Elite Four

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The Elite Four (Japanese: 四天王 The Big Four, lit. Four Heavenly Kings) are four Pokémon Trainers who are regarded as the toughest in their regional Pokémon League, short of the Pokémon League Champion. Those who challenge the Elite Four must have won all eight Badges from that region and face all four and the current Champion consecutively without losing to any of them.

One group resides on Indigo Plateau in Kanto and are considered the best Trainers in both Kanto and Johto, another is located in Ever Grande City in Hoenn, and three more reside at Pokémon Leagues in Sinnoh, Unova, and Kalos.

In the games, they employ the use of strong healing items in battle.

Kanto Elite Four

In Kanto, the Elite Four must be battled in a fixed order.

Generations I and III

In the Generation I games Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow (Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow in Japan) and the Generation III games Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, the Elite Four at Indigo Plateau consists of:

Member
Japanese
Type Teams
Generation I Generation III
After Kanto After Sevii
Spr FRLG Lorelei.png
Lorelei
カンナ Kanna
Ice DewgongCloysterSlowbro
JynxLapras
DewgongCloysterPiloswine
JynxLapras
Spr FRLG Bruno.png
Bruno
シバ Siba
Fighting OnixHitmonchanHitmonlee
OnixMachamp
SteelixHitmonchanHitmonlee
SteelixMachamp
Spr FRLG Agatha.png
Agatha
キクコ Kikuko
Ghost GengarGolbatHaunter
ArbokGengar
GengarCrobatMisdreavus
ArbokGengar
Spr FRLG Lance.png
Lance
ワタル Wataru
Dragon GyaradosDragonairDragonair
AerodactylDragonite
GyaradosDragoniteKingdra
AerodactylDragonite


Generations II and IV

In the Generation II games Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal and the Generation IV games Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, the Elite Four at Indigo Plateau consists of:

Member
Japanese
Type Teams
Generation II Generation IV
After 8 Badges After 16 Badges
VSWill.png
Will
イツキ Itsuki
Psychic XatuExeggutorSlowbro
JynxXatu
BronzongJynxGrumpig
SlowbroGardevoirXatu
VSKoga.png
Koga
キョウ Kyō
Poison AriadosForretressMuk
VenomothCrobat
SkuntankVenomothToxicroak
MukCrobatSwalot
VSBruno.png
Bruno
シバ Siba
Fighting HitmontopHitmonchanHitmonlee
OnixMachamp
HitmontopHitmonleeHitmonchan
HariyamaMachampLucario
VSKaren.png
Karen
カリン Karin
Dark UmbreonVileplumeMurkrow
GengarHoundoom
WeavileSpiritombAbsol
HonchkrowHoundoomUmbreon


Hoenn Elite Four

In Hoenn, the Elite Four must be battled in a fixed order. In Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald and Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, the Elite Four at Ever Grande City consists of:

Member
Japanese
Type Teams
Ruby Sapphire Emerald Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
Initial Rematch
VSSidney.png
Sidney
カゲツ Kagetsu
Dark MightyenaShiftryCacturne
SharpedoAbsol
MightyenaShiftryCacturne
CrawdauntAbsol
MightyenaShiftryCacturne
SharpedoAbsol
ScraftyShiftryZoroark
SharpedoMandibuzzAbsol
VSPhoebe.png
Phoebe
フヨウ Fuyō
Ghost DusclopsBanetteSableye
BanetteDusclops
DusclopsBanetteSableye
BanetteDusknoir
BanetteMismagiusDrifblim
ChandelureDusknoirSableye
VSGlacia.png
Glacia
プリム Prim
Ice GlalieSealeoSealeo
GlalieWalrein
GlalieFroslassFroslass
GlalieWalrein
AbomasnowBearticFroslass
VanilluxeWalreinGlalie
VSDrake.png
Drake
ゲンジ Genji
Dragon ShelgonAltariaFlygon
FlygonSalamence
ShelgonAltariaKingdra
FlygonSalamence
AltariaKingdraFlygon
FlygonSalamence
AltariaDragalgeKingdra
FlygonHaxorusSalamence


