Rival: Difference between revisions

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(→‎In the main series: They cannot be considered rivals.)
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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 starter Pokémon of their home region that is strong against the one the player chose at the beginning of the game.
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 starter Pokémon of their home region that is strong against the one the player chose at the beginning of the game.


Like the player character, some rivals have the option to be named by the player.
Players are able to choose a different name for Blue, Silver, Barry, Hugh, and Trace.


The following are the characters considered to be rivals in the games. It should be noted, though, that only {{ga|Blue}} and {{ga|Silver}} have ever received the ''Rival'' [[Trainer class]]; all others have been referred to as ''[[Pokémon Trainer|{{PK}}{{MN}} Trainer]]s'' (Generations III-V) or ''Pokémon Trainers'' (Generation VI onward).
The following are the characters considered to be rivals in the games. It should be noted, though, that only {{ga|Blue}} and {{ga|Silver}} have ever received the ''Rival'' [[Trainer class]]; all others have been referred to as ''[[Pokémon Trainer|{{PK}}{{MN}} Trainer]]s'' (Generations III-V) or ''Pokémon Trainers'' (Generation VI onward).


Additionally, in {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}}, Blue is referred to as "Champion Blue" during the Champion battle and [[rematch]].
Additionally, in {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}}, Blue is referred to as "Champion Blue" during the Champion battle and [[rematch]]. In [[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!]], {{ga|Trace}} will also use the "Champion" Trainer class during the Champion battle, but, unlike Blue, does not use it in the rematch.


