Gym & major trainer preparation

Because every Gym Leader has a full team of six and better AI, "unga-bunga" offense rarely works. Abuse Substitute:

The Elite Four in Sacred Gold are Champion-level difficulty.

You can obtain the Kanto and Hoenn starters throughout the game. Don't sleep on Mudkip (Swampert’s typing is god-tier in Johto) or Bulbasaur (Sleep Powder and Leech Seed provide essential utility). 3. Change Your Mindset on "Trash" Mons