Sinnoh Elite Four

In Sinnoh, the Elite Four must be battled in a fixed order. In Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, the Elite Four at the Sinnoh Pokémon League consists of:

Member
Japanese
Type Teams
Diamond Pearl Platinum
VSAaron.png
Aaron
リョウ Ryou
Bug DustoxHeracrossVespiquen
BeautiflyDrapion
YanmegaHeracrossVespiquen
ScizorDrapion
VSBertha.png
Bertha
キクノ Kikuno
Ground QuagsireHippowdonSudowoodo
WhiscashGolem
GliscorHippowdonRhyperior
WhiscashGolem
VSFlint.png
Flint
オーバ Ōba
Fire RapidashInfernapeSteelix
LopunnyDrifblim
RapidashInfernapeHoundoom
FlareonMagmortar
VSLucian.png
Lucian
ゴヨウ Goyō
Psychic Mr. MimeGirafarigMedicham
AlakazamBronzong
Mr. MimeEspeonAlakazam
GalladeBronzong


Unova Elite Four

In Unova, the Elite Four may be challenged in any order. In Black, White, Black 2, and White 2, the Elite Four at the Unova Pokémon League consists of:

Member
Japanese
Type Teams
Black and White Black 2 and White 2
Easy/Normal Challenge
VSShauntal.png
Shauntal
シキミ Shikimi
Ghost CofagrigusJellicent
GolurkChandelure
CofagrigusDrifblim
GolurkChandelure
CofagrigusBanetteDrifblim
GolurkChandelure
CofagrigusJellicentDrifblim
GolurkFroslassChandelure
CofagrigusMismagiusDrifblim
GolurkFroslassChandelure
CofagrigusGengarDrifblim
GolurkFroslassChandelure
VSMarshal.png
Marshal
レンブ Renbu
Fighting SawkThroh
MienshaoConkeldurr
SawkThrohLucario
MienshaoConkeldurr
BreloomThrohSawk
ToxicroakConkeldurrMienshao
SawkThrohLucario
MedichamMienshaoConkeldurr
SawkThrohLucario
MachampMienshaoConkeldurr
VSGrimsley.png
Grimsley
ギーマ Giima
Dark ScraftyKrookodile
LiepardBisharp
ScraftyKrookodileAbsol
LiepardBisharp
SharpedoScraftyKrookodile
LiepardDrapionBisharp
HonchkrowScraftyKrookodile
LiepardHoundoomBisharp
HonchkrowScraftyKrookodile
TyranitarHoundoomBisharp
VSCaitlin.png
Caitlin
カトレア Cattleya
Psychic MusharnaReuniclus
SigilyphGothitelle
MusharnaReuniclusSigilyph
GothitelleMetagross
MusharnaReuniclusSigilyph
BronzongMetagrossGothitelle
MusharnaReuniclusSigilyph
GalladeGothitelleMetagross
MusharnaReuniclusAlakazam
GalladeGothitelleMetagross


Kalos Elite Four

In Kalos, the Elite Four may be challenged in any order. In Pokémon X and Y, the Elite Four at the Kalos Pokémon League consists of:

Member
Japanese
Type Teams
X Y
VSMalva.png
Malva
パキラ Pachira
Fire PyroarTorkoal
ChandelureTalonflame
VSSiebold.png
Siebold
ズミ Zumi
Water ClawitzerGyarados
StarmieBarbaracle
VSWikstrom.png
Wikstrom
ガンピ Gampi
Steel KlefkiProbopass
ScizorAegislash
VSDrasna.png
Drasna
ドラセナ Dracaena
Dragon DragalgeDruddigon
AltariaNoivern


In the anime

In the main series

The Sinnoh Elite Four in the anime

Ash and his friends infrequently meet the members of the Elite Four, who then impart them with battle strategies. So far, Ash has encountered the complete Kanto group:

From Hoenn, Ash has met:

Ash has also met the entire Sinnoh Elite Four as well:

In Unova, Ash has met:

While Ash has not yet met a member of the Kalos Elite Four, so far, three members of the Kalos's Elite Four appeared in the anime:

It has been stated by Lucian in An Elite Meet and Greet! that when a Trainer wins their respective region's Conference Tournament, they can participate in the Champion League, fighting the four members of that region's Elite Four, and then possibly the Champion as well. It has also been shown that an Elite Four member can challenge the Champion and obtain the title from him or her in battle.

