Rival: Difference between revisions

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:''For the [[Elite Four]] {{pkmn|Champion}} in {{eng|Pokémon Stadium}}, see [[Blue (game)]]''.
:''For the [[Elite Four]] {{pkmn|Champion}} in [[Pokémon Stadium]], see [[Blue (game)]]''.
:''For the Japanese opening theme, see [[The Rivals]].''
:''For the Japanese opening theme, see [[The Rivals]].''
----
----
[[Image:Rivalbattle.png|thumb|right|{{ga|Brendan}} faces off against {{ga|May}}.]]
{{TrainerClassInfobox
A '''Rival''' (Japanese: '''ライバル''' ''Rival'') is a type of [[Pokémon Trainer]] that first debuted in the [[Generation I]] games, and is basically a recurring opponent to the {{player}} throughout the game. It specifically refers to {{ga|Blue}} and {{ga|Silver}}. However, there are [[Pokémon]] Trainers who may not be formally described as rivals, but have characteristics reminiscent of those of Blue and Silver. These Trainers are the following: {{ga|Brendan}} or {{ga|May}}, depending on the player's [[gender]], as well as [[Wally]], in {{game2|Ruby|Sapphire|Emerald}}; and {{ga|Pearl}} in {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}. {{ga|Lucas}} and {{ga|Dawn}} (whichever the player is not) are sometimes said to be rivals; however, they never actually battle ''against'' the player.
|color={{Pokémon color}}
|corecolor={{Pokémon color light}}
|bordercolor={{Pokémon color dark}}
|name=Rival
|jpname=ライバル
|jptranslit=Raibaru
|jptrans=Rival
|image=Masters Rival Challenge.png|size=300px
|caption=Core series rivals that could be battled in the {{DL|Special event|Rival Challenge}} event in {{g|Masters EX}}
|intro=[[Generation I]]
|games='''As "Rival"'''<br/>
{{3v2|Red|Blue|Yellow}}<br/>{{3v2|Gold|Silver|Crystal}}<br/>{{2v2|FireRed|LeafGreen}}<br/>{{2v2|HeartGold|SoulSilver}}<br/>{{pkmn|Stadium}}, {{pkmn|Stadium 2}}<br/>{{pkmn|Masters EX}}<br/>
'''As "Pokémon Trainer"'''<br/>
{{3v2|Ruby|Sapphire|Emerald}}<br/>{{3v2|Diamond|Pearl|Platinum}}<br/>{{4v|Black|White}}<br/>{{pkmn|X and Y|X, Y}}, {{pkmn|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire|Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire}}<br/>{{pkmn|Sun and Moon|Sun, Moon}}, {{pkmn|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon}}, {{LGPE|Let's Go, Pikachu!, and Let's Go, Eevee!}}<br/>{{pkmn|Sword and Shield|Sword, Shield}}, {{pkmn|Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl|Brilliant Diamond, and Shining Pearl}}<br/>{{pkmn|Scarlet and Violet}}
|gender=Both
|members=[[#Core series|See list]]
|anime=''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]'' <small>([[Pokémon anime|Series]])</small><br>''[[PO01|File 1: Red]]'' <small>({{pkmn|Origins}})</small><br>''[[PG03|The Challenger]]'' <small>({{pkmn|Generations}})</small><br>''[[PE01|The Champion]]'' <small>({{pkmn|Evolutions}})</small><br>''[[PPW01|Breathe Out]]'' <small>(''[[Pokémon: Paldean Winds|Paldean Winds]]'')</small>
|manga=''[[PS001|A Glimpse of the Glow]]'' <small>({{pkmn|Adventures}})</small><br/>[[PZ01]] <small>({{pkmn|Zensho}})</small><br>''[[DPA02|Hareta's Very First Pokémon Battle!!]]'' <small>({{pkmn|Diamond and Pearl Adventure!}})</small><br>[[JBA1]] <small>([[Pocket Monsters HGSS Jō's Big Adventure|HGSS Jō's Big Adventure]])</small><br>[[PW10]] <small>([[How I Became a Pokémon Card]])</small>
}}


Typically, rivals will be met by the player early in the game, usually around the time the player receives his [[starter Pokémon]]. In most games, the rival will also obtain a starter Pokémon, and will usually participate in the player's first [[Pokémon battle]] against a trainer. From then on, rivals will always be one step ahead of the player as the player moves through the story, meeting and battling the player at various points in the game with a progressively stronger and diversified [[party]]. They usually must defeated in order to continue the game; the most important of these battles happening either right before or during the player's challenge to the [[Elite Four]]. After the defeat of the [[Elite Four]] and the [[Pokémon Champion]], the rival can usually be battled at the player's leisure, but only at certain times with increasingly powerful Pokémon.
A '''rival''' (Japanese: '''ライバル''' ''rival'') is one of the main characters in the [[Pokémon games]] that is well known to the protagonist, sharing similar skills, goals, and achievements.  


More often than not, they will have the starter Pokémon that weakens the one the player chose at the beginning of the game. The exceptions are Wally, who instead uses {{p|Ralts}} as his starter, and either Lucas or Dawn, of whom one uses the starter Pokémon that is actually weak to the player's choice. Since they are not rivals in the traditional sense, they are referred to as pseudo-rivals. They use a variety of Pokémon for the the remainder of their teams.  
Rival characters appear frequently during the protagonist's quest, having a role in several of the games' events and often challenging them in {{pkmn|battle}}s. Defeating a rival may be a primary or necessary goal of said character. The rival may also be a childhood [[friend]] of the protagonist, or will become friends with them as the story progresses.


{| align=left border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2" width="70%"
Other notable instances of characters considering each other rivals also occur in some [[Pokémon]] media.
! colspan="8" style="background: #ccf;" | Main Rival Sprites
 
|- align=center
==Terminology==
| width="12.5%" | [[Image:RBBlue.png]]
Multiple characters are either called rivals in promotional material, or are self-proclaimed within character dialogue. [[Gladion]]'s internal name for {{g|Sun and Moon}} and {{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}} call him '''RIVAL'''. Notably, rival characters that can be named by the player, will have either their encounter or rival battle themes refer to them simply as "rival," while [[Wally]]'s theme in the [[Pokémon Omega Ruby & Pokémon Alpha Sapphire: Super Music Collection]] is also titled ''Rival's Theme'' similarly to [[Hugh]]'s. {{ga|Blue}} and {{ga|Silver}} are the only characters to have ever had the "Rival" Trainer class.
| width="12.5%" |  [[Image:Y Blue.png]]
| width="12.5%" |  [[Image:Silver Sprite GS.gif]]
| width="12.5%" |  [[Image:Silver Sprite C.gif]]
| width="12.5%" |  [[Image:Wally game.PNG]]
| width="12.5%" |  [[Image:FL Blue.png]]
| width="12.5%" | [[Image:Jun.png]]
| width="12.5%" |  [[Image:RivalPlatinum.gif]]
|- align=center style="font-size: 90%;"
| {{ga|Blue}} in {{game|Red and Blue|s}}
| {{ga|Blue}} in {{game|Yellow}}
| {{ga|Silver}} in {{game|Gold and Silver|s}}
| {{ga|Silver}} in {{game|Crystal}}
| [[Wally]] in {{game2|Ruby|Sapphire|Emerald}}
| {{ga|Blue}} (Green) in {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}}
| {{ga|Pearl}} in {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}
| {{ga|Pearl}} in {{game|Platinum}}
|}
{{-}}
{| align=left border="1" style="border: 1px solid #000; border-collapse: collapse;" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2" width="70%"
! colspan="8" style="background: #ccf;" | Pseudo-Rival Sprites
|- align=center
| width="12.5%" | [[Image:May.png]]
| width="12.5%" | [[Image:MayE.png]]
| width="12.5%" | [[Image:Brendan.png]]
| width="12.5%" | [[Image:BrendanE.png]]
| width="12.5%" | [[Image:Koki.png]]
| width="12.5%" | [[Image:Lucasplatinum.png]]
| width="12.5%" | [[Image:Hikari.png]]
| width="12.5%" | [[Image:Dawnplatinum.png]]
|- align=center style="font-size: 90%;"
| {{ga|May}} in {{game|Ruby and Sapphire|s}}
| {{ga|May}} in {{game|Emerald}}
| {{ga|Brendan}} in {{game|Ruby and Sapphire|s}}
| {{ga|Brendan}} in {{game|Emerald}}
| {{ga|Lucas}} in {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}
| {{ga|Lucas}} in {{game|Platinum}}
| {{ga|Dawn}} in {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}
| {{ga|Dawn}} in {{game|Platinum}}
|}
{{-}}


