Gyms return in Pokemon Gold and Silver, and with a new crew of leaders to face the number of badges to collect has bumped up to sixteen. The first eight leaders are all new, mastering types the leaders of old hadn't. Like before, some gyms contain puzzles you must solve to get to the leader. A balanced team is key to getting all the badges, and depending on who you started with you'll have an easier or harder time. Reversing the rule of Red and Blue, the Fire-type starter Cyndaquil will make your trek through Johto an easy one, whereas the Grass-type starter Chikorita is recommended more for those who want a challenge. Allons-y!

Gym #1 - Violet City Gym

Location: Violet City
Gym Leader: Falkner
Specialty: Flying-type
Reward: Zephyr Badge, TM31, Can use HM05 - Flash

Puzzle:
The first leader in Johto is the young Flying-type master. His gym has no puzzle to complete, and can be challenged as soon as you get to Violet City. However, it is recommended you train in Sprout Tower before taking on the gym challenge. The S-shaped gym hosts two trainers before Falkner, both of whom use the Flying-type birds Pidgey and Spearow that you meet early in the game. Falkner himself isn't that much of a challenge; Cyndaquil or Totodile can take them out quickly. If you chose the former, watch for their special move Mud-Slap, which deals Ground-type damage and lowers your Pokemon's accuracy. Chikorita will need to call in assistance from another Pokemon like Geodude or Onix, who can be caught in the Dark Cave or traded for in Violet City respectively. The prizes for this match are TM31 Mud Slap, the Zephyr Badge, the ability to use Flash outside of battle, and a slight boost in your Pokemon's Attack stat.

Gym Leader Falkner Pidgey Pidgeotto
Battle Type
Single Battle
Items
Level 7Level 9
Attacks:
Tackle
Mud-Slap
Attacks:
Tackle
Mud-Slap
Gust
Gym #2 - Azalea Town Gym

Location: Azalea Town
Gym Leader: Bugsy
Specialty: Bug-type
Reward: Insect Badge, TM49, Can use HM01 - Cut

Puzzle:
The gender ambiguous Bugsy is your next challenge in Azalea Town. Like in Violet City, there is no true gym puzzle - simply beat the trainers to get to the leader. The gym, of course, is packed with Bug-type users, and can only be accessed once Team Rocket is cleared out of the Slowpoke Well. Bugsy's first two Pokemon shouldn't be any trouble, as they have very weak attacks and low stats. Cyndaquil or a good Rock-type/Flying-type Pokemon can make quick work of them. Scyther, however, is a bit trickier. It will use the move Fury Cutter, which increases in power as it is used repeatedly. This can be very dangerous if you don't have a Pokemon who can resist it. Fortunately, since it is part Flying-type itself, a Flaaffy can best it with a strong Thundershock move. The prizes for besting the Bug-type trainee are TM49 Fury Cutter, the Hive Badge, the ability to use Cut outside of battle, and the full command of outsider Pokemon up to Level 30.

Gym Leader Bugsy Metapod Kakuna Scyther
Battle Type
Single Battle
Items
Level 14 Level 14 Level 16
Attacks:
Tackle
String Shot
Harden
Attacks:
Poison Sting
String Shot
Harden
Attacks:
Quick Attack
Leer
Fury Cutter
Gym #3 - Goldenrod City Gym

Location: Goldenrod City
Gym Leader: Whitney
Specialty: Normal-type
Reward: Plain Badge, TM45, Can use HM04 - Strength

Puzzle:
Goldenrod Gym's Clefairy maze shouldn't be that hard to navigate, although Whitney is a very frustrating Gym Leader in battle. Boasting the incredible Pokemon Miltank, the young lass will annoy you to no end with moves like Stomp, Metronome, Rollout, Mimic, Encore, and Milk Drink. Your best bet is to either use a Gastly you caught earlier in the game or trade for the Machop at the Department Store. Miltank's Attract can be very annoying, since it will more likely then not render your starter useless if it's of the male gender. Bayleef may actually come in handy here, as it resists Rollout. Rollout, like Fury Cutter, increases in damage as momentum is built, though it is much more powerful. If you beat Whitney, you'll receive TM45 Attract, a slight bump in the Speed of your Pokemon, the Plain Badge, and the ability to use Strength outside of battle. You will also be able to get the Squirtbottle in the flower shop next door to spray Sudowoodo with. Whitney will try and refuse to give you the badge at first, but if you talk to the trainer below her, you'll find out how to change her mind.

