We’ve all shared our uphill battles in any given Pokémon game. Whether it’s our neighborhood rival, or the leader of an evil organization. However, what were the hardest challenges in Pokémon? If so, who were the ones that made our Victory Road seem like a cake walk? Well, here at Geek News Now, we compiled a list of what we agreed were the Top 5 hardest trainers to go up against in the mainline Pokémon games.
Keep in mind, we’ll only be discussing those involved with the mainline Pokémon games. This excludes battles from either Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness, or Pokemon Colosseum, as they would pretty much be on their own listing.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
Top 5 First; Clair, Tamer of Dragons:
Gym Leader Clair, Tamer of Dragons. Image from pokemon.fandom.com
It goes without saying that the Dragon Tamer Clair of Johto is HARD. If you don’t take into account her three Dragonairs, each with elemental coverage, her Kingdra is a monster of its own accord. With a moveset that included Hydro Pump, Smokescreen, Hyper Beam, and Surf, it can come across as quite powerful. You later fight her in Black2/White2, this time having either Rest or Yawn and holding a Chesto Berry.
Additionally, its Sniper ability powered up critical hits. Though there are ways to eventually conquer the scary Dragon-type, we can only hope our skills are enough to outlast the battle.
#4; Ghetsis, The Seeker of Power:
Team Plasma leader Ghetsis. Image from myanimelist.net
Up next for our Top 5 includes the absolute madman himself, Ghetsis. Known as the leader of Team Plasma, his goal to liberate all Pokémon revealed him to actually remain as the only trainer in the world. Using the Legendary Pokémon, Kyurem, at his disposal, he deployed glaciers all over Unova to decimate the land. However, that’s not the scary part. As the main protagonist attempts to stop the Team Plasma leader, Pokémon Ultra Sun and Moon revealed two endings:
- The main player defeated Ghetsis, along with his plans, saving the world.
- Ghetsis defeated the player, ruling all of Unova.
These games revealed that while the main story shows us stopping the bad guys, an alternate reality exists where they won. However, don’t even get me started on his team. The Plasma leader’s team included Cofagrigus, Bouffalant, Eelektross, Bisharp, Seismitoad, and Hydreigon.
Not only do these Pokémon have great type coverage, but their movesets and abilities compliment them immensily. His Hydreigon, most notably, is insane. Being a dual-type, with the Levitate ability, and moves that provide insane type coverage, Hydreigon is Ghetsis’ toughest companion to date. Coupled with the fact that in B2W2 it holds a Life Orb, doubling its attack power, this is considered one of the toughest battles in the Unova games.
#3; Whitney:
Gym Leader Whitney and ace Miltank. Image from pokemon.fandom.com
The next runner-up on our listing is none other than the Normal-Type Gym Leader, Whitney. This girl perfected the definition of the meaning “Brick Wall”. Even if her Clefairy was easy, her Miltank counted as three Pokémon in one. With a moveset that included Stomp, Milk Drink, Rollout, and Attract, this Pokémon became an absolute obstacle for beginner trainers.
Additionaly, in HGSS, Whitney’s Miltank possesed the ability Scrappy. This meant that not even a Gastly would possibly stand a chance against the Milk Cow Pokémon. Secondly, it held a Lum Berry, temporarily preventing status conditions.
All in all, Whitney deserves this spot on our Top 5.
#2; Red:
Trainer Red with Pikachu. Image from kindpng.com
The most infamous Pokémon trainer in the entire franchise. Red managed to not only defeat his rival Blue, become champion, and be the possible first to complete the Pokédex. Secondly, his team is actually quite formidable. In Gold, Silver and Crystal, he used a Pikachu, Espeon, Snorlax, Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise. However, he replaced his Espeon in future games with a Lapras.
Not only did this showcase how tanked his team was, but the diversity alone was incredible. Also, in B2W2, his entire team all came with held items to aid them in battle, making their movesets all the more frightening. Even taking to account that his entire team are all almost level 100, Red proves to be one of the toughest Kanto bosses in the games.
Top 5 Number 1 Spot; Cynthia:
Sinnoh Champion Cynthia in Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl. Image from win.gg
If you love piano music, you’ll be absolutely haunted by Cynthia’s score. Back in the day of Diamond and Pearl the Sinnoh Champion boasted quite the reputation as the hardest and scariest member of the Elite Four.
With incredibly powerful Pokémon such as Spiritomb, Roserade, Lucario, Togekiss, Milotic, and her signature Garchomp, the Sinnoh League Champion is a force to be reckoned with. Furthermore, in the latest BDSP games, her team are actually set as competetive Pokémon.
More notably, her Milotic is the second biggest threat, due to having the Marvel Scale ability, and Flame Orb as a held item. In addition, her Garchomp only has to set up at least one Swords Dance in order to sweep any unprepared team.
Finally, if you do win and choose to rematch her another two times, her entire team of six only grow stronger and better than before. Pray you’ll have enough support items and healers before you reconsider becoming Sinnoh champion.
And, there you have it folks! Those are considered to be some of the toughest trainers throughout the mainline Pokémon games. However, this listing wouldn’t truly be complete without our most honorable mentions.
Top 5 Honorable Mention #1; Volo:
False Merchant Volo from Legends: Arceus. Image from gamepur.com
For those who managed to get their hands on a copy of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and made it to the end, the Pokémon god was the least of everyone’s worries. After you collected all the availble plates scattered throuought Hisui, you meet with Volo at the top of Mt. Coronet. Here, he reveals himself to not only be Cynthia’s ancestor, but also the ‘Chosen One’ to collect all the plates and fulfill his destiny to meet Arceus.
His entire team is exactly like Cynthia’s, minus held items, as they are unavailable in the game. However, the items are unnecessary, as his team hits hard. Each Pokémon possessed a terrifying moveset, and some of the most terrifying stats. If you’re not careful, you may end up using almost all your healing items. Secondly, even after you defeat Volo, the man has one trick up his sleeve.
#2; Girantina:
Volo summons Girantina in Legends: Arceus. Image from outsidergaming.com
Summoning the Banished One, Volo works together with this monster to stop you in your goal. Accompanied with high levels of speed and power, Girantina’s moveset included Shadow Force, Earth Power, Dragon Pulse, and Aura Sphere.
That wasn’t even the worse part. Since you’ll be fighting Girantina after Volo, there is no stopping to heal in-between. Lastly, when Girantina is defeated, it takes on its Origin Forme, unleashing its full power. In other words, it attacks twice directly after changing form, and has double the stats then its prior forme. If your team isn’t fairing well by that point, it’s best to regroup and grind some more before even trying. Even though both Volo and Girantina weren’t part of the Top 5, they still deserved a listing of their own out of respect.
If you have a personal favorite, or would like to discuss your toughest battles in the mainline Pokémon games, leave a comment down below. We’d love to hear from you! Be sure to also check out a related article written by my fellow Geek Member Andrew. Finally, check out our Facebook page, as we like to keep our fellow readers up-to-date on the latest happenings. That’s all from me for now, my fellow geeks! As always, Stay Geeky!