==In the anime==
'''[[Friend]]ly rival'''<ref name="Trace"/><ref name="Hau"/> is a common term used to refer to certain rival characters who are non-antagonistic towards the player.
[[Image:PokémonContestGrandFestival.jpg|thumb|150px|May and her rivals]]
Various rivals for the {{Ashfr|main characters}} have also appeared in the {{pkmn|anime}}. Rivals in this sense refers to major recurring characters, as all of the main characters have had a "rival" who only appears in a single or few episodes that they eventually make up with. Examples include [[Morrison]] or {{jo|Harrison}}, while the major rivals are listed below.


*[[Ash Ketchum]] has had [[Gary Oak]] while [[Paul]] and [[Barry]] are currently his rivals. Many other characters also collect badges and may be counted as rivals in the future.
==In the games==
===Core series===
[[File:Bandai Jumbo2 Back.jpg|thumb|230px|{{ga|Red}} battling his rival {{ga|Blue}} in [[Carddass]] art drawn by [[Ken Sugimori]]]]
In the [[core series]], a rival is a recurring opponent to the {{player}} throughout the game. This character archetype has appeared in every core series game since its debut in [[Generation I]]. Typically, rivals will be met by the player early in the game, usually around the time the player receives their [[first partner Pokémon]]. In most games, the rival will also obtain a first partner Pokémon and will usually participate in the player's first [[Pokémon battle]] against a Trainer. From then on, rivals will appear frequently throughout the player's journey, often being one step ahead of the player as they move through the region, meeting and battling the player at various points in the game with a progressively stronger and diversified [[party]]. Usually, they must be defeated in order to continue the game; the most important of these battles happening either right before or during the player's challenge to the [[Elite Four]].


*{{an|May}} has had both [[Drew]] and [[Harley]]. [[Solidad]] may also qualify, as the two battled in [[Kanto Grand Festival]] and Solidad was seen with Drew and Harley watching May in the [[Wallace Cup]] on [[television]].
After the defeat of the Elite Four and the [[Pokémon Champion]], the rival can usually be battled at the player's leisure, but only at certain times with increasingly powerful Pokémon. More often than not, they will have the first partner Pokémon of their home region that is strong against the one the player chose at the beginning of the game.


*{{an|Dawn}} has [[Zoey]], {{si|Kenny}} and [[Jessie]]. [[Nando]] may also qualify, though he and Dawn have yet to battle officially.
Players are able to choose a different name for Blue, Silver, Barry, Hugh, and Trace. In the [[Hoenn]]- and [[Kalos]]-based games, the player character not chosen will serve as a rival.


*[[Johanna]] had a childhood rival in [[Lila]].
Most rivals use the {{DL|Pokémon Trainer|Trainer class}} "Pokémon Trainer", with only {{ga|Blue}} and {{ga|Silver}} identified as "Rival" as their Trainer class. Rivals may also take on other classes as they assume other roles in the story, such as Blue, {{ga|Trace}}, and [[Nemona]]'s status as Champions, as well as [[N]] and [[Gladion]]'s membership in [[Team Plasma]] and [[Team Skull]], respectively.


*[[Brock]] had a friendly, and shortlived, rivalry with [[Susie]].
The following are the characters in the games that have been officially referred to as rivals of a player character.


