Badge
A badge (Japanese: バッジ badge) is an item which denotes a Pokémon trainer as having defeated a Gym Leader. Trainers need to collect a certain number of gym badges in order to qualify for a region's Pokémon League. Young trainers usually begin their initial Pokémon journey by travelling from city to city in order to collect them. Badges are small enough to fit easily between one's thumb and index finger, and can be pinned to a shirt.
Badges affect a Pokémon's behavior. A symbol of competence on the trainer's part, badges force Pokémon under a certain level to obey. Additionally, trainers cannot have a Pokémon use an HM move outside battle without the appropriate badge. Also, beginning in Generation IV, the number of badges affects the items that various Poké Marts will sell a trainer. The more badges, the more expensive and rare items become available for purchase.
List of badges
Indigo League
Trainers must collect eight Gym badges from around the Kanto region in order to participate in the Indigo League.
Boulder Badge
The Boulder Badge (Japanese: グレーバッジ Gray Badge) from Pewter Gym is the first badge on a trainer's quest toward the Indigo League.
In the games, it enables the use of Flash outside of battle and increases the trainer's Pokémon's Attack stat.
Brock has the sole authority to hand out the Boulder Badge. In the anime, however, he has shared this position with Flint, Lola and Forrest.
It is a simple gray octagon.
Cascade Badge
The Cascade Badge (Japanese: ブルーバッジ Blue Badge) from Cerulean Gym is the second badge on a trainer's quest toward the Indigo League.
In the games, it enables the use of Cut outside of battle and forces all Pokémon up to Level 30 to obey the trainer.
Misty has the sole authority to hand out the Cascade Badge. In the anime, Lily, Daisy and Violet used to have this authority.
It is in the shape of a light blue raindrop.
Thunder Badge
The Thunder Badge (Japanese: オレンジバッジ Orange Badge) from Vermilion Gym is the third badge on a trainer's quest toward the Indigo League.
In the games, it enables the use of Fly outside of battle and increases the trainer's Pokémon's Speed stat.
Lt. Surge has the sole authority to hand out the Thunder Badge.
It is in the shape of an eight-pointed gold star with an orange octagon in the center.
Rainbow Badge
The Rainbow Badge (Japanese: レインボーバッジ Rainbow Badge) from Celadon Gym is the fourth badge on a trainer's quest toward the Indigo League.
In the games, it enables the use of Strength outside of battle and forces all Pokémon up to Level 50 to obey the trainer.
Erika has the sole authority to hand out the Rainbow Badge.
It is shaped like a flower, showing grass. Its petals are rainbow colored, hence its name.
Soul Badge
The Soul Badge (Japanese: ピンクバッジ Pink Badge) from Fuchsia Gym is the sixth badge on a trainer's quest toward the Indigo League.
In the games, it enables the use of Surf outside of battle and increases the trainer's Pokémon's Defense stat.
Janine, and formerly her father, Koga, have had the authority to hand out the Soul Badge.
The Soul Badge was originally to be known as the Marsh Badge. This is due to an error in the localization of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue. The original intent was for Sabrina's badge to be the "Soul" Badge (relating to mystical/psychic powers) and for Koga's badge to be the "Marsh" Badge (relating to an area where poisonous animals may live).[citation needed]
It is in the shape of a fuchsia heart.
Marsh Badge
The Marsh Badge (Japanese: ゴールドバッジ Gold Badge) from Saffron Gym.
In the games, it forces all Pokémon up to Level 70 to obey the trainer. Its additional effect in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen is the enabling of the use of Rock Smash outside battle.
Sabrina has the sole authority to hand out the Marsh Badge.
The Marsh Badge was originally to be known as the Soul Badge. This is due to an error in the localization of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue. The original intent was for Sabrina's badge to be the "Soul" Badge (relating to mystical/psychic powers) and for Koga's badge to be the "Marsh" Badge (relating to an area where poisonous animals may live).[citation needed]
It is a gold circle with a smaller gold circle inside it.
Volcano Badge
The Volcano Badge (Japanese: クリムゾンバッジ Crimson Badge) from Cinnabar Gym is the seventh badge on a trainer's quest toward the Indigo League.
It increases the trainer's Pokémon's Special stats. Its additional effect in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen is the enabling of the use of Waterfall outside battle.
Blaine has the sole authority to hand out the Volcano Badge.
It is shaped like a flame. It may also be the shape of Magmar's footprint.
Earth Badge
The Earth Badge (Japanese: グリーンバッジ Green Badge) from Viridian Gym is the final badge on a trainer's quest toward the Indigo League.
It forces all Pokémon to obey the trainer.
Giovanni and Blue in the games, and Giovanni, Jessie, James, Meowth, and Agatha in the anime, have all had the authority to hand out the Earth Badge.
