After obtaining all eight gym badges, you will be able to head to the Indigo Plateau and take on the Kanto Region’s strongest trainers: The Elite Four and the Pokémon League Champion.
Much like gym leaders, each member of the Elite Four specialises in specific Pokémon types; however, dual-type Pokémon (Water/Ice, Grass/Poison, etc) will be far more common in your battle against the Elite Four compared to gym battles. A well-balanced team of different Pokémon types is highly recommended, as you will be taking on the Elite Four with no chance to swap party members once you enter the first battle.
Make sure that you are also well stocked up on potions and status-removing items such as Awakenings, Antidotes, and Full Heals.
Elite Four #1 – Lorelei
The first member of the Elite Four, Lorelei, specialises in Ice and Water-type Pokémon, making Electric-types such as Raichu, Jolteon and Magneton an excellent choice for your team. Magneton’s Electric/Steel typing means that it also takes reduced damage from Ice-type moves.
| Pokémon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
 #087 – Dewgong Level 52 | Water/Ice | ・Thick Fat ・Hydration ・Ice Body | ・Hail ・Ice Beam ・Safeguard ・Surf |
 #091 – Cloyster Level 51 | Water/Ice | ・Shell Armor ・Skill Link ・Overcoat | ・Dive ・Hail ・Protect ・Spikes |
 #080 – Slowbro Level 52 | Psychic/Water | ・Oblivious ・Own Tempo ・Regenerator | ・Amnesia ・Surf ・Yawn |
 #124 – Jynx Level 54 | Psychic/Ice | ・Oblivious ・Forewarn ・Dry Skin | ・Attract ・Double Slap ・Ice Punch ・Lovely Kiss |
 #131 – Lapras Level 54 | Water/Ice | ・Water Absorb ・Shell Armor ・Hydration | ・Body Slam ・Confuse Ray ・Ice Beam ・Surf |
It may be tempting to use Venusaur or Charizard if you have them, but the possibility of being hit with super-effective Ice and Water-type moves may be too risky. If you still want to use Venusaur and/or Charizard against Lorelei, consider raising their levels to 57 or higher to get some added strength.
Of the three starters, Blastoise is possibly the best to battle Lorelei’s team, as it has no weakness to Ice or Water-type moves and higher base defensive stats, which gives it great bulk.
| Recommended Pokémon |
|---|
 #026 – Raichu Electric |
 #082 – Magneton Electric/Steel |
 #135 – Jolteon Electric |
Elite Four #2 – Bruno
Specialising in Rock Fighting-types, Bruno’s team can be hit for super-effective damage by Flying, Psychic and Water-type Pokémon. Pidgeot is a solid option for dealing with Fighting-types, given that it is easily obtainable and has access to plenty of Flying-type moves. If you prefer a speedier alternative, then Pidgeot can be substituted for Dodrio.
Bruno’s Fighting-Type Pokémon are also easily dealt with by Alakazam, with Psychic-types having a strong position in FireRed and LeafGreen. If you’re not able to get Alakazam through trading, Kadabra or Hypno can function as relatively decent stand-ins for Alakazam.
As for the Rock-types, Lapras would be the go-to pick due to its bulk and access to powerful Water-type moves like Hydro Pump. Lapras can also learn Sheer Cold, an Ice-type move which guarantees a one-hit KO if successful.
| Pokémon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
 #095 – Onix Level 51 | Rock/Ground | ・Rock Head ・Sturdy ・Weak Armor | ・Earthquake ・Iron Tail ・Roar ・Rock Tomb |
 #107 – Hitmonchan Level 53 | Fighting | ・Keen Eye ・Iron Fist ・Inner Focus | ・Counter ・Mach Punch ・Rock Tomb ・Sky Uppercut |
 #107 – Hitmonlee Level 53 | Fighting | ・Limber ・Reckless ・Unburden | ・Brick Break ・Facade ・Foresight ・Mega Kick |
#095 – Onix Level 54 | Rock/Ground | ・Rock Head ・Sturdy ・Weak Armor | ・Double-Edge ・Earthquake ・Iron Tail ・Sand Tomb |
 #068 – Machamp Level 56 | Fighting | ・Guts ・No Guard ・Steadfast | ・Bulk Up ・Cross Chop ・Rock Tomb ・Scary Face |
All three starter evolutions are capable of playing a key part in the battle against Bruno; Venusaur and Blastoise are capable of inflicting super-effective damage against Onix, while Charizard’s access to Flying-type moves puts it in a good spot against Bruno’s Fighting-types.
