Calling all players of Pokémon X/Y: Do you have what it takes to defeat GAF's 18 Gym Leaders?
Basic Information / FAQ
- What is the NeoGAF Pokémon League?
It's a fun little challenge for NeoGAF's Pokémon fans. We've assembled a team of some of the best Pokémon trainers on GAF to wield a single type of Pokémon each - PM each Gym Leader to challenge them to a battle and earn your badge! - OK, sounds fun. How do I sign up?
Just challenge a Gym Leader! Since this is a casual thing, there's no complicated sign-up process. - What are the rules? Will I have to build a new team for each Gym?
We have decided on two standard rulesets to offer an even playing field for everyone, based on the Flat/VGC doubles rules and the Smogon singles rules. Each Gym must offer at least one of these rulesets. Therefore, if you have a Smogon or VGC team already, you'll be able to jump right in! However, to keep things fair on the Gym Leaders, we're limiting how often each challenger can modify his or her team. See below for more information. - I just beat Pokémon X/Y (it was pretty easy)! Bring it on!
Slow down there, buddy! While you might have beaten the game, competitive play is a whole other (Poké)ball game. You'll be facing players using optimised builds, so despite the type limitation it will be difficult to win. It's better to prepare first, then challenge once you've readied some competitive Pokémon. - Alright, what should I do to prepare?
If you have no competitive battling experience, Smogon has a very good beginner's guide (it's quite old, but everything in it still applies). Nugget Bridge has a great Beginners section for double battles; a lot of the information here is also relevant to singles.
Here are some guides to help you get started on putting together a competitive team - breeding guide, horde training guide.
It's perfectly fine to start your challenge using a non-competitive team, and slowly replace your team members as you work your way through the Gym Leaders.
Finally, don't forget that the Pokémon X/Y OT is full of helpful people that will be willing to assist you (and even give you free Pokémon/items). - Awesome, I beat a Gym Leader! What do I get?
Just like in the game, defeating a Gym Leader gets you a badge, which you can add to your avatar!
The badges are designed so they fit into a neat hexagonal grid without taking up too much space (a full collection as below is 94x26 pixels in size), but feel free to arrange them in the way that best fits your own avatar:
If you want to add a badge to your avatar, but suck at image editing, just PM me and I'll help you out.
In addition, once you reach a certain number of Badges, you'll be able to claim a prize from the League. The Gym Leaders are still working this one out, but it'll be ready soon! - I want to be a Gym Leader!
It's possible to take over a Gym Leader's spot by beating them at their own game - see below for more details! - I don't have Pokémon X/Y. Can I play?
No, but it's never too late to fix that! If you're in the US, Club Nintendo is running a promotion where registering a 3DS system and a selected game nets you a free download code for X/Y. This runs until the end of the month, so you still have two weeks to get in on it.
Detailed Rules
General rules
Species Clause: Players may not have more than one Pokémon of the same species on a team (alternate forms count as the same species).
The NeoGAF Pokémon League has two standard formats: "Smogon Singles" and "Flat Doubles". Each Gym Leader is required to accept challenges in one of these formats.
Smogon banlist
Under Smogon rules, the following Pokémon, items, moves, and abilities are banned:
Flat banlist
The Flat banlist is very similar to the VGC2014 banlist, with the exception that Pokémon not in the Kalos Pokédex are allowed (as long as they could legitimately be caught/bred in Kalos).
Under Flat rules, the following Pokémon are banned:
Also note that using Flat Battle rules in-game enforces these rules, including the "choose 3/4" rule (depending on singles/doubles).
Singles-specific:
Sleep Clause: if you put two of your opponent's Pokémon to sleep at the same time, you forfeit the match (sleep caused by Rest doesn't count).
Doubles/triples-specific:
The move Dark Void is banned.
You may also challenge a Gym Leader with a non-standard format listed by that Gym Leader; the banlist and battle type to be used will be specified in the format's name.
