The Pokémon universe is replete with formidable challenges awaiting trainers, especially when it comes to conquering the Elite Four. Imagine this scenario: you successfully defeated all 8 Gym Leaders and navigated through the daunting Victory Road, only to face the Elite Four. The impending battle not only tests your skill but places you just a step away from the illustrious Hall of Fame.
The Elite Four, revered as some of the most skilled trainers in their respective regions, elevate the challenge far beyond that of the gym leaders. To emerge victorious, you’ll need to deploy your strongest strategies and top-tier Pokémon, particularly if you’ve opted for a more demanding playthrough like a Nuzlocke challenge.
So, gather your items, stock up on Full Restores, and brace yourself for one of the ultimate test of skills in the Pokémon world.
This article will examine the strongest versions of the Elite Four members, featuring their initial battling teams, while noting that some variations exist between different generations.
8. Marshall
Black 2 & White 2
| Pokémon | Level |
|---|---|
| Throh | 56 |
| Sawk | 56 |
| Mienshao | 56 |
| Conkeldurr | 58 |
While the Elite Four in Unova presents some unique challenges, their teams consist of only 4 Pokémon, which is unusual. By this stage, trainers are likely to have a complete party of six members, making some of these encounters relatively straightforward. You also have the liberty to face them in any order, which means their levels remain consistent across the board. Nevertheless, Marshal’s Conkeldurr remains a formidable adversary.
Equipped with Bulk Up to boost its capabilities, Conkeldurr poses significant threats with powerful moves such as Stone Edge and Hammer Arm. Attempting to counter with a flying type could prove disastrous due to the effectiveness of Rock-type moves. Furthermore, Conkeldurr’s impressive hit points and defense, coupled with the tricky ability Sturdy found on Sawk, can prolong the battle far more than anticipated.
7. Drake
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire
| Pokémon | Level |
|---|---|
| Altars | 53 |
| Flygon | 53 |
| Kingdra | 53 |
| Salamence | 55 |
Drake can range from being a rather simple challenge to an unexpected ordeal depending on your team composition. Players equipped with bulky or speedy Ice-types, like Walrein or Swampert, can effectively dismantle Drake’s lineup.
Conversely, lacking such options can lead to a significantly tougher battle. With multiple Flygon variations and a bulky Salamence capable of lowering your physical attack upon entry, Drake’s team is well-prepared to inflict damage.
Salamence, in particular, boasts access to four coverage moves, maximizing its potential to deal substantial damage. Additionally, Kingdra poses a challenge, capable of whittling down your team with its powerful STAB moves.
6. Aaron
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
| Pokémon | Level |
|---|---|
| Dustox | 53 |
| Beautifly | 53 |
| Vespiquen | 54 |
| Heracross | 54 |
| Drapion | 57 |
In previous iterations, Aaron would not have been this high on the list; however, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl significantly enhanced the strength of the Elite Four, shifting the dynamics of this battle.
Focus particularly on Aaron’s Heracross, known for its remarkable speed. If you haven’t optimized your team with EV training, it will likely outspeed your Pokémon, especially since it benefits from the Flame Orb paired with its Guts ability, soaring its attack potency to dangerous heights.
Fire-types aiming for an easy win will be surprised by Drapion, capable of unleashing a devastating 100 base power Earthquake. Underestimating the intricacies of this match could lead to a swift defeat for those unprepared.
5. Karen
Heartgold & Soulsilver
| Pokémon | Level |
|---|---|
| Umbreon | 42 |
| Vileplume | 42 |
| Murkrow | 44 |
| Gengar | 45 |
| Houndoom | 47 |
Johto often presents unique leveling challenges, where it’s common for players to find themselves under-leveled against Karen. Despite level 47 not appearing intimidating, it can be a significant hurdle. Without effective use of the match calling feature, you might find yourself at a severe disadvantage.
Karen’s team is notably potent, highlighted by her Umbreon’s impressive bulk and disruptive status moves. Moreover, if you overlook her strategically dangerous Gengar, you may fall victim to a well-timed Destiny Bond.