It’s important to deal with Bruno’s Machamp as quickly as possible. A combination of Bulk Up and Cross Chop can hit incredibly hard and cause havoc if left unchecked.
| Recommended Pokémon |
|---|
 #018 – Pidgeot Normal/Flying |
 #064 – Kadabra Psychic OR  #065 – Alakazam Psychic |
 #085 – Dodrio Normal/Flying |
#131 – Lapras Water/Ice |
Elite Four #3 – Agatha
Ghost/Poison-type trainer Agatha is the third member of the Elite Four, with a team that can cause problems by inflicting status conditions such as sleep and poisoning. Both of Agatha’s Gengars can be problematic with their ability to confuse, poison or put your Pokémon to sleep. Having a high speed stat will be important to ensure you get a solid first hit.
| Pokémon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
 #094 – Gengar Level 54 | Ghost/Poison | ・Levitate | ・Confuse Ray ・Double Team ・Shadow Punch ・Toxic |
 #042 – Golbat Level 54 | Poison/Flying | ・Inner Focus ・Infiltrator | ・Air Cutter ・Bite ・Confuse Ray |
 #093 – Haunter Level 53 | Ghost/Poison | ・Levitate | ・Curse ・Dream Eater ・Hypnosis ・Mean Look |
 #024 – Arbok Level 56 | Poison | ・Intimidate ・Shed Skin ・Unnerve | ・Bite ・Iron Tail ・Screech ・Sludge Bomb |
#094 – Gengar Level 58 | Ghost/Poison | ・Levitate | ・Hypnosis ・Nightmare ・Shadow Ball ・Sludge Bomb |
All of Agatha’s Pokémon have poison typing, making them an easy target for Psychic-types like Alakazam, who can crush Agatha’s team. That said, Agatha’s team are more than capable of hitting back with super-effective moves of their own, reaffirming the need for fast-attacking Pokémon.
Snorlax is another great pick as its Normal typing makes it immune to Ghost-type moves while also being able to learn Shadow Ball, which can hit Haunter and both Gengars for super-effective damage. If Snorlax has the Immunity ability, then it also can’t be poisoned by Agatha’s Arbok or Gengars.
If you chose Squirtle as your starter Pokémon, then Blastoise is also a good choice, as it can learn Bite, a Dark-type move that’s super-effective against Ghost-types.
| Recommended Pokémon |
|---|
#064 – Kadabra Psychic OR #065 – Alakazam Psychic |
 #097 – Hypno Psychic |
 #143 – Snorlax Normal |
Elite Four #4 – Lance
The fourth and final member of the Elite Four, leader Lance’s team is made up of Flying and Dragon-type Pokémon, making Ice and Electric-types a good choice for this battle.
| Pokémon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
 #130 – Gyarados Level 56 | Water/Flying | ・Intimidate ・Moxie | ・Bite ・Dragon Rage ・Hyper Beam ・Twister |
 #148 – Dragonair Level 54 | Dragon | ・Shed Skin ・Marvel Scale | ・Dragon Rage ・Hyper Beam ・Outrage ・Safeguard |
#148 – Dragonair Level 54 | Dragon | ・Shed Skin ・Marvel Scale | ・Hyper Beam ・Outrage ・Safeguard ・Thunder Wave |
 #142 – Aerodactyl Level 58 | Rock/Flying | ・Rock Head ・Pressure ・Unnerve | ・Ancient Power ・Hyper Beam ・Scary Face ・Wing Attack |
 #149 – Dragonite Level 60 | Dragon/Flying | ・Inner Focus ・Multiscale | ・Hyper Beam ・Outrage ・Safeguard ・Wing Attack |
Magneton is arguably the best choice when it comes to picking an Electric-type for this battle, as its Electric/Steel typing gives it brilliant resistance to Lance’s team. Magneton’s high special attack stat also gives it more power to many Electric-type moves like Thunderbolt, which can make quick work of Lance’s Gyarados.