*{{TR|Meowth}} has a rivalry with [[Giovanni]]'s {{p|Persian}}.
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|20px}} border: 4px solid #BABACC; background:#EBEBFF"
|- style="font-size:95%"
| style="background:#fff; {{roundytl|15px}}" | {{gameabbrev1|RGBY}}{{gameabbrev3|FRLG}}
| style="background:#fff" | {{gameabbrev7|PE}}
| style="background:#fff" | {{gameabbrev2|GSC}}{{gameabbrev4|HGSS}}
| colspan="3" style="background:#fff" | {{gameabbrev3|RSE}}{{gameabbrev6|ORAS}}
| style="background:#fff" | {{gameabbrev4|DPPt}}{{gameabbrev8|BDSP}}
| colspan="3" style="background:#fff" | {{gameabbrev5|BW}}
| style="background:#fff; {{roundytr|15px}}" | {{gameabbrev5|B2W2}}
|-
| style="background: #{{blue color light}}; width:84px" | [[File:FireRed LeafGreen Blue.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{green color light}}; width:84px" | [[File:Lets Go Pikachu Eevee Trace.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{silver color light}}; width:84px" | [[File:HeartGold SoulSilver Silver.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{ruby color light}}; width:84px" | [[File:Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Brendan.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{sapphire color light}}; width:84px" | [[File:Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire May.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{tcg grass color light}}; width:84px" | [[File:Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Wally.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #E08040; width:84px" | [[File:Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl Barry.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{black color light}}; width:84px" | [[File:Black White Cheren.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{white color light}}; width:84px" | [[File:Black White Bianca.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{bulba color light}}; width:84px" | [[File:Black White N.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{black 2 color light}}; width:84px" | [[File:Black 2 White 2 Hugh.png|x100px]]
|-
| style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundybl|15px}}" | {{color2|000|Blue (game)|Blue}}<ref name="Trainer class">Has the "Rival" Trainer class</ref>
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Trace (game)|Trace}}<ref name="Trace">[https://pokemonletsgo.pokemon.com/en-us/kanto-region/ Welcome to the Kanto Region | Pokémon Let's Go Official Website]: ''You'll begin your journey in Pallet Town, a humble place that's also home to your friendly rival, who just so happens to be your next-door neighbor.''</ref>
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Silver (game)|Silver}}<ref name="Trainer class"/>
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Brendan (game)|Brendan}}<ref name="Brendan">{{mas|May}}: ''"My rival, {{mas|Brendan}}, is the best rival ever!"'' ({{g|Masters EX}})</ref>
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|May (game)|May}}<ref name="May">{{mas|Brendan}}: ''"You know, I have a friend named {{mas|May}}. She's my best rival!"'' ({{g|Masters EX}})</ref>
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Wally}}<ref>Battle theme is titled "Rival's Theme" on the [[Pokémon Omega Ruby & Pokémon Alpha Sapphire: Super Music Collection|official soundtrack]]</ref>
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Barry (game)|Barry}}<ref>Appears on a card called {{OBP|Rival|Diamond & Pearl 113}}</ref>
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Cheren}}<ref name="Masters">Has the "Rival" [[theme skill]] in {{g|Masters EX}}</ref>
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Bianca}}<ref name="Masters"/>
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|N}}<ref name="Masters"/>
| style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundybr|15px}}" | {{color2|000|Hugh}}<ref>Encounter theme is titled "Rival's Theme" and battle theme is titled "Battle! (Rival)" on the [[Pokémon Black 2 & Pokémon White 2: Super Music Collection|official soundtrack]]</ref>
|}
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|20px}} border: 4px solid #BABACC; background:#EBEBFF"
|- style="font-size:95%"
| colspan="5" style="background:#fff; {{roundytl|15px}}" | {{gameabbrev6|XY}}
| colspan="2" style="background:#fff" | {{gameabbrev7|SMUSUM}}
| colspan="3" style="background:#fff" | {{gameabbrev8|SwSh}}
| style="background:#fff" | {{gameabbrev8|Sw}}{{gameabbrev8|IA}}
| style="background:#fff" | {{gameabbrev8|Sh}}{{gameabbrev8|IA}}
| colspan="2" style="background:#fff" |{{gameabbrev9|SV}}
| style="background:#fff" |{{gameabbrev9|SV}}{{gameabbrev9|TM}}{{gameabbrev9|ID}}
|-
| style="background: #{{x color light}}; width:84px" | [[File:XY Calem.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{y color light}}; width:84px" | [[File:XY Serena.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{cuteness color light}}; width:84px" | [[File:XY Shauna.png|x100px]]
| style=" background: #{{orange color light}}; width:84px" | [[File:XY Tierno.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{castle color light}}; width:84px" | [[File:XY Trevor.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{sun color light}}; width:84px" | [[File:USUM Hau.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{black color light}}; width:84px" | [[File:Sun Moon Gladion.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{sword color light}}; width:84px" | [[File:Sword Shield Hop.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{fairy color light}}; width:84px" | [[File:Sword Shield Bede.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{dark color light}}; width:84px" | [[File:Sword Shield Marnie.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{poison color light}}; width:84px" | [[File:Sword Shield Klara.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{psychic color light}}; width:84px" | [[File:Sword Shield Avery.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{scarlet color light}}; width:84px" |[[File:Scarlet Violet Nemona.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{violet color light}}; width:84px" |[[File:Violet Arven.png|x100px]]
<!--| style="background: #{{Indigo Disk color light}}; width:84px" |[[File:Scarlet Violet Carmine.png|x100px]]-->
| style="background: #{{Indigo Disk color light}}; width:84px" |[[File:Scarlet Violet Kieran.png|x100px]]
|-
| style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundybl|15px}}" | {{color2|000|Calem (game)|Calem}}<ref>{{ga|Calem}}: ''"I respect you as a friend. That's why I want to beat you in battle as your rival!"'' ({{g|X and Y}})</ref>
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Serena (game)|Serena}}<ref>{{ga|Serena}}: ''"It's because I respect you that I want to beat you in battle as your rival! I really mean it!"'' ({{g|X and Y}})</ref>
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Shauna}}<ref name="Masters"/>
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Tierno}}<ref name="Masters"/>
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Trevor}}<ref name="Masters"/>
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Hau}}<ref name="Hau">[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/haus-trainer-spotlight-in-pokemon-masters-the-pokemon-tcg-manga-and-more Hau's Trainer Spotlight in Pokémon Masters, the Pokémon TCG, Manga, and More | Pokemon.com]: ''Hau is more of a friendly rival [...]''</ref>
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Gladion}}<ref>[[Gladion]]:''"But at least for me... I want the strongest rival for myself."'' ({{g|Sun and Moon}})</ref>
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Hop}}<ref>[https://swordshield.pokemon.com/en-ca/people-galar-region/rival-hop/ Hop | Official Website | Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield]: ''Hop is Leon's younger brother and will become one of your rivals.''</ref>
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Bede}}<ref>[https://swordshield.pokemon.com/en-ca/people-galar-region/rival-bede/ Bede | Official Website | Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield]: ''Bede is one of your rivals [...]''</ref>
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Marnie}}<ref>[https://swordshield.pokemon.com/en-ca/people-galar-region/rival-marnie/ Marnie | Official Website | Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield]: ''Marnie is one of your rivals who has a competitive side.''</ref>
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Klara}}<ref name="SWSH EXP">[https://swordshield.pokemon.com/en-ca/expansionpass/characters/ The cast of characters | Official Website | Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield]: ''There are two new rivals that can appear in The Isle of Armor. [...] You'll face a different rival depending on which game you're playing.''</ref>
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Avery}}<ref name="SWSH EXP"/>
| style="background:#D1D1E6" |{{color2|000|Nemona}}<ref>[[Nemona]]: ''"Let's you and me be best rivals for life!"'' ({{g|Scarlet and Violet}})</ref>
| style="background:#D1D1E6" |{{color2|000|Arven}}<ref name="Masters"/>
<!--Do not uncomment this line until an official, citable source has referred to Carmine as a rival in any capacity.-->
<!--| style="background:#D1D1E6" |{{color2|000|Carmine}}-->
| style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundybr|15px}}" |{{color2|000|Kieran}}<ref>[[Amarys]]: ''"What is [Kieran] to you, <player>?"''<br>[[Player character|Player]]: ''"He's my rival"'' ({{g|Scarlet and Violet}} - [[The Indigo Disk]])</ref>
|}


===Trivia===
===Spin-off games===
* All of Ash's rivals are noticably taller than him, especially [[Barry]].
====Pokémon Card GB series ====
* Ash has captured a Pokémon belonging to each of his rivals. Both Gary and Ash captured {{p|Krabby}}, and Paul and Barry use a {{p|Gliscor}} and {{p|Staraptor}} respectively, matching up with Ash's current team.
In the Card GB series, {{TCG GB|Ronald}} uses Pokémon cards instead of actual Pokémon.
* [[Harley]] is the oldest rival in the anime, being at least as old as [[Brock]].
* Three of Ash's rivals have the same characteristics as [[Misty]], May, and Dawn. Misty and Gary often argue with Ash and have great confidence while battling; May and [[Tyson_(Hoenn)|Tyson]] are known for their optimism and have a fondness of eating treats; and Dawn and Barry both have mannerisms on capturing Pokémon of their likeness and caring for them a lot. 
* {{an|May}} and {{an|Max}} have never met any of Ash's rivals.
* Of all the main characters, only [[James]] has never had a rival.
* [[Wally]] is the only rival to not have a sprite change.


{| align="center" border="0"  
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|20px}} border: 4px solid #BABACC; background:#F3F3FF"
|- style="font-size: 95%; font-weight: bold"
| style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundytop|15px}}" |{{color2|{{blue color dark}}|Pokémon Trading Card Game (video game)|TCG}}{{color2|{{black color dark}}|Pokémon Trading Card Game 2: The Invasion of Team GR!|TCG2}}
|-
| style="background: #{{Tcg Goods color light}}; width:84px;" |[[File:Ronald.png|x100px]]
|-
|-
| {{Rival characters}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundybottom|15px}}" | {{color2|000|Ronald (TCG GB)|Ronald}}
|}
 