Gym Leader Whitney Clefairy Miltank
Battle Type
Single Battle
Items
Level 18 Level 20
Attacks:
Doubleslap
Mimic
Encore
Metronome
Attacks:
Rollout
Attract
Stomp
Milk Drink
Gym #4 - Ecruteak City Gym

Location: Ecruteak City
Gym Leader: Morty
Specialty: Ghost-type
Reward: Fog Badge, TM30, Can use HM03 - Surf

Puzzle:
Morty's gym features the first true puzzle: there is a path in the dark field you must navigate or else you'll be sent back to the front. It might take some practice, but if you make sure to face every trainer you'll get it eventually. The trainers in the gym all use Ghost-type Pokemon, which can't be hit by Normal-type or Fighting-type moves. Conversely, they cannot hit Normal-type Pokemon. Use that to your advantage with a Noctowl or Togetic that can hit back with Flying-type or Psychic-type attacks. Alternatively, bring a Gastly of your own in to get the job done, or win an Abra at the Goldenrod City Game Corner. Morty is just more of the same; he has a Gastly, two Haunters, and a Gengar. Assuming you're using a Normal-type, the first three can only put you to sleep or try and Mimic your own attacks. They can also use Curse, which takes away half their health in exchange for removing a quarter of yours each turn. These can be used to your advantage by switching out, as long as they haven't locked you in with Mean Look. Gengar is a bit more tricky but anything with a strong Dark, Psychic, or Ground-type move can take it out. It will try and put you asleep with Hypnosis, then use Dream Eater to heal itself. Switch out if you can when it does this. Shadow Ball is kind of useless on it as it has terrible Attack. When you win, you receive TM34 Shadow Ball, the Fog Badge, the ability to use Surf outside of battle, and command of Pokemon up to Level 50. Go check out the Ecruteak Theatre now to try and get HM03 Surf.

Gym Leader Morty Gastly Haunter Haunter Gengar
Battle Type
Single Battle
Items
Level 21 Level 21 Level 23 Level 25
Attacks:
Lick
Spite
Mean Look
Curse
Attacks:
Hypnosis
Mimic
Curse
Night Shade
Attacks:
Spite
Mean Look
Mimic
Night Shade
Attacks:
Hypnosis
Shadow Ball
Mean Look
Dream Eater
Gym #5 - Cianwood City Gym

Location: Cianwood City
Gym Leader: Chuck
Specialty: Fighting-type
Reward: Storm Badge, TM01, Can use HM02 - Fly

Puzzle:
Chuck's gym requires Strength, found in the Olivine City Cafe. Other than that there is no puzzle: just fight the trainers. They use Pokemon like Hitmonchan and Mankey and shouldn't be that hard if you have a Psychic, Flying, or Ghost-type. Chuck's Primeape can't even hit a Ghost-type, though watch for Poliwrath's Surf. A good Pokemon here would be Xatu, who double resists Fighting-type moves and can hit back with Psychic. Poliwrath likes to use Mind Reader then DynamicPunch, which always confuses you and deals massive damage. Again, a Ghost-type like Gengar would have nothing to fear. If you win, you'll get the Storm Badge, the use of Fly outside of battle (Chuck's wife gives you HM02), command of Pokemon up to Level 70, and TM01 DynamicPunch.

Gym Leader Chuck Primeape Poliwrath
Battle Type
Single Battle
Items
Level 27 Level 30
Attacks:
Leer
Rage
Karate Chop
Fury Swipes
Attacks:
Hypnosis
Mind Reader
Surf
Dynamicpunch
Gym #6 - Olivine City Gym

Location: Olivine City
Gym Leader: Jasmine
Specialty: Steel-type
Reward: Mineral Badge, TM23

Puzzle:
The gym is very straightforward, although you will need to bring Jasmine the Secretpotion from Cianwood Pharmacy at the top of the Glitter Lighthouse before she'll fight you. No trainers, just Jasmine. The former Rock-type user is proficient in Steel-types like Steelix, so bring a Fire-type. Quilava or Typhlosion works incredibly well here, and although Feraligatr might seem like a good choice too, it needs to watch out for Magnemite. Steelix will try to hit your Fire-type with a Rock Throw, though if you're faster you should be able to take it out in one hit. Growlithe, Flareon, or Magmar all do the job very well if you didn't start with Typhlosion, and a Sandslash can hit hard with Ground-type moves if its Attack is strong. Defeat Jasmine for TM23 Iron Tail, a boost in your Pokemon's Defense stat, and the Mineral Badge.

