To get into Fortree Gym, you must first defeat the Team Aqua Grunt in the underwater cave east of Fortree City. After this battle, you’ll receive the Dive HM from Captain Stern, allowing you to explore underwater routes. Once you have Dive, you can return to the cave and access a new path that leads directly to Fortree Gym.
Welcome, trainers, to Fortree City, a vibrant metropolis perched among the trees! This unique city offers a delightful atmosphere, but its true challenge lies within its renowned Gym. Fortree Gym is home to the Flying-type specialist, Winona, a formidable trainer whose mastery of the skies will test your mettle. Many trainers find themselves wondering about the best approach to this arboreal arena and how to even gain entry to the Gym itself. This guide will walk you through every step, from accessing the Gym to developing winning strategies against Winona.
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Finding Your Way to the Fortree Gym
The journey to the Fortree Gym isn’t as straightforward as simply walking up to its doors. The initial access to the Gym is blocked by a Trainer guarding a crucial pathway. This trainer is part of the ongoing conflict with Team Aqua that permeates the region.
The Team Aqua Obstacle
East of Fortree City, along Route 126, lies a small cave entrance. This cave is where you’ll encounter a Team Aqua Grunt. This Grunt is not just any random antagonist; they are directly involved in a larger plot concerning the legendary Pokémon, Kyogre and Groudon. Defeating this Grunt is your key to progressing.
The Underwater Discovery
After your battle with the Team Aqua Grunt, a significant event unfolds. You will be gifted the Dive HM by Captain Stern. Captain Stern is a marine biologist who plays a vital role in the region’s lore, particularly concerning ancient Pokémon. The Dive HM is an indispensable tool that allows your Pokémon to travel underwater.
The Underwater Passage
With the Dive HM in hand, you must return to the very cave where you encountered the Team Aqua Grunt. This time, however, the approach is different. You will use the Dive HM to explore the underwater segments of Route 126. Within these submerged pathways, you’ll discover a hidden entrance. This secret passage is the direct route to the Fortree Gym. It’s a clever design that emphasizes the interconnectedness of the region’s events and the importance of your Pokémon’s abilities.
Deciphering the Fortree Gym Puzzle
Once inside, the Fortree Gym presents a unique challenge that relies on navigating its intricate Fortree Gym layout. Unlike many Gyms that feature straightforward battles or simple switch puzzles, Fortree Gym is designed as a series of interconnected platforms and gates.
Navigating the Treacherous Platforms
The Gym’s design mimics the city’s treetop architecture. You will traverse a series of platforms connected by narrow walkways. Some platforms are stationary, while others move or require specific actions to activate. The primary obstacle within the Gym isn’t just the trainers you’ll face; it’s the path itself.
The Trainer Gauntlet
Throughout the Gym, you will encounter several trainers. These trainers are all skilled in using Flying-type Pokémon, just like Winona. Each battle serves as a warm-up, allowing you to test your team’s strengths and weaknesses against aerial adversaries. Defeating these trainers is essential, as they often guard switches or pathways necessary for progression.
Activating the Gates
The core of the Fortree Gym puzzle involves activating specific gates. These gates block your path to Winona. To open them, you’ll need to interact with certain elements within the Gym. This often means defeating a specific trainer or finding a hidden switch. The sequence of activating these gates is crucial. You cannot simply brute-force your way through; careful observation and strategic movement are key.
The Gym Layout: A Visual Aid
The Gym is structured in a multi-tiered fashion, resembling a canopy.
- Initial Area: Upon entering, you’ll see a series of platforms with trainers.
- Central Hubs: Several larger platforms act as junctions, connecting different sections of the Gym.
- Gate Mechanisms: Switches or specific trainers are positioned to unlock the doors leading deeper into the Gym.
- Final Platform: The last platform before Winona houses the Gym Leader herself.
It’s a testament to the Gym’s design that mastering the Fortree Gym layout is as much a challenge as defeating the Gym Leader.
