Highlights
- The Dragon-type is typically considered one of the strongest, which is why trainers like Clair and Iris are not to be underestimated.
- Becoming the Champion in the Pokemon world is no easy feat, especially with fierce competitors like Cynthia and Diantha.
- Gym Leaders like Clair, Whitney, and Bea pose a challenge that even seasoned players struggle to overcome, showcasing their strength.
Every trainer in the world of Pokemon aims to be one thing: the very best, like no one ever was. Hundreds of candidates may go against each other in fierce battles for the number one spot... but only a scarce few come out on top.
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The ladies of the Pokemon universe are no exception; these battlers are notorious in the community and looked up to by many. However, the question still stands: Who's the strongest female Pokemon trainer of all?
Updated June 8, 2024 by Ben Painter:Pokemon is a franchise littered with a lot of amazing characters, starting with the original Red, in Pokemon Red & Blue. But even from that first game, there have been powerful female trainers who give the player a great test throughout the Gym challenges and the Elite Four.
Starting in Pokemon Crystal gamers have been able to choose from a male or female character to portray along their journeys. In the newer entries to the franchise, players can even customize their characters. This update adds two more of the most powerful female Pokemon trainers.
Every trainer's team is prior to any post-game content.
25 Misty
Pokemon Red & Blue
Pokemon Red and Blue
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Game Boy
- Released
- September 28, 1998
- Developer(s)
- Game Freak
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
About Misty
Misty is more famous for being one of Ash's original traveling companions in the Pokemon anime, but she appeared in the franchise before that. She was the second Gym Leader that players face in the franchise, the Water-type specialist of Cerulean City. Using her signature Pokemon team of Staryu and Starmie, she offers a real test for trainers who have chosen Charmander or Squirtle as their starter, not so much the Grass-type Bulbasaur.
Where To Find Misty
Misty can be found in Cerulean City as a Gym Leader in the Kanto region. She features in Pokemon Red, Blue & Yellow, Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen, Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee, and also in the Johto games as a post-game challenge when the Kanto region unlocks after the Elite Four and Champion.
Quote From Misty In Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!:
"Hi! You're a new face! What's your policy on Pokémon? What's your approach? My policy for battle is... an all-out offensive with Water-type Pokémon! Misty, the world-famous beauty, is your host! My sweet Pokémon are ready! Are you?"
Before taking on Misty's gym challenge, she greets the player and sets the tone for the battle ahead.
Misty's Team In Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen:
Pokemon | Level | Type | Ability | Moves | Held Item |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Staryu | 18 | Water | Natural Cure | Tackle/Harden/Recover/Water Pulse | None |
Starmie | 21 | Water/Psychic | Natural Cure | Rapid Spin/Swift/Recover/Water Pulse | None |
24 Nemona
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
- Platform(s)
- Switch
- Released
- November 18, 2022
- Developer(s)
- Game Freak
- Genre(s)
- RPG
About Nemona
Nemona is the player's rival throughout the Pokemon Scarlet & Violet; she is more of a friendly rival, spurring the player on throughout the story. As a Champion-ranked trainer, it is implied that she has more Pokemon than what is seen in the games and instead chooses to raise Pokemon with the same level as the player. She uses a mixed team of Pokemon, with her starter Pokemon that is weak to the stater the gamer has chosen.
Where To Find Nemona
She is first encountered in Cabo Poco, the player's hometown, and pops up for a battle several times throughout the story, culminating in a final battle once the Elite Four and Champion have been defeated.
Quote From Nemona In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
"You ready for a battle between Champions? ’Cause all these folks here seem ready to watch. Word got around, I guess!"
This is taken from the battle directly after the player becomes Champion. Nemona, herself, being a former Champion, is set to be a battle of the ages, and the residents of Paldea are there to take it all in.
