Preparing for Brock

Ready to face Brock, the first Gym Leader in Pokémon Yellow? This guide breaks down his team and the best strategies to defeat him and earn your first badge.

Alright, so you've made it through the early routes and you're probably wondering what's next. The first big hurdle is Brock, the Gym Leader in Pewter City. He's a Rock-type specialist, which means he's gonna hit hard and be tough to take down if you're not prepared. Don't worry, though – with the right Pokémon and a solid strategy, you'll have him beat in no time!

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Geodude: Level 12, Rock/Ground type. Weak to Water, Grass, Ice, Fighting, Ground, Steel. Resists Poison, Fire, Flying, Electric.
• Onix: Level 14, Rock/Ground type. Weak to Water, Grass, Ice, Fighting, Ground, Steel. Resists Poison, Fire, Flying, Electric.

Phases:

1. Geodude: This is Brock's opener. It's not too tough, but it can hit surprisingly hard with its Rock Throw.
2. Onix: This is the main event. Onix is bulky and hits like a truck. It has high Defense, so special attacks are generally more effective if you can land them.

Strategy:

• Water and Grass Types: Your best bet is to have a Pokémon that's strong against Rock and Ground types. A Water-type like Staryu (if you fished one up) or a Grass-type like Bellsprout or Oddish will absolutely wreck Brock's team. If you picked Bulbasaur as your starter, you're in a great position!
• Physical Powerhouses: If you don't have a Water or Grass type, focus on Pokémon with high Attack stats. Mankey, for example, can hit hard with its Fighting-type moves. Just be prepared to heal up after taking hits, as Brock's Pokémon can pack a punch.
• Defense is Key: Brock's Pokémon have high Defense. This means that moves that rely on your Attack stat might not do as much damage as you'd hope. If you have Pokémon with good Special Attack, they'll be more effective.
• Watch Out for Rock Throw: Both of Brock's Pokémon can use Rock Throw, which is a powerful STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) move. It can deal a lot of damage, especially to Flying or Fire-type Pokémon. Try to keep your team healthy!
• Healing Items: Make sure you stock up on Potions before heading into the Gym. You'll likely need them to keep your Pokémon in fighting shape.

Once you defeat Brock, you'll earn the Boulder Badge, which allows you to use the HM Cut outside of battle, and TM34 (Bide). Congrats on beating the first Gym!