Gym Leader Jasmine Magnemite Magnemite Steelix
Battle Type
Single Battle
Items
Level 30 Level 30 Level 35
Attacks:
Thunderbolt
Supersonic
Sonicboom
Thunder Wave
Attacks:
Thunderbolt
Supersonic
Sonicboom
Thunder Wave
Attacks:
Screech
Sunny Day
Rock Throw
Iron Tail
Gym #7 - Mahogany Town Gym

Location: Mahogany Town
Gym Leader: Pryce
Specialty: Ice-type
Reward: Glacier Badge, TM16, Can use HM06, Waterfall

Puzzle:
This gym has a very annoying ice sliding puzzle. Use the rocks as stopping points, fight the trainers, and navigate your way to Pryce. To battle the senior Ice-type master, use a Fire-type. Don't worry about Dewgong and Seel - they don't have any Water-type moves to extinguish you with. They can use Rest to heal all damage but will be unable to move for two turns so try and strike them then. If you have a good Water-type Piloswine will fall before STAB moves and can't hit very hard with its own. When defeated, Pryce will cough up the Glacier Badge, a boost in your Pokemon's Special Attack and Special Defense, the ability to use Whirlpool outside of battle, and TM16 Icy Wind.

Gym Leader Pryce Seel Dewgong Piloswine
Battle Type
Single Battle
Items
Level 27 Level 29 Level 31
Attacks:
Headbutt
Icy Wind
Aurora Beam
Rest
Attacks:
Headbutt
Icy Wind
Aurora Beam
Rest
Attacks:
Icy Wind
Fury Attack
Mist
Blizzard
Gym #8 - Blackthorn City Gym

Location: Blackthorn City
Gym Leader: Clair
Specialty: Dragon-type
Reward: Rising Badge, TM24, Can use HM07, Whirlpool

Puzzle:
The final gym. Lance's cousin is the hardest leader in the game. Her gym is no cakewalk either; you must fight several trainers and complete a puzzle involving Strength to build bridges across lava. Many trainers use Dratini or Horsea so bring a Pokemon who can wield Ice-type and Electric-type moves. Perhaps look for something that can learn the elemental punches. When you face Clair, you will need to use something that can survive Paralysis and has good Ice-type attacks. Luckily, you can catch a Swinub in the Ice Path and evolve it into the powerful Piloswine. Piloswine can take the Ice-type and Electric-type moves the first two Dragonair like to use, and hit with either Ice Beam or Icy Wind to lower Speed. The other Dragonair, however, has Surf, so watch out. Lanturn is also a great choice as it resists the three elemental moves the Dragonairs use. Kingdra is a very annoying Pokemon as its only weakness is Dragon-type. To beat it, try inflicting status on it and whittle its health down slowly. It's a very tricky Pokemon to defeat, especially because of Smokescreen. Upon defeating Clair, you'll have the first set of Gym Leaders under your belt. To get the badge, though, you must retrieve the Dragon's Fang from deep in the Dragon's Den. This requires the use of Surf and Whirlpool. Upon claiming the fang, Clair will bestow on you the Rising Badge, TM24 Dragonbreath, and the ability to use Pokemon of any level in battle. It is recommended you give TM24 to a Kingdra for use during the Champion battle. Now you are ready for the Pokemon League!

Gym Leader Clair Dragonair Dragonair Dragonair Kingdra
Battle Type
Single Battle
Items
Level 37 Level 37 Level 37 Level 40
Attacks:
Thunder Wave
Surf
Slam
Dragonbreath
Attacks:
Thunder Wave
Thunderbolt
Slam
Dragonbreath
Attacks:
Thunder Wave
Ice Beam
Slam
Dragonbreath
Attacks:
Smokescreen
Surf
Hyper Beam
Dragonbreath

After beating the Elite Four you'll get a ticket to ride the S.S. Aqua to Kanto. Here you'll be able to fight a different set of leaders, and they might look familiar...

Gym #9 - Vermilion City Gym

Location: Vermilion City
Gym Leader: Lt. Surge
Specialty: Electric-type
Reward: Thunder Badge

Puzzle:
The electrifying Lt. Surge is probably the first leader you'll meet in Kanto. You can use Cut or Surf to get to the gym. Lt. Surge's gym has an interesting novelty - you need to check for two switches hidden in the garbage cans to open the automatic doors. The second is always next to the first, be it the can north, south, east, or west, but will be difficult anyways to find as the locks reset if you click on the wrong can. The trainers are all fairly easy to beat, however you may need to heal a few times should your Pokemon become paralyzed. Surge has a new team with buffed up Electric-type moves like Zap Cannon and Thunderbolt. Zap Cannon, like DynamicPunch, has a low accuracy but high base damage, and will always cause a status ailment, in this case paralysis. Magneton will use Lock-On to make sure it hits. A Ground-type Pokemon like Nidoking or Steelix is great here as it can wipe the floor with the team and have very little used against it. The prize for this match is the Thunderbadge.