Lastly, her Houndoom, boasting extreme speed and special attack capabilities, can swiftly turn the tide in her favor, particularly when paired with Nasty Plot. Taking out this powerhouse requires precision and speed; otherwise, you might be swept away.
4. Bertha
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
| Pokémon | Level |
|---|---|
| Quagsire | 55 |
| Sudowoodo | 56 |
| Golem | 56 |
| Whiscash | 55 |
| Hippowdon | 59 |
Yes, it seems another Generation 4 Elite Four member takes the stage, but Bertha has benefitted from significant upgrades that elevate her status as a formidable opponent.
Bertha utilizes a diverse strategy, with her Quagsire capable of Toxic stalling and Whiscash optimized for special attacks, alongside the menacing Hippowdon. Those deploying Grass-types will face challenges from her Pokémon’s Rindo Berry as well as Hippowdon’s Ice Fang, which will derail any plans you have of sweeping through her lineup.
With multiple Pokémon equipped with Earthquake, even tanky options will find themselves in deep trouble. Navigating this battle without suffering casualties will require precise strategy and execution.
3. Drayton
Scarlet & Violet
| Pokemon | Level |
|---|---|
| Dragonite | 83 |
| Flygon | 83 |
| Haxor | 84 |
| skeptical | 84 |
| Kingdra | 84 |
| Archaludon | 85 |
Curiously, many of the Elite Four members from Generations 6-9 don’t often land on difficulty ranking lists, mainly due to their limited Pokémon counts or generally weak movesets. Yet, facing Drayton in the Blueberry League from the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC has proven to be a breath of fresh air for many trainers.
Drayton boasts an impressive lineup, offering a true challenge for trainers. Each member of his team holds considerable merit, making his battles feel dynamic and engaging.
With strategic abilities like Weakness Policy on Sceptile and the formidable Multiscale on Dragonite, Drayton’s team demands serious preparation. His Ace, Archaludon, armed with an Assault Vest, further complicates the struggle. Indeed, if Drayton had been part of the elite lineup in Gen 9, he could have made for a truly memorable experience.
2. Lorelei
Leafgreen & Firered
| Pokémon | Level |
|---|---|
| Dewgong | 52 |
| Cloyster | 51 |
| Slowbro | 52 |
| Jynx | 54 |
| Lapras | 54 |
While countering with Electric-types might seem logical, it becomes challenging when many options in Gen 1 lack defensive capabilities. Thus, while trying to outlast her, constant chip damage from Hail can become a major hindrance.
Your best strategy involves out-tanking her Pokémon or employing a swift Fighting-type to eliminate threats before they can inflict damage, a task that is often easier said than done.
1. Lucian
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
| Pokémon | Level |
|---|---|
| Mr. Mime | 59 |
| Girafarig | 59 |
| Medicham | 60 |
| Alakazam | 60 |
| Bronzong | 63 |
Lucian’s team is lethal, featuring a Poké-competitive representation of Psychic Pokémon endowed with key strategies. Mr. Mime serves as a formidable defensive wall, setting up Light Screen and Reflect to bolster his allies.
The looming threat of Pure Power Medicham and the remarkably swift Alakazam can quickly dismantle unsuspecting teams. Alakazam, in particular, armed with Nasty Plot and Life Orb, can obliterate foes if allowed to establish dominance early in the match.
Furthermore, Bronzong adds another layer of complexity to the battle with its Trick Room setup, leveraging its slow speed to retaliate with high impact Gyro Ball attacks. The combination of Mr. Mime and Bronzong’s tactics can lead to a protracted battle that many trainers dread, making this one of the most enjoyable yet harrowing encounters in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl.
For avid trainers, Lucian represents a pinnacle of competitive battling, delivering an experience that blends strategy and skill.
Related Articles:
10 Temporary RPG Party Members We Want as Permanent Team Members
19:05
Hollow Knight: Silksong Guide to Locating and Utilizing the Twisted Bud
17:34
Complete Guide and Walkthrough for High Halls in Hollow Knight: Silksong (Conductor’s Melody)
17:28
Leave a Reply