Pokémon Emerald expanded many of the features introduced in Ruby and Sapphire, and one of the most rewarding post-game additions is the ability to rematch Gym Leaders. Unlike the one-time battles in earlier games, Emerald allows you to face Gym Leaders again with stronger teams and improved strategies.
When Gym Leader Rematches Become Available
You can begin rematching Gym Leaders after you defeat the Pokémon League and become the Champion. Once you have achieved that milestone, the game introduces a new system using your PokéNav called the Match Call feature. This is the key to setting up rematches.
How the System Works
After the main story, Gym Leaders can be added to your Match Call list. As you continue to battle trainers across Hoenn, you will occasionally receive calls from them requesting a rematch. You can then visit their gym to challenge them again. Each rematch increases in difficulty, with the Gym Leader’s team featuring higher-level Pokémon and more advanced strategies.
Steps to Unlock and Trigger Rematches
- Defeat the Pokémon League.
This activates the Match Call rematch system. - Register Gym Leaders.
You must talk to each Gym Leader after defeating them the first time to add them to your PokéNav contacts. - Battle Other Trainers.
The more regular trainers you battle, the higher the chance that Gym Leaders will call for a rematch. - Check Your Match Call Regularly.
When a Gym Leader wants to battle again, they will contact you. You can then travel to their gym for the rematch.
Gym Leaders You Can Rematch
All eight Gym Leaders in Hoenn can be rematched:
- Roxanne (Rustboro City)
- Brawly (Dewford Town)
- Wattson (Mauville City)
- Flannery (Lavaridge Town)
- Norman (Petalburg City)
- Winona (Fortree City)
- Tate & Liza (Mossdeep City)
- Wallace (Sootopolis City, in Emerald only)
Each leader’s team grows stronger with every rematch, often reaching levels in the 60s and 70s by the final encounter.
Why It Matters
Rematching Gym Leaders is one of the best ways to train high-level Pokémon and test your battle skills in Emerald. The upgraded teams use held items, improved move sets, and better battle strategies, making them closer to competitive-level opponents. It also gives post-game players a reason to revisit familiar towns and keep their teams sharp before tackling the Battle Frontier.
In Summary
To rematch Gym Leaders in Pokémon Emerald, defeat the Pokémon League, register the leaders in your PokéNav, and wait for their rematch calls through the Match Call feature. Each rematch brings higher levels, stronger tactics, and a deeper challenge, turning Hoenn’s gyms into lasting arenas for growth and mastery.