Nemona's Final Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Team:
Pokemon | Level | Type | Ability | Moves | Held Item |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lycanroc | 65 | Rock | Sand Rush | Accelerock/Drill Run/Stone Edge/Stealth Rock | None |
Goodra | 65 | Dragon | Sap Sipper | Dragon Pulse/Muddy Water/Ice Beam/Sludge Bomb | None |
Dudunsparce | 65 | Normal | Serene Grace | Hyper Drill/Drill Run/Dragon Rush/Coil | None |
Orthworm | 65 | Steel | Earth Eater | Iron Tail/Body Press/Earthquake/Rock Blast | None |
Pawmot | 65 | Electric/Fighting | Volt Absorb | Double Shock/Close Combat/Ice Punch/Quick Attack | None |
Quaquaval (If the player chose Sprigatito) Meowscarda (If the player chose Fuecoco) Skeledirge (If the player chose Quaxly) | 66 66 66 | Water/Fighting (Water Tera) Grass/Dark (Grass Tera) Fire/Ghost (Fire Tera) | Torrent Overgrow Blaze | Aqua Step/Brick Break/Aerial Ace/Ice Spinner Flower Trick/Thunder Punch/Shadow Claw/Play Rough Torch Song/Earth Power/Shadow Ball/Snarl | None |
23 Geeta
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
About Geeta
This cool, calm, and collected trainer is the Top Champion of the Paldea region, and along with her Ace Pokemon Glimmora, she has a stacked team of some of the best Pokemon found in the games. Her team of mixed types is a challenge for the trainer, but it should be a breeze with a keen strategy.
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Where To Find Geeta
As the Champion of the Elite Four, she is found on the rooftop of the Victory Road building, eagerly awaiting the trainer's challenge. She is the final step in the road of the main character becoming the Paldea Champion.
Quote From Nemona In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
“I am utterly incapable of holding back when it comes to Pokémon battles.”
Geeta certainly seems full of herself, but it is all due to her love of battle; it is this attitude that has made her the Top Champion. Little does she know that the real champion is waiting in the wings.
Geeta's Scarlet & Violet Team:
Pokemon | Level | Type | Ability | Moves | Held Item |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Esparatha | 61 | Psychic | Opportunist | Luminia Crash/Dazzling Gleam/Quick Attack/Reflect | None |
Gogoat | 61 | Grass | Sap Sipper | Horn Leech/Zen Headbutt/Play Rough/Bulk Up | None |
Veluza | 61 | Water/Psychic | Mold Breaker | Aqua Jet/Liquidation/Psycho Cut/Ice Fang | None |
Avalugg | 61 | Ice | Own Tempo | Avalanche/Crunch/Earthquake/Body Press | None |
Kingambit | 61 | Dark/Steel | Supreme Overlord | Iron Head/Kowtow Kleave/Zen Headbutt/Stone Edge | None |
Glimmora | 62 | Rock/Poison (Rock Tera) | Toxic Debris | Tera Blast/Sludge Wave/Earth Power/Dazzling Gleam | None |
22 Carmine
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet - The Hidden Treasures Of Area Zero: Part One - The Teal Mask
About Carmine
Carmine is a trainer who is from the land of Kitakami, where the player arrives on a school trip. This trainer quickly becomes a rival and challenges the player to many battles throughout the story of the Teal Mask DLC. Using her signature, the new Pokemon Sinistcha, she offers a fierce battle and appears to have a tendency toward Dark types.
Where To Find Carmine
She is first encountered in Kitakami as one of the first NPC's that the players meet, her house is situated in Mossui Town and the player meets her and her brother Kieran outside the Community Center.
Quote From Carmine In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
"Welcome to Kitakami! For your first experience, get ready to eat dirt!"
This quote certainly showcases Carmine's competitiveness in the game and how much she rates herself as a trainer. As a member of Blueberry Academy, she is very adept at battling.
Carmine's Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Final Team:
Pokemon | Level | Type | Ability | Moves | Held Item |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Toucannon | 74 | Normal/Flying | Sheer Force | Beak Blast/Throat Chop/Flame Charge/Dual Wingbeat | None |
Mightyena | 74 | Dark | Intimidate | Crunch/Howl/Super Fang/Sucker Punch | None |
Scrafty | 74 | Dark/Fighting | Intimidate | Brick Break/Crunch/Ice Punch/Bulk Up | None |
Sinistcha | 75 | Grass/Ghost (Grass Tera) | Hospitality | Matcha Gotcha/Hex/Stun Spore/Scald | Occa Berry |
21 Lacey
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet - The Hidden Treasures Of Area Zero: Part Two - The Indigo Disk
About Lacey
Lacey is a coveted member of the Blueberry Academy Elite Four, a Fairy-type specialist, she has a fondness for cute Pokemon. As every battle in the BB Academy terrarium is a double battle, her team consists of tough Pokemon that work well with each other, so taking on Lacey and her Fairies is not going to be a walk in the park.
Where To Find Lacey
The player first meets Lacey at the entrance to the Blueberry Academy, but to take her on in battle, the trainer must head to the Coastal Biome and its plaza.
