WithPokemonGen 10 on the horizon, recent rumors have been floating around suggesting the next mainline games afterLegends: Z-Awill be taking the series to a new region based on the Greek Cyclades island group. AfterPokemon Scarlet and Violetbrought the franchise its first true open-world experience, it will be interesting to see how an island-hoppingPokemongame adapts Gen 9 mechanics. However, Gen 10 also has the chance to bring back and build upon one aspect of the franchise that was skipped inScarlet and Violet.
For the longest time, it was a common complaint that thePokemonseries had never featured a Dark-type Gym Leader. This trend remained in place until Gen 8’sPokemon Sword and Shieldintroduced Piers as the series' first Gym Leader specializing in the Dark type. However, despite finally breaking the “no Dark-type Gym Leader” saga with Gen 8,Pokemon Scarlet and Violetfailed to capitalize on this turning point and feature its ownPaldean Dark-typeGym Leader one generation later. Now that the floodgates have been opened for more Dark-type representation in the series, Gen 10 would be wise to give Piers some company among Dark-type Gym Leaders.
Pokemon Deserves Another Dark-Type Gym Leader in Gen 10
The Pokemon Series' Dark Type Representation Leaves Much to Be Desired
After its introduction in Gen 2, the Dark type has gone on to be one of the less utilized types when it comes to major characters who specialize in it. This could be part of the reason why the type has the infamous reputation of going the longest without aGym Leaderto represent it. So far, the list of major Dark-type users in thePokemonseries includes:
AlthoughPokemon Scarlet and Violetdid a great job ensuring that each ofPokemon’s 18 typeswere represented by a major boss battle, Giacomo acting as the Dark-type specialist for the games seemed like a step down compared to what was offered between battles with Marnie and Piers inPokemon Sword and Shield. The previous trend of Dark-type Elite Four members has given the type a close association with that role, but in terms of true Dark-type Gym Leaders, Gen 8 is the only game to feature any.
The only types with fewer major specialists than Dark in thePokemonseries are Normal, Flying, Bug, and Ground.
Pokemon’s First Dark-Type Gym Leader Was a Double-Edged Sword
Although the introduction of Piers as the first Dark-type Gym Leader was an important step in the right direction, his dual role within the story ofPokemon Sword and Shieldsomewhat undermined this important addition. While Piers was the leader of the Spikemuth Gym that players needed to battle to earn their 7th badge, he also acted as the de facto leader of Team Yell, since his gym trainers made up the team’s members, who set out to support his sister, Marnie, in her quest to become the region’s Champion through any means necessary. To further undercut Piers' prominence as a Gym Leader, he is also the only one in theGalar Regionwho does not use Dynamax in his gym battle.
Gen 10 has a chance to give a trueDark-type Gym Leadera second chance at a first impression by introducing one who fully participates in the generation’s gimmick battle mechanic, and can fully dedicate themselves to their role as Gym Leader. IfPokemonGen 10 wanted to further put a spotlight on this character, leaving them as the final gym players must challenge before tackling the Pokemon League would be a great way to showcase the strength of the Dark type and allow its specialist to leave a lasting impression. With Piers having set the bar for Dark-type Gym Leaders, thePokemonseries should find a way to clear it with a new Gym Leader in Gen 10.
