So you just started Pokemon Scarlet and realized this open world thing is overwhelming? Yeah, I remember my first time wandering around Paldea. Thought I could take on any gym in any order – got absolutely wrecked by that Level 45 Gym Leader when my team was barely Level 20. Ouch. That's why getting the Pokemon Scarlet gym order right matters more than you'd think.

This isn't just some random list. After three playthroughs (and countless embarrassing losses), I've nailed down the optimal gym sequence that actually considers travel routes, wild Pokemon levels, and those nasty surprise over-leveled battles. Forget those generic guides – we're diving into exact levels, move sets that'll wreck you, and secret shortcuts.

Why Gym Order Actually Matters in Pokemon Scarlet

Unlike older Pokemon games, Scarlet's open world means you can technically challenge gyms in any sequence. But here's the brutal truth: gym leader levels don't scale. Walk into the wrong city too early, and you'll face a team 20 levels higher than yours. I learned this the hard way when I accidentally stumbled into Montenevera under-leveled. That Ghost-type gym? Total party wipe in under three turns. Embarrassing.

But it's not just about avoiding humiliation. Following a logical Pokemon Scarlet gym route helps you:

• Grind less: Battling trainers and wild Pokemon along the recommended path naturally levels your team
• Unlock traversal abilities faster: Certain gym rewards let you access new areas (more on this later)
• Prevent frustration: Nothing kills the fun like hitting a brick wall

The official "recommended levels" are vague at best. My testing shows matching gym leaders' ace Pokemon levels is the absolute minimum. You'll want your team 2-4 levels higher to account for type disadvantages and their annoying strategies.

The Definitive Pokemon Scarlet Gym Order

Here's the battle-tested sequence I wish I had on my first run. This order balances difficulty, unlocks key travel abilities, and minimizes backtracking:

Cortondo Gym (Bug): Your First Real Challenge

Katy's bug team seems harmless until that Teddiursa comes out packing Rollout. Seriously, that move wrecked my Fuecoco when I got careless. Route to Cortondo is straightforward from Cabo Poco – head west through South Province (Area One). Wild Pokemon here cap at Level 12, perfect for training.

Counter Team Tips:

• Fire-types demolish bugs but watch for Nymble's Astonish
• Flying-types work great if you caught a Fletchling
• Rock moves help against Teddiursa

After winning, you get TM021 (Pounce) which is... honestly not that useful. The real prize is badge effects letting you command Level 25 Pokemon.

Artazon Gym (Grass): Watch Out for That Rock

Brassius is sneaky – his signature Sudowoodo is actually Rock-type! My Grass-type team got demolished first time. From Cortondo, go northeast through South Province (Area Two). Wild Pokemon here reach Level 18.

Sunflora Strategy:

That Sunflora hits harder than expected with Mega Drain. Poison or Fire-types make quick work of it. His Sudowoodo has Rock Throw that'll one-shot Flying-types. Ice or Water moves work best.

Post-battle reward is TM027 (Low Sweep). The badge upgrade allows Level 30 obedience – crucial for upcoming catches.

Levincia Gym (Electric): Prepare for Trickery

Iono's battle feels chaotic with her streaming gimmick. Her Mismagius (Ghost/Electric) counters Ground-types. Worst part? Volt Switch makes this a long battle. From Artazon, head east then north through East Province (Area One). Wild levels: 20-24.

Must-Know Tactics:

• Ground-types are still good but watch for Mismagius
• Her Bellibolt knows Mud Shot – surprises Flying-types
• Luxio's Charge Beam can snowball if not KO'd fast

Badge effect unlocks Level 35 obedience. TM048 (Volt Switch) is actually useful for competitive.

Cascarrafa Gym (Water): When Rain Gets Annoying

Kofu's rain dance strategy boosts water moves and neuters Fire-types. His Veluza hits like a truck with Psycho Cut. Travel west from Levincia through Asado Desert – wild Pokemon cap at Level 29.