Quote From Lacey In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
"Let me properly introduce myself for this. I am Lacey of the Elite Four. I really didn't expect I'd get a challenge from someone like you, <player>. Rightfully, you do belong to a different school. Honestly, I'm still a bit shocked, but I won't let my personal feelings get in the way of our battle!"
Lacey was reluctant to let the player join the League Battle Club, as the player wasn't technically a student at the Blueberry Academy. This shows she is certainly a stickler for the rules.
Lacey's Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Final Team:
Pokemon | Level | Type | Ability | Moves | Held Item |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Whimsicott | 78/83 | Grass/Fairy | Prankster | Light Screen/Tailwind/Energy Ball/Moonblast | Focus Sash |
Granbull | 78/83 | Fairy | Intimidate | Play Rough/Fire Punch/Ice Punch/Stomping Tantrum | Expert Belt |
Primarina | 79/84 | Water/Fairy | Liquid Voice | Hyper Voice/Moonblast/Ice Beam/Shadow Ball | Throat Spray |
Slowbro | 79/84 | Poison/Psychic | Quick Draw | Shell Side Arm/Psychic/Flamethrower/Ice Beam | Sitrus Berry |
Alcremie | 79/84 | Fairy | Sweet Veil | Decorate/Recover/Giga Drain/Alluring Voice | Leftovers |
Excadrill | 80/65 | Ground/Steel (Fairy Tera) | Mold Breaker | Tera Blast/Iron Head/Rock Tomb/High Horsepower | Assault Vest |
20 Amarys
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet - The Hidden Treasures Of Area Zero: Part Two - The Indigo Disk
About Amarys
As a Steel-type trainer, Amarys is a tough battler with a double battle style. Steel types are the best Pokemon defensively, so an equally hard battle strategy must be crafted to take on this trainer in the Blueberry Academy terrarium. She maintains a reserved and level-headed exterior and that is present in her encounters with the player.
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Where To Find Amarys
The trainer must head to the Canyon Biome in the terrarium to take on Amarys in her Elite Four battle, but she is first seen in the Central Plaza of the BB Academy.
Quote From Amarys In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
"The decision to allow you to take on the League was irregular. An exception among exceptions... I was against it, as you know. But the academy allowed it, and their ruling is absolute. Therefore, I will carry out my duty as a member of the Elite Four as flawlessly as I always do."
Amarys was against the player taking on the League, but she is one for democracy and remained loyal to her duties. She is almost robotic in her speech, very reminiscent of her specialized typing.
Amarys' Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Final Team:
Pokemon | Level | Type | Ability | Moves | Held Item |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Skarmory | 78/83 | Steel/Flying | Sturdy | Stealth Rock/Whirlwind/Body Press/Dual Wingbeat | Rocky Helmet |
Dugtrio | 78/83 | Groud/Steel | Tangling Hair | Earthquake/Sucker Punch/Iron Head/Stone Edge | Focus Sash |
Scizor | 79/84 | Bug/Steel | Technician | Bullet Punch/Trailblaze/Pounce/Aerial Ace | Occa Berry |
Reuniclus | 79/84 | Psychic | Magic Guard | Trick Room/Protect/Energy Ball/Psychic | Leftovers |
Empoleon | 79/84 | Water/Steel | Torrent | Ice Beam/Hydro Pump/Flash Cannon/Grass Knot | Mystic Water |
Metagross | 80/65 | Steel/Psychic (Steel Tera) | Clear Body | Hard Press/Ice Punch/Zen Headbutt/Brick Break | Expert Belt |
19 Lorelei
Pokemon Red & Blue
About Lorelei
This cool trainer hails from the Kanto region and specializes in Ice-type Pokemon...and Slowbro. She uses bitterly cold Blizzard and Ice Beam attacks unleashed by wintery Pokemon such as the majestic Lapras and the fortified Cloyster. In battle, Lorelei will attempt to freeze her opponent's Pokemon, rendering them helpless against further icy assaults.
Where To Find Lorelei
She is the first member of the Elite Four in her homeland that the player can face in the Generation I Pokemon games. As such, she acts as the gatekeeper to the realms of the mightiest female trainers in the whole region.
Quote From Lorelei In Pokemon Red & Blue
"...No one can best me when it comes to icy Pokemon! Freezing moves are powerful! Your Pokemon will be at my mercy when they are frozen solid!"
As one would expect from such a line, players will be going up against many Ice-type Pokemon. Be sure to bring some fire and electricity to deal with her Ice-type and Water-type team.
