Conquering Pokemon Shield's 2nd Gym: A Complete Guide

Nov 8, 2025 by Admin 54 views

Hey there, Pokemon trainers! Ready to dive into the deep end and conquer the Pokemon Shield's 2nd Gym? You've already navigated the grassy plains and faced down the first challenge, but the second gym introduces a whole new wave of strategic gameplay. This time, you'll be going up against Nessa, the Water-type Gym Leader, and her aquatic squad. Don't worry, guys, this guide will provide you with all the essential tips, tricks, and strategies you need to emerge victorious! We'll cover everything from team recommendations and weaknesses to the best movesets and how to navigate the gym itself. So grab your swimsuits (figuratively, of course), and let's get started on becoming the champion of Galar! This guide is designed to help you prepare your team, understand the challenges ahead, and ultimately, claim that coveted Water Badge. Let's get this done! Get ready to make a splash and become the best trainer.

Understanding the Water-Type Challenge: Nessa's Tactics

Before you even think about stepping into the Pokemon Shield's 2nd Gym, you need to understand what you're up against. Nessa, the Water-type Gym Leader, is known for her powerful and strategic approach. Her team is built to exploit Water-type advantages, so you'll need to know your type matchups and prepare accordingly. Nessa's main goal is to be a challenging opponent that will test your knowledge of Pokemon battles. She uses a variety of moves to wear down your team, setting up conditions that make it difficult to counterattack. Expect her to use moves that can inflict status conditions, such as paralysis or burn, to hinder your Pokemon's effectiveness. She may also use moves that increase her Pokemon's stats, making them even more difficult to defeat. It's really all about strategic decisions that lead her to victory. The most important thing is to have a versatile team with coverage against different types.

Nessa's tactics revolve around her signature Pokemon, Drednaw, which can pack a serious punch with its powerful attacks. You'll need to be especially mindful of this Pokemon as it can quickly take down your Pokemon if you're not careful. She will also use other Water-type Pokemon to support Drednaw and maintain her control of the battlefield. It's not just about brute force, it's about making strategic choices and using your team to gain an advantage. To overcome these challenges, focus on building a balanced team with the right type matchups. It is crucial to have Pokemon that can effectively counter Water-type Pokemon while also being able to withstand their attacks. Knowing your Pokemon's weaknesses is just as important as knowing their strengths. By analyzing Nessa's strategies, you can develop a solid plan that will lead you to victory! Pay attention to the conditions on the battlefield and make the most of your turns. Remember, every battle is a chance to learn and become a better trainer.

Preparing Your Team: The Best Pokemon to Bring

Alright, trainers, let's talk about building the perfect team to take on Nessa and the Pokemon Shield's 2nd Gym. Considering that the gym is Water-type, you will have to prioritize Pokemon that will give you the upper hand! This includes Electric and Grass-type Pokemon. Electric-types are super effective against Water, making them a must-have for your team. Grass-types offer a secondary advantage, as they resist Water-type moves and can deal significant damage. The key here is to have a diverse team with varied move types so you can adapt to any situation.

Here are some of the best Pokemon to consider for your team:

Grookey Evolution Line: If you chose Grookey as your starter, you're in luck! Rillaboom, the final evolution, is a powerful Grass-type that can deal significant damage to Water-types. Its strong attacks and ability to set up Grassy Terrain will give you a major advantage. Even if you're not fully evolved, the earlier stages, Thwackey and Grookey, can still contribute with their Grass-type moves.
Yamper/Boltund: This Electric-type Pokemon is a fantastic choice for this gym, Yamper can evolve into Boltund. Boltund is fast, powerful, and learns useful moves like Spark and Thunder Fang. Its speed allows it to move first and take down Water-types before they can retaliate. Its access to powerful moves makes it a great choice for this challenge.
Toxel/Toxtricity: This Electric/Poison-type Pokemon can be a great option because of its access to strong Electric-type moves, and it can learn a variety of other moves to cover different threats. Its typing makes it resistant to certain moves. This makes Toxtricity a versatile and valuable addition to your team.
Applin/Flapple/Appletun: These Grass/Dragon-types or Grass/Dragon-types can be incredibly useful. They resist Water-type moves and can dish out some serious damage. They also have access to different moves. Their versatility makes them a great pick for this fight.
Other Useful Pokemon: Consider bringing Pokemon that can learn powerful non-type-specific moves. This will give you an advantage against Pokemon that have coverage for your main attackers.

When building your team, think about balance. Make sure to have a good mix of attacking and defensive Pokemon. Consider the type matchups and choose Pokemon that can cover each other's weaknesses. Don't forget to train your Pokemon! Leveling up and improving their stats will give you a significant edge in battle.

