How to Defeat Gym Leader Fantina

Struggling against Fantina's Ghost-types in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl? Learn the best counters and strategies to defeat her Mismagius, Gengar, and Drifblim.

Alright, so you've made it to Hearthome City and it's time to face Gym Leader Fantina! She's all about Ghost-type Pokémon, which can be a bit tricky if you're not prepared. Don't worry, I've got your back. We'll get you that Relic Badge!

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Drifblim (Level 32) - Type: Ghost/Flying. Weaknesses: Electric, Ice, Dark, Ghost, Psychic. Known Moves: Fly, Strength Sap, Will-O-Wisp, Hex.
• Gengar (Level 34) - Type: Ghost/Poison. Weaknesses: Dark, Ghost, Psychic. Known Moves: Shadow Claw, Sludge Bomb, Dazzling Gleam, Confuse Ray. Carries a Colbur Berry (weakens one Dark attack).
• Mismagius (Level 36) - Type: Ghost. Weaknesses: Dark, Ghost. Known Moves: Phantom Force, Magical Leaf, Dazzling Gleam, Confuse Ray.

Strategy:

• Against Drifblim: This thing loves to use Fly to dodge your attacks and then hit you back. It also has Strength Sap, which lowers your Attack stat and heals it, and Will-O-Wisp to burn you. If you get burned, your physical attacks will do way less damage, and Hex will hit harder. It's best to avoid relying on physical attackers here. Electric, Ice, or Dark-type Pokémon are your best bet.
• Against Gengar: Gengar is fast and can hit hard. It's got Shadow Claw and Sludge Bomb for STAB, Dazzling Gleam to mess with Dark-types, and Confuse Ray to make you miss attacks. The biggest pain is the Colbur Berry it holds, which weakens one Dark-type attack. While Houndoom, Skuntank, and Drapion can still handle it okay, Ground-type Pokémon are generally a safer choice here since Gengar doesn't resist them and they aren't weak to its common moves.
• Against Mismagius: Fantina's ace is Mismagius. It can use Phantom Force, which makes it disappear for a turn before attacking, so you can't hit it that turn. It also has Magical Leaf, Dazzling Gleam, and Confuse Ray. Dark-types like Houndoom, Skuntank, and Drapion are still good options, but make sure they have high HP because Mismagius can be surprisingly tough. If your Dark-types aren't super bulky, consider other options that can take a hit or have good Special Defense.

After the Fight:

Once you finally defeat Fantina, you'll earn the Relic Badge! This is a big deal because it allows you to use the HM move Surf outside of battle, which you'll need to progress. You'll also get TM65 Shadow Claw as a reward. When you leave the gym, Cynthia will show up and give you some pointers. She'll tell you that with Surf, you can now head to Canalave City by going west from Jubilife City through Route 218.