Lorelei's Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen Team:
Pokemon | Level | Type | Ability | Moves | Held Item |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dewgong | 52 | Water/Ice | Thick Fat | Surf/Ice Beam/Hail/Safeguard | None |
Cloyster | 51 | Water/Ice | Shell Armor | Spikes/Dive/Hail/Protect | None |
Slowbro | 52 | Water/Psychic | Oblivious | Ice Beam/Surf/Amnesia/Yawn | None |
Jynx | 54 | Ice/Psychic | Oblivious | DoubleSlap/Ice Punch/Lovely Kiss/Attract | None |
Lapras | 54 | Water/Ice | Water Absorb | Body Slam/Confuse Ray/Surf/Ice Beam | Sitrus Berry |
18 Serena
Pokemon X & Y
About Serena
This fashionista is a creative powerhouse with enough potential to become the top Pokemon Performer (while still maintaining an excellent reputation as a Trainer, too). Stemming from the Kalos region, Serena favors beautiful and flashy Pokemon to assist in her quest to become the most elegant entertainer around while simultaneously flexing the dazzling diversity in her wardrobe in the process.
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Where to find Serena
Serena is a playable character in Pokemon X & Y but can also take on the role of the player's main rival and, therefore, pops up throughout the game, starting her adventures from Vaniville Town.
Quote From Serena In Pokemon Pokemon X and Y
"I will master Mega Evolution and set myself apart from other Trainers. I'll also do it for my Pokemon. We've come so far together, and they never stopped believing in me, their Trainer."
Serena has managed to carve her own niche in this male-dominated franchise and has arguably become the most admired of all the female Pokemon characters. She emphasizes Pokemon's primary theme of friendship and adds some romance into the mix while pumping up the cuteness factor to the max.
Serena's Pokemon X&Y Team:
Pokemon | Level | Type | Ability | Moves | Held Item |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Meowstic | 57 | Psychic | Keen Eye | Psychic/Fake Out/Disarming Voice/Shadow Ball | None |
Jolteon (if the player chose Chespin) Flareon (if the player chose Fennekin) Vaporeon (If the player chose Froakie) | 57 | Electric Fire Water | Volt Absorb Flash Fire Water Absorb | Discharge/Quick Attack/Double Kick Bite/Lava Plume/Quick Attack Muddy Water/Aurora Beam/Quick Attack | None |
Altaria | 58 | Dragon/Flying | Natural Cure | Dragon Pulse/Dazzling Gleam/Confide | None |
Absol | 59 | Dark | Super Luck | Slash/Quick Attack/Swords Dance/Night Slash | None |
Delphox (if the player chose Chespin) Greninja (if the player chose Fennekin) Chesnaught (If the player chose Froakie) | 61 | Fire/Psychic Water/Dark Grass/Fighting | Blaze Torrent Overgrow | Psychic/Shadow Ball/Flamethrower Dark Pulse/Ice Beam/Water Shuriken Brick Break/Seed Bomb/Body Slam | None |
17 Agatha
Pokemon Red & Blue
About Agatha
Another from the Kanto Elite Four, Agatha is one of the most experienced female Pokemon trainers in the franchise. She has been raising and battling Pokemon since she was a child, over half a century ago. She also has known Professor Oak for a very long time, and, at one point, they were quite close. She uses Poison-type Pokemon, though her more prominent team members are her Ghost-type Pokemon Haunter and Gengar.
Where To Find Agatha
Agatha is the 3rd member one will face in the Kanto region's Elite Four. She is after the 2nd member, Bruno, and his physically powerful Pokemon team.
Quote From Agatha In Pokemon Red & Blue
"...Pokemon are for fighting! (player's name)! I'll show you how a real trainer fights!"
Agatha is unrelenting in battle and clearly sees pocket monsters as warriors to be pitted against one another. As such, she will use devious tactics to take down the player's Pokemon. Her team will poison and confuse enemies until they are rendered inert.
