Building the Perfect Normal Type Gym Leader

Gym Leaders are some of the most powerful trainers in the Pokémon world and are the main hurdles a trainer most overcome throughout their journey. But the reality is that many of them are underwhelming, even during their post-game fights. To showcase what a Gym Leader should truly be, today I'm starting a series where I build a "perfect" gym leader for every type in the game! A team that's not only challenging, but one that represents the type better than their in-game teams could ever hope to.
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[@mychemicalshazam]

I love the idea of being a kid playing Pokémon for the first time and coming across a gym leader with belly drum snorlax after a trick room is set up

[@Konyyaan]

Sounds like a nightmare 💀

[@Judger037]

WOW I WOULD LOVE IT - The guy that almost died in every important battle in BW (but defeated Cynthia easily)

[@Danpt-5o6gft6]

In post game yeah but first time hell no

[@Soulraven2735]

The kid's reaction would be that meme of William Defoe looking up and being super distraught.

[@Judger037]

@@Soulraven2735 It would be Cynthia PTSD, but only with a snorlax-

[@childofathena9420]

Imagine a person's team that is entirely just normal/flying

[@purgatoryproductions310]

same energy as bird keeper lance

[@Forever-GM-Dusty]

I thought Larry should've done that for his e4 team, in the ultimate display of malicious compliance as he did as Geeta asked and changed his type "to flying" despite his preference for normal types

[@ochunga1692]

Falkner: (nervous sweating)

[@purgatoryproductions310]

@@ochunga1692 he’s a flying leader, it makes sense for him to

[@justsomerandomdudeontheint9859]

Sooooo just Falkner

[@silencesteel5246]

The thing I mostly hate about gym leaders teams is that some dual types are only ever seen as one type. For example: most ghost specialists use Gengar line but poison specialist never, flying gym leaders never use bug/flying pokemon, and nomal/flying(probably most common type combo) wasnt used by any normal gym leader for 8 generation until Larry(Icon).

[@shepskydad]

I’ll do my best to keep this in mind for future videos!

[@rdchris6556]

Agreed! I think it's a crime that Gyarados or Dragonite aren't on Flyings gym teams!

[@specs.weedle]

Come to think of it, there are a lot of mons that have never been on a gym leader’s team in the official games. This isn’t really helped by the fact that gym leaders almost never use 4 or more pokemon. Sure, some might argue “but it’s a kid’s game it has to be easy”, and to that I respond with 3 things. 1: It makes absolutely no sense for the player to be one of the only 2 people in the region capable of carrying around a full team of 6 before the postgame. Besides, gym leaders are supposed to show off and represent their type, and being able to use a full team would help with that. 2: Pokemon is a game about monster catching, and it should encourage players to catch and try out all sorts of Pokemon in their party. 3: Gym leaders are supposed to be strong trainers with well trained teams that act as obstacles to be overcame. It feels more satisfying to win against a full team meant to work together, than it does to win by spamming a super effective move against a few randomly picked mons sharing the same type while having questionable sets.

[@Jack-496]

Absolutely true! And the only reason they did this for Larry was so he could have the same ace as an E4 Member.

[@jaernihiltheus7817]

I think the flying thing is due to the flying types gym leaders so far having more of a bird theme specifically- only using non-birds like driftblim, tropius, or sigilyph to compensate for the fact that there aren't any bird flyings (in that generation) with the desired type combo. It would be interesting to see a flying gym leader who's themed around non-birds, though. Like one whose team is something like driftblim, yanmega, crobat, noivern, gliscor, and aerodactyl or whatever.

[@louiserosato4857]

But seriously, Roxanne with a Tyrannitar would be utterly MORTIFYING!

[@maxmeinert3203]

to be fair if you arent underleveled a double kick would deal with it just fine.

[@warpstarrogue3554]

A Tyranitar on any npc's team, actually a Tyranitar on ANY team is terrifying.

[@doodlesyoru2108]

​@@maxmeinert3203 live Staraptor reaction:

[@mawdewile]

Doing ice would be a fun one. The type that’s designed as a glass cannon… and the vast majority of ice type Pokémon are designed to be slow defensive hit-takers. Lol. Love to see you come up with the perfect ice gym team

[@specs.weedle]

it’s definitely gonna have alolan ninetales and alolan sandslash, which a ton of mono-ice teams have for a reason it’s like they were designed to be paired, but they were made version exclusive and locked behind a lategame area because No Fun Allowed™️

[@mrmacura3421]

The more recent Ice types have been given much better offensive potential. However, even slow and bulky teams can work nowadays when you stack the boosts from Aurora Veil and snow. Still, I agree that it is best to focus on offense as much as possible. That's what Ice really excels in and the two recent generations give you a lot of tools to do that.

