One of the major highlights in any Pokemon game is tackling its challenging gym battles and gaining well-earned badges for defeating gym leaders. It’s one of the driving forces behind the video games and anime, so, naturally, as the November 15 launch of Sword and Shield on Nintendo Switch fast approaches, eager players’ minds are turning towards who they’ll battle this time and in what versions of the game. Here’s everything you need to know in our complete Pokemon Sword and Shield gyms list, according to recent leaks and datamines.
All Pokemon Sword and Shield gyms list
Pokemon Sword and Shield each feature eight gyms for players to conquer on their quest to become the very best. Of these eight gyms, five will be shared and three apiece will be version exclusive. This might help you to decide on whether you want to play either Sword or Shield, while also influencing which starter you pick in order to best counter the exclusive gyms.
ALSO: How many Pokemon are in Sword and Shield?
Pokemon Sword gym list
- Milo — Grass Type Gym Leader
- Nessa — Water Type Gym Leader
- Kabu — Fire Type Gym Leader
- Bea (Exclusive) — Fighting Type Gym Leader
- Opal (Exclusive) — Fairy Type Gym Leader
- Gordie (Exclusive) — Rock Type Gym Leader
- Piers — Dark Type Gym Leader
- Raihan — Dragon Type Gym Leader
In addition to Milo, Nessa, and Bea, who were already officially confirmed, Sword players can also expect exclusive encounters with Opal and Gordie. Piers and Raihan are the final two gym leaders, if the leaks by (the now suspended) @CentroLeaks on Twitter are accurate.
Pokemon Shield gym list
- Milo — Grass Type Gym Leader
- Nessa — Water Type Gym Leader
- Kabu — Fire Type Gym Leader
- Allister (Exclusive) — Ghost Type Gym Leader
- Sopp (Exclusive) — Poison Type Gym Leader
- Melony (Exclusive) — Ice Type Gym Leader
- Piers — Dark Type Gym Leader
- Raihan — Dragon Type Gym Leader
Again, in addition to Milo, Nessa, and Allister, who were already officially confirmed, Shield players can also expect exclusive encounters with Sopp and Melony. Piers and Raihan are the final two gym leaders, if the leaks by (the now suspended) @CentroLeaks on Twitter are accurate.
In both games, the three exclusive gyms are bunched together as the fourth, fifth, and sixth battles that you’ll face. That means there should be time to train up a few different Pokemon in preparation, should your first choice of starter be weak against the gym types present in your chosen title.
Whatever you opt for, hopefully, our Pokemon Sword and Shield gyms list helped to give you some valuable perspective going into the game.