After conquering the fourth gym in Lavaridge Town, the player has the option to go back to Petalburg City instantly to challenge the protagonist’s father, Norman. This gym is one of the most unique in the game and series as a whole, as it is based on the very common Normal type, but each room focuses on a different kind of item that the trainer will use on them. Normal type Pokemon are some of the toughest to face, as they have only one weakness in Fighting type moves. Luckily, they are not super effective against anything offensively.
The Petalburg City Gym can be conquered by beating only three trainers and then taking on Gym Leader Norman. However, for the purposes of this guide, we will give information on each trainer found in the gym, along with the room they are found inside.
Ace Trainer Mary (Accuracy Room)
-Delcatty – Level 28 (Normal)
Ace Trainer Randall (Speed Room)
-Delcatty – Level 28 (Normal)
Ace Trainer Parker (Zero Reduction Room)
-Linoone – Level 28 (Normal)
Ace Trainer Lori (Defense Room)
-Linoone – Level 28 (Normal)
Ace Trainer Jody (Strength Room)
-Zangoose – Level 28 (Normal)
Ace Trainer Berke (One Hit KO Room)
-Zangoose – Level 28 (Normal)
Ace Trainer George (Recovery Room)
-Linoone – Level 28 (Normal)
Gym Leader Norman
-Slaking – Level 28 (Normal)
- Moves:
- Yawn
- Encore
- Retaliate
- Feint Attack
- Strategy: As said above, Normal type Pokemon are about the hardest to match up with offensively, but can be handled pretty easily defensively. Only Fighting type moves will be super effective on the Pokemon, so someone with Combusken or possibly Blaziken by now will be in good shape. Otherwise, just pound away with your strongest Pokemon. Due to Slaking’s Truant ability, he will only be able to attack every other turn, so just finish him off before he puts your Pokemon to sleep with Yawn.
-Vigoroth – Level 28 (Normal)
- Moves:
- Retaliate
- Encore
- Feint Attack
- Fury Swipes
- Strategy: Basically the same strategy as with Slaking above, just go for Fighting or your strongest fighter. Vigoroth won’t be held back by Truant, but does not have Yawn to use.
-Slaking – Level 30 (Normal)
- Moves:
- Retaliate
- Chip Away
- Swagger
- Feint Attack
- Strategy: Follow the exact same strategy as against the lower level Slaking, just without worrying about Yawn.
Rewards: Balance Badge, TM67 Retaliate