Navigating the Gym: Puzzle Solutions and Trainer Battles

Once you have your team prepared and ready to go, it's time to head into the Pokemon Shield's 2nd Gym! The gym itself is a swimming pool-themed challenge, so expect some puzzles and trainer battles. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect and how to navigate through the gym:

The Puzzle: The gym's puzzle involves navigating through a series of water streams. You'll need to use the directional arrows to move your character. The objective is to reach the end of the course without falling off the platforms. The trick is to pay attention to the flow of the water and anticipate where the platforms will move.
Trainer Battles: Along the way, you'll encounter other trainers that will challenge you to battles. These trainers will use Water-type Pokemon, so make sure you're prepared. The key here is to have Pokemon that can handle multiple battles without fainting. Keep track of your team's health and switch Pokemon when needed.
Gym Leader Battle: After navigating the puzzle and defeating all the trainers, you'll be able to challenge Nessa. This is where all your preparation will pay off. Use your team wisely, take advantage of type matchups, and execute your strategy. Don't be afraid to use items, such as Potions and status condition healers, to keep your Pokemon in top shape.

As you navigate the gym, pay attention to the environment. Look for items or hidden paths that might give you an advantage. Take your time and plan each move strategically. Make sure to choose the right Pokemon for each battle. This will help you conserve your resources. The key to winning is to remain calm, focused, and adaptable. Remember, even if you lose the first time, you can always try again. Analyze your mistakes, adjust your strategy, and keep practicing until you achieve victory. Your preparation will determine your success.

Nessa's Pokemon: Movesets and Weaknesses

To effectively defeat Nessa in the Pokemon Shield's 2nd Gym, you need to understand the Pokemon she uses. This means knowing their movesets, types, and weaknesses. This knowledge will help you formulate a strategy and choose the right Pokemon for the battle. Here's a breakdown of the Pokemon Nessa uses:

Goldeen: This Pokemon is a pure Water-type, with weaknesses to Electric and Grass-type moves. It can be a good target for your Electric-type Pokemon, as they can deal significant damage and take it out quickly. Make sure to use special attacks for the best results.
Arrokuda: As a Water-type Pokemon, Arrokuda is vulnerable to Electric and Grass-type moves. Make sure your Electric and Grass-type Pokemon are ready to attack with strong moves.
Drednaw: This is Nessa's signature Pokemon, and it's a dual Water/Rock-type, which makes it 4x weak to Grass-type moves and weak to Electric-type moves. This means you will need to bring out your best Grass-type attackers to deal massive damage. Since the battles are turn-based, you will have the chance to make the right move and win.

Understanding the movesets is critical! Knowing what moves her Pokemon will use lets you plan your actions and choose your counters wisely. For example, if Drednaw knows a strong Rock-type move, you may want to avoid using a Fire-type Pokemon, as it would be super effective. Keep a close eye on the moves the Pokemon use and adjust your strategy accordingly. Don't hesitate to switch your Pokemon if you see a bad matchup. It's better to switch than to risk losing a valuable Pokemon.

Winning the Battle: Strategy and Tips for Success

Okay, trainers, the moment of truth has arrived! To beat Nessa and conquer the Pokemon Shield's 2nd Gym, you will need to put everything you've learned into practice. Here are some essential strategies and tips to ensure victory:

Prioritize Type Matchups: This is the golden rule of Pokemon battles. Always choose Pokemon that have a type advantage over your opponent's Pokemon. Electric-types are your best friend against Water-types. Grass-types also come in handy, especially against Drednaw.
Use Status Conditions: Moves like Thunder Wave (paralyzes) and Will-O-Wisp (burns) can severely cripple your opponent's Pokemon. Use these moves strategically to gain an advantage.
Watch out for Drednaw: Drednaw is Nessa's strongest Pokemon. Be prepared for its powerful attacks and use your Grass-type Pokemon to deal super-effective damage. This will give you the upper hand and increase your chance of winning.
Heal Up: Use Potions and other healing items to keep your Pokemon healthy. Don't be afraid to use them, especially during longer battles.
Switch Strategically: Don't hesitate to switch out your Pokemon if they're at a disadvantage or about to faint. This can give you time to heal or bring in a better counter. Make sure to choose the right moment to switch, as it may give your opponent the opportunity to set up.
Learn and Adapt: No battle is ever the same. Pay attention to your opponent's moves and adapt your strategy accordingly. Learn from your mistakes and adjust your approach. Each battle is a learning opportunity. The more you battle, the better you will become at predicting your opponents' moves and strategizing accordingly. Take your time, focus on your moves, and adapt as needed, and you will become the champion.

Rewards and Beyond: What Comes After Victory

Once you defeat Nessa and conquer the Pokemon Shield's 2nd Gym, you'll receive the Water Badge. This badge allows you to command Pokemon up to level 30, even if they were obtained through trades. It's a huge step forward in your journey, giving you access to new Pokemon and areas. You'll gain access to new locations and challenges. You will get to take the story further, meet new Pokemon, and discover the secrets of the Galar region. Remember, your journey doesn't end with the defeat of the second gym, and the path to becoming a champion is long!

Your journey has just begun. Go out there and explore the Galar region, catch new Pokemon, and become the very best, like no one ever was! Good luck, trainers, and happy battling!