Species Clause: Players may not have more than one Pokémon of the same species on a team (alternate forms count as the same species).
This is a standard rule for competitive Pokémon; this rule prevents both challengers and Gym Leaders from packing multiples of the strongest Pokémon available. Nobody wants to face three Dragonites.
Item Clause: Players may not have more than one of their Pokémon hold the same item.We want to get some more variety and creativity than is often seen in competitive play - although often overlooked for singles, most official formats use this rule.
Moody Clause: The ability Moody is banned.The common (and pretty much only) 'strategy' using Moody is to stall for time and hope to get good boosts. This is boring for both sides and is either completely broken or useless based solely on luck. Boring matches determined by luck is something we want to avoid.
Kalos-Native Clause: All Pokémon used must be obtainable by catching/breeding in X/Y, i.e. Poké Transporter-exclusive species are allowed (barring legendaries), but previous-generation tutor moves are banned if the Pokémon cannot learn it in X/Y.A very similar rule is used in VGC2014. This rule ensures players with 5th gen games do not have an advantage over players without (breedable exclusives are easily obtainable on the GTS). Pokémon with the Kalos pentagon on their summary screen are guaranteed to meet this criterion; if you've obtained a Pokémon without this, it's best to run it by the folks over in the Pokémon X/Y OT. The screenshot below from Serebii shows the location of the pentagon:
The NeoGAF Pokémon League has two standard formats: "Smogon Singles" and "Flat Doubles". Each Gym Leader is required to accept challenges in one of these formats.
Smogon banlist
Under Smogon rules, the following Pokémon, items, moves, and abilities are banned:
- Mewtwo
- Blaziken
- Xerneas
- Yveltal
- Gengarite
- Kangaskhanite
- Lucarionite
- Double Team
- Minimize
- Fissure
- Guillotine
- Horn Drill
- Sheer Cold
- Moody
Flat banlist
The Flat banlist is very similar to the VGC2014 banlist, with the exception that Pokémon not in the Kalos Pokédex are allowed (as long as they could legitimately be caught/bred in Kalos).
Under Flat rules, the following Pokémon are banned:
- Mewtwo
- Celebi
- Xerneas
- Yveltal
- Zygarde
Also note that using Flat Battle rules in-game enforces these rules, including the "choose 3/4" rule (depending on singles/doubles).
Singles-specific:
Sleep Clause: if you put two of your opponent's Pokémon to sleep at the same time, you forfeit the match (sleep caused by Rest doesn't count).
Doubles/triples-specific:
The move Dark Void is banned.
You may also challenge a Gym Leader with a non-standard format listed by that Gym Leader; the banlist and battle type to be used will be specified in the format's name.
Modifying Teams
In order to avoid challengers 'cheesing' Gyms by swapping out their entire team for Pokémon super-effective against that Gym, there is a restriction on how often challengers may modify their teams.
Each challenger may have two teams - one for the Smogon ruleset and one for the Flat ruleset (using the same team for both is not recommended, since doubles tactics are so different from singles).
Each time you challenge a Gym Leader and lose, you may switch out two Pokémon on the team you lost with. You may only modify the team you used in that match (i.e. if you used your Flat team you may not modify your Smogon team, and vice-versa).
Only Pokémon species are counted for this rule; you may modify your team freely otherwise as long as the six species on your team remain the same. For example, these are OK:
Note: this rule was changed recently - you no longer get to change a team member if you defeat a Gym Leader (you may still modify your team's moves etc as above).
We're not forcing you to submit your team - you can keep your team and changes hidden until you use it. Although we're relying on your integrity to abide by this rule, Gym Leaders may occasionally compare challenger data in order to find people that have been abusing this.
Each challenger may have two teams - one for the Smogon ruleset and one for the Flat ruleset (using the same team for both is not recommended, since doubles tactics are so different from singles).