In Pokémon Origins

The Kanto Elite Four in Pokémon Origins

The members of the Kanto Elite Four made brief appearances in the episode File 4 - Charizard of Pokémon Origins. Red was shown defeating all four members, allowing him to move on to face the Pokémon League Champion, Blue.

In the manga

050Diglett.png This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: Needs other manga

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Kanto Elite Four in Pokémon Adventures

The Kanto Elite Four made their debut in A Charizard...and a Champion watching the final battle between Red and Blue before serving as the primary antagonists for the Yellow arc of the manga. They are each said to be so powerful that triad leaders of Team Rocket, Koga, Lt. Surge, and Sabrina all had to (begrudgingly) team up with the protagonists and Blaine to take just a single one of them.

The Johto Elite Four is formed at the end of the Gold, Silver & Crystal arc. It consists of accomplished Pokémon Trainers that were formerly part of criminal organizations, who would eventually rise as the official Elite Four of Indigo Plateau. Will, Bruno, Karen, and Koga united to train together after they were no longer being controlled. They reappeared in the HeartGold & SoulSilver arc participating on the Pokéathlon and later fighting against Lance's Dragonite.

Hoenn Elite Four in Pokémon Adventures

The Hoenn Elite Four made an appearance in the Ruby & Sapphire arc, helping to find and catch the legendary golems in order to contain the massive surge of energy created by the clash of Kyogre and Groudon alongside Steven and Wallace, their two regional Champions.

The first Sinnoh Elite Four member to debut in the series was Flint, who made a cameo appearance in the last round of the Diamond & Pearl arc. The other members appeared in the Platinum arc, where they were enlisted by the Pokémon Association Chairman to decode the ancient writings in Charon's memobook.

The Unova Elite Four first appeared in the Black & White arc as Black cites them during his daily pledge. However, they haven't appeared to the main characters as a group yet. Besides Caitlin, who already appeared in the Platinum chapter, Grimsley meets Black, Shauntal meets White and Marshal meets both on different occasions.

The only Kalos Elite Four member to appear in the series so far is Malva, who appeared in person in X & Y arc. Drasna, Wikstrom and Siebold were mentioned by Diantha during her conversation with Gurkinn and Korrina.

In the Pokémon Zensho manga

The Kanto Elite Four members appeared in Indigo Plateau, where all of them were defeated by Satoshi, allowing him to face the Champion, Shigeru.