====Pokémon Ranger====
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|20px}} border:4px solid #BABACC; background:#F3F3FF"
|- style="font-size:95%; font-weight:bold"
| style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundytl|15px}}" | {{color2|{{SoA color dark}}|Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia|Ranger: Shadows of Almia}}
|-
|-
| {{Template:Gen I trainers}}
| style="background:#{{SoA color}}" |[[File:Keith.png|x100px]]
|-
|-
| {{Project Class notice}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundybottom|15px}}" |{{color2|000|Keith (Ranger)|Keith}}
|}
|}
====Pokémon Duel====
The rivals in Pokémon Duel use Pokémon figures instead of actual Pokémon.
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|20px}} border: 4px solid #BABACC; background:#F3F3FF"
|- style="font-size: 95%; font-weight: bold"
| colspan="2" style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundytop|15px}}" |{{color2|{{moon color dark}}|Pokémon Duel|Duel}}
|-
| style="background: #{{normal color}}; width:84px" |[[File:Duel Luca.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{TCG Poké-Power color}}; width:84px" |[[File:Duel Sharon.png|x100px]]
|-
| style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundybl|15px}}" |{{color2|000|Luca}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundybr|15px}}" |{{color2|000|Sharon (Duel)|Sharon}}
|}
====Pokémon Masters EX====
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|20px}} border: 4px solid #BABACC; background:#F3F3FF"
|- style="font-size: 95%; font-weight: bold"
| colspan="2" style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundytop|15px}}" |{{color2|{{orange color dark}}|Pokémon Masters EX|Masters EX}}
|-
| style="background: #{{rock color}}; width:84px" |[[File:Spr Masters Paulo.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{psychic color}}; width:84px" |[[File:Spr Masters Lear.png|x100px]]
|-
| style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundybl|15px}}" |{{color2|000|Paulo}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundybr|15px}}" |{{color2|000|Lear}}
|}
==In the anime==
===Main series===
[[File:Nemona anime.png|thumb|250px|Nemona in the anime]]
In the main anime, several rivals from the games have appeared at some point in the story, with many of them crossing paths with {{Ash}}'s group.
Additionally, other characters have served as rivals to Ash or other main characters, having similar goals and helping the heroes at some points against villainous teams.
*{{ga|Blue}} was given a [[cross-canon counterpart]] with [[Gary Oak]], who debuted in ''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]''.
*{{ga|Silver}} appeared briefly in the [[A New Oath|opening]] of ''[[The Legend of Thunder!]]'', which showed some events of {{jo|Jimmy}}'s journey.
*{{an|Barry}} debuted in ''[[DP101|Barry's Busting Out All Over!]]'' and became one of Ash's rivals, as well as an occasional {{ashfr|traveling companion}}.
* {{an|Bianca}} debuted in ''[[BW013|Minccino—Neat and Tidy!]]'', where she is a friendly rival of Ash and an occasional {{ashfr|traveling companion}}.
*{{an|N}} debuted in ''[[BW109|New Places...Familiar Faces!]]''.
*[[Cheren]]'s only appearance was in ''[[BW111|There's a New Gym Leader in Town!]]'' as the [[Gym Leader]] of [[Aspertia City]].
*{{an|Shauna}}, {{an|Tierno}}, and {{an|Trevor}} debuted in ''[[XY039|Summer of Discovery!]]''.
*{{an|Gladion}}'s first proper appearance was in ''[[SM027|A Glaring Rivalry!]]''.
*[[Hau]] debuted in ''[[SM097|No Stone Unturned!]]'' and would go on to serve as a minor rival for Ash.
*[[Marnie]] debuted in ''[[JN099|Battling Turned Up to Eleven!]]'' as a participant in the [[World Coronation Series]].
*[[Hop]] debuted in ''[[JN115|Curtain Up! Fight the Fights!]]'', when he challenged Ash to a battle before the start of the [[Masters Eight Tournament]].
*[[Nemona]] debuted in ''[[HZ010|Nemona and Brassius and…]]'', and quickly befriended [[Liko]] and [[Roy]] in spite of her competitive nature.
====''[[Pokémon anime|Pokémon: The Series]]''====
=====Ash's rivals =====
[[File:Ash and Paul.png|thumb|250px|Ash and Paul, his main ''[[Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl]]'' rival]]
*{{Gary}} was {{Ash}}'s main rival in the [[original series]]. They were close when they were younger, but their friendship ended when they argued over an old {{i|Poké Ball}} and broke it. Eventually, Gary gained some respect for Ash, and after losing to him in the [[Silver Conference]], they became friends again altogether.
[[File:Leon and Ash.png|thumb|250px|Ash and Leon, his main ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]'' rival]]
*[[Paul]] was Ash's main rival in ''[[Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl]]''. When they met, Paul despised Ash due to his approach to [[Pokémon training]] and [[friendship]], constantly insulting him every time they crossed paths. However, like Gary, he eventually grew to respect Ash after losing to him in the [[Lily of the Valley Conference]].
**{{an|Barry}} was Ash's secondary Sinnoh rival. Unlike Ash's other major rivals, the two have a friendly rivalry, though Barry would frequently comment that he believed he was much stronger than Ash would ever be.
**Ash's minor rivals include [[Nando]] and [[Conway]] who, while they battled Ash more than once across an entire saga, have a smaller role than the other rivals.
*[[Trip]] was Ash's main rival in ''[[Pokémon the Series: Black & White]]''. The rivalry formed when Trip found out that Ash was from Kanto, a region of which Trip thinks very little. Trip believed Ash to be a redneck from the boonies who needed to go back to the basics of Pokémon, causing a heated rivalry. However, they were shown to respect each other to some extent in various episodes. Like with Gary and Paul, the two settled their differences when Ash beat Trip at the [[Vertress Conference]].
*{{an|Tierno}} was Ash's primary rival for the first part of ''[[Pokémon the Series: XY]]'', with {{an|Trevor}} serving as a minor secondary rival. During the second part of his Kalos journey, however, Ash struck up more serious rivalries with [[Alain]] and [[Sawyer]]. Alain wished to test the unique power of Ash and his {{AP|Greninja}}, while Sawyer looked up to Ash and made it his goal to surpass him.
*{{an|Gladion}} was Ash's main rival in ''[[Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon]]''. Ash and Gladion's rivalry was mutually respectful from the start, with Gladion recognizing Ash's strength almost immediately. Gladion eventually became more dedicated to surpassing Ash after witnessing his and his Pikachu's aptitude for [[Z-Move]]s, leading him to undertake the [[island challenge]]. Though Gladion is much calmer than Ash, he and Ash both share a deep, internal passion for intense battling.
*{{an|Leon}} was Ash's main rival in ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]''. Defeating Leon in the [[World Coronation Series]] served as Ash's primary goal throughout the [[series]], with Leon in turn anticipating Ash's challenge and paying attention to his growth as a Trainer.
**During his journey throughout the World Coronation Series, Ash had rivalries with several other characters, such as [[Bea]] and [[Raihan]]. Bea is the only Trainer that Ash had multiple official battles with during the series.
*Ash also has friendly rivalries with [[Ritchie]], {{jo|Harrison}}, [[Morrison]], {{ho|Tyson}}, [[Stephan]], {{an|Bianca}}, {{un|Cameron}}, {{an|Kiawe}}, and [[Hau]]. Most of these Trainers have served as opponents for Ash during various [[Pokémon League Conference]]s.
*In ''[[M07|Destiny Deoxys]]'', Ash had a rivalry with [[Rafe]]. The two settled their differences when [[LaRousse City]] was being attacked by {{OBP|Deoxys|M07}}.
===== Other characters' rivals=====
* [[Jessie]] and [[James]] had unfriendly rivalries with [[Cassidy]] and [[Butch]], respectively, until the latter two [[JN095|eventually]] left [[Team Rocket]].
*{{an|May}} has friendly rivalries with [[Drew]] and [[Solidad]], and an unfriendly rivalry with [[Harley]].
[[File:Dawn rivals.png|thumb|370px|Dawn's recurring rivals]]
*{{an|Dawn}} has friendly rivalries with [[Zoey]] and {{si|Kenny}}, and unfriendly rivalries with [[Ursula]] and [[Jessie|Jessilina]]. She also has [[Nando]] as a minor rival.
*[[Johanna]] had a friendly rivalry with [[Lila]] when they were younger. Lila was the first person to defeat Johanna in a [[Contest Battle]], but she eventually gave up {{pkmn|Coordinator|coordinating}} and became a {{pkmn|Stylist}}.
*{{an|Cilan}} has an unfriendly (though one-sided) rivalry with [[Burgundy]], which comes from when he defeated her at the [[Striaton Gym]], and also from Cilan's better reputation as a {{pkmn|Connoisseur}}, although Cilan frequently comments on how he looks forward to seeing Burgundy's growth the next time they meet.
*{{an|Iris}} has an unfriendly rivalry with [[Georgia]], which comes from the fact that Iris wants to become a [[Type expert|Dragon Master]] while Georgia focuses on defeating {{type|Dragon}} Pokémon.
*[[Stephan]] engaged in an unfriendly rivalry with [[Montgomery]] during the [[Clubsplosion]].
[[File:Goh rivals.png|250px|thumb|Goh and his rivals]]
*{{an|Serena}} has friendly rivalries with {{an|Shauna}}, [[Miette]], [[Nini]], {{an|Aria}}, and [[Lisia]].
*Alain has a rivalry with [[Remo]].
* {{an|Sophocles}} has a rivalry with [[Horacio]]. While they were initially unfriendly, they became more respectful towards each other after an encounter in the [[Vast Poni Canyon]].
*The rivalry between Leon and [[Raihan]] is introduced from the battle of the two Trainers in ''[[JN027|Toughing It Out!]]''.
*[[Goh]] has a rivalry with Gary, with both of them competing to become Chasers in [[Project Mew]] during ''Pokémon Journeys: The Series''. Gary treats Goh the same way he treated Ash in the original series as a way to push him to become a better Trainer; this treatment is what motivated Goh to join Project Mew. Goh also has a friendly rivalry with his childhood friend [[Horace]], who also competed to become a Chaser.
{{-}}
=====Rivalries between Pokémon=====
======Ash's Pokémon======
[[File:Raichu Pikachu running.png|220px|thumb|The rivalry between Ash's Pikachu and his evolved form]]
