Pokémon Yellow : Complete Gym Guide and Badge Challenges

In Pokémon Yellow, you’ll encounter a series of eight Gyms across Kanto—plus a special bonus contest at one extra Gym. Each Gym tests not just battle strength but also your understanding of type matchups. This guide covers each challenge, leader strategies, and helpful tips to get you to the Pokémon League.

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Table of Contents

1. Pewter City – Brock (Rock-type)

Badge: Boulder Badge

Gym Layout: A simple corridor with two trainers leading to Brock.

Leader’s Pokémon: Geodude (Lv 12), Onix (Lv 14)

Strategy: Butterfree with Confusion is ideal—Butterfree is an early Pikachu-evolver and learns Psychic-type moves effective against Rock types. Squirtle or Bulbasaur are also strong counters. Avoid using Pikachu directly; his lack of STAB makes it a tougher match.

2. Cerulean City – Misty (Water-type)

Badge: Cascade Badge

Gym Layout: Open room with one trainer before Misty.

Leader’s Pokémon: Staryu (Lv 18), Starmie (Lv 21)

Strategy: Electric-types like Pikachu or Grass-types such as Bulbasaur work excellently here, leveraging STAB to overcome Misty fast.

3. Vermilion City – Lt. Surge (Electric-type)

Badge: Thunder Badge

Gym Layout: A straight path with no puzzles.

Leader’s Pokémon: Raichu (Lv 30)

Strategy: Catch a Diglett in Diglett’s Cave—Ground moves are super-effective and Raichu is completely grounded. Pikachu and other Electric-types are ineffective.

4. Celadon City – Erika (Grass-type)

Badge: Rainbow Badge

Gym Layout: Solve a simple quiz at the computer to unlock Erika’s chamber.

Leader’s Pokémon: Victreebel, Tangela, Vileplume

Strategy: Fire- and Flying-type Pokémon shine here. Some trainers recommend using Charizard once you can evolve Charmander.

5. Fuchsia City – Koga (Poison-type)

Badge: Soul Badge

Gym Layout: A small maze with trainers spread out.

Leader’s Pokémon: Koffing, Muk, Koffing, Weezing

Strategy: Psychic moves from Butterfree or even Kadabra are ideal—Koga’s team is weak to Psychic. Fire-types also work well.

6. Saffron City – Sabrina (Psychic-type)

Badge: Marsh Badge

Gym Layout: No puzzles; trainers line the room entrance.

Leader’s Pokémon: Kadabra, Mr. Mime, Venomoth, Alakazam

Strategy: Ghost-type Pokémon like Gastly and Gengar can sweep Sabrina’s team, or use strong physical attackers. Dark-niche may apply.

7. Cinnabar Island (Volcano Pokémon Center)

Although there’s no official Gym Leader, the facility offers high-level battles and serves as a special bonus challenge with tough trainer fights and Fire-type encounters—including Blaine’s base.

8. Viridian City – Giovanni (Ground-type)

Badge: Earth Badge

Gym Layout: Straightforward corridor with trainers on the way.

Leader’s Pokémon: Dugtrio, Nidoqueen/Nidoking, Rhyhorn.

Strategy: Water, Grass, or Flying-types handle his team easily. Pikachu and Psychic-types struggle here, but a balanced team prevails.

Final Showdown – Indigo Plateau (Elite Four & Champion)

Once all eight badges are collected, you qualify to face the Elite Four: Lorelei, Bruno, Agatha, Lance, and finally the Champion (your rival). Build a well-rounded team at levels 50–60 with diverse strengths, and stock up on full restores, revives, and type-effective TMs.