Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire - Elite Four (2024)

Member: Sidney
Specialty: Dark-type

Method:
Kicking off this Elite Four is the Dark-type master Sidney. His team has a number of Pokemon with secondary types to provide extra flavour. Any fast Fighting-type, like Blaziken or Breloom, is an ideal match-up. His team also uses a mixture of different status moves to throw you off, like Sand-Attack and Leech Seed, so you may have to switch out your Pokemon frequently. You may be well off to not lead with your Fighting-type as they will suffer an Attack drop from his leading Mightyena's ability, Intimidate.

Elite Four Sidney	Mightyena	Shiftry	Cacturne	Sharpedo	Absol
Battle Type Single Battle	Level 46	Level 48	Level 46	Level 48	Level 49

Member: Phoebe
Specialty: Ghost-type

Method:
Next in line is the Ghost-type master, Phoebe. Normal-type and Fighting-type moves will be useless against these Pokemon as they cannot be hit, however Pokemon boasting Normal-type themselves will prove invaluable as Ghost-type moves cannot affect them. Like Sidney this trainer puts a lot of status moves into play, such as Will-O-Wisp and Confuse Ray, which may cost you quite a bit in healing items. Try to stick with moves like Shadow Ball for super-effective damage, although watch for Attack reducing burns Banette can spread. Keep in mind Sableye has no weakness in this generation as you prepare for battle.

Elite Four Phoebe	Dusclops	Banette	Sableye	Banette	Dusclops
Battle Type Single Battle	Level 48	Level 49	Level 50	Level 49	Level 51

Member: Glacia
Specialty: Ice-type

Method:
Third up is Glacia, who fittingly uses Ice-types. Though her team lacks in diversity it can still pack a punch with many strong moves super-effective to common types. Your Fire-types may prove ineffective as 60% of the team also shares Water-typing as well as the Thick Fat ability, which reduces Fire-type damage output. Glalie can also shield the team from your Special Attacks for five turns with Light Screen. Fighting-types would be useful as they resist two common attack types this team uses (Ice-type and Dark-type) and can wallop the enemy with ultra destructive force. Be careful for Walrein's OHKO move Sheer Cold, which can instantly turn the tide of battle.

Elite Four Glacia	Glalie	Sealeo	Sealeo	Glalie	Walrein
Battle Type Single Battle	Level 50	Level 50	Level 50	Level 52	Level 53

Member: Drake
Specialty: Dragon-type

Method:
The leader of this Elite Four call back to the first generation by way of his specialty type, Dragon. His team, though with its weaknesses, has a diverse set of skills, and packs a few strong moves with interesting effects. That being said, a solid Ice Beam can punish this lot, dealing 4x damage to most of the team. Like Sidney, Drake has a Pokemon with the Attack cutting Intimidate ability, so if be careful if you use Physical move types like Rock to deal super-effective damage.

Elite Four Drake	Shelgon	Altaria	Flygon	Flygon	Salamence
Battle Type Single Battle	Level 52	Level 54	Level 53	Level 53	Level 55

Member: Steven
Specialty: Steel-type

Method:
The final trial of the Elite Four rests in its champion, Steven Stone, the son of Devon Corporation's president who you've met earlier in the game on your quest to find the legendary Pokemon. Although he specializes in the very defensive Steel-type, you will learn early on he sports a mixture of Steel-type, Rock-type, and Ground-type Pokemon, all of whom are not affected by Sandstorm damage. This team loves to rack up residual damage by way of poison, confusion, entry hazards, and more. It uses a lot of high-power moves which are granted STAB bonus, with other strong moves to complement and patch up any holes. Claydol will attempt to cut all damage you can inflict through dual screen use (Light Screen and Reflect both last five turns remember!) so you might do well to bring a Pokemon with the Brick Break attack, which will also his Cradily and Aggron for very high damage. Earthquake is a fantastic attack to bring too, although remember that Skarmory and Claydol are impervious to it. The true star of the show here is Metagross, which has four very strong moves and can punch a hole in any team ill prepared. The good news is that you can look forward to having its pre-evolution given to you after the game, but more on that later. If you manage to beat all these Pokemon you will get the title of Pokemon League Champion and offered more places to explore in the world of Hoenn. Good luck!

Champion Steven	Skarmory	Claydol	Aggron	Cradily	Armaldo	Metagross
Battle Type Single Battle	Level 57	Level 55	Level 56	Level 56	Level 56	Level 58