Recent leaks for the unreleased Pokémon Winds and Waves suggest that the game's Elite Four may feature elemental types not previously seen in this capacity. According to information shared by leaker BallGuy, the upcoming title could introduce Grass and Electric-type specialists to the Elite Four, a significant departure from the series' history.
The Elite Four represents a major challenge near the conclusion of a Pokémon game, requiring players to defeat four consecutive trainers with a single team and limited item usage. Following these battles, players typically face the regional champion. Historically, the Elite Four has featured a variety of types, but Grass and Electric have notably been absent as dedicated specialties for these top trainers.
While some previous Pokémon games have included trainers who use Pokémon of these types, none have made them the sole focus of an Elite Four member. The leak also clarifies that the champion in Winds and Waves will not be a Normal-type trainer, a decision that may assuage some fans' concerns about a potentially anticlimactic final battle.
Other potential type additions to the Elite Four could include Normal and Fairy types. Though Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's Indigo Disk DLC featured a Fairy-type expert, Lacey, she was part of a separate Elite Four within the DLC. Another character, Larry, appeared as a Normal-type gym leader before switching to a Flying-type team when he became part of the main game's Elite Four.
Previous leaks concerning Winds and Waves have reportedly revealed the game's map and gym leader types, with rumored specialties including Grass, Poison, Flying, Fighting, Dark, Normal, Steel, and Fairy. These details, however, are subject to change and have not been officially confirmed.
Details regarding game progression, player freedom in tackling challenges, and the specific mechanics of gym and Elite Four battles remain unknown. With no official release date announced for Pokémon Winds and Waves, fans are left to speculate based on these emerging leaks.