Welcome back, fellow trainers! Our journey through the Hoenn region continues as we brace ourselves for our first major test – the Rustboro Gym Challenge. Our last excursion through Route 104, the dense Petalburg Woods, and the lively Rustboro City has primed us for this crucial milestone. So grab your Poké Balls, keep your Potions handy, and let’s dive right into the action!
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Rustboro City: A Haven for Trainers
After navigating through the vibrant Rustboro City, you’ve undoubtedly come across numerous trainers, NPCs, and items that have prepared you for this moment. Remember to explore every corner, interact with everyone, and stock up on necessary items from the Poké Mart. If you’ve taken the time to engage in trainer battles, your team should be well-experienced and ready for the upcoming challenge.
Preparing for the Rustboro Gym Challenge
Before we step into the Rustboro Gym, let’s ensure our team is up to the task. Led by the formidable Gym Leader Roxanne, the Rustboro Gym specializes in Rock-type Pokémon. This means we need to strategize our team to exploit this rock-type weakness effectively.
Choosing the Right Pokémon
Water, Grass, and Ground-type Pokémon will be your best allies in this gym due to their type advantage over Rock-type Pokémon. If you’ve caught a Treecko or Mudkip as your starter, they will be instrumental in this gym. If you have a Torchic, you might want to catch a Shroomish from Petalburg Woods or a Marill from Route 104, both of which will fare well in this battle.
Leveling Up
Ensure your Pokémon are adequately leveled for the battle. Aim to get your Pokémon to around level 12-14. The Trainer’s School in Rustboro City and trainers on Route 116 can offer good training opportunities.
Conquering the Rustboro Gym
With your team prepared, it’s time to head into the Rustboro Gym.
Battling Gym Trainers
The Rustboro Gym houses two Gym Trainers besides Roxanne. Youngster Josh has a level 10 Geodude, while Youngster Tommy possesses a level 8 Geodude and level 6 Geodude. These battles provide an excellent opportunity to test your strategies and level up your Pokémon before facing Roxanne.
Roxanne: The Rock-Loving Honor Student
Roxanne, the Gym Leader, is a rock-type enthusiast who uses a level 12 Geodude and a level 15 Nosepass. Geodude has Rock Tomb and Tackle moves, while Nosepass can use Rock Tomb, Harden, Block, and Tackle. Be wary of Rock Tomb, which not only deals damage but also reduces your Pokémon’s speed.
A solid strategy would be to use Water, Grass, or Ground-type moves against Geodude and Nosepass to exploit their weaknesses. Watch out for the Oran Berry that Nosepass carries, which can heal it when its HP gets low.
The Spoils of Victory
Once you’ve triumphed over Roxanne, you’ll be awarded the Stone Badge, which increases the attack power of your Pokémon and enables the use of the move Cut outside of battles. You’ll also receive TM39 (Rock Tomb), a handy move to use against Flying, Bug, Fire, or Ice-type Pokémon.
Winning the Rustboro Gym Challenge is more than just earning a badge; it’s a testament to your strategic prowess, understanding of Pokémon types and moves, and your ability to train and level up your Pokémon. So pat yourself on the back, trainers, for you’ve conquered the first of many challenges in your Pokémon journey.
Remember, Pokémon training is not just about victories; it’s about the bonds you form with your Pokémon, the strategies you learn, and the fun you have along the way. So, heal your team, celebrate your victory, and get ready for the next adventure – the journey continues!