Fathoming Gym Leader Winona’s Might
Gym Leader Winona is a master of the skies, and her Gym Leader Winona’s team reflects this specialization. She commands powerful Flying-type Pokémon, making her a significant hurdle for any trainer not adequately prepared.
Analyzing Winona’s Pokémon Roster
Winona’s team is primarily composed of Flying-type Pokémon, each with unique strengths and potential threats.
| Pokémon | Level | Type(s) | Notable Moves (examples) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swablu | 27 | Normal/Flying | Astonish, Peck, Sand Attack |
| Taillow | 27 | Normal/Flying | Quick Attack, Wing Attack |
| Pelipper | 29 | Water/Flying | Water Pulse, Wing Attack, Supersonic |
| Tropius | 30 | Grass/Flying | Razor Leaf, Aerial Ace, Synthesis |
| Altaria | 33 | Dragon/Flying | Dragon Breath, Aerial Ace, Sing |
Note: Levels and movepools may vary slightly depending on the specific game generation.
Identifying Key Threats
- Pelipper: Its Water/Flying typing provides an interesting mix. While it’s weak to Electric-type attacks, its Water-typing can resist Fire and Ground attacks, making some common counters less effective.
- Tropius: This Pokémon is a dual threat with its Grass/Flying typing. It’s vulnerable to Ice, Flying, and Fire attacks but can also dish out strong Grass-type moves. Its Synthesis ability can also heal it.
- Altaria: The ace of Winona’s team. Altaria’s Dragon/Flying typing makes it incredibly potent. It resists Grass and Bug, which are common Flying-type counters. Its Dragon-type moves can be devastating.
Crafting Winning Strategies
To overcome Winona, you’ll need a solid understanding of Flying-type Pokémon strategies, both for your team and hers. This involves exploiting her Pokémon’s weaknesses while protecting your own from her powerful aerial assaults.
Exploiting Weaknesses: Bug and Electric Powerhouses
Flying-type Pokémon are notoriously weak to Electric and Ice-type attacks. However, the Hoenn region’s selection of Ice-type Pokémon might be limited at this stage of the game. This is where Electric and other effective types come into play.
Electric-type Pokémon Effectiveness
Electric-type Pokémon are your best friends against most of Winona’s team. Their Electric attacks deal super-effective damage to Pelipper and are also effective against other Flying-types that lack Ground or Grass resistance.
- Magnemite/Magneton: Found in places like Granite Cave, these Electric/Steel types are excellent choices. Their Steel typing offers resistances to Flying-type moves.
- Voltorb/Electrode: Fast and powerful, these Electric-types can outspeed many of Winona’s Pokémon and deliver a swift knockout.
- Plusle/Minun: While not the strongest, their Electric typing still provides a significant advantage.
Bug-type Pokémon Counters
Bug-type Pokémon have a unique advantage against Flying-type Pokémon, being super-effective against Grass, Psychic, and Dark types, which many Flying types have as a secondary typing or access to. However, they are weak to Flying and Fire. This makes them a risky but potentially rewarding choice.
- Volbeat/Illumise: While not the most powerful, they can offer some utility.
- Beautifly: Its Bug/Flying typing can be tricky, but its Bug-type moves can hit Tropius hard.
Water-type Pokémon Advice
While not super-effective against most of Winona’s team, Water-type Pokémon can be valuable due to their defensive typing and access to moves that can disrupt her strategy.
- Pelipper: If you have a Pelipper of your own, it can serve as a defensive pivot. Its Flying typing resists Grass attacks, which Tropius might use.
- Wingull: Similar to Pelipper, Wingull can be a decent defensive option.
Grass-type Pokémon Weaknesses
Grass-type Pokémon, like Tropius, are vulnerable to Flying, Fire, Ice, Poison, and Bug attacks. This is a crucial weakness to remember when dealing with Tropius.
- Fire-type Pokémon: While not super-effective against Flying-types in general, a strong Fire-type can be effective against Tropius specifically, and some may have coverage moves.
- Ice-type Pokémon: As mentioned, Ice is super-effective against Flying and Grass, making them ideal. If you have access to any Ice-type Pokémon or moves like Ice Beam, use them.