[@elrichardo1337]

weavile and gdarm be taking names

[@edgargaebolg9307]

​@@mrmacura3421 Last gens also gave us the disgrace that is H-Lugg

[@mrmacura3421]

@@edgargaebolg9307 Yes, but that was an exception. If you look at Gens 8 and 9 only Glastrier, Mr Rime and H-Avalugg (out of the new fully evolved pokemon) suffer from bad speed without a way to boost it (like Icecue has with its form change or Arctozolt, Arctovish and Cetitan have with slush rush). And while I still like the normal one better, I don't think H-Avalugg is that bad. It is more of a slightly different alternative to the normal one rather than a completely different pokemon (like the two Ursaluna forms for example), but that is fine with me. I cannot really imagine a regional Avalugg with lots of speed.

[@plantsoup6456]

I love the way you teambuilt here. It’s so easy and boring to just to staple together 6 OU Pokémon and call it done, but you actually examine a type’s identity and make your choices with that in mind. That’s awesome.

[@pokemonviolet5418]

Personally I would swap Smeargle for Porygon-Z. It keeps the 'versatility' aspect of the normal type but uses a less frail and gimmicky pokemon

[@Dave-gw6wh]

I agree, its the only thing that makes it better (and maybe Pidgeot for Starraptor for Nostalgic reasons)

[@pokemonviolet5418]

@@Dave-gw6wh I would personally choose Pidgeott for the nostalgia, but I can't argue without mega evolution Staraptor is the stronger choice

[@viggosevenhant5595]

I do agree that in terms of stats, moves and ability that Pory-Z would be the better choice. But I think from a design standpoint, Smeargle *looks* more like a normal type which is just as important if not more important imo. Also, Smeargle's awful stats make it fit in as well. Something that most people would write off as bad being used to great effect is almost the essence of the normal type for a gym leader!

[@avaluggglazer445]

​@@viggosevenhant5595Smeargles stats aren't even the things being used well, they're the only thing weighing it down in fact. Smeargle doesn't really look more "normal" than Porygon when it comes to the typing rather than the word itself.

[@zhaoqidu1471]

Agree. Since ai never switches out from smeagle and it does almost no damage, plus the lack of prority moves in the team, there's nothing to stop any dragon dance user set up and sweep the entire team. Just like when you are facing Cynthia, it is quite easy to set up in front of the spiritomb and sweep the entire team.

[@typhoonzach2102]

I really like the team but I think staraptor needs better moves, it’s already fast enough to where it doesn’t really need quick attack and frail enough even with intimidate for roost to be useless. I think giving it something like u turn and brave bird/double edge would probably be better even with the flying gem strategy.

[@shepskydad]

In hindsight a Choice Band set with U-turn would have been more optimal, especially as a lead. Plus it would give Quick Attack more purpose. Thanks for the insight!

[@specs.weedle]

Didn’t you have Smeargle as the dedicated lead? Maybe the banded u-turn spamming set could be as a secondary lead that goes in after the Smeargle is done setting up hazards. Either way, I think having a u-turn with intimidate would make it a good fast pivot that could switch in, lower attack and do some damage, and pivot to something else which should shrug off the incoming attack if it was physical. It’d also be pretty good at deterring any grass types brought to counter Ursaluna, or any dark types brought to counter Farigiraf or Zoroark. To be honest, as long as you’re not doing whatever GF did with facade + aerial ace on a gym leader’s ace Staraptor (aka a pokemon known for getting close combat upon evolving), you should probably be fine.

[@Destinum]

Staraptor is absolutely not too frail to utilize Roost. Defensive Staraptor has been a staple set since its inception.