Agatha's Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen Team:
Pokemon | Level | Type | Ability | Moves | Held Item |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gengar | 54 | Ghost/Poison | Levitate | Confuse Ray/Shadow Punch/Double Team/Toxic | None |
Golbat | 54 | Poison/Flying | Inner Focus | Confuse Ray/Bite/Air Cutter/Poison Fang | None |
Haunter | 53 | Ghost/Poison | Levitate | Mean Luck/Curse/Hypnosis/Dream Eater | None |
Arbok | 56 | Poison | Intimidate | Bite/Sludge Bomb/Screech/Iron Tail | None |
Gengar | 58 | Ghost/Poison | Levitate | Shadow Ball/Sludge Bomb/Hypnosis/Nightmare | Sitrus Berry |
16 Phoebe
Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire
Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Game Boy Advance
- Released
- March 19, 2003
- Developer(s)
- Game Freak
- Genre(s)
- RPG
About Phoebe
Phoebe is an Elite Four member who also specializes in Ghost-type Pokemon, though she lives in the Hoenn region. Don't take her casual appearance and relaxed nature as a sign of weakness, however, as her Dusclops and Sableye can curse one into oblivion. However, if that doesn't work, she'll use a flurry of heavy-hitting Ghost-type attacks like Shadow Punch and Shadow Ball. The only counter to her team is Dark-type pocket monsters or over-leveled ones of a type that take neutral damage from her ethereal attacks.
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Where To Find Phoebe
Phoebe is the second member of the Hoenn Elite Four, after Sidney, the Dark-type Pokemon trainer. She can be found in the Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire games.
Quote From Phoebe In Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire
"I did my training on Mt. Pyre. While I trained, I gained the ability to commune with Ghost-type Pokemon."
Without a doubt, Phoebe is the region's foremost expert on Ghost-type Pokemon, as few others have spent as much time honing their senses enough to communicate with cross-dimensional entities.
Phoebe's OmegaRuby & AlphaSapphire Team:
Pokemon | Level | Type | Ability | Moves | Held Item |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dusclops | 51 | Ghost | Pressure | Shadow Punch/Confuse Ray/Curse/Future Sight | None |
Banette | 51 | Ghost | Insomnia | Shadow Ball/Spite/Will-O-Wisp/Feint Attack | None |
Sableye | 51 | Dark/Ghost | Prankster | Shadow Claw/Foul Play/Power Gem/Fake Out | None |
Banette | 51 | Ghost | Insomnia | Shadow Ball/Grudge/Toxic/Psychic | None |
Dusknoir | 53 | Ghost | Pressure | Hex/Fire Punch/Ice Punch/Thunder Punch | None |
15 Flannery
Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire
About Flannery
A fiery femme fatale from the Hoenn region is one of the fiercest trainers in the Generation 3 games. Flannery scorches foes to ashes with her burning passion for battle as well as for her Fire-type Pokemon. Her Torkoal is a resilient opponent who can unleash a devastating Overheat attack if left unchecked. Even Water-type Pokemon may not quench their flames, as her Torkoal's Drought renders aquatic attacks half as effective as they normally would be while boosting Fire-type attacks by a similar amount. Her Slugma and Magcargo are also tough adversaries who have great defensive bulk and powerful plumes of fire.
Where To Find Flannery
Flannery can be battled in Lavaridge Town's gym, though players will have to go through some strange trials before being able to face this fiery gym leader.
Quote From Flannery In Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire
"Dare not underestimate me, though I have been Leader only a short time! With skills inherited from my grandfather, I shall, uh...demonstrate the hot moves we have honed on this land!"
Clearly passionate yet inexperienced, Flannery simply can't seem to contain herself when speaking of battle. Her uncertainty when speaking makes it clear she's not yet used to accepting challenges from trainers; however, her skills in battle more than make up for it.
Flannery's OmegaRuby & AlphaSapphire Team:
Pokemon | Level | Type | Ability | Moves | Held Item |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Slugma | 26 | Fire | Flame Body | Overheat/Rock Throw/Light Screen/Sunny Day | None |
Numel | 26 | Fire/Ground | Simple | Earth Power/Lava Plume/Amnesia/Sunny Day | None |
Torkoal | 28 | Fire | White Smoke | Overheat/Body Slam/Curse/Sunny Day | None |
14 Karen
Pokemon Gold & Silver
Pokemon Gold and Silver
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Game Boy , Game Boy Color , Nintendo Game Boy Advance
- Released
- October 14, 2000
- Developer(s)
- Game Freak
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
About Karen
Famous for her line claiming that the truly strong trainers of the world only battle using their favorite Pokemon, Karen has become known as one of the mightiest Dark-type trainers in the series since her appearance in the Generation 2 games. She has a surprisingly well-rounded lineup for a team that consists mostly of one type. Her Umbreon is a stalwart wall that can take, as well as dish out, many blows, and her Houndoom is a brutal foe with great damage output. She also has a Murkrow known to easily confound any enemy Pokemon with Confuse Ray before setting forth with a barrage of shadowy strikes.
