Paldea Gym Leader Iono's newly revealed partner Bellibolt shouldn't pose much of a threat to experienced trainers, even if it Terastallizes. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will add more strategy to battles with Pokemon being given the ability to Terastallize, allowing it to potentially become a different type than what it is normally. This is going to be a key aspect of planning for the Gym challenge when adventuring across the Paldea region.
Most recently, fans were introduced to Iono, the leader of the Levincia City Gym who specializes in Electric-type Pokemon. Her partner Bellibolt similarly makes its debut in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet with the possible abilities Static or Electromorphosis. Static is a classic ability that potentially causes paralysis to any Pokemon who makes direct contact, but Electromorphosis is a new ability. This will cause Bellibolt to become "charged" if it is attacked, which will increase the power of its next Electric-type move. Even with that new wrinkle, fans of the series should know how to deal with any challenge, and the game's open-world design might make that even easier.
How To Deal With Electric-type Pokemon
Electric-types have never been difficult to handle in battle considering Ground-type moves are the textbook weakness for Electric Pokemon. A Ground-type Pokemon is completely unaffected by Electric-type moves, so it won't matter if Bellibolt's Electromorphosis ability does activate. The first, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth generations of Pokemon games each have a Gym specializing in Electric-type Pokemon, plus one Trial Captain on Alola, so seasoned players should have experience facing them.
In the Paldea region, all Pokemon are capable of taking on a Terastal form, which could alter the Pokemon's type, and thus the flow of battle. With this in mind, trainers should be extra careful about what moves they choose in battle. Theoretically, a Pokemon would Terastallize before any chosen moves are made, the same way Mega Evolution and Dynamax worked in terms of priority. It is important to remember that only one Pokemon may Terastallize per battle, and considering Iono claims Bellibolt as her partner Pokemon, the chances are good that it will be the one she Terastallizes.
Guessing Iono's Bellibolt Terastal Type in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
The obvious possibilities for Iono's Bellibolt to Terastallize are types with an advantage against Ground, such as a flying-type Terastal Pokemon. Ground-type Pokemon weaknesses are Water- and Grass-type moves, so should Bellibolt know any moves of these types, that could have its power considerably boosted. That means it would take on the weaknesses of that type as well, so trainers can play the rock-paper-scissors rotation in their party to stay on top.
However, the most effective way to handle a story mode Gym challenge is to train a team that out-levels the competition. The Gym Challenge of any Pokemon game is meant to teach proper battling techniques, and their badges enable a trainer to command Pokemon of a certain higher level. Therefore, Gym Leaders tend to have Pokemon that are leveled to the point where the trainer is in their journey. Without that set path to tackle Gyms in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's open world, Iono's team could be leveled in the mid-teens or upper 40s depending on when she's challenged. Luckily, that open-world design also means players can potentially train more out in Paldea to prepare.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are scheduled to release on November 18, 2022, for Nintendo Switch.