When it comes to battling Lance’s Dragonairs and Dragonite, Lapras would be the ideal option thanks to its bulk and access to super-effective Ice-Type moves.
If you’ve visited the Seafoam Islands and caught the Articuno, then the legendary bird Pokémon is an alternative option if you’re looking for another strong Ice-type.
| Recommended Pokémon |
|---|
#082 – Magneton Electric/Steel |
#131 – Lapras Water/Ice |
 #144 – Articuno Ice/Flying |
The Champion
You’ve beaten the Elite Four, but in his bid to stay one step ahead of you, your lifelong rival has already beaten the Elite Four and taken his place as the Pokémon League Champion. As such, your rival has challenged you to one final battle!
Your rival’s party will vary significantly depending on what starter Pokémon you chose at the beginning of the game.
If you chose Bulbasaur as your starter Pokémon:
| Pokémon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
#018 – Pidgeot Level 59 | Normal/Flying | ・Keen Eye ・Tangled Feet ・Big Pecks | ・Aerial Ace ・Feather Dance ・Sand Attack ・Whirlwind |
#065 – Alakazam Level 57 | Psychic | ・Synchronize ・Inner Focus ・Magic Guard | ・Future Sight ・Psychic ・Recover ・Reflect |
 #112 – Rhydon Level 59 | Rock/Ground | ・Lightning Rod ・Rock Head ・Reckless | ・Earthquake ・Rock Tomb ・Scary Face ・Take Down |
 #103 – Exeggutor Level 59 | Grass/Psychic | ・Chlorophyll ・Harvest | ・Egg Bomb ・Giga Drain ・Light Screen ・Sleep Powder |
#130 – Gyarados Level 61 | Water/Flying | ・Intimidate ・Moxie | ・Bite ・Dragon Rage ・Hydro Pump ・Thrash |
 #006 – Charizard Level 63 | Fire/Flying | ・Blaze ・Solar Power | ・Aerial Ace ・Fire Blast ・Fire Spin ・Slash |
Both Magneton and Lapras can hit the Champion’s Pidgeot for super-effective damage, with Magneton also resisting Flying-type moves. Magneton is also a great option for Lorelei and Lance’s teams, with Lapras also excelling against Lance’s Dragon-types.
With great bulk and access to the Ghost-type move Shadow Ball, Snorlax is great for dealing with Alakazam and Agatha’s Ghost-types. Venusaur can easily sweep aside the Champion’s Rhydon and Bruno’s Onixs with 4x super-effective Grass-type moves. Arcanine and Ninetales can easily deal with the Champion’s Exeggutor, with Arcanine also being good against Bruno, as it can learn the Flying-type move Aerial Ace.
Magneton can sweep the Champion’s Gyarados with ease, inflicting 4x super-effective damage with Electric-type moves, while Lapras can handle Charizard with Water-type moves.
| Recommended Pokémon (FireRed) | Recommended Pokémon (LeafGreen) |
|---|---|
 #003 – Venusaur Grass/Poison | #003 – Venusaur Grass/Poison |
 #059 – Arcanine Fire |  #038 – Ninetales Fire |
#065 – Alakazam Psychic | #065 – Alakazam Psychic |
#082 – Magneton Electric/Steel | #082 – Magneton Electric/Steel |
#131 – Lapras Water/Ice | #131 – Lapras Water/Ice |
#143 – Snorlax Normal | #143 – Snorlax Normal |
If you chose Charmander as your starter Pokémon:
| Pokémon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
#018 – Pidgeot Level 59 | Normal/Flying | ・Keen Eye ・Tangled Feet ・Big Pecks | ・Aerial Ace ・Feather Dance ・Sand Attack ・Whirlwind |
#065 – Alakazam Level 57 | Psychic | ・Synchronize ・Inner Focus ・Magic Guard | ・Future Sight ・Psychic ・Recover ・Reflect |
#112 – Rhydon Level 59 | Rock/Ground | ・Lightning Rod ・Rock Head ・Reckless | ・Earthquake ・Rock Tomb ・Scary Face ・Take Down |
#059 – Arcanine Level 59 | Fire | ・Intimidate ・Flash Fire ・Justified | ・Bite ・Extreme Speed ・Flamethrower ・Roar |
#103 – Exeggutor Level 61 | Grass/Psychic | ・Chlorophyll ・Harvest | ・Egg Bomb ・Giga Drain ・Light Screen ・Sleep Powder |
 #009 – Blastoise Level 63 | Water | ・Torrent ・Rain Dish | ・Bite ・Hydro Pump ・Rain Dance ・Skull Bash |
Magneton and Lapras can crush Pidgeot with Electric and Ice-type moves. Magneton can also sweep Lorelei’s team, with both Pokémon also being a great option against Bruno’s Dragon-types. As a solid all-arounder, Snorlax is a great choice for battling Alakazam with its move variety and bulk, while also being a good choice vs Agatha.