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Where To Find Karen
Karen can be battled as the 4th member of the Indigo League (The Elite Four and Champion of the Kanto and Johto regions), after Bruno, the 3rd member, though only in the Generation 2 and 4 games where she appears.
Quote From Karen In Pokemon Gold & Silver
"Strong Pokemon. Weak Pokemon. That is only the selfish perception of people. Truly skilled trainers should try to win with their favorites. I like your style. You understand what's important. Go on — — the Champion is waiting."
Wise words and very appropriate ones to say to a trainer who has likely had to hone and balance their team countless times to reach this point. Karen speaks these words after being defeated by the player, acknowledging their strength and worthiness to battle the Champion.
Karen's Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver Team:
Pokemon | Level | Type | Ability | Moves | Held Item |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Umbreon | 42 | Dark | Synchronize | Double Team/Confuse Ray/Faint Attack/Payback | None |
Vileplume | 42 | Grass/Poison | Chlorophyll | Stun Spore/Petal Dance/Acid/Moonlight | None |
Murkrow | 44 | Dark/Flying | Super Luck | Sucker Punch/Faint Attack/Pluck/Whirlwind | None |
Gengar | 45 | Ghost/Poison | Levitate | Focus Blast/Destiny Bond/Spite/Lick | None |
Houndoom | 47 | Dark/Fire | Flash Fire | Nasty Plot/Dark Pulse/Flamethrower/Crunch | Sitrus Berry |
13 Jessie
Pokemon Yellow
Pokemon Yellow
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Game Boy
- Released
- October 18, 1999
- Developer(s)
- Game Freak
- Genre(s)
- Adventure , Strategy , JRPG
About Jessie
This Team Rocket member is one of the most recognizable characters in the franchise. She and her partner-in-crime, James, have been trying to steal Pikachu away from our protagonist, Ash, for the past 23 seasons of the anime, but this isn't about them. In an average episode, she may seem like a pushover, but in reality, she's quite a formidable foe. Jessie has trained many powerful 'mons, including her recognizable Wobbuffet and her Mimikyu, a recent but important ally. Additionally, she's to be commended for her resilience, considering she has not given up her goal of snatching that electric creature for over twenty years.
Where To Find Jessie
While often only mentioned for her appearance in the anime, Jessie does appear as a named character in some of the franchise's games. She, James, and Meowth appear in Pokemon: Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee multiple times with quite a few lines of dialogue.
Quote From Jessie In Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu! & Pokemon: Let's Go, Eevee!
"You’re just a twerp. Why are you so strong? ...Is it because of that Pikachu (or Eevee)? You can probably go all out because you’re with that Pokemon."
After being defeated on Route 17, Jessie will speak the above line of dialogue, signifying that she can tell that the player has great potential and strength; it takes another trainer of power to notice such traits in others.
Jessie's Let's Go Pikachu! & Let's Go Eevee Team! (With James In A Double Battle):
Pokemon | Level | Type | Ability | Moves | Held Item |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Arbok | 52 | Poison | - | Poison Jab/Glare/Crunch/Rock Slide | None |
Weezing | 52 | Poison | - | Sludge Bomb/Dark Pulse/Flamethrower/Thunderbolt | None |
12 Acerola
Pokemon Sun & Moon
Pokemon Sun and Moon
- Platform(s)
- 3DS
- Released
- November 18, 2016
- Developer(s)
- Game Freak
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
About Acerola
This little child may not look like a big deal, but she's one of the strongest female trainers in the Alolan region. One of the Elite Four for Generation VII and also a Trial Captain, Acerola poses a big threat to those who come unprepared. Those planning to fight her should bring some Full Restores! Considered by some to be the most dangerous trainer of Alola, she commands Powerful Ghost-type Pokemon. Some examples are Palossand, Froslass, and Dhelmise, all of which will cause trouble to beginners and pros alike if they don't take enough precautions.
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Where To Find Acerola
In Pokemon Sun & Moon, as well as Pokemon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, Acerola is the 3rd member of the Elite Four that can be fought in the Alolan region.
Quote From Acerola In Pokemon Ultra Sun & Moon
"No matter how strong I am, I know that there are things I can't do... Places I can't reach and people I can't protect."
Showing a great deal more maturity than usual when spoken to in the Aether House after the player becomes Champion, Acerola acknowledges that not even Pokemon battling power can solve all problems, a rare indication of this fact in the main series games. Furthermore, such dialogue shows an inner strength that compliments Acerola's battle prowess.
