What Gym Leader is at Cortondo? Unraveling the Secrets of the Olive Pokémon Gym
The Gym Leader you’ll find in Cortondo City is Brassius, a grass-type specialist, and a passionate artist with a particular fondness for olive-themed creations. He’s the first Gym Leader most players encounter in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, making him an essential milestone on your Paldean adventure. His Gym challenge and battle showcase his creative flair, blending artistic expression with Pokémon battling prowess.
Getting to Know Brassius, the Verdant Virtuoso
Brassius isn’t your typical stern, battle-hardened Gym Leader. Instead, he’s a refined individual with an eye for beauty and a unique approach to training. His Gym is located in the picturesque Cortondo, a city nestled amidst olive groves, inspiring his artistic and battling themes. Beyond his olive obsession, Brassius sees Pokémon battling as an art form, believing it can be as expressive and captivating as any painting or sculpture.
His battle style reflects his artistic philosophy. He aims to showcase the “beauty and vitality” of grass-type Pokémon, using movesets and strategies designed to overwhelm opponents with nature’s raw power. While his Gym may be early in the game, underestimating Brassius would be a grave mistake. His team can catch unprepared trainers off guard with unexpected strategies.
Preparing for the Cortondo Gym Challenge
Before challenging Brassius, it’s crucial to prepare your team effectively. Grass-type Pokémon are inherently weak to Fire, Flying, Poison, Bug, and Ice-type attacks. Therefore, ensuring you have Pokémon with moves that exploit these weaknesses is vital. Remember that Pokémon type effectiveness can be learned more in-depth at the GamesLearningSociety.org, where educational games relating to the topic may also be found.
Suggested Pokémon Types and Strategies
- Fire-type: Charizard, Armarouge (Scarlet exclusive), Ceruledge (Violet exclusive).
- Flying-type: Corviknight, Staraptor.
- Poison-type: Toedscool, Glimmora.
- Bug-type: Lokix, Spidops.
- Ice-type: Cetitan, Baxcalibur.
Keep in mind that your Pokémon’s levels should ideally be around level 15-17 before taking on Brassius. Utilizing Tera Types during the battle will also provide a significant advantage. If you have a Pokémon that normally isn’t effective against Grass-types, but can Terastallize into one of the above types, consider using it as your trump card.
Understanding the Olive Roll Gym Test
Before you get to battle Brassius, you will have to complete a Gym Test. The Olive Roll Gym test requires you to gently roll a giant olive ball through an obstacle course. The main idea of this test is to show how well you can handle a gentle rolling Olive Ball while avoiding obstacles in the way.
Conquering Brassius: A Step-by-Step Battle Guide
Brassius’s team consists of the following Pokémon:
- Petilil (Level 15): A pure Grass-type. Relatively fragile, but can inflict status conditions.
- Smoliv (Level 15): A Grass/Normal-type. A good all-around Grass type.
- Sudowoodo (Level 16 – Terastallized): Appears to be a Rock-type initially but transforms into a Grass-type using Terastallization. This is his signature Pokémon, showcasing his artistic flair by turning something unexpected into a vibrant part of his “verdant expression.”
Battle Tactics
- Petilil: Focus on using your most effective attacks (Fire, Flying, Poison, Bug, or Ice) to quickly knock it out. A solid Flying-type move will usually do the trick.
- Smoliv: Again, exploit its Grass-type weakness. A strong Fire or Flying-type move is your best bet. Be mindful of any status conditions Smoliv might inflict.
- Sudowoodo (Terastallized Grass): This is where the battle gets interesting. Sudowoodo initially appears as a Rock-type, making you think you need a Water, Grass, or Fighting-type move. However, as soon as the battle starts, it will Terastallize into a Grass-type, immediately changing its weaknesses. This means that Fire, Flying, Poison, Bug, and Ice-type moves are now incredibly effective. Capitalize on this transformation for an easy knockout.
Rewards for Victory
Upon defeating Brassius, you’ll receive the Grass Badge, which allows you to catch Pokémon up to level 25 more easily. You’ll also be rewarded with TM020 Trailblaze, a powerful Grass-type move that allows you to raise the Pokémon’s speed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cortondo Gym Leader Brassius
1. What level should my Pokémon be to battle Brassius?
Ideally, your Pokémon should be around level 15-17. Anything lower, and you might struggle with his team’s level and strategic moves.
2. Which Pokémon type is most effective against Brassius’s team?
Fire, Flying, Poison, Bug, and Ice-type moves are the most effective, especially against his Terastallized Sudowoodo.
3. What is the Olive Roll Gym Test about?
The Olive Roll Gym Test is a mini-game where you roll a giant olive ball through an obstacle course, showcasing your control and precision.
4. What is Brassius’s signature Pokémon?
Brassius’s signature Pokémon is Sudowoodo, which he Terastallizes into a Grass-type.
5. What TM do I get after defeating Brassius?
You’ll receive TM020 Trailblaze, a Grass-type move that increases the user’s Speed.
6. What does the Grass Badge allow me to do?
The Grass Badge allows you to catch Pokémon up to level 25 more easily.
7. Can I rebattle Brassius after beating him the first time?
Yes, you can rebattle Gym Leaders as part of the Academy Ace Tournament after completing the main storylines.
8. Where is Cortondo located in Paldea?
Cortondo is located in the South Province (Area Two), on the west side of the province, not far from Mesagoza.
9. Is Brassius’s Gym the only one with a unique test?
No, all Gyms in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet feature unique Gym Tests that reflect the Leader’s personality and specialty.
10. What happens if I lose to Brassius?
You can simply try again. There’s no penalty for losing, and you can continue to strategize and level up your team until you’re victorious.
11. Can I use items during the battle with Brassius?
Yes, you can use items such as potions, status healers, and battle-enhancing items during the battle.
12. Does Brassius change his team in the Academy Ace Tournament?
Yes, the Gym Leaders’ teams are significantly stronger and have different Pokémon in the Academy Ace Tournament.
13. Does Terastallizing my Pokémon into a Grass-type help against Brassius?
No, Terastallizing into Grass will make you very weak against his Grass-type moves, it is advisable to Terastallize into a type that is effective against Grass, such as Fire, Flying, Poison, Bug, and Ice.
14. Is Brassius’s artwork ever referenced later in the game?
Yes, his artistic style and philosophy are referenced in certain side quests and character interactions, solidifying his role in the Paldean narrative.
15. Is it possible to skip the Cortondo Gym and challenge other Gyms first?
Yes, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet allow you to challenge the Gyms in almost any order. However, it’s generally recommended to tackle Cortondo early due to its lower difficulty.