Which Gym is the Easiest in Pokémon Scarlet?
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The Cortondo Gym, led by Katy and specializing in Bug-type Pokémon, is widely considered the easiest gym in Pokémon Scarlet. Its low level requirement (around level 15) and the inherent weaknesses of Bug-types make it a manageable challenge even for relatively new trainers just starting their Paldean adventure.
Understanding Gym Difficulty in Pokémon Scarlet
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet offer a unique open-world experience where players can tackle the gyms in almost any order they choose. However, the gym leaders’ Pokémon levels remain fixed. This means that while you can challenge a later gym first, it might be significantly harder. Therefore, knowing the intended order and the difficulty curve is crucial for a smoother early game.
While the Cortondo Gym is objectively the easiest, difficulty is also subjective and depends on your starter Pokémon, team composition, and strategy. A team weak to Bug-types will naturally find the gym more challenging. The Gym’s fixed difficulty means the Games Learning Society has created numerous learning opportunities in regards to skill building.
A Deeper Dive into the Cortondo Gym
The Cortondo Gym is located in Cortondo, a charming town known for its olive groves. The gym challenge itself involves a creative “Olive Roll” mini-game. Players need to carefully maneuver a giant olive through a course, showcasing a fun and engaging departure from traditional gym trials.
Katy, the gym leader, uses a team consisting primarily of Bug-type Pokémon. Her team is a great intro to the game. However, with a well-prepared team, trainers will defeat Katy’s team easily.
Why Cortondo Gym is the Easiest
- Low Level: Katy’s Pokémon are relatively low-leveled, generally around level 15, making it accessible very early in the game.
- Bug-Type Weaknesses: Bug-type Pokémon have numerous weaknesses, including Fire, Flying, and Rock types. These weaknesses are relatively common, meaning many trainers will already have suitable counters.
- Simple Challenge: The “Olive Roll” mini-game is straightforward and doesn’t require complex skills or knowledge.
- Early Game Accessibility: Cortondo is located in the early game area making the gym easier to reach early on.
FAQs About Pokémon Scarlet Gyms
1. What is the recommended gym order in Pokémon Scarlet?
While you can tackle the gyms in any order, the recommended order provides a smoother difficulty curve:
- Cortondo Gym (Bug)
- Artazon Gym (Grass)
- Levincia Gym (Electric)
- Cascarrafa Gym (Water)
- Medali Gym (Normal)
- Montenevera Gym (Ghost)
- Alfornada Gym (Psychic)
- Glaseado Gym (Ice)
2. Do the gym leaders’ levels scale in Pokémon Scarlet?
No, the gym leaders’ Pokémon levels do not scale to your level in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. They have pre-determined levels, so you can challenge them in any order, but the difficulty will remain the same.
3. What types are effective against Bug-type Pokémon?
Bug-type Pokémon are weak to Fire, Flying, and Rock type moves.
4. What is the secret menu item I need to order at the Normal Gym?
To pass the test at the Medali Gym (Normal-type), you need to order:
- Grilled rice balls
- Medium serving
- Extra crispy, Fire Blast style
- Lemon
5. Which gym leader is Larry in Pokémon Scarlet?
Larry is the Gym Leader of the Medali Gym, which specializes in Normal-type Pokémon. He also appears as a member of the Elite Four, but specializes in Flying-types in this role.
6. What type of Pokémon does Iono use at the Levincia Gym?
Iono is the Gym Leader of the Levincia Gym, and she specializes in Electric-type Pokémon.
7. Which Titan Pokémon is the easiest to defeat in Pokémon Scarlet?
The Stony Cliff Titan Klawf (Rock-type) is generally considered the easiest Titan to defeat.
8. What is Tinkaton weak against in Pokémon Scarlet?
Tinkaton, a Fairy/Steel-type Pokémon, is weak against Fire and Ground type moves.
9. What are the three storylines in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
The three main storylines are:
- Victory Road: Challenging the eight Gym Leaders and the Elite Four.
- Path of Legends: Battling the Titan Pokémon to gather Herba Mystica.
- Starfall Street: Taking down the five Team Star bases.
10. What starter Pokémon is best for tackling the Cortondo Gym?
While all starters can eventually overcome the Cortondo Gym, Sprigatito (Grass-type) is advantageous due to its type advantage against Bug-types. Fuecoco can also be effective, given it is a Fire-type.
11. Who is the hardest trainer to battle in Pokémon Scarlet?
Many players consider the final battle against AI Sada (in Scarlet) or AI Turo (in Violet) to be the most challenging fight in the main story.
12. Does gym order matter in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Technically, no. You can challenge the gyms in any order. However, due to the fixed levels of the gym leaders’ Pokémon, tackling them in the recommended order offers the most balanced and enjoyable progression.
13. Which Titan unlocks the ability to fly in Pokémon Scarlet?
Defeating the Quaking Earth Titan (Great Tusk in Scarlet/Iron Treads in Violet) unlocks the ability to fly/glide with your ride Pokémon.
14. Which gym leader uses Psychic-type Pokémon in Scarlet?
Tulip is the Gym Leader of the Alfornada Gym, which specializes in Psychic-type Pokémon.
15. What are some strong Pokémon team suggestions for Pokémon Scarlet?
For a well-rounded team in Pokémon Scarlet, consider using Pokémon such as:
- Skeledirge (Fire/Ghost)
- Gallade (Psychic/Fighting)
- Toedscruel (Ground/Grass)
- Cloyster (Water/Ice)
- Toxtricity (Electric/Poison)
- Dragonite (Dragon/Flying)
Conclusion
While Pokémon Scarlet provides the freedom to explore and challenge the gyms in any order, the Cortondo Gym remains the easiest due to its low level and the weaknesses of Bug-type Pokémon. Starting with this gym can help trainers build confidence and gain valuable experience early in their Paldean adventure. The GamesLearningSociety.org provides further information.