Acerola's Pokemon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon Team:
Pokemon | Level | Type | Ability | Moves | Held Item |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Banette | 56 | Dark | Insomnia | Shadow Claw/Feint Attack/Infestation/Screech | None |
Drifblim | 56 | Grass/Poison | Aftermath | Ominous Wind/Focus Energy/Amnesia/Baton Pass | None |
Dhelmise | 56 | Dark/Flying | Steelworker | Slam/Shadow Ball/Energy Ball/Whirlpool | None |
Froslass | 56 | Ghost/Poison | Snow Cloak | Blizzard/Shadow Ball/Confuse Ray/Ice Shard | None |
Palossand | 57 | Dark/Fire | Water Compaction | Shadow Ball/Earth Power/Giga Drain/Iron Defense | Ghostium Z |
11 Pokemon Trainer (Smash Ultimate)
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Platform(s)
- Switch
- Released
- December 7, 2018
- Developer(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Genre(s)
- Fighting
About Pokemon Trainer
While this may come as a surprise, this female trainer very much deserves her spot near the top. This character is very popular within the Smash Bros community and is considered to be one of the strongest in Super Smash Brothers Ultimate. Some players shun the character for its complexity since she has 3 Pokemon to choose from and can swap between them in real-time. Her Squirtle is amazing at combos, Ivysaur has some of the best game-ending moves, and Charizard is a heavy (but still considerably fast) fighter with a very versatile set.
Where To Find Pokemon Trainer
Players can't really find this trainer, as they play as her instead. This is the player's form as they play certain games as a female character, such as in Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen.
Quote From Pokemon Trainer In Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen
"..."
As with most protagonists in this franchise, the Pokemon Trainer as the player is the strong, silent type. There is sometimes no need for words when actions speak loudly enough.
10 May
Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire
About May
As much as May from the Anime is a strong contender, this is about her appearance in the games Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, & Emerald. She fills the role of the rival for the main character, and no matter what starter players choose, she has a counter for each one. If she catches the player off-guard, they're going to have it tough.
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Where To Find May
Despite being encountered many times in the games mentioned above, she's very much feared because of her encounter on Route 110. This battle, the second one against her, can be a challenge if the RNG isn't on the player's side. This is an infamous battle that players can even see many speedrunners rage about because of how unfair it is.
Quote From May In Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire
"While I was searching for other Pokemon, my Pokemon grew stronger. So… How about a little battle?"
This line, spoken right before the battle on Route 110, indicates that May has not been slacking off and will begin battle with well-leveled Pokemon, which can cause many players issues if they accidentally bump into her before doing some Exp farming.
May's Pokemon OmegaRuby & AlphaSapphire Team:
Pokemon | Level | Type | Ability | Moves | Held Item |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Swellow | 48 | Normal/Flying | Guts | Aerial Ace/Quick Attack/U-Turn/Steel Wing | None |
Raichu | 48 | Electric | Static | Thunder Wave/Thunderbolt/Quick Attack/Light Screen | None |
Wailord (if the player chose Treecko) Breloom (if the player chose Torchic) Magcargo (if the player chose Mudkip) | 48 | Water Grass/Fighting Fire/Rock | Water Veil Effect Spore Magma Armor | Surf/Heavy Slam/Bulldoze/Ice Beam Seed Bomb/Force Palm/Venoshock/Rock Tomb Earth Power/Lava Plume/Body Slam/Rock Slide | None |
Breloom (if the player chose Treecko) Magcargo (if the player chose Torchic) Wailord (if the player chose Mudkip) | 48 | Grass/Fighting Fire/Rock Water | Effect Spore Magma Armor Water Veil | Seed Bomb/Force Palm/Venoshock/Rock Tomb Earth Power/Lava Plume/Body Slam/Rock Slide Surf/Heavy Slam/Bulldoze/Ice Beam | None |
Blaziken (if the player chose Treecko) Swampert (if the player chose Torchic) Sceptile (if the player chose Mudkip) | 50 | Fire/Fighting Water/Ground Grass | Blaze Torrent Overgrow | Blaze Kick/Brick Break/Quick Attack/Shadow Claw Earthquake/Muddy Water/Rock Slide/Brick Break Leaf Blade/X-Scissor/Dual Chop/Night Slash | Blazikenite Swampertite Sceptilite |
9 Dawn
Pokemon Diamond & Pearl
Pokemon Diamond and Pearl
- Platform(s)
- 3DS , Nintendo DS
- Released
- April 22, 2007
- Developer(s)
- Game Freak
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
About Dawn
This Sinnoh Region dreamer has grand aspirations with the hopes of becoming the best Pokemon Coordinator with the bonus wish of adding a Legendary Pokemon to her team. Dawn receives a significant amount of screen time in comparison to other Pokemon female characters and has the honor of stealing the spotlight (again) in the latest installment of The Arceus Chronicles (anime and game).
