Pokémon Black and White: Complete Guide
Complete guide to Pokémon Black and White. Walkthrough, gym leaders, best team, Unova Pokédex, and tips for mastering Generation 5.
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Complete guide to Pokémon Black and White. Walkthrough, gym leaders, best team, Unova Pokédex, and tips for mastering Generation 5.
Pokémon Black and White introduced the Unova region and 156 new Pokémon, the most of any generation. These games are known for their deep story, memorable characters, and the revolutionary feature of only allowing new Pokémon until the post-game. This guide covers everything you need to master Generation 5.
Table of Contents
Choosing Your Starter
The three starters in Black and White are Snivy (Grass), Tepig (Fire), and Oshawott (Water). Each has a unique final evolution with distinct playstyles. Snivy evolves into Serperior, a fast special attacker. Tepig evolves into Emboar, a bulky physical attacker. Oshawott evolves into Samurott, a balanced mixed attacker.
Main Story Walkthrough
The story of Black and White is one of the most acclaimed in the series, featuring the villainous Team Plasma and their leader N, who believes Pokémon should be liberated from humans. The story explores complex themes of truth, ideals, and the relationship between humans and Pokémon.
The climax takes place at N's Castle, which rises from the ground beneath the Pokémon League. Here, you must battle N and his legendary dragon (Reshiram in Black, Zekrom in White) before facing the true villain, Ghetsis.
Gym Leaders Guide
Black and White feature eight gym leaders, each with a unique type specialization:
- Cilan/Cress/Chili (Grass/Water/Fire): Depends on your starter.
- Lenora (Normal): Herdier and Watchog. Use Fighting moves.
- Burgh (Bug): Dwebble, Whirlipede, and Leavanny. Use Fire or Flying.
- Elesa (Electric): Emolga (x2) and Zebstrika. Use Ground moves.
- Clay (Ground): Krokorok, Excadrill, and Palpitoad. Use Water or Grass.
- Skyla (Flying): Swoobat, Ducklett, and Swanna. Use Electric or Ice.
- Brycen (Ice): Cryogonal, Vanillish, and Beartic. Use Fire or Fighting.
- Iris/Drayden (Dragon): Fraxure, Druddigon, and Haxorus. Use Ice or Dragon.
Best Team for Black and White
Since Black and White only feature new Pokémon until the post-game, your team must be built from the Unova Pokédex. Here is a recommended team:
- Samurott or Emboar: Your starter for Water or Fire coverage.
- Excadrill: Ground/Steel with excellent Attack and Speed.
- Archeops: Rock/Flying with incredible Attack and Speed.
- Ferrothorn: Grass/Steel with excellent defensive typing.
- Chandelure: Ghost/Fire with massive Special Attack.
- Haxorus: Dragon with high Attack and good Speed.
Post-Game Content
After becoming Champion, Black and White unlock a massive post-game area in the eastern part of Unova. This area contains Pokémon from previous generations, new areas to explore, and the Battle Subway. You can also catch the Legendary Swords of Justice (Cobalion, Terrakion, Virizion) and the Mythical Pokémon Victini.
Use our random Pokémon generator to discover new Pokémon for your team, and check our type chart to plan your gym battles. Visit our blog for more Pokémon guides!