Highlights

  • Pokemon Let's Go's Master Trainers offer a unique post-game challenge for players to become experts in specific Pokemon species.
  • Defeating Master Trainers unlocks battles with classic Pokemon Master Red and the prestigious titles of Battle Master and Grand Master.
  • The potential of Master Trainers in future Pokemon games could encourage completion of the Pokedex and training of Legendary Pokemon.

Six years ago, Game Freak released Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu and Pokemon Let’s Go Eevee. The games offered the chance for both new and veteran players to visit the Kanto Region with the added twist of some Pokemon GO features, such as being able to throw a Poke Ball to catch a Pokemon and being able to transfer Generation 1 Pokemon from GO to the Let’s Go games.

While the games were both critically and financially successful, another attempt at a Let's Go game has yet to manifest, despite fan pleas for sequels set in the Johto region. Sequels to Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu and Pokemon Let’s Go Eevee may be unlikely, but one post-game feature introduced in these games should return: the Master Trainers.

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Pokemon Let's Go's Kanto Master Trainers Offered a Great Post-Game Challenge

In the Let’s Go games, players can encounter dozens of new Master Trainers throughout the Kanto region after defeating the Elite Four and becoming the champion. These trainers are unlike ordinary trainers found in the region as they are equipped with only one Pokemon. These are masters of one specific species of Pokemon and will only use these critters in battle. For example, players may encounter a Blastoise Master Trainer on their travels who only uses a high-leveled, powerful Blastoise. There are Master Trainers for each of Let’s Go’s 153 mons.

Unlike ordinary battles, players can only battle Master Trainers with their own version of the Master Trainer's Pokemon. For instance, players can only battle the Zubat Master Trainer with their own Zubat. Items cannot be used in these battles, but critters can still Mega Evolve if possible. Once players defeat a Master Trainer, they’ll receive the title of Master for that respective Pokemon. However, not every Master Trainer will request a battle and instead simply request to see powerful Pokemon. This is the case for rare Legendary or Mythical Pokemon such as Meltan or Mewtwo.

Meltan and Melmetal can only be used in Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu and Pokemon Let's Go Eevee by catching them in Pokemon GO and then transferring them to the Nintendo Switch.

Rewards for Defeating Master Trainers

After six Master Trainers are defeated, the player will have the option to battle the classic Pokemon Master Red from the original Pokemon games. Red can be found outside the Pokemon League and will use level 85 versions of Pikachu, Machamp, Snorlax, Arcanine, Lapras, and a Mega Venusaur. Defeating Red will earn players the title of Battle Master. Once players become masters of every Pokemon, they’ll earn the title of Grand Master. These titles can be recognized by Nurse Joys in Pokemon Centers and be displayed during PVP battles.

The Potential of Master Trainers in Future Games

Master Trainers have not appeared in any Pokemon game since Let’s Go Pikachu or Let’s Go Eevee, but they still have lots of potential. They can encourage players to actually complete the Pokedex and capture all monsters in the region. This could force players to play with critters they would usually never touch and possibly lead them to find new favorites. As Legendary and Mythical Pokemon become more common, future Pokemon games could have Master Trainers battle with Legendary and Mythical Pokemon instead of just asking to see one. Master Trainers could even encourage players to learn how to train powerful mons and prepare them for difficult PVP battles online.

If Master Trainers are introduced in future Pokemon remakes such as potential Let’s Go games set in Johto, they could continue having old, iconic trainers appear as further challenges. For instance, in Let’s Go games set in Johto, players could have the option to battle Master Trainers Ethan, Kris, or Lyra from Pokemon Gold, Silver, Crystal, Heart Gold, and Soul Silver. The same could be done with other remakes, such as battling Hilbert or Hilda in possible Pokemon Black and White remakes. Pokemon: Let’s Go Pikachu and Pokemon: Let’s Go Eevee’s Master Trainers could simply add more of a post-game challenge in future Pokemon games and add difficult-to-achieve rewards for players to show off to friends.