*[[Ash's Pikachu]] is occasionally shown to have a rivalry with his evolved form, {{p|Raichu}}. This was first displayed in ''[[EP014|Electric Shock Showdown]]'' with [[Lt. Surge's Raichu]] and would be seen with several other Raichu featured in the anime.
* [[Ash's Infernape]] had a brutal rivalry with [[Paul's Electivire]], which began while both were still owned by [[Paul]].
*[[Ash's Incineroar]] had a rivalry with [[Professor Kukui's Incineroar]] that started when the former was still a {{p|Litten}}.
*[[Ash's Rowlet]] had a rivalry with [[Hau]]'s {{p|Decidueye}}, which was resolved in their battle during the [[Manalo Conference]]'s [[SM133|quarterfinals]].
*[[Ash's Lucario]] had a brief rivalry with [[Bea]]'s {{p|Grapploct}}, which ended after the third battle between the two in ''[[JN086|A Battle of Mega Versus Max!]]''.
======Other======
*{{MTR}} has a one-sided rivalry with [[Giovanni's Persian]], either seeking approval or wanting to replace his leader's Pokémon.
*[[Brock's Croagunk]] has a violent rivalry with [[Saturn's Toxicroak]], which continued in ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]''.
{{-}}
[[File:Liko and Coral rivalry.png|250px|thumb|Liko and Coral]]
====''[[Pokémon Horizons: The Series]]''====
=====Main characters=====
*In ''[[HZ001|The Pendant That Starts It All (Part One)]]'', the [[Rising Volt Tacklers]] and the [[Explorers]] began a serious rivalry with each other. During their clashes, the leaders of both groups, [[Friede]] and [[Amethio]], started an unfriendly rivalry with each other.
** Starting in ''[[HZ043|A Challenge from the Explorers]]'', [[Coral]] started a certain rivalry with [[Liko]] the moment the two started doing [[Terastal Training]] at [[Naranja Academy]].
* [[Roy]] has a friendly rivalry with [[Nemona]], with her often challenging him to battle and sometimes advising him on his journey.
=====Other=====
* During the course of the series, it was shown several times that the members of the Explorers have a rivalry among themselves, forming small alliances with other members of the team. The most notable example of this is the relationship between Amethio and [[Spinel]].
* In ''[[HZ019|The Bittersweet Truth]]'', [[Murdock]] had a rivalry with his old friend {{OBP|Mitchell|HZ019}}, which became heated after several disagreements, thanks to Liko's efforts, Murdock and Mitchell reconciled.
===''I Choose You!''===
[[Cross]] could be said to be {{OBP|Ash Ketchum|M20|Ash}}'s rival in the alternate storyline depicted in ''[[M20|I Choose You!]]''. In a similar manner to Paul, Cross abandoned his {{AP|Charmander}}, deeming it to be too weak, and allowing Ash to catch it. Their relationship could even be said to be antagonistic, with Cross being even more aggressive than Paul. Cross's aggressiveness and thirst for power is derived from an inferiority complex, from being able to see {{p|Ho-Oh}}, but not being chosen as the Rainbow Hero. In the end, despite losing to Ash and his former Charmander, who by that point had evolved into Charizard, he still attempted to steal the [[Rainbow Wing]] in order to battle Ho-Oh and prove himself as the strongest Trainer.
[[File:Red-Blue rivalry PO.png|250px|thumb|Red and his rival Blue in [[Pokémon Origins]]]]
===Pokémon Origins===
{{OBP|Blue|Origins}} appears as {{OBP|Red|Origins}}'s rival in [[Pokémon Origins]], fulfilling his traditional role in the {{pkmn|games}}.
===Pokémon Generations===
* {{ga|Red}}'s rival {{ga|Blue}} appears in ''[[PG03|The Challenger]]'', becoming the {{pkmn|Champion|Pokémon League Champion}} shortly before Red challenges him to a battle over the title.
*{{ga|Ethan}}'s rival {{ga|Silver}} appears in ''[[PG05|The Legacy]]'', although the two are never shown encountering each other.
===Pokémon: Twilight Wings===
[[File:Hop Twilight Wings.png|thumb|250px|Hop in [[Pokémon: Twilight Wings]]]]
All [[Pokémon Sword and Shield]] rivals appeared in [[Pokémon: Twilight Wings]].
*[[Hop]] is a major recurring character in the miniseries. He debuted in a cameo in ''[[TW01|Letter]]'', made another cameo in ''[[TW02|Training]]'', and then served as the main character of ''[[TW03|Buddy]]''.
*[[Marnie]] first appeared in ''[[TW04|Early-Evening Waves]]''.
*[[Bede]] first appeared in ''[[TW07|Sky]]'', where he watched the battle between [[Leon]] and [[Raihan]].
*[[Avery]] and [[Klara]] appeared in ''[[TW08|The Gathering of Stars]]''.
===Pokémon Evolutions ===
[[File:Barry Evolutions.png|thumb|left|250px|Barry in [[Pokémon Evolutions]]]]
Several rivals appeared during [[Pokémon Evolutions]]:
*In ''[[PE01|The Champion]]'', [[Hop]] helped {{ga|Victor}} put an end to [[Darkest Day]]. At the end of the episode, [[Marnie]] and [[Bede]] appeared in a cameo.
* In ''[[PE02|The Eclipse]]'', [[Gladion]] appeared in a flashback, in which he, [[Lillie]], {{ga|Selene}}, [[Hau]], and [[Guzma]] witnessed [[Lusamine]] use [[Nebby]]'s power to open an [[Ultra Wormhole]] in [[Aether Paradise]].
*In ''[[PE03|The Visionary]]'', {{ga|Shauna}} was seen helping {{ga|Calem}} and {{ga|Serena}} put an end to [[Team Flare]]'s plans.
*In ''[[PE04|The Plan]]'', [[Cheren]] appeared in a flashback.
*In ''[[PE05|The Rival]]'', several parts of {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s|Pokémon Diamond}}'s story were shown in a series of flashbacks from {{ga|Barry}}'s point of view. Simultaneously, he battled against [[Palmer|his father]] at the {{si|Battle Tower}} and won.
*In ''[[PE08|The Discovery]]'', {{ga|Trace}} entered [[Cerulean Cave]] to find {{p|Mewtwo}} and competed with {{ga|Green}} about who would catch it first. This marked Trace's first appearance outside of games.
===Pokémon: Paldean Winds===
[[File:Nemona Aliquis rivalry.png|thumb|250px|Nemona and Aliquis's rivalry]]
In [[Pokémon: Paldean Winds]], [[Aliquis]] has a rivalry with [[Nemona]], as the two are considered the best Trainers at [[Naranja Academy]]. In ''[[PPW02|Breathe In]]'', Aliquis began to feel frustrated for not being able to beat her.
<!--Both [[Carmine]] and -->[[Kieran]] appeared in ''[[PPW04|Breathe Together]]''.
{{-}}
==In the manga==
[[File:Rivals Adventures.png|thumb|200px|Red and his rival, Blue]]
=== Pokémon Adventures ===
Several characters in [[Pokémon Adventures]] have been rivals to each other.
* {{adv|Red}} and {{adv|Blue}}.
* {{adv|Gold}} and {{adv|Silver}}.
* {{adv|Crystal}} and [[Eusine]].
* {{adv|Ruby}} and {{adv|Sapphire}}.
* {{adv|Black}} and {{adv|Cheren}}.
===Pokémon Pocket Monsters===
* {{OBP|Red|Pocket Monsters}} has {{OBP|Green|Pocket Monsters}} and {{OBP|Blue|Pocket Monsters}}.
===The Electric Tale of Pikachu===
* {{OBP|Ash Ketchum|EToP|Ash}} has {{Gary}} and [[Ritchie]].
===Magical Pokémon Journey===
* [[Hazel]] has [[Coconut]].
===Pokémon Zensho===
* {{Zensho|Satoshi}} has {{Zensho|Shigeru}}.
===Pokémon: Yeah! I Got Pokémon!===
* [[Shu]] has a number of one-off rivalries in early volumes, but starting with ''[[GDZ52|Enter the Rival!]]'' in {{Vol|Pokémon: Yeah! I Got Pokémon!|4}}, [[Nagi]] becomes his recurring rival.
===Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys===
* {{GnB|Gold}} has {{GnB|Black}}.
===Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Adventure!===
[[File:Rivals DPA.png|thumb|200px|Hareta and his rival, Koya]]
Several characters have rivals in this series.
* [[Hareta]] has {{OBP|Jun|DPA}} and [[Koya]].
* [[Mitsumi]] has [[Jupiter]].
===Phantom Thief Pokémon 7===
* [[Hiori]] has [[Rocco]].
===Pokémon RéBURST===
* [[Ryouga]] has [[Hariru]].
===Pokémon Journeys: The Series===
Several characters have rivals in this series.
* {{Ash}} has [[Bea]].
* [[Goh]] has {{Gary}}.
==In the TCG==
{{sectionstub}}
== Trivia ==
*{{Ash}} has at least one species of Pokémon from the same [[List of Pokémon by evolutionary line|evolutionary line]] as each of his major rivals. {{Gary}} caught a {{p|Krabby}} and uses a {{TP|Gary|Blastoise}}, [[Paul]] uses a {{TP|Paul|Torterra}} and {{p|Gliscor}}, [[Trip]] uses a {{TP|Trip|Serperior}} and {{p|Tranquill}}, [[Alain]] uses a {{TP|Alain|Charizard}} and an {{p|Unfezant}}, {{an|Gladion}} uses a {{TP|Gladion|Lycanroc}}, and {{an|Leon}} uses a {{TP|Leon|Charizard}}. At various times in the anime, this is used as part of the plot, such as the comparison between [[Ash's Krabby]] and Gary's Krabby in ''[[EP013|Mystery at the Lighthouse]]'' and ''[[EP065|Showdown at the Po-ké Corral]]'', and Paul's Torterra serving as mentor to [[Ash's Grotle]] in ''[[DP100|Aiding the Enemy!]]''.
*Powerful enemies in the [[Battle Royale]]s of {{g|Rumble}} and {{g|Rumble Blast}}&mdash;chosen from Miis&mdash;are called rivals as well.
*In every [[core series]] game with a [[Pokémon League]] prior to [[Pokémon Scarlet and Violet]], at least one of the player's rivals can be battled at the Pokémon League and/or [[Victory Road]].
** The [[Sinnoh]] {{si|Victory Road}} is the only Victory Road where the player can never have a rival battle.
* According to an interview with [[Junichi Masuda]], the rivals have become less antagonistic due to the following reason: ''"I think the biggest reason that rivals were more of a jerk in the early days is that we were just limited in what we could express with the pixel graphics. There's not much that you can do with that kind of little sprite on the screen, so we worked harder to characterize them through dialogue and give them certain personalities. Also, because it's just dialogue and there's not a whole lot going on on the screen, it doesn't give as harsh of an impression even if they're jerks, I think. Now we have HD graphics and the visuals are much more impressive. If you also made him a jerk, the impression would be a lot stronger on players. Another thing, just my own personal take, is that it feels that people with those kinds of personalities these days are just not as accepted by players as they were back then."''<ref>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-dev-explains-why-your-rivals-arent-jerks-a/1100-6462397/ GameSpot interview about rivals]</ref>
==In other languages==
{{langtable|color={{blue color light}}|bordercolor={{silver color}}
|zh_yue=勁敵 {{tt|Gihngdihk|Rival}}
|zh_cmn=勁敵 / 劲敌 {{tt|Jìngdí|Rival}}
|fi=Kilpailija
|nl=Rivaal
|fr=Rival
|de=Rivale
|hi=दुश्मन {{tt|Dushman|Rival}} {{tt|*|Hungama dub}}
|it=Rivale
|ko=라이벌 ''Rival''
|pl=Rywal
|pt=Rival
|ru=Соперник ''Sopernik''
|es=Rival
|th=คู่แข่ง
|tr=Rakip
}}
==References==
{{reflist}}
==See also==
*{{cat|Rivals' Pokémon}}
{{Rival characters}}
{{TrainerNav|battle items|kanto=yes|johto=yes}}
{{-}}
{{Project CharacterDex notice|tc}}