[@blehrg8638]

​​@@DestinumIm sorry but no it has not been. The closest thing to a defensive staraptor that was actually used commonly in a standard format is sub roost, which isnt actually a defensive set and relies primarily on its offenses to scare opponents into switching so it can get a sub off and then hit things from behind a sub. And its worth noting roost isnt even there for it to tank things, but so it doesnt kill itself with its own moves and it doesnt EV defensively either

[@Destinum]

@@blehrg8638 Perhaps I misspoke a bit, but that's moreso because it's been stuck in BL hell, and the offensive sets are the only way for it to carve out any sort of tiny niche in OU. Ever played Monotype? Not a "standard" format per say, but still an official one on Smogon. There, Staraptor has consistently been a top tier pick (on Normal teams specifically), and lo and behold: Defensive is the standard set.

[@Frostgnaw]

Surprised Slaking didn't make the list. So many times, I've forgotten that Norman's Slakings had Counter and I'd end up 1-shotting my best chance at killing that monster.

[@wacob]

Retaliate in ORAS was lethal for me. I was young and didn’t carry Protect on any of my mons and I wiped several times in both of my runs in that game

[@revalentinemashups510]

the problem with slaking is that protect completely shuts it down, and unlike hoenn where protect has a pretty limited selection pre-norman (no tm til lilycove), this battle is presumably set much later due to the fully evolved team of 6. Protect has better avaliablity in most other games anyway. Something notable about rhe gen 3 game's design is that after Norman, slaking only show up in potential double battles, where truant is harder to play around. The game designers knew this idea wasn't gonna work the same the next time you ran Into it.

[@thoughtgaming492]

If slacking didnt suck Id agree. Its scary as a kid when you dont know how to deal with it but with any level of strategic thinking it would be impossible to lose to a slacking. Snorlax takes its spot on this list.

[@avaluggglazer445]

​@@thoughtgaming492Slaking purely sucks in singles because of truant. In a (non comp) doubles based gym leader? Fuck it we band

[@thoughtgaming492]

@@avaluggglazer445 in a doubles gym you could get away with him and pull some dirty combos. Run doodle on the ally and swap out truant for anything else.

[@ds2465]

Pretty much agree but a missed chance to add Blessy and Exploud. Blessy because its the ultimate HP tank, and Exploud because sound based moves are a big part of the Normal vibe.

[@specs.weedle]

Blissey would be extremely easy to exploit when used by AI; just send out your physical attacker (or have the dubious ingame AI send it in while you’re sweeping with one) and it’ll barely be a threat. Or just status it and grind it down over time as its special attack is pretty low so it generally won’t be able to knock you out before you can, even if you have a special attacker. Blissey needs a human player controlling it for it to be used effectively.

[@edgargaebolg9307]

​@@specs.weedle Don't forget Blissey can run Seismic Toss to speed things up

[@trevorlockhard1446]

I cant wait for you to make the most OP leader in existance with the Fairy types. The fact that the last two generations gym leaders failed to make proper use of it is a testament to game freaks ability to make terrible teams.

[@dvillines26]

if I had to guess what every type's 'thing' is: Water - Rain Dance strats, special bulk, Mr. Fish Fire - Sunny Day, generally on the special side and fast Grass - Leech Seed Fun Zone (imo Arboliva is one of the best Leech Seed abusers to ever do it, and deserves a spot on the team), maybe Sunny Day user for Chlorophyll/Solar Beam Ice - Snow/Aurora Veil team (imo basically there's no argument here, Froslass and Abomasnow have to be on the team) Electric - Electric Terrain + Paralysis (and something with a cheeky Rain Dance + Thunder combination) Dark - flinches, defense drops, Nasty Plots, all the dirtiest tricks Ghost - Hex strats, Destiny Bond, Pressure+Spite+Protect PP drainage, Curse Fighting - aggressive physical, boosting with Bulk Up/Meditate, punishing with Counter/Reversal Psychic - confusion, Calm Mind set-up, Trick Room, maybe Psychic Terrain Dragon - Dragon Dance and just hitting really, really hard with powerful moves Fairy - Misty Terrain, Shenanigans, special side in both attack and bulk generally Flying - Tailwind, Roost, maybe a Rain Dance user to allow for accurate Hurricane Rock - the Stealth Rock Fun Zone Steel - being defensive menaces, with a strong offensive presence generally relying on their second type's STAB Ground - SANDSTORM yes it's a Rock type move who cares it's Ground types that benefit from it most Bug - Sticky Web, Quiver Dance Poison - TOXIC GO BRRR (special request: Alolan Muk)

[@SophiaPaley-rm1tp]

