How to Defeat Elite Four Bertha

Struggling against Bertha's Ground and Rock-type Pokémon? Get the best strategies, type matchups, and team recommendations to overcome her challenge in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

Alright, let's get you ready to face Bertha, the fourth Elite Four member! She's a tough one, relying heavily on Ground and Rock-type Pokémon, but with the right approach, you'll send her packing. Her team can be a bit tricky, especially with moves that can disrupt your strategy or hit hard. We'll go through each of her Pokémon and figure out the best way to counter them.

Bertha's Pokémon Team:

• Quagsire (Level 55) - Water/Ground
• Sudowoodo (Level 56) - Rock
• Golem (Level 56) - Rock/Ground
• Whiscash (Level 55) - Water/Ground
• Hippowdon (Level 59) - Ground

Strategy Breakdown:

First up is Bertha's Quagsire (Level 55). This Water/Ground type has moves like Surf and Earthquake, which are STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) moves. It also has Toxic to poison you and Recover to heal itself, plus Leftovers to passively regain HP. Your best bet here is to use a Grass-type Pokémon. Seriously, Grass-types are your best friends against Quagsire. Just steer clear of any Water-types, as Quagsire's Water Absorb ability will just heal them up!

Next, we have Sudowoodo (Level 56). Even though it's a Rock-type, it doesn't have any Ground-type moves. It can hit hard with Head Smash or Double Edge, and thanks to its Rock Head ability, these moves won't cause recoil damage. It also has Low Kick for heavier opponents and Sucker Punch to strike first if you use an attacking move. Sudowoodo isn't the toughest, so a strong Water, Grass, or even a Ground-type Pokémon should handle it just fine.

Then comes Golem (Level 56). This Rock/Ground type comes packing STAB moves like Stone Edge and Earthquake. It can also use Heavy Slam, which deals more damage the heavier Golem is, and Rock Polish to seriously boost its Speed. Golem has the Sturdy ability, meaning it's guaranteed to survive at least one hit if it's at full HP. This is where Grass-types and Water-types really shine, as they are super effective. Ground and Fighting-types are also good options here.

Bertha's Whiscash (Level 55) is another Water/Ground type. It uses STAB moves like Hydro Pump and Bulldoze, which lowers your Speed. It's also got Ice Beam to counter Grass-types and Belch, which it uses after consuming a berry. Just like with Quagsire, Grass-types are your go-to. Be aware that Whiscash might be holding a Rindo Berry, which will weaken your first Grass-type move. You'll also want to be prepared for its Ice Beam, so make sure your Grass-type can take a hit or that you have a backup plan.

Finally, Bertha's ace is Hippowdon (Level 59). When this Ground-type enters the battle, its Sand Stream ability kicks in, creating a sandstorm that damages any Pokémon not of the Ground, Rock, or Steel type. This sandstorm also boosts Hippowdon's Special Defense. Its attacks include STAB Earthquake, Ice Fang, and Crunch. It can also use Rest to fully heal itself, then fall asleep before waking up with its Chesto Berry. For Hippowdon, Water and Ice-type Pokémon are your best bet. Mamoswine is particularly good here, as it's a Ground-type itself, making it immune to the sandstorm damage, and it can hit hard.