Pokémon: Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl welcomes players back to the Sinnoh Region to battle its gym leaders once again. With updated graphics and new movesets since Gen IV, these gyms are a fun challenge for new and old players alike. Like Pokémon games of the past, Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl allow players to progress further in the game with each gym they defeat, unlocking new areas and abilities for each step of their adventure. Players must claim all eight gym badges before they’re able to take on the Elite 4 and the reigning Champion at the end of the game.

Roark is the first gym leader in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl. As the leader of the Oreburgh Gym, Roark uses rock-type Pokémon, which poses a potential challenge for players who chose Chimchar as their starter Pokémon. However, when players first make it to Oreburgh City, they’ll meet their rival at the door of the gym, and he’ll tell them that Roark has left the building. Players must find him before they’re able to challenge him and claim their first gym badge.

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Roark can be found working in the Oreburgh Mine just south of Oreburgh City. He’ll be at the southernmost end of the mine between two boulders. Once players speak with him, he’ll demonstrate the Hidden Move Rock Smash, which players will be able to use once they defeat him. Roark will quickly head back to the Oreburgh Gym, at which point players are able to return and start the game’s first gym battle.

How To Beat Roark In Pokémon: Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl

Players challenge Gym Leader Roark to a battle in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

Roark’s rock-type Pokémon are weak against water and grass-type Pokémon, so players who have chosen Piplup or Turtwig as their starter will have an advantage in the Oreburgh Gym. Fire types are weak against rock, so players who have chosen Chimchar should be sure to catch a couple of Pokémon with grass or bug-type moves before they challenge Roark. However, players who have chosen Piplup or Turtwig as their starter will have a major advantage in this gym. The Oreburgh Gym has two paths to get to Roark, so players can bypass the gym’s trainers if they want to make it to the leader with their Pokémon at full health.

Roark has three Pokémon: a Geodude, an Onix, and his signature Cranidos. While these Pokémon were the same in the original Diamond & Pearl games, their movesets have changed in the remakes.

Geodude / Rock / Level 12

  • Stealth Rock
  • Defense Curl
  • Rollout

Onix / Rock / Level 12

  • Rock Throw
  • Bind

Ability: Sturdy

Cranidos / Fossil-Rock / Level 14

  • Bulldoze
  • Headbutt
  • Leer

Ability: Mold Breaker

Geodude’s Stealth Rock will do damage whenever a new Pokémon enters the battle, so it’s a good strategy to avoid switching Pokémon as much as possible. Rock-type Pokémon will withstand most of Roark’s attacks, and players with Kricketot, Kricketune, or Zubat will be able to use their grass and bug-type moves to deal a decent amount of damage. Shinx can also learn Bite, which is an effective Dark-type move and may cause the opponent to flinch.

Geodude Pokemon

The Pokémon to watch out for is Cranidos, which can deal a ton of damage with its Bulldoze and Headbutt moves. A Geodude will be able to hold up against its Headbutt, but it’s weak to the Cranidos’ Bulldoze. Kricketot and Kricketune, on the other hand, will counter Bulldoze as it’s strong against ground types, and their moves are effective against Cranidos, but players will still have to watch out for its Headbutt.

After defeating Roark, players will receive the Pokémon Coal Badge from him, as well as 5 TM76s, which can teach a Pokémon the Stealth Rock move. Players will also be able to use the Rock Smash ability in the overworld to break boulders and explore new areas. Defeating Roark will also unlock the Global Club in the basement of each Pokémon Center so players can battle and trade with other trainers worldwide.

Next: Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl: How To Get Manaphy & Phione

Pokémon: Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl are available on Nintendo Switch.