This is a good place to start, but I’d add a bit more depth for each. Normal got a focus on high HP/bulk AND move variety, so I think having more than one gimmick is fair game. Water - should have a special attacking focus to honor the fact that it was a special type, should be bulky, should have lots of Ice coverage Fire - high damage output moves with drawbacks, burn strats Grass- powder and status moves, indirect damage Ice - freeze, evasion, BoltBeam glass canons Electric - speedy Pokemon/speed control, electric terrain, paralysis, volt switch Dark - critical hits, defense drops, moves with secondary effects or conditions like Sucker Punch, Feint Attack etc You nailed ghost, poison, and psychic nothing to add except maybe Disable could be fun on ghosts Don’t know fairy well enough to comment Flying - Roost shenanigans, tailwind, two-turn partial immunity moves like Fly and Sky Attack Rock - stealth rock yeah, but also sandstorm (yes, over ground type) high physical defense, Ancient Power Ground - earthquake, Arena Trap, lots of rock coverage Fighting - physical attack, punching moves and kicking moves, moves that get around your defensive tools like break break or seismic toss Bug - uh idk maybe set-up moves? They have some great ones (Quiver Dance, Tail Glow) and god do they need it.

[@amithist4455]

@@SophiaPaley-rm1tpFor bugs I can imagine sticky web + quiver dance/tail glow but also evasion boosting moves and maybe even baton pass strats. Boosting and passing evasion and quiver dance boosts to the main sweeper (like volcarona)

[@DamonDraven]

Ground doesn't get SpDef boost from Sandstorm, Rock does. Ground should use Spikes.

[@murkrowyeet8484]

Rock type should also have a sturdy explosion user ngl. Geodude, Onix, Sudowoodo, Nosepass, Regirock, Roggenrola, Carbink, Hisuian Avalugg, and Nacli lines all have the sturdy explosion combo

[@yukiizura]

8:30 Today I learned that Ursaluna gets Seed Bomb for some reason This is such a great series idea, but definitely don't overwork yourself to get them out! Loved seeing Farigarif get her day of recognition, and I was prepared to riot if Snorlax wasn't included. I'd love to see Rock next so I can get the disappointment of Gigalith not making the cut out the way, or Ice, because I'm curious whether you'll go hard on bulk with Snow, or go for sweeping.

[@darklightning2730]

Uhh…the Flying Gem doesn’t exist anymore. Hopefully it’ll come back soon.

[@gavinaaric]

You forgot return too

[@shukuchishikeishuu9540]

I'm sure that OP made this team with the National Dex format in mind.

[@darklightning2730]

@@gavinaaric Wait, yeah. I guess I forgot about that since it didn’t make sense for that move to be deleted in the first place.

[@gavinaaric]

@@darklightning2730 yeah want it back

[@hailthequeenFM]

Hate to be a bearer of bad news, but this team is high-key​ ass in Monotype Nat Dex.@@shukuchishikeishuu9540

[@Darksnowman13]

So for context, this was Gen 7 doubles, but when I ran my gym back in college, I brought Snorlax, Porygon2, Mega Audino, Oranguru, Drampa and Braviary/Regigigas (depending on allowed mons) and it used a lot of Trick Room nonsense

[@asaka616]

To me, the quintessential Normal type is Stoutland. Hits hard, has a good ability in Intimidate and is just a really good boy. Keep this series going, you've earned my subscription.

[@CircadianAnomaly]

You could transition directly into normal type's only weakness, fighting! It'd be interesting to see this series go by order of the previous episode's weakness! Great vid, btw! Seeing Unfezant took me out, lmao. I forgot that bird even existed!

[@animevillainscourge8074]

people underestimate how amazing normal types are tbh. a normal type with the ability scrappy is amazing against ghost types, my miltank was really the saving grace against morty in heartgold

[@samandcheese_1225]

I really like this concept of this series! I also think bug type should really get a gym leader that focusses on the min-max aspect of their pokemon, if you look at the top (non legendary) pokemon of each stat a bug pokemon is at number one (vikavolt with 145 Sp. att, ninjask with 160 speed and shuckle with 230 Defence and 230 special defence) they can also often be tricky because they can set up with quiver dance, have accuracy boosted sleep spore and stun spore with compound eyes and araquanid can defeat the fire and rock type counters with his water bubble ability.