It is shaped like a plant, which grows on earth.
Orange League
Trainers must collect only four badges from the Orange Crew in order to participate in the Orange League. All Orange League badges are made out of sea shells.
Coral-Eye Badge
The Coral-Eye Badge (Japanese: サクラバッジ Sakura Badge) from Mikan Gym is the first badge on a trainer's journey toward the Orange League.
Cissy has the sole authority to hand out the Coral-Eye Badge.
It is shaped like a clam shell with a small gemstone on it.
Sea Ruby Badge
The Sea Ruby Badge (Japanese: シラナミバッジ Shiranami Badge) from Navel Gym is the second badge on a trainer's journey toward the Orange League.
Danny has the sole authority to hand out the Sea Ruby Badge.
It is shaped like an oyster shell with a small gemstone on it.
Spike Shell Badge
The Spike Shell Badge (Japanese: リンボウバッジ Rinbou Badge) from Trovita Gym is the third badge on a trainer's journey toward the Orange League.
Rudy has the sole authority to hand out the Spike Shell Badge.
It is shaped like the top view of a conch shell with a small gemstone on it. The name and shape of the badge is said to reflect the spike-like rocks that surround Trovita Island.
Jade Star Badge
The Jade Star Badge (Japanese: ルリバッジ Ruri Badge) from Kumquat Gym is the fourth and final badge on a trainer's journey toward the Orange League.
Luana has the sole authority to hand out the Jade Star Badge.
It is shaped like a conch shell with a small gemstone on it.
Johto League
Trainers must collect eight Gym badges from around the Johto region in order to participate in the Johto League.
Zephyr Badge
The Zephyr Badge (Japanese: ウイングバッジ Wing Badge) from Violet Gym is the first badge on a trainer's quest toward the Johto League.
In the games, it enables the use of Flash outside of battle and increases the trainer's Pokémon's Attack stat.
Falkner, and formerly his father, have the authority to hand out the Zephyr Badge.
It is shaped like a pair of wings.
Hive Badge
The Hive Badge (Japanese: インセクトバッジ Insect Badge) from Azalea Gym is the second badge on a trainer's quest toward the Johto League.
In the games, it enables the use of Cut outside of battle and forces all Pokémon up to Level 30 to obey the trainer.
Bugsy has the sole authority to hand out the Hive Badge.
It looks like a ladybug from a view above.
Plain Badge
The Plain Badge (Japanese: レギュラーバッジ Regular Badge) from Goldenrod Gym is the third badge on a trainer's quest toward the Johto League.
In the games, it enables the use of Strength outside of battle and increases a trainer's Pokémon's Speed stat.
Whitney has the sole authority to hand out the Plain Badge.
It is a plain square.
Fog Badge
The Fog Badge (Japanese: ファントムバッジ Phantom Badge) from Ecruteak Gym is the fourth badge on a trainer's quest toward the Johto League.
In the games, it enables the use of Surf outside of battle and forces all Pokémon up to Level 50 to obey the trainer.
Morty has the sole authority to hand out the Fog Badge.
It is shaped like a stereotypical ghost.
Storm Badge
The Storm Badge (Japanese: ショックバッジ Shock Badge) from Cianwood Gym is the fifth badge on a trainer's quest toward the Johto League.
In the games, it enables the use of Fly outside of battle and forces all Pokémon up to Level 70 to obey the trainer.
Chuck has the sole authority to hand out the Storm Badge.
It is shaped like a fist.
Mineral Badge
The Mineral Badge (Japanese: スチールバッジ Steel Badge) from Olivine Gym is the sixth badge on a trainer's quest toward the Johto League.
In the games, it increases a trainer's Pokémon's Defense stat.
Jasmine has the sole authority to hand out the Mineral Badge.
It is a steel-colored octagon.
Glacier Badge
The Glacier Badge (Japanese: アイスバッジ Ice Badge) from Mahogany Gym is the seventh badge on a trainer's quest toward the Johto League.
In the games, it enables the use of Whirlpool outside of battle and increases a trainer's Pokémon's Special stats.
Pryce has the sole authority to hand out the Glacier Badge.
It is shaped like a snowflake.
Rising Badge
The Rising Badge (Japanese: ライジングバッジ Rising Badge) from Blackthorn Gym is the final badge on a trainer's quest toward the Johto League.
In the games, it enables the use of Waterfall outside of battle and forces all Pokémon to obey the trainer.
Clair has the sole authority to hand out the Rising Badge.
It is shaped like a dragon's face.
Hoenn League
Trainers must collect eight Gym badges from around the Hoenn region in order to participate in the Hoenn League.
Stone Badge
The Stone Badge (Japanese: ストーンバッジ Stone Badge) from Rustboro Gym enables the use of Cut outside of battle and increases the trainer's Pokémon's Attack stat. This badge can only be handed out to trainers by Roxanne, the leader of this Gym.