<!--Please do not add N, as he is not a rival-->
<!--Please do not add N, as he is not a rival-->
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|20px}} border: 4px solid #BABACC; background:#F3F3FF"
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|20px}} border: 4px solid #BABACC; background:#F3F3FF"
|- style="font-size: 95%; font-weight: bold"
|- style="font-size:95%; font-weight:bold"
| style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundytl|15px}}" | {{color2|{{red color dark}}|Pokémon Red and Blue Versions|R}}{{color2|{{green color dark}}|Pokémon Red and Green Versions|G}}{{color2|{{blue color dark}}|Pokémon Blue Version (Japanese)|B}}{{color2|{{yellow color dark}}|Pokémon Yellow Version|Y}}[[Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions|{{color|{{firered color dark}}|FR}}{{color|{{leafgreen color dark}}|LG}}]]
| style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundytl|15px}}" | {{color2|{{red color dark}}|Pokémon Red and Blue Versions|R}}{{color2|{{green color dark}}|Pokémon Red and Green Versions|G}}{{color2|{{blue color dark}}|Pokémon Blue Version (Japanese)|B}}{{color2|{{yellow color dark}}|Pokémon Yellow Version|Y}}[[Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions|{{color|{{firered color dark}}|FR}}{{color|{{leafgreen color dark}}|LG}}]]
| style="background:#D1D1E6;" | [[Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|{{color|{{gold color dark}}|G}}{{color|{{silver color dark}}|S}}]]{{color2|{{crystal color dark}}|Pokémon Crystal Version|C}}[[Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions|{{color|{{heartgold color dark}}|HG}}{{color|{{soulsilver color dark}}|SS}}]]
| style="background:#D1D1E6;" | [[Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|{{color|{{gold color dark}}|G}}{{color|{{silver color dark}}|S}}]]{{color2|{{crystal color dark}}|Pokémon Crystal Version|C}}[[Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions|{{color|{{heartgold color dark}}|HG}}{{color|{{soulsilver color dark}}|SS}}]]
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| colspan="5" style="background:#D1D1E6" | [[Pokémon X and Y|{{color|{{X color dark}}|X}}{{color|{{Y color dark}}|Y}}]]
| colspan="5" style="background:#D1D1E6" | [[Pokémon X and Y|{{color|{{X color dark}}|X}}{{color|{{Y color dark}}|Y}}]]
| colspan="2" style="background:#D1D1E6" | [[Pokémon Sun and Moon|{{color|{{Sun color dark}}|S}}{{color|{{Moon color dark}}|M}}]][[Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|{{color|{{Ultra Sun color dark}}|US}}{{color|{{Ultra Moon color dark}}|UM}}]]
| colspan="2" style="background:#D1D1E6" | [[Pokémon Sun and Moon|{{color|{{Sun color dark}}|S}}{{color|{{Moon color dark}}|M}}]][[Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|{{color|{{Ultra Sun color dark}}|US}}{{color|{{Ultra Moon color dark}}|UM}}]]
| colspan="2" style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundytr|15px}}" | [[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!|{{color|{{Let's Go Pikachu color dark}}|P}}{{color|{{Let's Go Eevee color dark}}|E}}]]
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | [[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!|{{color|{{Let's Go Pikachu color dark}}|P}}{{color|{{Let's Go Eevee color dark}}|E}}]]
| style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundytr|15px}}" | [[Pokémon Sword and Shield|{{color|{{Sword color dark}}|Sw}}{{color|{{Shield color dark}}|Sh}}]]
|-
|-
| style="border: 0px solid #{{blue color dark}}; background: #{{blue color light}}; width:84px; height:90px"|
| style="border: 0px solid #{{blue color dark}}; background: #{{blue color light}}; width:84px; height:90px"|
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[[File:XY Trevor.png|100x100px]]
[[File:XY Trevor.png|100x100px]]
| style="border: 0px solid #{{sun color dark}}; background: #{{sun color light}}; width:84px; height:90px"|
| style="border: 0px solid #{{sun color dark}}; background: #{{sun color light}}; width:84px; height:90px"|
[[File:Sun Moon Hau.png|100x100px]]
[[File:USUM Hau.png|100x100px]]
| style="border: 0px solid #{{black color dark}}; background: #{{black color light}}; width:84px; height:90px"|
| style="border: 0px solid #{{black color dark}}; background: #{{black color light}}; width:84px; height:90px"|
[[File:Sun Moon Gladion.png|100x100px]]
[[File:Sun Moon Gladion.png|100x100px]]
| style="border: 0px solid #{{green color dark}}; background: #{{green color light}}; width:84px; height:90px"|
| style="border: 0px solid #{{green color dark}}; background: #{{green color light}}; width:84px; height:90px"|
[[File:Lets Go Pikachu Eevee Rival.png|100x100px]]
[[File:Lets Go Pikachu Eevee Rival.png|100x100px]]
|- style="font-size: 90%"
| style="border: 0px solid #{{sword color dark}}; background: #{{sword color light}}; width:84px; height: 90px"|
| style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{color2|000|Blue (game)|Blue}}{{tt|*|Can be named anything}}  
[[File:Sword Shield Hop.png|100x100px]]
| style="background:#D1D1E6;" | {{color2|000|Silver (game)|Silver}}{{tt|*|Can be named anything}}  
|-
| style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundybl|15px}}" | {{color2|000|Blue (game)|Blue}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6;" | {{color2|000|Silver (game)|Silver}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6;" | {{color2|000|Brendan (game)|Brendan}}{{tt|*|If May is chosen as the player character}}  
| style="background:#D1D1E6;" | {{color2|000|Brendan (game)|Brendan}}{{tt|*|If May is chosen as the player character}}  
| style="background:#D1D1E6;" | {{color2|000|May (game)|May}}{{tt|*|If Brendan is chosen as the player character}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6;" | {{color2|000|May (game)|May}}{{tt|*|If Brendan is chosen as the player character}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6;" | {{color2|000|Wally (game)|Wally}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6;" | {{color2|000|Wally (game)|Wally}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6;" | {{color2|000|Barry (game)|Barry}}{{tt|*|Can be named anything}}  
| style="background:#D1D1E6;" | {{color2|000|Barry (game)|Barry}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6;" | {{color2|000|Cheren}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6;" | {{color2|000|Cheren}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6;" | {{color2|000|Bianca (game)|Bianca}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6;" | {{color2|000|Bianca (game)|Bianca}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6;" | {{color2|000|Hugh}}{{tt|*|Can be named anything}}  
| style="background:#D1D1E6;" | {{color2|000|Hugh}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6;" | {{color2|000|Calem (game)|Calem}}{{tt|*|If Serena is chosen as the player character}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6;" | {{color2|000|Calem (game)|Calem}}{{tt|*|If Serena is chosen as the player character}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6;" | {{color2|000|Serena (game)|Serena}}{{tt|*|If Calem is chosen as the player character}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6;" | {{color2|000|Serena (game)|Serena}}{{tt|*|If Calem is chosen as the player character}}
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| style="background:#D1D1E6;" | {{color2|000|Hau}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6;" | {{color2|000|Hau}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6;" | {{color2|000|Gladion}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6;" | {{color2|000|Gladion}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundybr|15px}}" | ???
| style="background:#D1D1E6;" | {{color2|000|Trace (game)|Trace}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundybr|15px}}" | {{color2|000|Hop}}
|}
|}


