Pokémon Ranger (trainer class)
From Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia.
A Pokémon Ranger (Japanese: ポケモンレンジャー Pokémon Ranger) are a class of characters introduced in the Generation III, then expanded upon in a starring role in the game Pokémon Ranger.
They are generally not Pokémon Trainers, as their goals and methods for interacting with Pokémon are very different. Specifically, they harness the power of certain Pokémon and utilize them to help defend nature.
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In the games
Pokémon Rangers of Fiore and Almia
Pokémon Rangers primarily operate out of Fiore and Almia, where nature is held in higher regard than in other regions. Pokémon Rangers use Capture Stylers to calm and control wild Pokémon to help them solve ecological problems, defeat criminals using Pokémon to commit crimes, and arrest Pokémon poachers, acting as a sort of cross between a police officer and park ranger.
Pokémon Rangers usually have only one Pokémon - known as their "Partner", that is with them at all times, and has been trained to a high level. Pokémon Rangers do not usually send Pokémon to battle each other directly, but generally use the Pokémon with them to power up the energies and extra settings on their Capture Stylers or to distract wild or enemy Pokémon with attacks that are not directly offensive. These powers are known are called Poké Assist and are activated by having the Pokémon Ranger absorb wild Pokémon into their Capture Styler, whereupon their Styler gains extra abilities depending on their Elemental types.
Pokémon Rangers of Kanto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh
Pokémon Rangers are a class of trainer that debuted in the Generation III games. They come in male and female variations, dress in heavy orange clothing, and generally carry a length of rope.
Pokémon Rangers in Hoenn, Sinnoh and Kanto apparently do not have access to Capture Stylers, so they collect and train Pokémon much like regular Pokémon Trainers, although they are still primarily concerned with protecting wild Pokémon, keeping the environment safe, and making sure travelers do not get injured or lost when walking through the wilderness.
They specialize in Grass-type Pokémon in Generation III. In Generation IV, they use a variety of powerful Pokémon similar to Ace Trainers.
Appearance
 Image from Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire |  Image from Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire |  Image from Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen |  Image from Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen |  Image from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl |  Image from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl |
In the anime
Solana and Jack Walker are both Fiore-style Pokémon Rangers.
Many episodes have featured other rangers. They generally keep an eye on an area and look after the Pokémon there. Some of these areas are restricted and have to be protected from poachers.
Solana and Hajime appear in DP071 and DP072.
In the manga
Pokémon Rangers appear in Pokémon Ranger - The Comic manga, which is based on the W-Mission of Pokémon Ranger. The main characters of the game, Lunick and Solana, are protagonists in Pokémon Ranger - The Comic also. Few other Pokémon Rangers appear in Pokémon Ranger - The Comic.
