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.
Boulderbadge
The Boulderbadge (Japanese: グレーバッジ Gray Badge, Italian: Medaglia Sasso, Portuguese: Insígnia de Pedra) 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, Flint, Lola, and Forest have all had the authority to hand out the Boulderbadge.
It is a simple gray octagon.
Cascadebadge
The Cascadebadge (Japanese: ブルーバッジ Blue Badge, Italian: Medaglia Cascata, Portuguese: Insígnia da Cascata) 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, and, for a time, Lily, Daisy and Violet, have had the authority to hand out the Cascadebadge.
It is in the shape of a light blue raindrop.
Thunderbadge
The Thunderbadge (Japanese: オレンジバッジ Orange Badge, Italian: Medaglia Tuono, Portuguese: Insígnia do Trovão) 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 Thunderbadge.
It is in the shape of an eight-pointed gold star with an orange octagon in the center.
Rainbowbadge
The Rainbowbadge (Japanese: レインボーバッジ Rainbow Badge, Italian: Medaglia Arcobaleno, Portuguese: Insígnia do Arco-Íris) 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 Rainbowbadge.
It is shaped like a flower, showing grass. Its petals are rainbow colored, hence its name.
Marshbadge
The Marshbadge (Japanese: ゴールドバッジ Gold Badge, Italian: Medaglia Palude, Portuguese: Insígnia do Pântano) from Saffron Gym.
In the games, it forces all Pokémon up to Level 70 to obey the trainer.
Sabrina has the sole authority to hand out the Marshbadge.
Originally was to be called the Soulbadge, but due to a translation error, Nintendo has since called it the Marshbadge.
It is a gold circle with a smaller gold circle inside it.
Soulbadge
The Soulbadge (Japanese: ピンクバッジ Pink Badge, Italian: Medaglia Anima, Portuguese: Insígnia da Alma) 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 Soulbadge.
Originally was to be called the Marshbadge, but due to a translation error, Nintendo has since called it the Soulbadge.
It is in the shape of a fuschia heart.
Volcanobadge
The Volcanobadge (Japanese: クリムゾンバッジ Crimson Badge, Italian: Medaglia Vulcano, Portuguese: Insígnia do Vulcão) 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.
Blaine has the sole authority to hand out the Volcanobadge.
It is shaped like a flame. It may also be the shape of Magmar's footprint.
Earthbadge
The Earthbadge (Japanese: グリーンバッジ Green Badge, Italian: Medaglia Terra) from Viridian Gym is the final badge on a trainer's quest toward the Indigo League.
It forces all Pokémon to obey the trainer.
Blue, and formerly Giovanni, has the sole authority to hand out the Earthbadge, but in the Advanced Generation anime, Agatha is shown to be the new leader, thus making her the sole authority on handing out the Earthbadge.
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, Italian: Medaglia Occhio di Corallo, Portuguese: Insígnia Olho de Coral) 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, Italian: Medaglia Rubino di Mare, Portuguese: Insígnia Mar de Rubi) 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, Italian: Medaglia Stella degli Abissi) 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, Italian: Medaglia Stella di Giada) 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.
Zephyrbadge
The Zephyrbadge (Japanese: ウイングバッジ Wing Badge, Italian: Medaglia Zefiro, Portuguese: Insígnia de Zéfiro) 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, has the sole authority to hand out the Zephyrbadge.
It is shaped like a pair of wings.
Hivebadge
The Hivebadge (Japanese: インセクトバッジ Insect Badge, Italian: Medaglia Alveare, Portuguese: Insígnia da Colméia) 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 Hivebadge.
It looks like a ladybug from a view above.
Plainbadge
The Plainbadge (Japanese: レギュラーバッジ Regular Badge, Italian: Medaglia Piana, Portuguese: Insígnia da Planície) 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 Plainbadge.
It is a plain square.
Fogbadge
The Fogbadge (Japanese: ファントムバッジ Phantom Badge, Italian: Medaglia Nebbia, Portuguese: Insígnia da Neblina) 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 Fogbadge.
It is shaped like a stereotypical ghost.
Stormbadge
The Stormbadge (Japanese: ショックバッジ Shock Badge, Italian: Medaglia Tempesta, Portuguese: Insígnia da Tempestade) 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 Stormbadge.
It is shaped like a fist.
Mineralbadge
The Mineralbadge (Japanese: スチールバッジ Steel Badge, Italian: Medaglia Minerale, Portuguese: Insígnia Mineral) 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 Mineralbadge.
It is a steel-colored octagon.
Glacierbadge
The Glacierbadge (Japanese: アイスバッジ Ice Badge, Italian: Medaglia Gelo, Portuguese: Insígnia Glacial) 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 Glacierbadge.
It is shaped like a snowflake.
Risingbadge
The Risingbadge (Japanese: ライジングバッジ Rising Badge, Italian: Medaglia Levante, Portuguese: Insígnia Crescente) 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 Risingbadge.
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.
Stonebadge
The Stonebadge (Japanese: ストーンバッジ Stone Badge, Italian: Medaglia Pietra, Portuguese: Insígnia de Granizo) 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.
Knucklebadge
The Knucklebadge (Japanese: ナックルバッジ Knuckle Badge, Italian: Medaglia Pugno) 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.
Dynamobadge
The Dynamobadge (Japanese: ダイナモバッジ Dynamo Badge, Italian: Medaglia Dinamo, Portuguese: Insígnia do Dínamo) 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.
Heatbadge
The Heatbadge (Japanese: ヒートバッジ Heat Badge, Italian: Medaglia Fiamma, Portuguese: Insígnia do Calor) 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.
Balancebadge
The Balancebadge (Japanese: バランスバッジ Balance Badge, Italian: Medaglia Armonia, Portuguese: Insígnia da Balança) 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.
Featherbadge
The Featherbadge (Japanese: フェザーバッジ Feather Badge, Italian: Medaglia Piuma, Portuguese: Insígnia da Pena) 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.
Mindbadge
The Mindbadge (Japanese: マインドバッジ Mind Badge, Italian: Medaglia Mente, Portuguese: Insígnia da Mente) 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 Liza & Tate, the twin leaders of this Gym.
It is shaped like a heart.
Rainbadge
The Rainbadge (Japanese: レインバッジ Rain Badge, Italian: Medaglia Pioggia, Portuguese: Insígnia da Chuva) 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, 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.
Coal Badge
The Coal Badge from Oreburgh 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.
Forest Badge
The Forest Badge from Eterna 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.
Cobble Badge
The Cobble Badge from Veilstone is the third of the badges obtained by trainers from Sinnoh, given out by Maylene. It allows the use of Fly outside of battle.
Fen Badge
The Fen Badge from Pastoria is the fourth of the badges obtained by trainers from Sinnoh, given out by Wake. It allows the use of Defog outside of battle.
Relic Badge
The Relic Badge from Hearthome is the fifth of the badges obtained by trainers from Sinnoh, given out by Fantina. It allows the use of Surf outside of battle and forces all Pokémon up to Level 50 to obey the trainer.
Mine Badge
The Mine Badge from Canalave 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.
Icicle Badge
The Icicle Badge from Snowpoint 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.
Beacon Badge
The Beacon Badge from Sunyshore 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.
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 becuse they were his friend, 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 thirteen 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 we see another trainer with eight other completely different badges all together. In total, Ash, Gary, Otoshi and the other trainer display 27 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. 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 (partnered with the Rainbow Wing).
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 Earthbadge, 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
Until the Rising Badge, all badges were renamed for American audiences. 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, perhaps ironically, the Glacier Badge of Mahogany Town had been named the Ice Badge in Japan.