[@nickeldan]

I ran a Normal team for a long time and fell in love with their versatility. My smeargle, Maestro, had Foul Play, Mirror Coat, King’s Shield, and Will o’ Wisp and of course wore a focus sash. One shotting a Mega Mewtwo Y with a smeargle is something I’ll never forget.

[@DeliciousJames]

You know the video's gonna slap when it starts with Larry the exceptional everyman! Loads of fun as usual, Dad!

[@UnchainedPandoran]

Normal is so slept on. One of the most versatile types!

[@NecoBridge]

Slept on like a snorlax?

[@superfrubblez6123]

I’d love to see bug or rock type next as those are often shafted to being early gyms and thus haven’t been fully explored in the games

[@ShadowDoesCringe]

I feel like rock would be a good episode, since it’s been treated as ‘the early game type’. With only Gordie, and Olivia (Elite Four) being the only ‘late game’ rock bosses.

[@GraeLoL]

Fantastic execution on a super interesting topic. The essence of a type is often overlooked. Instant subscribe Can't wait for poison type and their malicious nature. Using evasiveness, wrapping moves and general stalling

[@GaybrohamStinkton]

Sporblax is lazy not asleep, Kamala is the sleeping normal type :O

[@Tricrace]

Ok how did you fail spelling snorlax there?

[@DarthLiam-gd1wc]

This is the worst comment I have ever seen

[@sufx0845]

I played the normal type quite a bit as a gym leader at conventions, and one of the pokémon I really enjoyed was playing Staraptor a bit bulky with U-turn to pivot on a pokémon suited to the threat in front. One of the funniest things I ever did was to give him a final gambit with a scarf, which was hilarious. I don't know if it's part of the normal type, but I really enjoyed this kind of fun strategy. Another pokémon I really like is Porygon-2, a monstrous tank with a really cool moove pool.

[@theodoax]

Really cool! The "extra-ordinary" dialogue example was well played. I vote for Steel next. Only partly because my favorite pokmin is Skarmory. I promsise I won't dislike that video if doesn't make the cut.

[@justweirdout]

Goes to show you how little I know about good modern pokemon, I was guessing shit like Slaking and Persian lmao Cant wait for the ghost type video tho, i wanna see the best of my spooky boys

[@Jamieswiftie13]

Just discovered your videos, and i feel like you’ve used capitivate on me…

[@usuallychill]

Really cool list! I personally feel like you may have focused a bit too much on new gen Pokemon, but that's only because I'm a Pokemon oldhead hehehe

[@viggosevenhant5595]

I think it's actually pretty good in terms of representation! We have a gen 1 mon and a gen 2 mon which is already pretty good. Gen 4 is a bit of the middle (early middle even honestly) And then 2 of the last 3 are also evolutions for gen 2 mons, which should count for something right?

[@usuallychill]

@@viggosevenhant5595 ok

[@StartouchArts]

I want Bug next! Bug is my favorite type, it has so many AWESOME Pokemon like Volcarona, Golisopod, Araquanid, Galvantula, Vikavolt, Scolipede, and Centiskorch. You could easily make a gym leader, or even a member of the Pokemon League with nothing but a hyper offense Bug team.

[@mrmacura3421]

I think your way of building the team around a type's specific strength is really important. I have seen a lot of people playing mono type teams in a way that did not exploit their type's full potential. You will have to decide between playing with your favorite type or your favorite playstyle (unless you are lucky and they align like with me).

[@FluffySoldier]

I like the idea of this series and will be following. You should consider making a romhack of your own and adding all these gym leaders into it. Would be fun. Hard to find romhacks that aren't insanely hard or too easy.

[@jesuschris3561]

I loved that you try to fit the team to a specific instead of just using the most competitive Pokemon and moves

[@moik1638]

I love this idea for a video! Can't wait to see the next types 😍

[@hogg156]

I absolutely loved this video format. I was surprised to see it just premered!

[@LucasOliveira-qw6ex]

I’m trying this in singles for sure. Loved your video!

[@zachbuddie8393]

This series concept is the ultimate thing to make my brain happy. Great work, and I can’t wait to hear you discuss the other types!

[@Paperbag34]

While gym leaders in Pokemon are supposed to be pretty easy by virtue of it being a kid's franchise first and foremost, I always kinda wanted postgame gym leader battles with well built teams. I think this captures the Normal Type pretty well while also having a decent difficulty to get through, and I love it.

