Ice Gym Leader Guide: Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

Related: How To Beat Cynthia in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

Candice is the second to last gym leader you will fight before going on to challenge the Elite Four. While not overly difficult, her Ice type Pokemon can really surprise you if you aren’t properly prepared. Here is everything to know about how to defeat Candice in Snowpoint City.

Candice’s Pokemon Team

Snover – Level 38

Moves: Razor Leaf, Mist, Water Pulse, Avalanche

Sneasel – Level 38

Moves: Metal Claw, Hone Claws, Dig, Avalanche

Medicham – Level 40

Moves: Ice Punch, Bulk Up, Brick Break, Rock Slide

Abomasnow – Level 42

Moves: Aurora Veil, Giga Drain, Earthquake, Blizzard

How To Beat Candice

To win against her, your Pokemon should at the minimum be level 33-35.

She will come to the battlefield with four Pokemon, three of which have Ice typing, and one who will most certainly surprise you. Most Fire types will work, especially for her Snover and Abomasnow who are Ice/Grass types. Fire types have an advantage over both of those, so there’s a double power there for you. Be aware however that Snover can use a Water type move.

To counter her Sneasels Dark typing, bring something that knows Fighting, Bug, or Fairy type moves. Avoid bringing units who have Dragon, Ground, Grass, and Flying typing as those are all weak to Ice.

The only non-Ice type in Candice’s party is her Medicham, which is Psychic/Fighting type. To counter it, bring something that knows Bug or Ghost type moves. Fairy or Psychic type moves can also work.

Candice’s signature Pokemon is going to be an Abomasnow, who has the capability to one shot your Pokemon with its powerful Earthquake even if they are not weak to Ground types. If you happen to have a Haunter, their Levitate ability will allow them to evade Earthquake.

How To Counter Candice’s Support

Like most of the Sinnoh gym leaders, Candice may use a Hyper Potion on her Pokemon. A good way to counter the Potion use is to have a Pokemon that uses moves that do damage over time, such as Toxic or Fire Spin. Note that any status ailment will be cured if she uses a Full Restore, so you’ll have to use the move again to trigger another one. She may also substitute a battling unit if you have a Pokemon with typing that’s strong against hers, so you should be prepared to do the same.

Rewards For Defeating Candice

Once you beat Candice, she will give you the Icicle Badge, TM72 which is Avalanche, and the Ability to use the HM Rock Climb. Defeating her can be tricky, but it is definitely doable with the right Pokemon.