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| style="border: 0px solid #{{Tcg Goods color dark}}; background: #{{Tcg Goods color light}}; width:84px; height:90px"|
| style="border: 0px solid #{{Tcg Goods color dark}}; background: #{{Tcg Goods color light}}; width:84px; height:90px"|
[[File:Ronald.png|100x100px]]
[[File:Ronald.png|100x100px]]
|- style="font-size: 90%"
|-
| style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{color2|000|Ronald}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundybottom|15px}}" | {{color2|000|Ronald}}
|}
|}


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;Ash's rivals
;Ash's rivals
* {{Ash}}'s main rival in the [[original series]] was {{Gary}}. They were close when they were younger, but their friendship ended when they argued over a [[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}}'s main rival in the [[original series]] was {{Gary}}. 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:Ash and Alain.png|thumb|250px|Ash and Alain, his main ''[[S19|XY&Z]]'' arc rival]]
[[File:Ash and Alain.png|thumb|250px|Ash and Alain, his main ''[[S19|XY&Z]]'' arc rival]]
* [[Paul]] is Ash's main rival for the duration of the {{series|Diamond & 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, he eventually grew to respect Ash after losing to him in the [[Lily of the Valley Conference]].
* [[Paul]] is Ash's main rival for the duration of the {{series|Diamond & 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, he eventually grew to respect Ash after losing to him in the [[Lily of the Valley Conference]].
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* [[Trip]] was Ash's only unfriendly rival in the {{series|Best Wishes}}. The rivalry formed when Trip found out that Ash was from Kanto, a region Trip thinks very little of. 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 became friends when Ash beat Trip at the [[Vertress Conference]].
* [[Trip]] was Ash's only unfriendly rival in the {{series|Best Wishes}}. The rivalry formed when Trip found out that Ash was from Kanto, a region Trip thinks very little of. 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 became friends when Ash beat Trip at the [[Vertress Conference]].
* {{an|Tierno}} was Ash's primary rival for the first part of the {{series|XY}}, with {{an|Trevor}} serving as a minor secondary rival. During the second part of his Kalos journey, however, Ash struck up 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|Tierno}} was Ash's primary rival for the first part of the {{series|XY}}, with {{an|Trevor}} serving as a minor secondary rival. During the second part of his Kalos journey, however, Ash struck up 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.
* [[Gladion]] is a recurring rival of Ash in 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]].
* {{an|Gladion}} is a recurring rival of Ash in 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]].
* [[Cross]] could be said to be Ash's rival in the alternate storyline depicted in ''[[M20|I Choose You!]]''. In a similar manner to Paul, Cross abandoned his {{AP|Charizard|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.
* Ash also has friendly rivalries with [[Ritchie]], {{jo|Harrison}}, [[Morrison]], {{ho|Tyson}}, {{si|Tobias}}, [[Stephan]], {{an|Bianca}}, [[Virgil]], and {{un|Cameron}}.
* Ash also has friendly rivalries with [[Ritchie]], {{jo|Harrison}}, [[Morrison]], {{ho|Tyson}}, {{si|Tobias}}, [[Stephan]], {{an|Bianca}}, [[Virgil]], and {{un|Cameron}}.


;Other characters' rivals
;Other characters' rivals
* {{an|Brock}} had a friendly and short-lived rivalry with [[Suzie]].
* [[Jessie]] and [[James]] have an unfriendly rivalry with [[Cassidy]] and [[Butch]], respectively.
* [[Jessie]] and [[James]] have an unfriendly rivalry with [[Cassidy]] and [[Butch]], respectively.
* {{an|May}} has friendly rivalries with [[Drew]] and [[Solidad]], and an unfriendly rivalry with [[Harley]].
* {{an|May}} has friendly rivalries with [[Drew]] and [[Solidad]], and an unfriendly rivalry with [[Harley]].
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* {{an|Cilan}} has an unfriendly 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}}.
* {{an|Cilan}} has an unfriendly 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}}.
* [[Stephan]] engaged in an unfriendly rivalry with [[Montgomery]] during the [[Clubsplosion]].
* [[Stephan]] engaged in an unfriendly rivalry with [[Montgomery]] during the [[Clubsplosion]].
* Serena has friendly rivalries with Shauna, [[Miette]], [[Nini]], and {{an|Aria}}.
* Serena has friendly rivalries with {{an|Shauna}}, [[Miette]], [[Nini]], and {{an|Aria}}.
* {{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]].
 
===In ''[[M20|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|Charizard|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.