[@TwoHeadedMeerkat]

I know it's unlikely, but I was _really_ hoping to see Lickilicky with one set in particular...that being Choice Band Explosion. As far as I know, it's the only Pokemon to get STAB on Explosion, and the thought of the gym leader just chucking it like a live grenade is super funny to me

[@edgargaebolg9307]

I'm sure Snorlax gets Explosion or Self-Destruct

[@alecrutz6979]

@@edgargaebolg9307 it does not get explosion but it does get self destruct btw to answer what OP said, Lickilicky is not the only STAB exploder, as Silvally also gets it, tho the big licky boi is probably is one you're far more likely to have access to.

[@itsgonnabeanaurfromme]

Gym leaders canonically adapt their teams depending on their opponent's number of badges. I think designing a team that depends on this would be interesting and more challenging than just a team of 6 just meant to be strong Like a team of two for challengers who have only less than 3 badges. I really like the concept introduced in RBY. Brock introduces that types are everything (normal moves doing almost nothing against rock types) And Misty introduced types aren't everything (Starmie wiping you out if your grass / electric type isn't ready and at the same level or lower)

[@caylexeverhart]

This was awesome! Under these stipulations, I think something I'd change is explicitly making the normal gym a doubles battle. Especially with trick room being available, I think doubles would showcase this team's potential way better than singles would. Past that for singles I personally would've included scarf impostor ditto somewhere, and maybe also linoone with extremespeed (or dnite with tera normal, if we go by gen 9 rules).

[@jamarcusshakespeare6440]

Can't believe I'm just discovering your page - this is one of the best PKMN videos I've seen and it's not unnecessarily long! Excited for the rest of the series. (Staraptor not having U-Turn to lean into Intimidate kills me but maybe you're saving that for the Bug-type LOL)

[@King_Bulbasaur]

The real best normal type team: Bidoof, Bidoof, Bidoof, Bidoof, Bidoof, and Bidoof

[@YullRy]

is your dog normal type?

[@mrcoldmiser]

Normal/goodboy

[@SophiaPaley-rm1tp]

Can I just say, I love this series idea! I’m especially excited to see you capture the essence of the ghost type, so please do that one next!

[@reimannsum9077]

Really well-constructed video and interesting series overall. You've earned this new subscription.

[@xander_rogue6165]

Normal trainer here! Love the team and im glad Maushold didnt make it! (Theyre a monster but a bit much thanks to technician) I'm surprised Ditto didn't make it! Pop a mirror herb on the little dude (I like this over choice items) and beat the other team with their mon. Also Oinkologne - F is STACKED for what they are and make for a fun surprise when they are far bulkier than you'd expect.

[@Jelly_shy_guy_man]

NORMAL TYPE bruh that type is so weird, like normal type!?!? Next do grass type

[@sandy_nes31]

We're on a world were a teenager can travel across a whole region, fighting powerful beings and evil organizations (along with GOD-LIKE ENTITIES) There ain't no normal thing on this, nuh uh

[@Jelly_shy_guy_man]

@@sandy_nes31 true Pokémon is really weird

[@purgatoryproductions310]

@@sandy_nes31on the contrary, in this world, that *is* normal.

[@justanotherkable_guy2109]

I'm really excited to see what is done with each type and will eagerly be waiting the ghost type gym leader. It has 2 immunities and the type has a lot of low HP mons, but also a lot of room for creativity. Keep up the great work

[@helloeddboy]

This was really fun to watch, it reminded me of how I used to build teams in college, good stuff keep it up! ❤ Can’t wait to see what you come up with bug or poison types.

[@JC0508]

just met this channel and this is such a cool concept for a youtube series keep making them man very very cool

[@Ryan-hy7tt]

I love this idea! I enjoy making gym leader teams myself (especially bug type) so I can’t wait to see your take on it

[@karimsmith937]

Love this video concept, cant wait for more

[@Fincaurum]

Great video man. I apreciate the focus on enhancing the peculiarities of each type, GF should take notes

[@cwbomba13]

This is an awesome series idea, and I can't wait to see the Steel and Dark type teams you come up with!

