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Take over from Norman
Meet Norman outside Petalburg Gym and follow the opening conversation. This is the beginning of your Gym career, with a new position in the rankings to work from.
Choose your Gym’s identity
Choose a type and your opening Pokemon. Your type choice affects the challenge, so pick something you want to build around rather than expecting every choice to play the same way.
Start at the challenger desk
Before opening the doors, review the options at the desk. Look at your team, available training, scouting and facilities. Keep your budget in mind when deciding what will help the next match.
Choose a team and face the challenger
When a challenger arrives, follow the team-selection prompt and bring the required number of Pokemon. The example here asks for three; other matches may ask you to make a different selection.
Check your team after the match
A fainted Pokemon can suffer an injury and miss the next match day. Review who is available, consider your preparation options and keep alternatives ready for the next challenger.
Follow your season and build from it
Check the season screen and standings to see how your career is progressing. Over 24 challengers, your results can move you up the Gym ladder or leave you facing relegation.
Before the next match
Common questions
Is this a normal Emerald badge journey?
No. The game starts with you as Champion and focuses on running Petalburg Gym, preparing teams and facing seasonal challengers.
Can I grind until every battle is easy?
The creator describes limited experience sources: match days, paid training and six encounters per match day. The economy and team decisions are part of the challenge.
Why is one of my Pokemon unavailable?
Fainting can cause an injury. The creator’s description says an injured Pokemon misses the next match day, so check your available team before the next challenge.
Gameplay screenshots may show menus from earlier versions. This guide explains the documented gameplay loop; follow the prompts in your game for the current options.