Each time you challenge a Gym Leader and lose, you may switch out two Pokémon on the team you lost with. You may only modify the team you used in that match (i.e. if you used your Flat team you may not modify your Smogon team, and vice-versa).
Only Pokémon species are counted for this rule; you may modify your team freely otherwise as long as the six species on your team remain the same. For example, these are OK:
- Teaching Garchomp Earthquake instead of Poison Jab
- Breeding a Timid Lucario instead of a Jolly Lucario
- Using an Ability Capsule
- Switching a Mega Charizard X for a Mega Charizard Y
- Switching a Machamp for an Alakazam
- Evolving Porygon2 into Porygon-Z
Note: this rule was changed recently - you no longer get to change a team member if you defeat a Gym Leader (you may still modify your team's moves etc as above).
We're not forcing you to submit your team - you can keep your team and changes hidden until you use it. Although we're relying on your integrity to abide by this rule, Gym Leaders may occasionally compare challenger data in order to find people that have been abusing this.
Challenging Gym Leaders
Gym Leaders are challenged by PM; you should agree on a time and format to battle via PM. In order to reduce load on Gym Leaders and to prevent the "tactic" of battling over and over until you win due to luck, you must wait 4 days before challenging a Gym Leader again. In the meantime, you may challenge other Gym Leaders.
Each Gym Leader's available times are given using Global Mean Time (GMT); to convert to your own time zone use a time zone converter.
Some Gym Leaders accept Multi Battles - for these, you'll need to team up with another challenger, and pick a Gym Leader to challenge. That Gym Leader will then choose another Leader with similar availability to team up with. Find a partner here, then use PMs either here or in PokéGAF's IRC channel to communicate during the battle. If you win, then both challengers get any badges from the two Gym Leaders they didn't already have; you could potentially get two badges each with just one match!
Gym Battles are conducted in a best of 3 format - whoever wins two games first is the overall winner. Neither side may change the six Pokémon they bring during the best of 3; however, you are allowed to change to order of your team (and in non-6v6 formats, the Pokémon you choose to use).
If you want to become a Gym Leader, you may challenge a Gym Leader using a team containing only Pokémon of the type that Gym Leader uses. Double-typed Pokémon are allowed as long as one of the types matches. There is a special provision for Mega Evolutions where the evolved form has the correct type but the base form does not; you may use such Pokémon as long as you Mega Evolve them as soon as possible. For example, you may include Gyarados on a Dark-type team as long as you Mega Evolve it at the first opportunity you get. To claim the position, you must win a best-of-five match with this team; if you fail you may not rechallenge for that particular Gym Leader position for one month.
Each Gym Leader's available times are given using Global Mean Time (GMT); to convert to your own time zone use a time zone converter.
Some Gym Leaders accept Multi Battles - for these, you'll need to team up with another challenger, and pick a Gym Leader to challenge. That Gym Leader will then choose another Leader with similar availability to team up with. Find a partner here, then use PMs either here or in PokéGAF's IRC channel to communicate during the battle. If you win, then both challengers get any badges from the two Gym Leaders they didn't already have; you could potentially get two badges each with just one match!
Gym Battles are conducted in a best of 3 format - whoever wins two games first is the overall winner. Neither side may change the six Pokémon they bring during the best of 3; however, you are allowed to change to order of your team (and in non-6v6 formats, the Pokémon you choose to use).
If you want to become a Gym Leader, you may challenge a Gym Leader using a team containing only Pokémon of the type that Gym Leader uses. Double-typed Pokémon are allowed as long as one of the types matches. There is a special provision for Mega Evolutions where the evolved form has the correct type but the base form does not; you may use such Pokémon as long as you Mega Evolve them as soon as possible. For example, you may include Gyarados on a Dark-type team as long as you Mega Evolve it at the first opportunity you get. To claim the position, you must win a best-of-five match with this team; if you fail you may not rechallenge for that particular Gym Leader position for one month.