===In Pokémon Origins===
===In Pokémon Origins===
{{OBP|Blue|Origins}} appears as {{OBP|Red|Origins}}'s rival in [[Pokémon Origins]], fulfilling his role in the games.
{{OBP|Blue|Origins}} appears as {{OBP|Red|Origins}}'s rival in [[Pokémon Origins]], fulfilling his traditional role in the {{pkmn|games}}.


===In Pokémon Generations===
===In Pokémon Generations===
Green and Silver both appear in ''[[PG03|The Challenger]]'' and ''[[PG05|The Legacy]]'', respectively.
{{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.


==In the manga==
==In the manga==
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==Trivia==
==Trivia==
* Ash has at least one species of Pokémon from the same evolutionary line as each of his major rivals. Gary captured a {{p|Krabby}} and uses a {{p|Blastoise}}, Paul uses a {{p|Torterra}} and {{p|Gliscor}}, Barry uses a {{p|Staraptor}} and {{p|Heracross}}, [[Trip]] uses a {{p|Serperior}} and {{p|Tranquill}}, {{an|Bianca}} uses an {{p|Emboar}}, [[Sawyer]] uses a {{p|Sceptile}}, and [[Alain]] uses a {{p|Charizard}} and an {{P|Unfezant}}.
* {{Ash}} has at least one species of Pokémon from the same evolutionary line as each of his major rivals. {{Gary}} captured a {{p|Krabby}} and uses a {{p|Blastoise}}, [[Paul]] uses a {{p|Torterra}} and {{p|Gliscor}}, {{an|Barry}} uses a {{p|Staraptor}} and {{p|Heracross}}, [[Trip]] uses a {{p|Serperior}} and {{p|Tranquill}}, {{an|Bianca}} uses an {{p|Emboar}}, [[Sawyer]] uses a {{p|Sceptile}}, [[Alain]] uses a {{p|Charizard}} and an {{p|Unfezant}}, and {{an|Gladion}} uses a {{p|Lycanroc}}.
* Powerful enemies in the [[Battle Royale]]s of {{g|Rumble}} and {{g|Rumble Blast}}&mdash;chosen from Miis&mdash;are called rivals as well.
* 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 [[generation]], at least one of the player's rivals can be battled at the [[Pokémon League]] and/or [[Victory Road]].
* In every [[generation]], at least one of the player's rivals can be battled at the [[Pokémon League]] and/or [[Victory Road]].
* 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==
==In other languages==
{{langtable|color={{blue color light}}|bordercolor={{silver color}}
{{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
|fi=Kilpailija
|nl=Mededinger
|nl=Mededinger
|fr=Rival
|fr=Rival
|de=Rivale
|de=Rivale
|hi=दुश्मन {{tt|Dushman|Rival}} {{tt|*|Hungama dub}}
|it=Rivale
|it=Rivale
|es=Rival
|ko=라이벌 ''Rival''
|ko=라이벌 ''Rival''
|pl=Rywal
|pt=Rival
|pt=Rival
|ru=Соперник ''Sopernik''
|es=Rival
|th=คู่แข่ง
|th=คู่แข่ง
|tr=Rakip
|tr=Rakip
|hi=दुश्मन {{tt|Dushman|Rival}} {{tt|*|Hungama dub}}
}}
}}
==References==
<references/>
{{-}}
{{-}}
{{Rival characters}}<br>
{{Rival characters}}
{{TrainerNav|battle items|kanto=yes|johto=yes}}
{{TrainerNav|battle items|kanto=yes|johto=yes}}<br>
{{-}}
{{Project CharacterDex notice|tc}}
{{Project CharacterDex notice|tc}}



Revision as of 01:50, 20 June 2019

050Diglett.png This article is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this article to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: needs TCG section

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

File:Rival artwork.png
Red's first battle against his rival Blue

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 and has similar skills, goals, and achievements. Rival characters appear frequently during the hero's quest, having a role in several of the games' events and often challenges him or her in battles. Defeating a rival may be a primary or necessary goal of said character.

In the games

Core series

In the core series, a rival is a recurring opponent to the player throughout the game. This character class appeared beginning in Generation I and in every main series game since. Typically, rivals will be met by the player early in the game, usually around the time the player receives their 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 appear frequently throughout the player's journey, often being one step ahead of the player as the player moves 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 starter 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.

The following are the characters considered to be rivals in the games. It should be noted, though, that only Blue and Silver have ever received the Rival Trainer class; all others have been referred to as PKMN Trainers (Generations III-V) or Pokémon Trainers (Generation VI onward).

