In many modern entries of Pokémon, Gym Leaders are designed more as pacing tools than true skill checks. Players often point out a few recurring issues.
Gym Leaders typically use smaller teams than expected for "elite" trainers, especially in older titles like "Pokémon Platinum," where even late-game leaders such as Volkner had relatively limited rosters. Combined with predictable AI and over-leveled player teams (due to shared EXP systems and quality-of-life improvements), battles can feel more like formalities than tests of strategy.
Some fans hope that the gym battle system will be changed in "Pokemon Winds and Waves."
What Pokemon Fans Want in Gen 10
On Reddit, some fans voiced out their concerns about "easy" gym battles. One common suggestion is a more structured difficulty curve. Early Gym Leaders might still use 2–3 Pokémon, but later ones could expand to full teams of six with smarter synergy, held items, and more deliberate move planning. This would make progression feel more like climbing a competitive ladder rather than clearing static checkpoints.
Another frequent request is deeper use of battle mechanics introduced in newer generations of "Pokémon Scarlet and Violet," such as Terastallization. Players argue that Gym Leaders should actively use these mechanics to shift matchups mid-battle, forcing adaptation rather than relying on simple type advantages.
AI and Battle Design Concerns
A major criticism is that Gym Leader AI often doesn't behave like a "strategist." Moves can feel scripted or suboptimal, which reduces tension.
Fans want leaders who can switch tactics mid-fight, exploit player weaknesses intelligently, use items more effectively, and build teams with synergy instead of theme-only design. In reality, these things can only be seen from a real-life competitor.
This would make Gym battles feel less like puzzles with one correct answer and more like evolving encounters.
Difficulty Options: The Most Requested Feature
One of the most popular ideas is optional difficulty settings. According to a Pokemon fan, a "Normal" mode could preserve the current accessible design, while "Hard" or "Veteran" modes could introduce higher-level Gym Leaders, smarter AI decision-making, full six-Pokémon teams earlier, and reduced player EXP advantages.
For most Redditors on the subreddit, this approach is often seen as the cleanest solution because it preserves accessibility while giving experienced players a deeper challenge.
The Bigger Design Question
Deep inside, the debate is about how Pokémon should evolve as its audience ages. Many longtime fans argue they want Gym Leaders to feel like genuine milestones again: battles where victory requires preparation, adaptation, and risk, not just type advantage and level scaling.
Others still value the series' traditional accessibility, where younger or casual players can progress without frustration.
The real design challenge is finding a middle ground where Gym Leaders remain welcoming, but still memorable, strategic, and satisfying to overcome. Of course, the Pokemon Company and Nintendo might need to have a long discussion about this topic. It would be more than a game-changer to see more changes for the gym battle mechanics.