Battling Tropius: A Special Case
Tropius is particularly challenging due to its dual Grass/Flying typing. It resists Bug and Grass attacks but is weak to Flying, Fire, Ice, and Poison.
- Flying-type Pokémon: Ironically, using your own Flying-type Pokémon against Tropius can be effective, as Flying moves are super-effective against Grass.
- Fire-type Pokémon: A strong Fire-type can deal significant damage.
- Ice-type Pokémon: The ultimate counter if you have one.
Tackling Altaria: The Dragon Menace
Altaria is Winona’s most powerful Pokémon. Its Dragon/Flying typing makes it resistant to Grass and Bug, two common counters to Flying types.
- Dragon-type Pokémon Tactics: Dragon-type Pokémon are your best bet against Altaria. While Altaria is a Dragon-type itself, bringing out a Pokémon that can learn Dragon-type moves or is a Dragon-type itself can lead to a decisive victory. Dragon-type moves are neutral against Flying, but you can exploit other typings.
- Ice-type Moves: As always, Ice-type moves are super-effective against Dragon-types. If you can land an Ice Beam or an equivalent, Altaria will be in trouble.
- Rock-type Pokémon: Rock-type Pokémon are effective against Flying types. If you have a strong Rock-type with good defense, it might be able to withstand Altaria’s attacks and deal significant damage.
- Fast Electric-types: While not super-effective against Dragon-types, a fast Electric-type like Electrode can sometimes outspeed Altaria and land a strong Electric attack, especially if Altaria has taken some prior damage.
Team Building Recommendations
When building your team for Fortree Gym, prioritize Pokémon with strong offensive typing against Flying and Dragon types.
- Electric-types: Absolutely essential.
- Ice-types: If available, highly recommended.
- Rock-types: A good defensive and offensive option.
- Strong neutral attackers: Pokémon that can hit hard with powerful STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) moves and have decent speed can also be effective.
Consider the following for your team composition:
- A fast Electric-type like Magneton or Electrode.
- A bulky Pokémon that can resist Flying attacks, perhaps a Rock or Electric/Steel type.
- A Pokémon with access to Ice-type moves, if possible.
- A Pokémon that can outspeed and hit hard against Dragon-types.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fortree Gym
Here are some common questions trainers have when facing the challenge of Fortree Gym:
Can I skip the underwater section to get to Fortree Gym?
No, you cannot skip the underwater section. The path to the Fortree Gym is directly linked to the events that occur east of Fortree City after defeating the Team Aqua Grunt. Obtaining the Dive HM and using it to find the hidden passage is the only way to access the Gym.
What are the best Pokémon types to use against Winona?
The most effective Pokémon types against Winona are Electric and Ice. Rock-type Pokémon are also advantageous due to their effectiveness against Flying-types. Dragon-type Pokémon can also be useful, especially against Altaria.
Is the Fortree Gym puzzle difficult?
The Fortree Gym puzzle is considered moderately difficult. It requires navigation through platforms and activation of gates, which can be confusing if you don’t pay attention to the trainer placements and environmental cues. It’s more about exploration and observation than complex logic.
What is Gym Leader Winona’s strongest Pokémon?
Gym Leader Winona’s strongest Pokémon is Altaria, a Dragon/Flying-type Pokémon. It has high stats and powerful moves like Dragon Breath, making it a significant threat.
What kind of moves should I teach my Pokémon for this Gym?
Prioritize Electric-type moves (Thunderbolt, Thunder, Spark), Ice-type moves (Ice Beam, Blizzard, Ice Fang), Rock-type moves (Rock Slide, Stone Edge), and Dragon-type moves (Dragon Claw, Dragon Breath). Coverage moves that hit Flying or Dragon types super-effectively are also highly beneficial.
By following this comprehensive guide, you should be well-equipped to not only gain entry into the Fortree Gym but also to strategically dismantle Winona’s aerial forces and claim your well-deserved eighth Gym Badge! Good luck, trainers!