[@brockpeterson6158]

What an interesting and thoughtful video. I’m really impressed! You got yourself a new subscriber buddy

[@Simpatrico]

I love this video! I love making mono type teams to do play throughs with and I love your process for designing this team! I hope you do Bug type soon, it has always been my favorite type! I like that using bugs makes the game more challenging

[@harrisontownsend910]

Another thing is that gym leaders are meant to be specific challenges similar to a traditional boss fight, so you have to design to have a challenge with a defined but not to easy or obvious challenge.

[@ryutak777]

I love the video and concept and this has got me super excited for types like the Dark type, Grass type, and Bug type,

[@cranemanxx7731]

INSANE video

[@Gio-pb5rm]

Love this video idea. Great execution

[@johnny9vicente]

I loved the team and series idea! Keep it up 🙌🙌 curious to watch the rest

[@richardquinata76]

I actually took part in a trend a while back where your test answers determined your Gym type, I got Normal on the second take due to a friend having already been made a Steel Gym. Four of your suggestions were actually my choices with those being Staraptor, Hisuian Zoroark, Ursaluna and Snorlax. The remaining two were Drampa and Mega Lopunny.

[@Lusitano9514]

Loved this list man! Yes please we would love to have some more videos like this for the other types! ❤❤

[@raimond015]

Great vid! Hope to see more types!

[@thebozz1139]

I can't wait to see what you do for the grass type. It's my favorite type and I've created a mono-type team that worked well for me. Grass types are underrated, one you get around the fire type problem they can be unstoppable

[@alex9033]

I'm down for this as a series, I play a ton of monotype and like theorycrafting. Trying to find a balance between "kids should be able to beat this" and "potential Nuzlocke run-ender" is fun. Thinking a team of Blissey, Bewear, H-Zoroark, Poryg2n, Cinccino and Ursaluna, myself. I will not be hearing arguments against Cinccino, I love Cinccino, Cinccino is mandatory.

[@javansantos843]

This is such a fun series and I'm excited to see all the other gyms!

[@phoens2803]

I love this vid! Little note, you should show more details for each move (like type, power...) for those who dont really know the moves! I'd love to see the bug type next!

[@justracoon7621]

Amazing Idea ^_^ i hope you continue with this series cant wait to see the next one

[@thequagiestsire]

I personally would choose Psychic Noise over Psyshock for the giraffe, it shows off the weirder side of Normal type’s versatility by shutting down healing from the opponent while also just being really cool. The Farigiraf can both heal extra from its Berry and prevent healing from your own (or any other healing moves/items).

[@Alibium]

Absolutely amazing video can’t wait for more

[@specs.weedle]

i really love staraptor, such an awesome and very important bird double edge + brave bird + close combat + u-turn/protect is my go to

[@cloudmouthed384]

Great video. My fiancé and I sometimes debate for fun about how we would build her ground or my electric type team. I think either of those would make an interesting video, since both have to deal with a type that is completely immune to them. Either way, loved this, easy subscribe!

[@thomasmalone4624]

Would love to see a double battle version of this!! Since I've been waiting on gamefreak to pull the trigger on that ever since the twins teased that it's possible. Awesome video by the way can't wait for the rest of the series!

[@rodolfomendez99]

Great video. Very entertaining and the avatar references were gold

[@brrboy6]

love this idea, id anything I'd ad a segment maybe going over where type gym leaders were wrong or just ranking them

[@siinatro9047]

Love the overall concept for the series and the team. I get what you’re going for with Smeargle, but I think an Expert Belt Porygon-Z with crazy coverage moves would fit even better.

[@giovanniguzman1852]

I love the concept for the series. I've been doing stuff like this with my buddies, since i was a kid. I think i would get rid of staraptor for something more iconic. I would lean into the bulky aspect of normal, and go with something like a bulky Pidgeot. Feather dance/roost/tailwind, and either, U-turn, Or ominous wind(witch it gets in gen 6 i think). give it a rocky helmet to hold

[@rangerecho]

I love your content, and I'm really excited for this series! as a follow up on this one and on future videos, here's the team I'd use if I were a normal type gym leader: Cyclizar Braviary Ursaluna Farigiraf Snorlax Zoroark, Hisui (yes I know many are repeated but to be fair they're amazing choices)

[@JojoFan46]

this is a awesome idea for a series!

[@starr_tots]

YESSS i’ve had this idea as a thinkin exercise for ages thank you for making it real

[@elementalgamer0732]

Every pokemon game I've played I've always beaten it once with a normal type only team. It's sort of a write of passage for the game, deciding if it's a pokemon I enjoy playing or not. And tbh you learn alot about how slept on normal types are when you beat the game with a full team of them. Still need to do one for the Unova and Alohan games.