Trivia

  • In the Kanto-based games, every Elite Four member has at least one Pokémon not of their specialty type during the first battle.
  • The Kalos Elite Four members are the only ones that don't have higher level Pokémon in future rematches with them in any game.
  • Prior to Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, the Elite Four typically progressed in level with their Pokémon in the games. The rematch teams in HeartGold and SoulSilver don't progress in level like in all previous games and even the pre-Kanto teams used by the same Elite Four. In Generations V and VI, all members of the Elite Four use Pokémon of the same levels, as they can be challenged in any order.
  • In Platinum, the highest-leveled Pokémon of Bertha, Flint, and Lucian (Rhyperior, Magmortar, and Gallade, respectively) match the final Pokémon that the Sinis Trio uses from Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia, in that same order.
    • Also, Aaron's highest-leveled Pokémon, Drapion, and one of Bertha's Pokémon, Gliscor, match Kincaid's first and second Pokémon, respectively.
  • The Sinnoh Elite Four and Generation I Elite Four are the only ones in which each member has made an appearance in the anime.
  • In Generation V, all Elite Four members' type specialties have been used exactly twice in Elite Four of other regions. The Indigo Elite Four used all of them, spread in its two variations (with a Fighting-type specialist in both), the Hoenn Elite Four has Dark- and Ghost-type specialists, and the Sinnoh Elite Four has a Psychic-type specialist.
  • Pokémon Puzzle League features its own Elite Four: Ritchie, Lorelei, Bruno, and Gary. Gary serves as the leader of the Elite Four and the Puzzle League Champion.
  • All of the Kalos Elite Four use two Pokémon introduced in Generation VI.
  • In Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, the highest-leveled Pokemon of the female members of the Elite Four differ when rematched. This is because the Elite Four obtain Mega Stones for the rematch, but Dusknoir and Walrein (the highest-leveled Pokemon of Phoebe and Glacia, respectively) do not have Mega Evolutions.
  • Flint is the only Elite Four member to use a starter Pokémon in the games, using Infernape.
  • All of the Hoenn Elite Four have two Pokémon which have the possibility to Mega evolve (Sidney with Absol and Sharpedo, Phoebe with Sableye and Banette, Glacia with Glalie and Abomasnow and Drake with Salamence and Altaria)

In other languages

Language Title
Mandarin Chinese 四天王 Sìtiānwáng
Denmark Flag.png Danish Elitekvartetten
The Netherlands Flag.png Dutch Elite Vier
Finland Flag.png Finnish Eliittineloset
France Flag.png European French Conseil 4
Germany Flag.png German Top Vier
Greece Flag.png Greek Εκλεκτή Τετράδα Eklektí Tetráda
Israel Flag.png Hebrew אליט פור ʼlyt pwr
Italy Flag.png Italian Superquattro
South Korea Flag.png Korean 사천왕 Sacheonwang
Poland Flag.png Polish Elitarna Czwórka
Brazil Flag.png Brazilian Portuguese Elite dos Quatro
Romania Flag.png Romanian Elita celor Patru
Russia Flag.png Russian Элитной Четвёрки Elitnoy Chetbyorki
Spanish CELAC Flag.png Latin America Élite Cuatro
Alto Mando
Spain Flag.png Spain Alto Mando


HildaChallenge.png The Pokémon League VSAlder.png
Participation
TrainerBattleGym Leaders
GymsBadgesReferee
Championship matches
Elite FourOrange League
Champion League
Pokémon League Conferences
IndigoSilverEver GrandeLily of the Valley
VertressLumioseManalo
Regional Pokémon Leagues
IndigoOrange*JohtoHoennSinnoh
UnovaKalosAlolaGalarPaldea
Areas of jurisdiction
Pokémon League Reception GateHall of Fame
Palace of VictoryCerulean Cave
Others
Pokémon AssociationPIA
World Coronation Series
(Masters Eight Tournament)