PokéGAF Community
Pokémon X/Y OT: if you need any help with teambuilding or other advice, this is the first place to visit.
PokéGAF IRC: the easiest way to organise battles and trades.
Pokémon Community Thread: for anything Pokémon that isn't directly related to X/Y.
PokéGAF IRC: the easiest way to organise battles and trades.
Pokémon Community Thread: for anything Pokémon that isn't directly related to X/Y.
And without further ado, here are the details on the Gym Leaders!
Poison-type Gym
Leader: Wichu
Prize: Venom Badge
Available Formats:
In-Game Name: Vivian
Available: 10:00-18:00 GMT weekdays, 10:00-17:00 GMT weekends; PM to schedule
- 6v6 Smogon Singles
- 4v4 Flat Doubles
- 6v6 Flat Doubles
- 3v3 Smogon Singles
- 6v6 Flat Triples
- 6v6 Smogon Rotation
- Flat Multi
In-Game Name: Vivian
Available: 10:00-18:00 GMT weekdays, 10:00-17:00 GMT weekends; PM to schedule
Psychic-type Gym
Leader: Aggrotek
Prize: Scry Badge
Available Formats:
In-Game Name: Aggro
Available: Weeknights/weekends EST (00:00 GMT onwards on weekdays); PM to schedule
- 6v6 Smogon Singles
- 6v6 Flat Singles
In-Game Name: Aggro
Available: Weeknights/weekends EST (00:00 GMT onwards on weekdays); PM to schedule
Fairy-type Gym
Leader: SeZMehK
Prize: Nymph Badge
Available Formats:
In-Game Name: SeZMehK
Available: Weeknights EST (00:00-05:00 GMT); PM for weekends
- 4v4 Flat Doubles
- 3v3 Smogon Singles
- Flat Multi
In-Game Name: SeZMehK
Available: Weeknights EST (00:00-05:00 GMT); PM for weekends
Fire-type Gym
Leader: ?
Prize: Volcanic Badge
Available Formats:
In-Game Name: ?
Available: ?
- ?
In-Game Name: ?
Available: ?
Fighting-type Gym
Leader: Alchemy
Prize: Pride Badge
Available Formats:
In-Game Name: Justin
Available: Weeknights PST (04:00-07:00 GMT); PM for weekends
- 4v4 Flat Doubles
- 3v3 Flat Singles
In-Game Name: Justin
Available: Weeknights PST (04:00-07:00 GMT); PM for weekends
Rock-type Gym
Leader: Boogiepop
Prize: Ancient Badge
Available Formats:
In-Game Name: Ruiko
Available: Reasonable EST times (17:00-6:00 GMT); PM to schedule
- 4v4 Flat Doubles
In-Game Name: Ruiko
Available: Reasonable EST times (17:00-6:00 GMT); PM to schedule
Ground-type Gym
Leader: spiritfox
Prize: Seismic Badge
Available Formats:
In-Game Name: Yvonne
Available:12:00-17:00 GMT weekdays, 04:00-16:00 GMT weekends; PM to schedule
- 6v6 Smogon Singles
- 4v4 Flat Doubles
- 3v3 Flat Singles
- 6v6 Flat Doubles
In-Game Name: Yvonne
Available:
Electric-type Gym
Leader: fek
Prize: Volt Badge
Available Formats:
In-Game Name: Hibi
Available: Weeknights EST (23:00-04:00 GMT), any time weekends; PM to schedule
- 6v6 Smogon Singles
- 4v4 Flat Doubles
In-Game Name: Hibi
Available: Weeknights EST (23:00-04:00 GMT), any time weekends; PM to schedule
Bug-type Gym
Leader: JulianImp
Prize: Swarm Badge
Available Formats:
In-Game Name: フリアン
Available: Weeknights EST (22:30-02:30 GMT); PM for weekends