Desert Tip:

Grab a Ground or Grass-type in the desert before challenging. My Krookodile saved me here.

Battle Breakdown:

Post-battle: Level 40 obedience unlocked. TM022 (Chilling Water) is situational but useful against physical attackers.

Medali Gym (Normal): Larry's Deceptively Simple Team

Don't underestimate Normal-types – that Staraptor knows Close Combat and will wreck Rock-types. From Cascarrafa, go northwest through West Province (Area One). Wild levels: 30-34.

Key Threats:

• Komala's Yawn can disable your counters
• Dudunsparce has Rollout – gets stronger each turn
• Staraptor's Intimidate lowers your attack on entry

My strategy? Use a Ghost-type to avoid Normal moves entirely. Gengar made this trivial. Badge allows Level 45 obedience – essential for late-game.

Montenevera Gym (Ghost): The Spooky Challenge

Ryme's double battle format changes everything. Her Houndstone's Last Respects can OHKO if she's lost Pokemon. I lost twice before bringing Dark-types. Travel north from Medali through Glaseado Mountain – wild Pokemon hit Level 40.

Double Battle Essentials:

• Bring spread moves (Discharge, Earthquake)
• Dark-types are immune to Ghost moves
• Banette's Will-O-Wisp can cripple physical attackers

Reward unlocks Level 50 obedience – you're almost there!

Alfornada Gym (Psychic): Mind Games Ahead

Tulip's team has brutal coverage moves. Farigiraf knows Psychic and Thunderbolt – destroyed my Corviknight unexpectedly. From Montenevera, head southwest through the dangerous Tagtree Thicket (Level 40-44 wild Pokemon).

Team Analysis:

Counter with Dark/Bug/Ghost-types. My Kingambit swept her team with Kowtow Cleave. Badge effect: Level 55 obedience.

Glaseado Gym (Ice): The Final Test

Grusha's snowscape boosts Ice defense. His Altaria knows Dragon Dance – let it set up and you're doomed. Travel east from Alfornada through North Province (Area Two). Wild levels: 45-48.

Critical Mistakes to Avoid:

• Don't bring Dragon-types – Altaria murders them
• Fire-types work but beware Earthquake
• Beartic hits hard with Icicle Crash

Steel-types are MVP here. My Tinkaton crushed his team with Gigaton Hammer. Final badge unlocks Level 70 obedience for the Elite Four.

How Titans & Team Star Affect Gym Order

You can't ignore the Titans and Team Star bases – their abilities unlock critical movement upgrades:

I recommend doing Titans and Star bases when they appear along your gym route. For example:

• Do Stony Cliff Titan after Cortondo – it's on the way to Artazon
• Handle Team Star Fire Crew after Cascarrafa – their base blocks Medali access

Ignoring these can soft-lock your progress. Got stuck for hours before realizing I needed wall climb for Montenevera.

Pokemon Scarlet Gym Order: Your Questions Answered

Personal Recommendations for Smooth Progress

After multiple playthroughs, here's what I'd do differently:

Catch These Early Game MVPs:

• Fletchling (Route 1) - evolves into Fire/Flying Talonflame
• Shinx (South Province Area One) - Electric-type with Intimidate
• Rockruff (South Province Area Three) - becomes weather-changing Lycanroc

Type Coverage is King:

Never leave town without:

• A Ground-type for Electric/Fire gyms
• A Dark/Ghost for Psychic battles
• Something with Rock moves for Flying/Ice

Grinding Spots I Swear By:

• Early Game: South Province Area Three (Levels 12-15)
• Mid Game: East Province Area Three (Levels 25-28)
• Late Game: North Province Area Two (Levels 45-48)

Final thought? While this Pokemon Scarlet gym order is optimized, don't be afraid to explore. Found my favorite Pokemon (Bagon) when I got lost near Medali. Just save before wandering into suspiciously high-level areas!