This is a guide for defeating Tulip, the Psychic Gym Leader, during her rematch in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet.

How to Rematch Tulip¶

You can rematch Tulip after completing the Area Zero story (after seeing the credits roll) and visiting the Director’s Office at Naranja/Uva Academy. Geeta will ask you to visit the eight gyms of Paldea in her place, as part of an inspection. During this time, you can challenge the gym leaders at their full power!

Recommended Pokémon for Tulip During Her Rematch¶

Tulip still uses Psychic types, so we recommend bringing some Dark, Ghost and Bug types.

Her Pokémon are all Level 65-66, so your Pokémon should be Level 65+ to match.

Here are some suggestions:

• Any of the Treasures of Ruin, especially Chi-Yu.
• Kingambit, a Dark and Steel type. You need to evolve a Bisharp by making it defeat 3 Bisharp leading groups of Pawniard at the bamboo forest in North Province Area Two.
• Gholdengo, a Ghost and Steel type. You must evolve a Gimmighoul by collecting 999 Gimmighoul Coins. If you want to show off your hard-earned Gholdengo, this is a good time as any.
• Skuntank, a Poison and Dark type found in Socarrat Trail.

What Pokémon does Tulip Use During Her Rematch?¶

Farigiraf¶

Like last time, Tulip leads with her Farigiraf. It still has Zen Headbutt for Psychic STAB, Crunch to hit Ghosts, and Reflect to weaken your physical moves. In addition, it’s got Iron Head for increased coverage. Its Armor Tail ability prevents priority moves like Sucker Punch.

Dark types are great, for dealing super-effective damage and immunity from Crunch. Bug types are also good.

Gardevoir¶

Gardevoir is another mainstay. It still has Psychic and Dazzling Gleam for STAB, plus Energy Ball for coverage. This time, it can also use Mystical Fire to melt Steel types.

We suggest fielding a Ghost type, so long as they’re not weak to Psychic or Fairy moves.

Espathra¶

Another Pokémon you fought before. It still has Psychic for STAB, Shadow Ball to counter Ghosts, and Quick Attack to try and attack first. In addition, it can use Dazzling Gleam to surprise Dark types. Its Opportunist ability copies your Pokémon’s stat boosts.

This is a job for a Bug type. Or a Dark type that takes neutral damage from Fairy, like Skuntank, Kingambit or Chi-Yu.

Gallade¶

Gallade is a new addition to Tulip’s roster. It can use Psycho Cut and Close Combat for STAB, X-Scissor to hurt opposing Psychic types, and Leaf Blade just in case.

We recommend Fairy types, since they’re super-effective and resist Close Combat. Flying and Ghost types are also good.

Terastallized Florges¶

Finally, Tulip will Terastallize her Florges to transform it into a pure Psychic type, while retaining its Fairy STAB.

For attacks, it still has Psychic and Moonblast for STAB, plus Petal Blizzard for funsies. In addition, it can use Charm to greatly lower your Attack.

Ghost or Bug types are recommended. Especially if they’re Steel types, like Scizor, Forretress or Gholdengo, to resist Florges’s STAB moves.