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The Icy Challenge: Who is the 7th Gym Leader in Pokémon Pearl?

The 7th Gym Leader in Pokémon Pearl (and its remakes, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl) is Candice, an Ice-type specialist who resides in Snowpoint City. Prepare for a chilly challenge as you navigate her icy gym puzzle and face off against her formidable team.

Mastering the Ice: Candice and Her Gym

Candice is a significant hurdle for players nearing the end of their Sinnoh journey. Her gym’s slippery floors and strategically placed snowballs demand careful navigation, testing your problem-solving skills before you even engage in battle. Overcoming this obstacle requires both strategic thinking and a well-prepared Pokémon team, making her a memorable opponent.

Reaching Snowpoint City

Before even thinking about challenging Candice, you must first reach Snowpoint City. This involves progressing through the main story, traversing Mt. Coronet, and battling your way through other challenging areas. Be prepared for snowstorms and higher-level wild Pokémon as you approach this northern city.

The Snowpoint Gym Puzzle

The Snowpoint Gym puzzle involves breaking snowballs by sliding into them at high speeds on the icy floor. The goal is to clear a path to Candice. You’ll need to strategically plan your route to avoid dead ends and ensure you break all necessary snowballs. It might take a few tries to figure out the correct sequence, but don’t be discouraged!

Candice’s Team and Strategy

Candice’s team is designed to exploit the strengths of the Ice-type. It’s not just about brute force; she utilizes weather effects, such as Hail, to boost her Pokémon’s abilities and chip away at your team’s health. Understanding her strategy is crucial for victory. Her team typically consists of:

Snover: Sets up Hail, providing Ice Body healing to her Ice-type Pokemon and weather damage to your team.
Sneasel: A fast Ice/Dark type which can catch you off guard with its coverage moves.
Medicham: A Fighting/Psychic type Pokemon that often throws players off, however it is still very effective in battle.
Abomasnow: Her ace, Abomasnow is another Hail setter, and a powerful special attacker.

Countering Candice’s Ice-Type Advantage

To defeat Candice, you need to exploit her team’s weaknesses. Fire, Fighting, Steel, and Rock-type moves are particularly effective. Having a diverse team with coverage moves is essential to handle her varied roster. Pokémon like Infernape (if you chose Chimchar as your starter), Rapidash, or Lucario can be valuable assets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Candice and the Snowpoint Gym

Here are some frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding of Candice and her role in Pokémon Pearl, Brilliant Diamond, and Shining Pearl:

What level are Candice’s Pokémon? Candice’s Pokémon are around level 38-42, so ensure your team is adequately leveled before challenging her.
Is there a specific strategy for the Snowpoint Gym puzzle? Yes, try to map out the gym and note all the large snowballs. The general rule is that you want to destroy the snowballs blocking your path to the ladder on the left side of the gym.
What are the best Pokémon types to use against Candice? As mentioned, Fire, Fighting, Steel, and Rock are the best types to use against her. However, having Pokémon with diverse move sets is also important.
Can I change the weather in battle to counter Hail? Yes, you can use moves like Sunny Day, Rain Dance, or Sandstorm to change the weather and negate the effects of Hail.
Is Candice considered a difficult gym leader? Yes, Candice is often considered one of the more challenging gym leaders in Pokémon Pearl, Brilliant Diamond, and Shining Pearl, mainly due to her Ice-type specialization and the Hail weather effect.
Are there any items I should bring to the battle? Potions, Super Potions, and status healing items like Antidotes or Burn Heals are always helpful. A few Revives can also be a lifesaver.
What happens if I lose to Candice? You’ll be sent back to the Pokémon Center in Snowpoint City, and you’ll need to re-challenge her after re-stocking supplies and healing your team.
Does Candice appear anywhere else in the game besides the gym battle? Yes, you can rematch Candice at the Fight Area in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.
What badge do I receive after defeating Candice? You receive the Icicle Badge after defeating Candice.
Does the Icicle Badge have any special effects? The Icicle Badge allows you to use the HM Waterfall outside of battle, which is necessary to progress further in the game.
Are there any side quests or activities related to Snowpoint City? Yes, there’s the Snowpoint Temple where you can catch the legendary Pokémon Regigigas after obtaining the National Pokédex.
Can I use TMs to teach my Pokémon new moves to prepare for the Candice battle? Absolutely! Utilizing TMs to teach your Pokémon powerful and effective moves is a great strategy for preparing for any gym battle.
Does Candice have a signature Pokémon? While Abomasnow is her strongest Pokémon and the last one she sends out, it can be argued that it is her signature Pokémon.
Is it possible to over-level my Pokémon for the Candice battle? Yes, it’s possible, but over-leveling can diminish the challenge. Try to find a balance between being prepared and maintaining a fun and engaging experience.
What kind of learning experiences can we get from playing Pokemon games like Diamond and Pearl? Pokemon games are fantastic for learning about strategy, resource management, and problem-solving. They also promote critical thinking as players need to develop effective plans for their Pokémon and how to beat difficult challenges. For more information on games and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or GamesLearningSociety.org.

Conquering the Cold: Final Thoughts

Candice is a formidable opponent, but with careful planning and a well-trained team, you can overcome her icy challenge. Remember to exploit her team’s weaknesses, utilize weather effects to your advantage, and never give up! Her battle is a test of your skills as a Pokémon Trainer, preparing you for the challenges that lie ahead in the Sinnoh region. Good luck, and stay warm!

Who is the 7th gym leader in Pokemon Pearl?