Gym Leader Lt. Surge Raichu Electrode Electrode Magneton Electabuzz
Battle Type
Single Battle
Items
Level 44 Level 40 Level 40 Level 40 Level 45
Attacks:
Thunder Wave
Quick Attack
Thunderbolt
Thunder
Attacks:
Screech
Double Team
Swift
Explosion
Attacks:
Screech
Double Team
Swift
Explosion
Attacks:
Lock-On
Double Team
Swift
Zap Cannon
Attacks:
Quick Attack
Thunderpunch
Light Screen
Thunder
Gym #10 - Saffron City Gym

Location: Saffron City
Gym Leader: Sabrina
Specialty: Psychic-type
Reward: Marsh Badge

Puzzle:
Sabrina's gym is back with a network of teleporters. Have fun trying to navigate through this mess. Again, a hint - you will need to battle a few of the trainers, who use Psychic-types like Exeggcute. Sabrina has a new team this time, composed of Pokemon that are completely useless against Dark-types like Houndour and Umbreon. The infamous female Mr. Mime will try and set up reflects to aid her team mates, and Baton Pass any Barriers it has up in the process. Ghost-type Pokemon are great here, just like with Will. Defeat her for the Marsh Badge.

Gym Leader Sabrina Espeon Mr. Mime Alakazam
Battle Type
Single Battle
Items
Level 46 Level 46 Level 48
Attacks:
Sand-Attack
Quick Attack
Swift
Psychic
Attacks:
Barrier
Reflect
Baton Pass
Psychic
Attacks:
Recover
Future Sight
Psychic
Reflect
Gym #11 - Celadon City Gym

Location: Celadon City
Gym Leader: Erika
Specialty: Grass-type
Reward: Rainbow Badge, TM19

Puzzle:
The Celadon Gym is home to the nature-loving princess Erika. Bring a lot of Full Restores because of status moves the gym trainers like to inflict. Erika has a new lineup featuring Bellossom and Jumpluff. Instead of Mega Drain though, the move of choice is now Giga Drain, which does the same thing but with more damage. Her team likes to use Sunny Day to drench the field, which makes Solarbeam hit in one turn instead of two and Synthesis heal much more HP. However, this will also buff your Fire-type attacks which is fantastic. Defeat her for TM19 Giga Drain and the Rainbow Badge.

Gym Leader Erika Tangela Jumpluff Victreebel Bellossom
Battle Type
Single Battle
Items
Level 42 Level 41 Level 46 Level 46
Attacks:
Vine Whip
Bind
Giga Drain
Sleep Powder
Attacks:
Mega Drain
Leech Seed
Cotton Spore
Giga Drain
Attacks:
Sunny Day
Synthesis
Acid
Razor Leaf
Attacks:
Sunny Day
Synthesis
Petal Dance
Solarbeam
Gym #12 - Fuchsia City Gym

Location: Fuchsia City
Gym Leader: Janine
Specialty: Poison-type
Reward: Soul Badge, TM06

Puzzle:
With her father now a member of the Elite Four, Janine has taken over as the new leader of Fuchsia City's Pokemon Gym. She is also the weakest, and shouldn't be that hard to beat if Koga wasn't. The gym still uses the invisible walls, and this time everyone is dressed up like Janine, making her tricky to spot in a crowd. Psychic and Ground-type moves will be your greatest help here, though pretty much any neutral move gets the job done considering the levels of her Pokemon. Defeat Janine for the Soul Badge and TM06 Toxic.

Gym Leader Janine Crobat Weezing Weezing Ariados Venomoth
Battle Type
Single Battle
Items
Level 36 Level 36 Level 36 Level 33 Level 39
Attacks:
Screech
Supersonic
Confuse Ray
Wing Attack
Attacks:
Smog
Sludge Bomb
Toxic
Explosion
Attacks:
Smog
Sludge Bomb
Toxic
Explosion
Attacks:
Scary Face
Giga Drain
String Shot
Night Shade
Attacks:
Foresight
Double Team
Gust
Psychic
Gym #13 - Cerulean City Gym

Location: Cerulean City
Gym Leader: Misty
Specialty: Water-type
Reward: Cascade Badge

Puzzle:
To battle Misty, you'll have to go to Cerulean Cape just above the city and interrupt her date. Furious at this, she'll gladly battle you back at the gym. You can skip all the trainers by using Surf in the water, though they don't have very strong teams anyways. Meganium's time to shine is here, where it can sap health from everything using Giga Drain or slice up foes with Razor Leaf. Keep an eye on Lapras and Starmie though as they both use Ice-type moves. If you didn't pick Meganium, an Ampharos or Raichu also does great work here. Misty shouldn't be that hard making the Cascadebadge is an easy prize to win.