[[Category:Trainer classes]]
[[Category:Trainer classes]]


[[de:Rivale]]
[[es:Rival]]
[[fr:Rival]]
[[fr:Rival]]
[[it:Rivale]]
[[ja:ライバル]]
[[ja:ライバル]]
[[zh:劲敌]]

Latest revision as of 15:50, 14 September 2024

For the Elite Four Champion in Pokémon Stadium, see Blue (game).
For the Japanese opening theme, see The Rivals.

Rival
ライバル Rival
Masters Rival Challenge.png
Core series rivals that could be battled in the Rival Challenge event in Pokémon Masters EX
Other names
Introduced in Generation I
Appears in As "Rival"

Red, Blue, and Yellow
Gold, Silver, and Crystal
FireRed and LeafGreen
HeartGold and SoulSilver
Stadium, Stadium 2
Masters EX
As "Pokémon Trainer"
Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald
Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum
Black, White, Black 2, and White 2
X, Y, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire
Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon, Let's Go, Pikachu!, and Let's Go, Eevee!
Sword, Shield, Brilliant Diamond, and Shining Pearl
Scarlet and Violet

Gender Both
Counterpart {{{counterpart}}}
Notable members See list
Anime debut Pokémon - I Choose You! (Series)
File 1: Red (Origins)
The Challenger (Generations)
The Champion (Evolutions)
Breathe Out (Paldean Winds)
TCG debut [[(TCG)|]]
TCG card {{{card}}}
Manga debut A Glimpse of the Glow (Adventures)
PZ01 (Zensho)
Hareta's Very First Pokémon Battle!! (Diamond and Pearl Adventure!)
JBA1 (HGSS Jō's Big Adventure)
PW10 (How I Became a Pokémon Card)

A rival (Japanese: ライバル rival) is one of the main characters in the Pokémon games that is well known to the protagonist, sharing similar skills, goals, and achievements.

Rival characters appear frequently during the protagonist's quest, having a role in several of the games' events and often challenging them in battles. Defeating a rival may be a primary or necessary goal of said character. The rival may also be a childhood friend of the protagonist, or will become friends with them as the story progresses.

Other notable instances of characters considering each other rivals also occur in some Pokémon media.

Terminology

Multiple characters are either called rivals in promotional material, or are self-proclaimed within character dialogue. Gladion's internal name for Pokémon Sun and Moon and Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon call him RIVAL. Notably, rival characters that can be named by the player, will have either their encounter or rival battle themes refer to them simply as "rival," while Wally's theme in the Pokémon Omega Ruby & Pokémon Alpha Sapphire: Super Music Collection is also titled Rival's Theme similarly to Hugh's. Blue and Silver are the only characters to have ever had the "Rival" Trainer class.

Friendly rival[1][2] is a common term used to refer to certain rival characters who are non-antagonistic towards the player.

In the games

Core series

Red battling his rival Blue in Carddass art drawn by Ken Sugimori

In the core series, a rival is a recurring opponent to the player throughout the game. This character archetype has appeared in every core series game since its debut in Generation I. Typically, rivals will be met by the player early in the game, usually around the time the player receives their first partner Pokémon. In most games, the rival will also obtain a first partner Pokémon and will usually participate in the player's first Pokémon battle against a Trainer. From then on, rivals will appear frequently throughout the player's journey, often being one step ahead of the player as they move through the region, meeting and battling the player at various points in the game with a progressively stronger and diversified party. Usually, they must be defeated in order to continue the game; the most important of these battles happening either right before or during the player's challenge to the Elite Four.

