokemon strong against Dragon which include Dragon, Fairy, and Ice-type Pokemon. Raihan is quite difficult to beat, so it’s hard to make recommendations as your preferences may differ from ours. To give you an idea though, you can always use the Dragon-type Haxorus, the Fairy-type Alcremie, or Ice-type moves from a Pokemon like Lapras.

Note that Raihan’s Pokemon are Lv. 47, Lv. 46, Lv. 46, and Lv. 48 respectively. Before entering Hammerlocke Gym, you may want to take a moment to level your Pokemon up to Lv.46 or higher. In Pokemon Sword and Shield, every Gym comes with a mini challenge. In Hammerlocke Gym, you’ll have to test your strength in battle against Gym Trainer pairs.

To help you prepare, we’ve listed all of the Gym Trainer pair battles and the Pokemon types they use.

Gym Trainer Sebastian

• Uses Pelipper (Water/Flying) and Sliggoo (Dragon)

Gym Trainer Camilla

• Uses Turtonator (Fire/Dragon) and Ninetales (Fire)

Gym Trainer Aria

• Uses Hakamo-o (Dragon/Fighting) and Abomasnow (Grass/Ice)

Similarly, Raihan also sends his Pokemon out in pairs. The first two – Flygon at Lv. 47 and Gigalith at Lv. 46 – won’t Dynamax, although the second pair will have one Dynamax. For Raihan’s second pair, he’ll send out Sandaconda (Lv.46) and Duraludon (Lv.48). Of the two, Raihan will Dynamax his Duraludon, so keep in mind the Pokemon best suited to defeat its Dragon/Steel combo in Dynamax when sending out Pokemon.

By defeating Raihan, you’ll earn rewards which include the Dragon Uniform, TM99 - Breaking Swipe, the ability to catch Pokemon of any level, and the ability to have Pokemon at any level listen to you. After defeating all 8 Gym Leaders in Pokemon Sword and Shield, you’re ready to take on your next challenge... the Battle Tower!

At the top of the Battle Tower, you’ll finally come face-to-face with Leon who’s even harder to defeat than the final Gym Leader, Raihan. Be sure to check back, as we'll have a guide on how to defeat Leon up shortly. Until then, let us know which Gym Leader was your favorite in the comments below! 

Now that you know all 8 Gym Leaders in Pokemon Sword and Shield and how to handle each one, we recommend reading through some of our other helpful guides including all Curry recipes in Pokemon Sword and Shield, how to get all Fossil Pokemon in Pokemon Sword and Shield, and how long it’ll take you to beat Pokemon Sword and Shield.

Morgan Shaver

Writer

Morgan is a writer, indie game lover, and socially awkward coffee addict. Need something? Morgan can be reached at morgan.shaver@allgamers.com or if you like, you can say hello using GIFs on Twitter.