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
Hoenn Ace Trainer*Aqua AdminSEASAqua LeaderSEASAroma LadyBattle GirlBeautyBird KeeperBlack Belt
Bug CatcherBug ManiacCamperChampionCollectorDragon TamerElite FourExpertFisherman
GentlemanGuitaristHex ManiacHikerInterviewers*KindlerLadyLassLeaderMagma AdminREOR
Magma LeaderREORNinja BoyOld CoupleParasol LadyPicnickerPoké Fan*Poké Maniac*Pokémon Breeder*
Pokémon Ranger*Pokémon Trainer*PsychicRich BoyRuin ManiacSailorSchoolkid*Sis & Bro*Swimmer
Team Aqua GruntSEASTeam Magma GruntREORTeammates*TriathleteTuberTwinsWinstrateYoung CoupleYoungster
Ace DuoORASBrains & BrawnORASBackpackerORASDelinquentORASFairy Tale GirlORASFare PrinceORAS
Free DiverORASLeadersORASLorekeeperORASMysterious SistersORASProprietorORASRotation GirlORAS
Scuba DiverORASSecret Base ExpertORASSecret Base TrainerORASSootopolitanORASStreet ThugORAS
Battle Frontier only:E
Arena TycoonDome AceFactory HeadPalace MavenPike QueenPyramid KingSalon Maiden
Battle Institute and Battle Maison only:ORAS
ArtistBattle ChatelaineButlerChefFurisode GirlGarçonGardenerMadameMaidMonsieurOwnerPreschooler
Punk GirlPunk GuyRising StarRoller SkaterSchoolboySchoolgirlScientistTouristVeteranWaitressWorker
Sinnoh Ace TrainerAroma LadyArtistBattle GirlBeautyBird KeeperBlack BeltBug CatcherCameramanCamperChampion
ClownCollectorCommanderCowgirlCyclistDouble TeamDragon TamerElite FourFisher*GentlemanGuitarist
Gym Leader*HikerIdolInterviewersJoggerLadyLassMadame*Ninja BoyParasol LadyPicnickerPIPoké Fan*
Poké KidPokémon Breeder*Pokémon Ranger*Pokémon Trainer*Police Officer*PsychicRancherRanchers*
ReporterRich BoyRoughneckRuin ManiacSailorSchool KidScientistSkierSwimmerTeam Galactic Boss*
Team Galactic Grunt*Tower TycoonTuberTwinsVeteranWaiterWaitressWorkerYoung CoupleYoungster
Arcade StarPtCastle ValetPtFactory HeadPtHall MatronPtMaidPtGAME FREAK'sBDSP
Unova Ace TrainerArtistBackersBackpackerBakerBattle GirlBikerBlack BeltChampionClerk
CyclistDancerDepot AgentDoctorElite FourFishermanGAME FREAKGentlemanGym Leader*
HarlequinHikerHooligansHoopsterInfielderJanitorLadyLassLinebackerMaidMotorcyclistMusician
NurseNursery AideParasol LadyPilotPokéfanPKMN BreederPKMN RangerPokémon Trainer*Policeman
PreschoolerPsychicRich BoyRoughneckSchool KidScientistSmasherSocialiteStrikerSubway Boss
SwimmerTeam PlasmaTeam Plasma GruntThe RichesBWTwinsVeteranWaiterWaitressWorkerYoungster
BeautyB2W2Boss TrainerB2W2GuitaristB2W2
Pokéstar Studios only:B2W2
A-list ActorActorActressBig StarCelebrityChic ActressChild StarComedian
Fine ActorMovie StarNew ActressStar ActorSuit ActorUnique StarVeteran Star
Pokémon World Tournament only:B2W2
Junior RepresentativeMaster RepresentativeSenior Representative
World ChampionWorld FinalistWorld Runner-up
Blueberry Academy only:SV
BB League ChampionBB League Elite FourBlueberry Academy Director
InstructorLeague ClubStudentTop Champion
Kalos Ace DuoAce TrainerArtistArtist FamilyBackpackerBattle GirlBeautyBlack BeltBrains & Brawn
ButlerChampionChefDriverElite FourFairy Tale GirlFishermanFurisode GirlGarçonGardener
Hex ManiacHikerHoneymoonersLassLeaderLumiose Gang MemberMysterious SistersOwner
Poké FanPoké Fan FamilyPokémon BreederPokémon ProfessorPokémon RangerPokémon Trainer
PreschoolerPsychicPunk CouplePunk GirlPunk GuyRangersRising StarRoller Skater
SchoolboySchoolgirlScientistSky TrainerSuccessorSuspicious ChildSuspicious Lady
Suspicious WomanSwimmerTeam FlareTeam Flare AdminTeam Flare BossTeam Flare Grunt
TouristTwinsVeteranWaitressWorkerYoungster
Battle Chateau ranks:
By male: BaronViscountEarlMarquisDukeGrand Duke
By female: BaronessViscountessCountessMarchionessDuchessGrand Duchess
Battle Institute and Battle Maison only:
Battle ChatelaineLadyMadameMaidMonsieurRich Boy
Unused Trainer classes:
Ace SurferSwimmers


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.