How to beat Fantina in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

The fifth Sinnoh gym leader dominates the field with a frightful Ghost-type team, which can really spook an unprepared player.

Note: This guide is for the gym leader fight, not the rematch.

Her Team

Fantina brings three spectral Pokémon to her fight:

• Drifblim - Level 32
  • Moves: Strength Sap, Hex, Fly, and Will-O-Wisp
  • Ability: Aftermath
  • Item: Zoom Lens
• Gengar - Level 34
  • Moves: Shadow Claw, Confuse Ray, Sludge Bomb, Dazzling Gleam
  • Ability: Cursed Body
  • Item: Colbur Berry
• Mismagius - Level 36
  • Moves: Confuse Ray, Phantom Force, Magical Leaf, Dazzling Gleam
  • Ability: Levitate
  • Item: Expert Belt

To our knowledge, Fantina will use up to two Hyper Potions when her Pokémon are low.

Related: How to beat Crasher Wake in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

Strategy

Taking advantage of Fantina's two primary weaknesses, Ghost and Dark, is made somewhat difficult by her having powerful counters to those two types. Gengar and Mismagius can easily one-shot squishier Dark and Ghost types, so take care when bringing those two types into battle.

Fantina makes heavy use of various statuses. You can fix confusion by switching out, but you'll need to bring items to deal with Drifblim's Will-O-Wisp.

Drifblim has Aftermath, which will deal a sizable chunk of damage to your Pokémon if it is defeated with a physical attack. Either use a special move or make sure your Pokémon can spare the health.

Gengar is holding a Colbur Berry, which will drastically lower the damage of one super-effective Dark-type move. Either use a Ghost-type move to KO the weak-defenced Pokémon or make sure your own Pokémon can take one of its powerful attacks.

Mismagius will decimate any Dark, Dragon, Ground, Rock, Water, Psychic, or Ghost-type Pokémon you bring against it thanks to its Expert Belt. Tankier Pokémon may be able to survive a hit or two, but otherwise, try not to bring those types out unless you're sure it can KO Mismagius immediately.

If you need to rework your moves for a better chance at beating Fantina, then check out All TM locations in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl here on Pro Game Guides!