You’ve spent thirty hours grinding. Your Corviknight is a steel-plated god. You finally reach the end of the Galar region, expecting that familiar, intimidating hallway leading to four specialized masters. But then? Nothing. The Pokemon Sword and Shield Elite Four doesn't actually exist.
At least, not in the way we’ve known it since the 1990s.
It's a weird pivot. For decades, Game Freak stuck to a rigid template: beat eight gyms, walk through Victory Road, and take down four high-level trainers back-to-back before hitting the Champion. In Galar, they threw that out the window for something more akin to a sports tournament. Honestly, it’s one of the most divisive changes in the series. Some players love the "Champion Cup" atmosphere, while others miss the quiet, spiritual challenge of the traditional Elite Four.
Why Galar Ditched the Traditional Elite Four
If you're looking for the Pokemon Sword and Shield Elite Four, you're technically looking for the Semi-Finals and Finals of the Wyndon Champion Cup.
The Galar region is obsessed with sports. Everything about the game is modeled after English football culture—the massive stadiums, the jerseys, the rowdy fans. Because of this, a "secret club" of four masters didn't fit the vibe. Instead, the game forces you into a bracketed tournament.
This changes the stakes. In Red or Blue, the Elite Four felt like a final exam. In Sword and Shield, it feels like the World Cup. You aren't just a kid in a cave; you're an athlete under stadium lights.
The Semi-Finals Breakdown
Before you even get to the "pseudo-Elite Four," you have to clear the Semi-Finals. This is basically a rematch against your rivals.
First up is Marnie. She’s become a fan favorite for a reason, but her team is a bit of a glass cannon. She leads with Liepard, which is annoying but manageable. The real threat is her Grimmsnarl. If you let it set up, it’ll ruin your day. Use a strong Fairy or Steel type—basically, if you have a Zacian (in the post-game) or a solid Lucario, she’s toast.
Then there’s Hop. Poor Hop. By this point, he’s had a bit of an identity crisis. His team is more balanced than Marnie's, featuring a Dubwool that is surprisingly tanky. Depending on which starter you picked, his final Pokemon will vary, but the strategy remains the same: hit his weaknesses hard and don't let his Snorlax linger on the field.
The Finals: Meet the Galar "Elite Four" Replacements
Once the rivals are out of the way, you enter the Finals. This is where the game mimics the Pokemon Sword and Shield Elite Four experience. You face a gauntlet of familiar faces, but they’ve boosted their levels and evolved their strategies.
Bede's Surprise Entry
Bede crashes the party. It’s dramatic. He’s transitioned from Psychic types to Fairy types under Opal’s tutelage. His Mawile can be a pain if you aren't prepared for the Steel/Fairy typing. Fire is your best friend here. Burn it down.
Nessa and the Rain Dance
Nessa is significantly tougher here than she was in the second gym. Her Pelipper sets up Drizzle immediately. This means her Water-type moves are hitting like a truck. If you brought a Fire type thinking you’d sweep, swap it out. A strong Electric type like Toxtricity can clear most of her roster, but watch out for her Drednaw’s Gigantamax form. It hits fast and hard.
Bea or Allister (Version Exclusive)
Depending on whether you’re playing Sword or Shield, you’ll face either Bea (Fighting) or Allister (Ghost).
- Bea: Her Grapploct is a technical nightmare. Don't use physical attackers if you can avoid it. Flying or Psychic types are the standard play.
- Allister: Gengar is the star here. It’s fast. If you don't outspeed it, it’ll Hex you into oblivion. Dark types are your safest bet, but keep an eye on his Cursola’s Perish Body ability. It can force a trade you didn't want.
Raihan: The Real Gatekeeper
Raihan is the closest thing this game has to an Elite Four head. He’s the "Final Boss" before Leon. Unlike the others, Raihan specializes in weather effects, specifically Sandstorm. He leads with Torkoal and Flygon. It’s a chaotic fight because he doesn't just stick to one type—he uses Dragon, Rock, and Ground.
Basically, Raihan tests your ability to adapt. If you rely on a single "carry" Pokemon, he will stall you out with Sandstorm damage and then clean up with his Duraludon.
The Major Differences Between Galar and Traditional Regions
It’s worth noting that the lack of a formal Pokemon Sword and Shield Elite Four affects the "post-game" feel.
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In older games like Sinnoh or Hoenn, the Elite Four were static. You could go back and challenge them anytime to level up your Pokemon. In Galar, the Champion Cup is dynamic. Once you've beaten the game, you can reinvite specific trainers to the tournament. You might face Milo again, or you might end up fighting a random NPC who made it through the brackets.
Some people hate this. They want the consistency of the "Big Four."
But the advantage here is variety. You aren't just fighting the same four people for eternity. You’re participating in a living league. Plus, the money you earn from these rematches—especially if you use a Meowth with G-Max Gold Rush—is the fastest way to get rich in the game.
Does the lack of an Elite Four make the game easier?
Not necessarily. Leon is arguably one of the toughest Champions in years. His Charizard is a beast, and his team is actually built with competitive coverage in mind.
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The "difficulty" of an Elite Four usually comes from attrition—fighting four people without healing. In Sword and Shield, you get healed between matches. This makes it more about the individual tactical battle and less about resource management.
The Best Teams for Clearing the Wyndon Gauntlet
If you're struggling to get through the tournament, you need coverage. The Pokemon Sword and Shield Elite Four equivalent rewards players who can handle Water, Fighting/Ghost, and Dragon/Weather in quick succession.
- Dragapult: It’s the king of Galar for a reason. Its Speed stat is astronomical. It can outspeed almost everything Raihan and Leon throw at you.
- Corviknight: Having a Steel/Flying type is basically a cheat code. It resists so much of the incoming damage that you can use it to stall while you heal your other team members.
- Dracovish: If you have the "Strong Jaw" ability and the move Fishious Rend, you can basically one-shot anything that isn't a Water-absorber. It’s ugly, but it works.
- Grimmsnarl: Prankster ability is broken. Setting up Light Screen or Reflect before the opponent can even move will save your life during the Gigantamax rounds.
Actionable Strategy for Your Next Run
To dominate the Champion Cup and effectively replace the Pokemon Sword and Shield Elite Four challenge with a victory lap, follow these specific steps:
- Farm the Wild Area first. Don't go into Wyndon underleveled. Your team should be at least Level 60-65. Use EXP candies from Max Raid Battles to bridge the gap.
- Focus on Speed. Galar’s endgame is fast. If you are slower than Raihan’s Duraludon or Leon’s Dragapult, you will lose. Use Carbos or Mints to fix your stats if you have to.
- The "Leon Prep": Save your Dynamax for his Charizard. Do not waste it early. If you Dynamax too soon, G-Max Wildfire will melt your entire team over four turns.
- Rematch for Profit: After becoming Champion, go back and do the tournament again. Use a Level 100 Pokemon and hold the Amulet Coin. It’s the most efficient way to buy the expensive vitamins (Proteins, Irons, etc.) needed for competitive breeding.
The Galar region might not have a traditional Elite Four, but the Champion Cup offers a more cinematic, high-energy conclusion to the main story. It’s different, it’s flashy, and once you understand the bracket system, it’s one of the most rewarding parts of the game. Regardless of whether you miss the old ways, mastering this tournament is the only way to prove you’re truly the greatest trainer in Galar.