After the defeat of the Elite Four and the Pokémon Champion, the rival can usually be battled at the player's leisure, but only at certain times with increasingly powerful Pokémon. More often than not, they will have the first partner Pokémon of their home region that is strong against the one the player chose at the beginning of the game.

Players are able to choose a different name for Blue, Silver, Barry, Hugh, and Trace. In the Hoenn- and Kalos-based games, the player character not chosen will serve as a rival.

Most rivals use the Trainer class "Pokémon Trainer", with only Blue and Silver identified as "Rival" as their Trainer class. Rivals may also take on other classes as they assume other roles in the story, such as Blue, Trace, and Nemona's status as Champions, as well as N and Gladion's membership in Team Plasma and Team Skull, respectively.

The following are the characters in the games that have been officially referred to as rivals of a player character.

RGBYFRLG PE GSCHGSS RSEORAS DPPtBDSP BW B2W2
FireRed LeafGreen Blue.png Lets Go Pikachu Eevee Trace.png HeartGold SoulSilver Silver.png Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Brendan.png Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire May.png Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Wally.png Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl Barry.png Black White Cheren.png Black White Bianca.png Black White N.png Black 2 White 2 Hugh.png
Blue[3] Trace[1] Silver[3] Brendan[4] May[5] Wally[6] Barry[7] Cheren[8] Bianca[8] N[8] Hugh[9]
XY SMUSUM SwSh SwIA ShIA SV SVTMID
XY Calem.png XY Serena.png XY Shauna.png XY Tierno.png XY Trevor.png USUM Hau.png Sun Moon Gladion.png Sword Shield Hop.png Sword Shield Bede.png Sword Shield Marnie.png Sword Shield Klara.png Sword Shield Avery.png Scarlet Violet Nemona.png Violet Arven.png Scarlet Violet Kieran.png
Calem[10] Serena[11] Shauna[8] Tierno[8] Trevor[8] Hau[2] Gladion[12] Hop[13] Bede[14] Marnie[15] Klara[16] Avery[16] Nemona[17] Arven[8] Kieran[18]

Spin-off games

Pokémon Card GB series

In the Card GB series, Ronald uses Pokémon cards instead of actual Pokémon.

TCGTCG2
Ronald.png
Ronald

Pokémon Ranger

Ranger: Shadows of Almia
Keith.png
Keith

Pokémon Duel

The rivals in Pokémon Duel use Pokémon figures instead of actual Pokémon.

Duel
Duel Luca.png Duel Sharon.png
Luca Sharon

Pokémon Masters EX

Masters EX
Spr Masters Paulo.png Spr Masters Lear.png
Paulo Lear

In the anime

Main series

Nemona in the anime

In the main anime, several rivals from the games have appeared at some point in the story, with many of them crossing paths with Ash's group.

Additionally, other characters have served as rivals to Ash or other main characters, having similar goals and helping the heroes at some points against villainous teams.

Pokémon: The Series

Ash's rivals
Ash and Paul, his main Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl rival
  • Gary was Ash's main rival in the original series. They were close when they were younger, but their friendship ended when they argued over an old Poké Ball and broke it. Eventually, Gary gained some respect for Ash, and after losing to him in the Silver Conference, they became friends again altogether.
Ash and Leon, his main Pokémon Journeys: The Series rival
  • Paul was Ash's main rival in Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl. When they met, Paul despised Ash due to his approach to Pokémon training and friendship, constantly insulting him every time they crossed paths. However, like Gary, he eventually grew to respect Ash after losing to him in the Lily of the Valley Conference.
    • Barry was Ash's secondary Sinnoh rival. Unlike Ash's other major rivals, the two have a friendly rivalry, though Barry would frequently comment that he believed he was much stronger than Ash would ever be.
    • Ash's minor rivals include Nando and Conway who, while they battled Ash more than once across an entire saga, have a smaller role than the other rivals.
  • Trip was Ash's main rival in Pokémon the Series: Black & White. The rivalry formed when Trip found out that Ash was from Kanto, a region of which Trip thinks very little. Trip believed Ash to be a redneck from the boonies who needed to go back to the basics of Pokémon, causing a heated rivalry. However, they were shown to respect each other to some extent in various episodes. Like with Gary and Paul, the two settled their differences when Ash beat Trip at the Vertress Conference.
  • Tierno was Ash's primary rival for the first part of Pokémon the Series: XY, with Trevor serving as a minor secondary rival. During the second part of his Kalos journey, however, Ash struck up more serious rivalries with Alain and Sawyer. Alain wished to test the unique power of Ash and his Greninja, while Sawyer looked up to Ash and made it his goal to surpass him.
  • Gladion was Ash's main rival in Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon. Ash and Gladion's rivalry was mutually respectful from the start, with Gladion recognizing Ash's strength almost immediately. Gladion eventually became more dedicated to surpassing Ash after witnessing his and his Pikachu's aptitude for Z-Moves, leading him to undertake the island challenge. Though Gladion is much calmer than Ash, he and Ash both share a deep, internal passion for intense battling.
  • Leon was Ash's main rival in Pokémon Journeys: The Series. Defeating Leon in the World Coronation Series served as Ash's primary goal throughout the series, with Leon in turn anticipating Ash's challenge and paying attention to his growth as a Trainer.
    • During his journey throughout the World Coronation Series, Ash had rivalries with several other characters, such as Bea and Raihan. Bea is the only Trainer that Ash had multiple official battles with during the series.
  • Ash also has friendly rivalries with Ritchie, Harrison, Morrison, Tyson, Stephan, Bianca, Cameron, Kiawe, and Hau. Most of these Trainers have served as opponents for Ash during various Pokémon League Conferences.
  • In Destiny Deoxys, Ash had a rivalry with Rafe. The two settled their differences when LaRousse City was being attacked by Deoxys.
Other characters' rivals
Dawn's recurring rivals
Goh and his rivals
  • Serena has friendly rivalries with Shauna, Miette, Nini, Aria, and Lisia.
  • Alain has a rivalry with Remo.
  • Sophocles has a rivalry with Horacio. While they were initially unfriendly, they became more respectful towards each other after an encounter in the Vast Poni Canyon.
  • The rivalry between Leon and Raihan is introduced from the battle of the two Trainers in Toughing It Out!.
  • Goh has a rivalry with Gary, with both of them competing to become Chasers in Project Mew during Pokémon Journeys: The Series. Gary treats Goh the same way he treated Ash in the original series as a way to push him to become a better Trainer; this treatment is what motivated Goh to join Project Mew. Goh also has a friendly rivalry with his childhood friend Horace, who also competed to become a Chaser.


Rivalries between Pokémon
Ash's Pokémon
The rivalry between Ash's Pikachu and his evolved form
Other


Liko and Coral

Pokémon Horizons: The Series

Main characters
Other
  • During the course of the series, it was shown several times that the members of the Explorers have a rivalry among themselves, forming small alliances with other members of the team. The most notable example of this is the relationship between Amethio and Spinel.
  • In The Bittersweet Truth, Murdock had a rivalry with his old friend Mitchell, which became heated after several disagreements, thanks to Liko's efforts, Murdock and Mitchell reconciled.

I Choose You!

Cross could be said to be Ash's rival in the alternate storyline depicted in I Choose You!. In a similar manner to Paul, Cross abandoned his Charmander, deeming it to be too weak, and allowing Ash to catch it. Their relationship could even be said to be antagonistic, with Cross being even more aggressive than Paul. Cross's aggressiveness and thirst for power is derived from an inferiority complex, from being able to see Ho-Oh, but not being chosen as the Rainbow Hero. In the end, despite losing to Ash and his former Charmander, who by that point had evolved into Charizard, he still attempted to steal the Rainbow Wing in order to battle Ho-Oh and prove himself as the strongest Trainer.

Red and his rival Blue in Pokémon Origins

Pokémon Origins

Blue appears as Red's rival in Pokémon Origins, fulfilling his traditional role in the games.

Pokémon Generations

Pokémon: Twilight Wings

All Pokémon Sword and Shield rivals appeared in Pokémon: Twilight Wings.

