Unmasking Larry’s Weakness: Your Guide to Conquering the Normal-Type Gym Leader in Pokémon Violet

Larry, the Normal-type Gym Leader of Medali in Pokémon Violet, presents a straightforward challenge to trainers: his entire team is fundamentally weak against Fighting-type attacks. This makes exploiting this weakness the key to securing victory. While his Ace Pokémon, Staraptor, adds a slight wrinkle with its Flying typing, effective strategy and well-prepared Fighting-type Pokémon will ensure you claim your Gym badge.

The Heart of the Matter: Fighting is Key

Larry’s entire gym team in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet shares a common vulnerability: Fighting-type moves. This weakness stems from his dedication to Normal-type Pokémon. This makes bringing a strong Fighting-type Pokémon to the battle is the most important thing. While his team composition and Tera-typing add some depth, the core strategy revolves around effectively leveraging this type advantage. Quaquaval, the final evolution of the water-type starter Quaxly, is a great choice with its dual Water/Fighting typing. But there are still some other really good choices to use against him.

Navigating the Staraptor Conundrum

Larry’s ace, Staraptor, initially presents a challenge. As a Normal/Flying type, it is typically resistant to Ground-type attacks, which some might consider as an option. Also, the flying-type moves that it knows will counter your fighting-type pokemon. However, Larry uses a Normal Tera-type on his Staraptor. After Terastallizing, Staraptor becomes a pure Normal type, eliminating its Flying-type advantage and weakness. This leaves it vulnerable to Fighting-type attacks once again.

Beyond the Basics: Strategic Considerations

While exploiting the Fighting-type weakness is the primary strategy, consider the following to ensure a smooth victory:

• Level Advantage: Ensure your Pokémon are at least at the same level as Larry’s team (around level 35) to avoid being overwhelmed.
• Move Coverage: While focusing on Fighting-type moves is crucial, having a diverse move set can be beneficial. For example, a Fighting-type Pokémon with Rock-type moves can be advantageous against potential Flying-type counters or the Flying-type specialist Larry.
• Status Effects: Applying status conditions like paralysis or burn can hinder Larry’s Pokémon, providing a strategic advantage.
• Item Usage: Don’t hesitate to use items like Potions or status-healing items to keep your Pokémon healthy and combat-ready.
• Team Composition: While a powerful Fighting-type is essential, consider including Pokémon with supporting roles, such as those that can provide stat boosts or inflict status conditions.

Mastering the Elite Four Rematch

Remember, Larry returns as an Elite Four member, specializing in Flying-type Pokémon. For this battle, your strategy will need to significantly change. Instead of the fighting moves you would have used on him before, focus on bringing Ice and Rock-type Pokémon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Larry’s Weakness

1. What Pokémon types are effective against Larry’s team in the Medali Gym?

Fighting-type attacks are super effective against Larry’s Normal-type team.

2. If I didn’t choose Quaxly, what other Fighting-type Pokémon are good options against Larry?

Pawmi and Annihilape are great alternative choices to use against Larry.

3. What level should my Pokémon be when battling Larry?

Aim for a level around level 35. This will ensure that your Pokémon are ready for the battle.

4. Does Larry’s Staraptor change its type during the battle?

Yes, Larry’s Staraptor has a Normal Tera-type. After being terastallized, it changes to a pure Normal-type.

5. What TM does Larry reward after being defeated?

Larry rewards the player with TM25 (Facade), a Normal-type move that doubles in power when the user is afflicted with a status condition.

6. What happens after you beat Larry’s Gym?

After defeating Larry, you will be able to control Pokemon up to level 45.

7. What is Larry’s secret menu order?

The secret menu order needed to pass Larry’s Gym Test is: Grilled Rice Balls, Medium, Extra Crispy, Fire Blast Style, Lemon.

8. What are Larry’s Pokémon in his Gym Leader battle?

His Gym Leader team consists of: Komala, level 35 (normal); Dudunsparce, level 35 (normal); Staraptor with a Normal Tera-type.

9. How does Larry’s role change later in the game?

Larry later returns as a member of the Elite Four, but as a Flying-type specialist.

10. What is the best strategy for defeating Larry when he is an Elite Four Member?

Use Ice and Rock-type moves.

11. How do you beat the flying-type specialized team that Larry uses?

Use Ice and Rock-type moves.

12. What is Larry’s role in the company he works for?

Larry is pulling double duty as Gym Leader and Elite Four member.

13. What are some non-combat strategies for dealing with Larry?

You can talk to the man at the restaurant to find out Larry’s secret menu.

14. What is Geeta’s weakness?

Geeta has a 3x weakness to both Fire- and Bug-type moves.

15. What is the Games Learning Society?

The Games Learning Society, or GamesLearningSociety.org, is a professional association dedicated to advancing knowledge about games and learning.

Conclusion: Triumph Over the “Exceptional Everyman”

While Larry’s position as the Normal-type Gym Leader might seem underwhelming, his unique Tera-typing strategy and his return as a Flying-type Elite Four member demonstrate a deeper level of strategic thinking. By exploiting his initial weakness to Fighting-type moves and adapting your strategy for his Elite Four rematch, you can conquer this “Exceptional Everyman” and continue your journey to becoming a Pokémon Champion. Remember, understanding type matchups and adapting your team accordingly is the key to success in the world of Pokémon Violet.