- 6v6 Smogon Singles
- 3v3 Smogon Singles
- Flat Multi
In-Game Name: フリアン
Available: Weeknights EST (22:30-02:30 GMT); PM for weekends
Grass-type Gym
Leader: shunxsato
Prize: Azalea Badge
Available Formats:
In-Game Name: Shun
Available: 3:30-6:30 GMT Mon-Thu; PM for Fri-Sun
- 6v6 Smogon Singles
- 4v4 Flat Doubles
- Flat Multi
In-Game Name: Shun
Available: 3:30-6:30 GMT Mon-Thu; PM for Fri-Sun
Ice-type Gym
Leader: Church RvB
Prize: Permafrost Badge
Available Formats:
In-Game Name: Jury
Available: Weeknights EST (21:00-01:00 GMT); PM for weekends/other times
- 4v4 Flat Doubles
- 6v6 Flat Doubles
- 6v6 Flat Triples
- Flat Multi
In-Game Name: Jury
Available: Weeknights EST (21:00-01:00 GMT); PM for weekends/other times
Water-type Gym
Leader: Professor Beef
Prize: Monsoon Badge
Available Formats:
In-Game Name: Prof.Beef
Available: Weeknights PST (02:00 GMT onwards), no Saturdays; PM to schedule
- 6v6 Smogon Singles
- 3v3 Flat Singles
In-Game Name: Prof.Beef
Available: Weeknights PST (02:00 GMT onwards), no Saturdays; PM to schedule
Ghost-type Gym
Leader: ?
Prize: Paranormal Badge
Available Formats:
In-Game Name: ?
Available: ?
- ?
In-Game Name: ?
Available: ?
Dragon-type Gym
Leader: Quest1
Prize: Meteor Badge
Available Formats:
In-Game Name: Chris
Available: Mornings/evenings PST, later on weekends (16:00-18:00 and 01:00-04:00 GMT weekdays, 17:00-19:00 and 01:00 GMT onwards weekends); PM to schedule
- 6v6 Smogon Singles
In-Game Name: Chris
Available: Mornings/evenings PST, later on weekends (16:00-18:00 and 01:00-04:00 GMT weekdays, 17:00-19:00 and 01:00 GMT onwards weekends); PM to schedule
Flying-type Gym
Leader: MicH
Prize: Typhoon Badge
Available Formats:
In-Game Name: Michael
Available: 14:00-21:00 GMT weekdays, 18:00-22:00 weekends; PM to schedule
- 6v6 Smogon Singles
- 4v4 Flat Doubles
- 3v3 Smogon Singles
- Flat Multi
In-Game Name: Michael
Available: 14:00-21:00 GMT weekdays, 18:00-22:00 weekends; PM to schedule
Steel-type Gym
Leader: KiraFA37
Prize: Shield Badge
Available Formats:
In-Game Name: Serena
Available: 17:00-00:00 GMT weekdays, any time wekends; PM to schedule
- 4v4 Flat Doubles
In-Game Name: Serena
Available: 17:00-00:00 GMT weekdays, any time wekends; PM to schedule
Normal-type Gym
Leader: macklelol
Prize: Normal Badge
Available Formats:
In-Game Name: Boa Toh
Available: Evenings HST (20:00-04:00 GMT); PM to schedule
- 6v6 Smogon Singles
- 4v4 Flat Doubles
- 3v3 Flat Singles
- Flat Multi
In-Game Name: Boa Toh
Available: Evenings HST (20:00-04:00 GMT); PM to schedule
Dark-type Gym
Leader: ColossalLazy
Prize: Abyss Badge
Available Formats:
In-Game Name: Lazy
Available: Saturday evenings EST (23:00-4:00 GMT), Sunday afternoons (17:00 GMT onwards); PM for weekdays
- 4v4 Flat Doubles
In-Game Name: Lazy
Available: Saturday evenings EST (23:00-4:00 GMT), Sunday afternoons (17:00 GMT onwards); PM for weekdays
Good luck, and happy battling!