Gym Leader Misty Golduck Quagsire Lapras Starmie
Battle Type
Single Battle
Items
Level 42 Level 42 Level 44 Level 47
Attacks:
Surf
Disable
Psych Up
Psychic
Attacks:
Surf
Amnesia
Earthquake
Rain Dance
Attacks:
Surf
Perish Song
Blizzard
Rain Dance
Attacks:
Surf
Confuse Ray
Recover
Ice Beam
Gym #14 - Pewter City Gym

Location: Pewter City
Gym Leader: Brock
Specialty: Rock-type
Reward: Boulder Badge

Puzzle:
Brock's gym hasn't change in simplicity. Defeat the lone trainer then go up against the Rock-type master. He's evolved his Geodude, caught a Rhyhorn, and resurrected the two fossil Pokemon from the first games. Meganium works well here as its Grass-type moves do 4x super effective damage. Alternatively, try a Water-type for the first three and Electric-type moves for the fossils. Contrary to popular belief Electric-type moves do hit Rock-types so make full use of them. Brock will give you the Boulderbadge upon defeat.

Gym Leader Brock Graveler Rhyhorn Omastar Onix Kabutops
Battle Type
Single Battle
Items
Level 41 Level 41 Level 42 Level 44 Level 42
Attacks:
Defense Curl
Rock Slide
Rollout
Earthquake
Attacks:
Fury Attack
Scary Face
Earthquake
Horn Drill
Attacks:
Bite
Surf
Protect
Spike Cannon
Attacks:
Bind
Rock Slide
Bide
Sandstorm
Attacks:
Slash
Surf
Endure
Giga Drain
Gym #15 - Seafoam Islands Gym

Location: Seafoam Islands
Gym Leader: Blaine
Specialty: Fire-type
Reward: Volcano Badge

Puzzle:
Poor Blaine's gym was totalled in the Cinnabar Island volcanic eruption, and he's now stuck in the Seafoam Island cave. He's still insistent on the need for a Burn Heal, and with moves like Fire Punch, Flamethrower, and Fire Blast in his arsenal you better have one. Magmar has Thunderpunch to fight back against your Water-types, but the rest of his triad are sitting ducks. If you can't use a good Water-type for whatever reason, Rock and Ground-type moves are fantastic too. Defeat Blaine for the Volcano Badge and move onto Viridian City.

Gym Leader Blaine Magcargo Magmar Rapidash
Battle Type
Single Battle
Items
Level 45 Level 45 Level 50
Attacks:
Curse
Smog
Flamethrower
Rock Slide
Attacks:
Thunderpunch
Fire Punch
Sunny Day
Confuse Ray
Attacks:
Quick Attack
Fire Spin
Fury Attack
Fire Blast
Gym #16 - Viridian City Gym

Location: Viridian City
Gym Leader: Blue
Specialty: None
Reward: Earth Badge

Puzzle:
Since Giovanni's departure, the gym has been under new management. However, this old foe will "smell ya later" until you collect the other seven Kanto badges. This Lego-built gym doesn't have any puzzle and is a straight up challenge against Blue. He has a very diverse team and is probably just as tricky to beat as he was at the end of Red and Blue. With the classic core of Grass/Fire/Water, you should probably bring a Dragon-type if you can to resist their powerful moves. Alakazam has the very powerful Psychic but can be taken out by anything faster than it with a physical attack. Pidgeot can get zapped with Electric-type moves, stoned with Rock-type moves, or chilled with Ice-type moves. The latter of those can also be used for Rhydon, or with Grass-type and Water-type moves instead. Bring lots of potion and a well balanced team for this match and you shouldn't have too much issue. Win, and you'll get the Earth Badge, which gives you access to Mt. Silver after you talk to Professor Oak. There, the ultimate trainer awaits...

Gym Leader Blue Pidgeot Alakazam Rhydon Gyarados Exeggutor Arcanine
Battle Type
Single Battle
Items
Level 56 Level 54 Level 56 Level 58 Level 58 Level 58
Attacks:
Quick Attack
Whirlwind
Wing Attack
Mirror Move
Attacks:
Disable
Recover
Psychic
Reflect
Attacks:
Fury Attack
Sandstorm
Rock Slide
Earthquake
Attacks:
Twister
Hydro Pump
Rain Dance
Hyper Beam
Attacks:
Sunny Day
Leech Seed
Egg Bomb
Solar Beam
Attacks:
Roar
Swift
Flamethrower
Extremespeed