Pokémon Evolutions

Several rivals appeared during Pokémon Evolutions:

Pokémon: Paldean Winds

Nemona and Aliquis's rivalry

In Pokémon: Paldean Winds, Aliquis has a rivalry with Nemona, as the two are considered the best Trainers at Naranja Academy. In Breathe In, Aliquis began to feel frustrated for not being able to beat her.

Kieran appeared in Breathe Together.

In the manga

Red and his rival, Blue

Pokémon Adventures

Several characters in Pokémon Adventures have been rivals to each other.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

The Electric Tale of Pikachu

Magical Pokémon Journey

Pokémon Zensho

Pokémon: Yeah! I Got Pokémon!

Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Adventure!

Hareta and his rival, Koya

Several characters have rivals in this series.

Phantom Thief Pokémon 7

Pokémon RéBURST

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

Several characters have rivals in this series.

In the TCG

Trivia

  • Ash has at least one species of Pokémon from the same evolutionary line as each of his major rivals. Gary caught a Krabby and uses a Blastoise, Paul uses a Torterra and Gliscor, Trip uses a Serperior and Tranquill, Alain uses a Charizard and an Unfezant, Gladion uses a Lycanroc, and Leon uses a Charizard. At various times in the anime, this is used as part of the plot, such as the comparison between Ash's Krabby and Gary's Krabby in Mystery at the Lighthouse and Showdown at the Po-ké Corral, and Paul's Torterra serving as mentor to Ash's Grotle in Aiding the Enemy!.
  • Powerful enemies in the Battle Royales of Pokémon Rumble and Pokémon Rumble Blast—chosen from Miis—are called rivals as well.
  • In every core series game with a Pokémon League prior to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, at least one of the player's rivals can be battled at the Pokémon League and/or Victory Road.
    • The Sinnoh Victory Road is the only Victory Road where the player can never have a rival battle.
  • According to an interview with Junichi Masuda, the rivals have become less antagonistic due to the following reason: "I think the biggest reason that rivals were more of a jerk in the early days is that we were just limited in what we could express with the pixel graphics. There's not much that you can do with that kind of little sprite on the screen, so we worked harder to characterize them through dialogue and give them certain personalities. Also, because it's just dialogue and there's not a whole lot going on on the screen, it doesn't give as harsh of an impression even if they're jerks, I think. Now we have HD graphics and the visuals are much more impressive. If you also made him a jerk, the impression would be a lot stronger on players. Another thing, just my own personal take, is that it feels that people with those kinds of personalities these days are just not as accepted by players as they were back then."[19]

In other languages

Language Title
Chinese Cantonese 勁敵 Gihngdihk
Mandarin 勁敵 / 劲敌 Jìngdí
The Netherlands Flag.png Dutch Rivaal
Finland Flag.png Finnish Kilpailija
France Flag.png French Rival
Germany Flag.png German Rivale
India Flag.png Hindi दुश्मन Dushman *
Italy Flag.png Italian Rivale
South Korea Flag.png Korean 라이벌 Rival
Poland Flag.png Polish Rywal
Portugal Flag.png Portuguese Rival
Russia Flag.png Russian Соперник Sopernik
Spain Flag.png Spanish Rival
Thailand Flag.png Thai คู่แข่ง
Turkey Flag.png Turkish Rakip

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Welcome to the Kanto Region | Pokémon Let's Go Official Website: You'll begin your journey in Pallet Town, a humble place that's also home to your friendly rival, who just so happens to be your next-door neighbor.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Hau's Trainer Spotlight in Pokémon Masters, the Pokémon TCG, Manga, and More | Pokemon.com: Hau is more of a friendly rival [...]
  3. 3.0 3.1 Has the "Rival" Trainer class
  4. May: "My rival, Brendan, is the best rival ever!" (Pokémon Masters EX)
  5. Brendan: "You know, I have a friend named May. She's my best rival!" (Pokémon Masters EX)
  6. Battle theme is titled "Rival's Theme" on the official soundtrack
  7. Appears on a card called Rival
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 Has the "Rival" theme skill in Pokémon Masters EX
  9. Encounter theme is titled "Rival's Theme" and battle theme is titled "Battle! (Rival)" on the official soundtrack
  10. Calem: "I respect you as a friend. That's why I want to beat you in battle as your rival!" (Pokémon X and Y)
  11. Serena: "It's because I respect you that I want to beat you in battle as your rival! I really mean it!" (Pokémon X and Y)
  12. Gladion:"But at least for me... I want the strongest rival for myself." (Pokémon Sun and Moon)
  13. Hop | Official Website | Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield: Hop is Leon's younger brother and will become one of your rivals.
  14. Bede | Official Website | Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield: Bede is one of your rivals [...]
  15. Marnie | Official Website | Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield: Marnie is one of your rivals who has a competitive side.
  16. 16.0 16.1 The cast of characters | Official Website | Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield: There are two new rivals that can appear in The Isle of Armor. [...] You'll face a different rival depending on which game you're playing.
  17. Nemona: "Let's you and me be best rivals for life!" (Pokémon Scarlet and Violet)
  18. Amarys: "What is [Kieran] to you, <player>?"
    Player: "He's my rival" (Pokémon Scarlet and Violet - The Indigo Disk)
  19. GameSpot interview about rivals

See also


Rival and friend characters
Core series BlueSilverBrendan/MayWallyBarryLucas/DawnEthan/LyraCherenBianca
NHughCalem/SerenaShaunaTiernoTrevorLillieHauGladionTrace
HopMarnieBedeKlaraAveryNemonaArvenPennyCarmineKieran
Spin-off games RonaldKeithLucaSharonPauloLearTina
Trainer classes in the Pokémon core series
Kanto Ace Trainer*BeautyBikerBird KeeperBlack Belt*Bug CatcherBurglarCamper*ChampionGSCFRLGHGSSPE
ChannelerElite FourGSCFRLGHGSSPEEngineerFishermanGamer*GentlemanGym Leader*GSCFRLGHGSSPE
HikerJugglerLassPicnicker*Poké Maniac*Pokémon Trainer*GSCPEPsychicRivalFRLGRockerRoughneck*
SailorScientistSuper NerdSwimmerTamerTeam Rocket Boss*FRLGHGSSPETeam Rocket Grunt*Youngster
BoarderHGSSDouble TeamHGSSFirebreatherGSCHGSSGuitaristGSCHGSSMediumGSCHGSS
PokéfanGSCHGSSSchool Kid*GSCHGSSSkierHGSSTeacherGSCHGSSTwinsGSCFRLGHGSS
Cool CoupleFRLGCrush KinFRLGSis and BroFRLGYoung CoupleFRLGHGSS
Coach TrainerPEKarate MasterPEPunk GuyPETeam RocketPETeam Rocket AdminPE
Master TrainersPE
Unused Trainer class:
ChiefRGBY
Johto Ace Trainer*BeautyBikerBird KeeperBlack Belt*BoarderBug CatcherBurglarCamper
ChampionExecutive*FirebreatherFisherman*GentlemanGuitaristHikerJugglerKimono GirlLass
LeaderMediumPicnickerPokéfanPoké Maniac*PKMN TrainerPoliceman*PsychicRivalHGSSSage
SailorSchool Kid*ScientistSkierSuper NerdSwimmerTeacherTeam Rocket Grunt*TwinsYoungster
Mystery Man*CHGSSDouble TeamHGSSElderHGSSPasserbyHGSSYoung CoupleHGSS
Battle Frontier only:HGSS

Aroma LadyArtistBattle GirlCameramanClownCollectorCowgirlCyclistDragon TamerIdol
JoggerLadyNinja BoyParasol LadyPIPoké KidPKMN BreederPKMN RangerRancherReporter
Rich BoyRoughneckRuin ManiacSocialiteTuberVeteranWaiterWaitressWorker
Arcade StarCastle ValetFactory HeadHall MatronTower Tycoon


Project CharacterDex logo.png This Trainer Class article is part of Project CharacterDex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each character found in the Pokémon games.