Additionally, in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, Blue is referred to as "Champion Blue" during the Champion battle and rematch. In Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, Trace will also use the "Champion" Trainer class during the Champion battle, but, unlike Blue, does not use it in the rematch.

RGBYFRLG GSCHGSS RSEORAS DPPt BW B2W2 XY SMUSUM PE SwSh

FireRed LeafGreen Blue.png

HeartGold SoulSilver Silver.png

Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Brendan.png

Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire May.png

Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Wally.png

Platinum Barry.png

Black White Cheren.png

Black White Bianca.png

Black 2 White 2 Hugh.png

XY Calem.png

XY Serena.png

XY Shauna.png

XY Tierno.png

XY Trevor.png

USUM Hau.png

Sun Moon Gladion.png

File:Lets Go Pikachu Eevee Rival.png

Sword Shield Hop.png

Blue Silver Brendan* May* Wally Barry Cheren Bianca Hugh Calem* Serena* Shauna Tierno Trevor Hau Gladion Trace Hop

Spin-off games

Pokémon Card GB series

In the Card GB series, Ronald does not use actual Pokémon themselves, but cards instead.

TCGTCG2

Ronald.png

Ronald

In the anime

In the main series

Various rivals for the main characters have also appeared in the anime.

Ash's rivals
  • Ash's main rival in the original series was Gary. 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 Alain, his main XY&Z arc rival
  • Paul is Ash's main rival for the duration of the Diamond & Pearl series. When they met, Paul despised Ash due to his approach to Pokémon training and friendship, constantly insulting him every time they crossed paths. However, he eventually grew to respect Ash after losing to him in the Lily of the Valley Conference.
    • Barry is Ash's secondary Sinnoh rival. Unlike Ash's other major rivals, the two have a friendly rivalry, though on occasion Barry did comment that Ash was weak and made rude comments about him.
    • 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 only unfriendly rival in the Best Wishes series. The rivalry formed when Trip found out that Ash was from Kanto, a region Trip thinks very little of. 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 became friends when Ash beat Trip at the Vertress Conference.
  • Tierno was Ash's primary rival for the first part of the XY series, with Trevor serving as a minor secondary rival. During the second part of his Kalos journey, however, Ash struck up 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 is a recurring rival of Ash in the Sun & Moon series. 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.
  • Ash also has friendly rivalries with Ritchie, Harrison, Morrison, Tyson, Tobias, Stephan, Bianca, Virgil, and Cameron.
Other characters' rivals
Dawn's recurring rivals

In 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 Charizard, 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.

In Pokémon Origins

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

In Pokémon Generations

Red's rival Blue appears in The Challenger, becoming the Pokémon League Champion shortly before Red challenges him to a battle over the title.

Ethan's rival Silver appears in The Legacy, although the two are never shown encountering each other.

In the manga

Red and his rival, Blue

In the Phantom Thief Pokémon 7 manga

In the Pocket Monsters Zensho manga

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

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

In the Pokémon Diamond & Pearl Adventure! manga

Hareta and his rival, Koya

Several characters have rivals in this series.

In the Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All! manga

In the Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys manga

In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga

In the Pokémon RéBURST manga

In the Magical Pokémon Journey manga

Trivia

  • Ash has at least one species of Pokémon from the same evolutionary line as each of his major rivals. Gary captured a Krabby and uses a Blastoise, Paul uses a Torterra and Gliscor, Barry uses a Staraptor and Heracross, Trip uses a Serperior and Tranquill, Bianca uses an Emboar, Sawyer uses a Sceptile, Alain uses a Charizard and an Unfezant, and Gladion uses a Lycanroc.
  • Powerful enemies in the Battle Royales of Pokémon Rumble and Pokémon Rumble Blast—chosen from Miis—are called rivals as well.
  • In every generation, at least one of the player's rivals can be battled at the Pokémon League and/or Victory Road.
  • 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."[1]

In other languages

Language Title
Chinese Cantonese 勁敵 Gihngdihk
Mandarin 勁敵 / 劲敌 Jìngdí
The Netherlands Flag.png Dutch Mededinger
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



Rival characters
Core series BlueSilverBrendan/MayWallyBarryCherenBiancaNHugh
Calem/SerenaShaunaTiernoTrevorHauGladionTrace
HopBedeMarnieKlaraAveryNemonaCarmineKieran
Spin-off games RonaldPauloLear


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.