Pokémon Black and White Champion

Challenging Champion Alder

Unova’s four Elite Four members can be challenged in any order. Their first teams have three level 48 Pokémon and a level 50 ace. The first victories lead into N’s Castle and the N/Ghetsis finale. Alder’s Champion battle becomes available on a later League challenge after the main story.

Postgame Elite Four teams expand to six Pokémon each, with five level 71 members and a level 73 ace. Caitlin’s rematch ace is Metagross, and Marshal’s is Conkeldurr. Alder then uses five level 75 Pokémon and level 77 Volcarona. Level is only one part of preparation: the listed coverage moves, abilities, held items and secondary types can matter as much as a trainer’s specialty.

Alder’s Volcarona is Bug/Fire and can use Quiver Dance, so its Rock weakness and setup turns deserve attention. Escavalier is especially weak to Fire, while Bouffalant’s Sap Sipper makes a Grass move an unhelpful choice. Bring recovery supplies and several ways to handle the full sequence. Linked moves and abilities open the original-generation references; pictured Unova Pokémon link to their species profiles.

For preparation and story requirements, use the Gym puzzles and strategy guide, League and story finale guide, and items reference. Pokémon sprites illustrate the listed species and recorded gender variants; game names and imagery belong to Nintendo, Creatures and GAME FREAK.

Requested reference: Dittobase Gym Leaders and Elite Four. Original teams, rewards and rematches: Serebii Black and White. Historical moves and abilities: PokéAPI (data license).