It is shaped like a rectangle with two corners more emphasized.
Knuckle Badge
The Knuckle Badge (Japanese: ナックルバッジ Knuckle Badge) from Dewford Gym enables the use of Flash outside of battle and forces all Pokémon up to Level 30 to obey the trainer. It can only be handed out to trainers by Brawly, the leader of this Gym.
It is shaped like a boxing glove.
Dynamo Badge
The Dynamo Badge (Japanese: ダイナモバッジ Dynamo Badge) from Mauville Gym enables the use of Rock Smash outside of battle and increases the trainer's Pokémon's Speed stat. This badge can only be handed out by Wattson, the leader of this Gym.
It is shaped like a coiled wire.
Heat Badge
The Heat Badge (Japanese: ヒートバッジ Heat Badge) from Lavaridge Gym enables the use of Strength outside of battle and forces all Pokémon up to Level 50 to obey the trainer. This badge can only be handed out to trainers by Flannery, the leader of this Gym.
It is shaped like a wisp of fire.
Balance Badge
The Balance Badge (Japanese: バランスバッジ Balance Badge) from Petalburg Gym enables the use of Surf outside of battle and increases the trainer's Pokémon's Defense stat. This badge can only be handed out by Norman, the leader of this Gym.
It is shaped like two circles, counterbalancing each other.
Feather Badge
The Feather Badge (Japanese: フェザーバッジ Feather Badge) from Fortree Gym enables the use of Fly outside of battle and forces all Pokémon up to Level 70 to obey the trainer. This badge can only be handed out by Winona, the leader of this Gym.
It is shaped like a bird's wing.
Mind Badge
The Mind Badge (Japanese: マインドバッジ Mind Badge) from Mossdeep Gym enables the use of Dive outside of battle and increases the trainer's Pokémon's Special stats. This badge can only be handed out by Tate and Liza, the twin leaders of this Gym.
It is shaped like a heart.
Rain Badge
The Rain Badge (Japanese: レインバッジ Rain Badge) from Sootopolis Gym enables the use of Waterfall outside of battle and forces all Pokémon to obey the trainer. This badge can only be handed out by Wallace, and later his mentor Juan, the leaders of this Gym.
It is shaped like three raindrops, arranged like a level-2 Sierpiński gasket, possibly based, like the Triforce, on the mon symbol of the Japanese Hōjō clan, which is said to represent the three scales of a Shinto dragon.
Sinnoh League
Trainers in Sinnoh must collect eight badges to compete in the Sinnoh Regional Pokémon League. When they are touched in the games, they play a single note, and will make an octave when all eight are collected. When a player rubs the stylus across them numerous times to polish them (they gradually tarnish), they will begin to shine. This process can be continued until four sparkles are visible. The notes are also the most clearly defined when there are four sparkles.
Unlike previous generations, these badges apparently do not affect stats; if they do, no one informs the player of this fact. Furthermore, it is the number of badges that determines which Pokémon obey the trainer, rather than the badges themselves (this distinction is important owing to the fact that the order of obtaining the Cobble and Fen Badges can be reversed). For every second badge the maximum level of obeying Pokémon increases (2 badges - Level 30; 4 badges - Level 50; 6 badges - Level 70; 8 badges - Level 100).
Coal Badge
The Coal Badge from Oreburgh Gym is the first of the badges obtained by trainers from Sinnoh, given out by Roark. It allows the use of Rock Smash outside of battle. It is shaped like a boulder and a Poké Ball combined.
Forest Badge
The Forest Badge from Eterna Gym is the second of the badges obtained by trainers from Sinnoh, given out by Gardenia. It allows the use of Cut outside of battle and forces all Pokémon up to Level 30 to obey the trainer. It is shaped like the attack Razor Leaf.
Cobble Badge
The Cobble Badge from Veilstone Gym is the third of the badges obtained by trainers from Sinnoh, given out by Maylene. It allows the use of Fly outside of battle. It is reminiscent of a brick wall.
Fen Badge
The Fen Badge from Pastoria Gym is the fourth of the badges obtained by trainers from Sinnoh, given out by Crasher Wake. It allows the use of Defog outside of battle and forces all Pokémon up to Level 50 to obey the trainer. It is shaped like a lake with gray reeds around it.
Relic Badge
The Relic Badge from Hearthome Gym is the fifth of the badges obtained by trainers from Sinnoh, given out by Fantina. It allows the use of Surf outside of battle. It is shaped like a gray circle on its center with three purple circles around it.
Mine Badge
The Mine Badge from Canalave Gym is the sixth of the badges obtained by trainers from Sinnoh, given out by Byron. It allows the use of Strength outside of battle and forces all Pokémon up to Level 70 to obey the trainer. It is shaped like three stones and three pickaxes combined.