Lapras can easily handle Rhydon and Arcanine with Water-type moves. Nidoking and Nidoqueen are also good options for beating Arcanine, with their large pool of potential moves also serving them well against Agatha and Lance.
As a Fire/Flying-type Pokémon, Charizard is an excellent choice for taking on Bruno and the Champion’s Exeggutor. Magneton is easily the best option for defeating Blastoise, with Alakazam and Snorlax as alternative options for strong neutral damage and bulk.
| Recommended Pokémon |
|---|
#006 – Charizard Fire/Flying |
 #031 – Nidoqueen Poison/Ground OR  #034 – Nidoking Poison/Ground |
#065 – Alakazam Psychic |
#082 – Magneton Electric/Steel |
#131 – Lapras Water/Ice |
#143 – Snorlax Normal |
If you chose Squirtle as your starter Pokémon:
| Pokémon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
#018 – Pidgeot Level 59 | Normal/Flying | ・Keen Eye ・Tangled Feet ・Big Pecks | ・Aerial Ace ・Feather Dance ・Sand Attack ・Whirlwind |
#065 – Alakazam Level 57 | Psychic | ・Synchronize ・Inner Focus ・Magic Guard | ・Future Sight ・Psychic ・Recover ・Reflect |
#112 – Rhydon Level 59 | Rock/Ground | ・Lightning Rod ・Rock Head ・Reckless | ・Earthquake ・Rock Tomb ・Scary Face ・Take Down |
#130 – Gyarados Level 59 | Water/Flying | ・Intimidate ・Moxie | ・Bite ・Dragon Rage ・Hydro Pump ・Thrash |
#059 – Arcanine Level 61 | Fire | ・Intimidate ・Flash Fire ・Justified | ・Bite ・Extreme Speed ・Flamethrower ・Roar |
#003 – Venusaur Level 63 | Grass/Poison | ・Overgrow ・Chlorophyll | ・Growth ・Solar Beam ・Sunny Day ・Synthesis |
Magneton can easily sweep Pidgeot using Electric-type moves, while resisting Flying-type moves. Its Electric/Steel typing also makes it great against Lorelei and Lance.
Snorlax’s bulk and choice of moves make it a great option for battling Agatha and the Champion’s Alakazam. Both Blastoise and Exeggutor are excellent against Rhydon, with both Pokémon also being a good matchup against Bruno’s Onixs. Gyarados and Arcanine can be easily dealt with by Magneton and Blastoise, respectively.
Pidgeot, Dodrio, Arcanine and Ninetales are all excellent choices for dealing with the Champion’s Venusaur. All four of them are capable of inflicting super-effective damage with Flying and Fire-type moves
| Recommended Pokémon (FireRed) | Recommended Pokémon (LeafGreen) |
|---|---|
#009 – Blastoise Water | #009 – Blastoise Water |
#018 – Pidgeot Normal/Flying OR #085 – Dodrio Normal/Flying | #018 – Pidgeot Normal/Flying OR #085 – Dodrio Normal/Flying |
#059 – Arcanine Fire | #038 – Ninetales Fire |
#065 – Alakazam Psychic | #065 – Alakazam Psychic |
#082 – Magneton Electric/Steel | #082 – Magneton Electric/Steel |
#103 – Exeggutor Grass/Psychic | #103 – Exeggutor Grass/Psychic |
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