[@RicoChicoMalico]

Love this team ❤ Excited to see what others you can come up with. Hoping to see dragon types soon.

[@chevre8491]

this video was really well done and thought out i’d love to see this in an actual pokemon game

[@Cr3wcmber]

Love this idea for a series! Ice types next pls!!

[@shauryanegi6553]

0:55 emBARKING, 🤣🤣🐶🗣️ Yes this is my humour Why are you here Here take a dog. >🐶

[@JikuAraiguma]

I’ll be keeping an eye on this series, as I am a member of a group that has spent a few years doing this exact thing, me personally specializing in Ghost-Types. Ghost-Types, in the many years I’ve been running, studying, and analyzing them, typically aren’t offensive power-houses and have a lower base stat total often times. What they specialize in is what you’d expect: Shenanigans. There are ways to cheat their power up higher than it should be, and to mess with your opponent’s strategies. Some personal favorites of mine are a suispike Froslass, the iconic Gengar, and my personal ace Pokemon Jellicent. Bulkier than the typical Ghost Pokémon, Jellicent can survive a hit or two, which pairs well with my preferred item for it, Weakness Policy. This combined with a moveset of Taunt, Recover, Hex, and Scald have given me far more victories in our monotype league than I frankly should have been able to get away with. A few more favorites of mine in this type are Sableye, Trevenant, Marowak, and Golurk. The essence of ghost types is that you aren’t trying to win the match, you’re trying to spook the opponent with sudden stat bursts and mess with them via statuses, just as a ghost should.

[@floss16]

Well you got a sub I'm excited for this gym leader series

[@jacobdumas7643]

Great video! I think it’d be fun to include a couple of honorable mentions in these videos! It must be tough to select a group of six with how many options there are, so it’d be cool to hear which mons you considered but ultimately couldn’t fit in the team for one reason or another. For example, I immediately thought of Eviolite Chansey/Heavy Duty Boots Blissey focused on healing (even if this role isn’t unique to the pair anymore with Audino/Comfee) as well as a Choice Banded Slaking (even if Truant is god awful). It might also be a good opportunity to focus on alternative mechanics to build a team around; sound-based moves are largely Normal-type, for example, but your team focused primarily on high HP which I think is a better choice, for the record :) It might also be cool to dive into Pokémon that would be good in specific generations, such as Parental Bond Kangaskhan in Gen 6. This is a great concept regardless, and I’m excited to see what you have for the future!

[@SoralaxPlays]

This is hilariously timed, haha. I literally just finished making a series of Gym Leader / E4 monotype teams on Showdown for my roommate to square up against (he's new to semi-competitive Pokemon, and this seemed like a fun initiation ritual). My Normal E4 Team was: - Cyclizar - Maushold - Hisuian Zoroark - Ursaluna - Blissey - Normal Tera Slaking

[@Santi-tm9yo]

I loved the video, I need to see the other type teams ❤️❤️❤️

[@The_midladder_menace]

Please do grass type next time. I think its a really cool type. Cool video idea btw this is the first video I saw of you and I dropped a sub👍

[@ninjakick2587]

Cant wait for the next one!

[@davepetersen2643]

With your mention of the bulky normal types, surprised you didn’t do more status shenanigans. I know you mentioned you wanted to keep certain things type based, but still feel a toxic stall blissy is classic

[@giovannipiccioni4336]

Amazing series!

[@mrsteamie4196]

Subbed. I cant wait to see the rest of these! Perhaps someone could throw together a romhack with these so we can play against them?

[@NarutoGeek411]

I love the idea of this series. I've always thought about what I would do if I was a gym leader, and came to the conclusion that I'd pick water. My goal for the team would be to show off the type's versatility, similar to how you did with Normal. My core 4 would be Peliper, Lingdra, Ludicolo, and any of the plethora of Water/Ground types (ad of now I'm leaning toward Quagsire as a defense option). Peliper would have Drizzle, which will enable Kingdra's Swift Swim, and Ludicolo's Rain Dish. This core also conveniently has no shared weaknesses. 5th would probably be Lanturn with Volt Absorb to add another immunity. 6th is always rotating in and out, but Tentacruel is always another good defensive mon.