Icicle Badge
The Icicle Badge from Snowpoint Gym is the seventh of the badges obtained by trainers from Sinnoh, given out by Candice. It allows the use of Rock Climb outside of battle. It is shaped like an iceberg.
Beacon Badge
The Beacon Badge from Sunyshore Gym is the last of the badges obtained by trainers from Sinnoh, given out by Volkner. It allows for the use of Waterfall outside of battle and forces all Pokémon to obey the trainer. It is shaped like a lighthouse.
In the anime
The anime has a few different rules for badges than in the games. Primarily, badges seem to do nothing beside signify the defeat of a given Gym Leader. A Pokémon may choose not to obey its trainer even if he or she has gained all eight badges, such as Ash's Charizard.
Gym Leaders are quite lenient about giving out badges in the Anime. Additionally, trainers do not necessarily have to win a battle with the Gym Leader in order to earn a badge. The Orange Crew, for example, all have entire Gym matches devoted to unconventional battling styles and Ash Ketchum was awarded several badges because of his kind heart and determination. In Kanto, both Misty and Brock gave him the badges from their Gym because they were his friends (or at least that's what Misty says).
Participation in the Indigo Plateau Conference yields a final Indigo League badge at the closing ceremony. It is larger, however, and square shaped.
Moving up a grade in Pokémon Tech is the equivalent of winning two Gym badges. Upon graduation, students may immediately apply for entry in the Pokémon League.
Trainers can take a three-part test that awards a single badge which allows entry into the Pokémon League.
Gary
Gary Oak acquired more than the standard eight Kanto League badges, thus leading to confusion as to whether or not there is a finite number of badges that can be given out in a given region. By EP063 he is shown to have at least ten badges, only 3 of which correspond to known Kanto league badges, suggesting there are at least fifteen gyms in Kanto.
Otoshi
In addition, before Ash competes in the Indigo League, a trainer named Otoshi is shown in the episode Bad to the Bone; he owns eight badges, but only shares four in common with Ash; later in the episode another trainer is seen with eight other completely different badges altogether. In total, Ash, Gary, Otoshi and the other trainer display 28 different types of badges, so there must be at least this number of gyms in Kanto at the time, assuming they are all from the same region.
On closer inspection, Otoshi's badges each look somewhat similar to Ash's badges and only differ in size and shape. Similarly, what can be identified as a Soul Badge, Thunder Badge, Marsh Badge, and Volcano Badge slide across the screen every time his Marowak knocks out a Pokémon in his flashback. His badges are in this order from upper-left to bottom-right: Thunder, ? (Rainbow), Cascade, Volcano, Marsh, Soul, Boulder, and Earth. This hints that there may be different varieties of the same badge.
Later, during Ash's Johto League challenge, he is given what is referred to in the show as the "Silver Wing Badge"; however, this is not an official gym badge and is not recognized in the games as a badge at all, but rather an item used to make Lugia appear in the Whirl Islands.
Morrison
At the Hoenn Pokémon League Championship in AG126, Morrison is shown to have an eighth badge different from Ash's, suggesting that there are at least 9 gyms in Hoenn.
In the Pokémon Special manga
In Pokémon Special, badges have mystical and mysterious qualities that can somehow increase the power of the Pokémon owned by the trainer who wields the badges.
It is not known what sort of material badges are made of, but they have been used for other purposes. The Mask of Ice, for instance, made an armored mask out of crushed badges.
Team Rocket used seven Kanto Gym badges to power a machine that combined Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres into a single beast. The machine also had a secret slot for the Earth Badge, which Lance manipulated to further his own goals by turining Cerise Island into a giant badge energy amplifier.
Badges are not required to enter the Pokémon League tournament, however without eight badges, a trainer must battle their way in to qualify for the finals.
In the Electric Tale of Pikachu manga
In the Electric Tale of Pikachu, badges work in a way similar to the anime, however, there are some minor differences. All badges have the Pokémon League logo printed on them.
In addition, Pokémon trainers are organized by class, much like Pokémon Tech "Class D", "Class C" and so forth. Badges increase the the rank of the trainer who owns them. Ash once believed that he could increase his rank by capturing rare wild Pokémon, however this was not the case.
Trivia
- With the exception of the Rainbow Badge and Rising Badge, all badges were renamed for audiences outside of Japan before Generation III. Generation III was the first time none were renamed, and this continued in Generation IV with the exception of the Icicle Badge, which had been the Glacier Badge in Japan. This was changed due to the fact that the badge of Mahogany Town is called the Glacier Badge in English, while it is called the Ice Badge in Japan.
- The Orange League is the only known Pokémon League with fewer than 8 badges.
- Every eighth badge enables the use of HM07 (Waterfall) outside of battle except for the Earth Badge.