Where to find Dawn
This particular female Pokemon trainer features in several games, including Pokemon: Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Masters EX, Battle Revolution, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, and Legends: Arceus.
Quote From Dawn In Pokemon Masters EX:
"I think it's great that we can tell each other what we want to do, even if it's a little selfish or it leads to an argument. If you can't do that, you can't let your friends know when they're doing something wrong."
Dawn is no stranger to making mistakes but prefers to look at these as opportunities to learn, as is thankful for the advice given by her friends. She had a rough start with Pokemon training but persevered with Ash and Brock's loyal support to spur her on.
Dawn's Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shinning Pearl Weekend Battles Team:
Pokemon | Level | Type | Ability | Moves | Held Item |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wormadam (if the player chose Turtwig) Wormadam (if the player chose Chimchar) Wormadam (if the player chose Piplup) | 58 | Bug/Grass Bug/Steel Bug/Ground | Overcoat Anticipation Anticipation | Leaf Storm/Bug Buzz/Psychic/Quiver Dance Gyro Ball/Sucker Punch/Metal Burst/Stealth Rock Bug Bite/Fissure/Earthquake/Double Team | White Herb Leftovers Leftovers |
Tangrowth (if the player chose Turtwig) Magmortar (if the player chose Chimchar) Milotic (if the player chose Piplup) | 59 | Grass Fire Water | Regenerator Vital Spirit Competitive | Energy Ball/Sludge Bomb/Focus Blast/Hyper Beam Fire Blast/Focus Blast/Thunderbolt/Will-O-Wisp Hydro Pump/Ice Beam/Hyper Beam/Recover | Choice Specs Expert Belt Life Orb |
Froslass | 60 | Ice/Ghost | Curse Body | Hex/Frost Breath/Thunderbolt/Will-O-Wisp | Focus Sash |
Magmortar (if the player chose Turtwig) Milotic (if the player chose Chimchar) Tangrowth (if the player chose Piplup) | 59 | Fire Water Grass | Vital Spirit Competitive Regenerator | Fire Blast/Focus Blast/Thunderbolt/Will-O-Wisp Hydro Pump/Ice Beam/Hyper Beam/Recover Energy Ball/Sludge Bomb/Focus Blast/Hyper Beam | Expert Belt Life Orb Choice Specs |
Clefable | 60 | Fairy | Unaware | Moonblast/Calm Mind/Moonlight/Minimize | Sitrus Berry |
Empoleon (if the player chose Turtwig) Torterra (if the player chose Chimchar) Infernape (if the player chose Piplup) | 64 | Water/Steel Grass/Ground Fire/Fighting | Torrent Overgrow Blaze | Hydro Pump/Flash Cannon/Ice Beam/Grass Knot Wood Hammer/Earthquake/Stone Edge/Curse Flare Blitz/Close Combat/Earthquake/U-turn | Leftovers Yache Berry Expert Belt |
8 Honey
Pokemon Sword & Shield - The Isle of Armor DLC
About Honey
Married to Mustard, former champion of the Galar region, she's just as powerful as he is when players battle them. No wonder they decided to open up a dojo to train new gym challengers. Honey's team is incredibly strong and balanced, with something to counter almost every type. Additionally, her ace Pokemon can be a Gigantamax Venusaur or Blastoise, which can be a pain to take down with all Pokemon weakened from battle.
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Where To Find Honey
Straight from the DLC for Pokemon Sword & Shield, Honey is the Matron of the Isle of Armor Dojo.
Quote From Honey In Pokemon Sword & Shield
"She quickly developed a talent for battle, and the rumor among dojo students is that she may even be on par with Mustard himself. Thanks to taking care of very powerful Pokemon at the dojo, Honey has also gained a lot of physical strength of her own. Now she can handle even powerful Pokemon, like Gallade."
While not a quote spoken by Honey, as she does not have any in-game dialogue, this is some text from her Rare League Card and explains how and why she is so strong.
Honey's Team In Pokemon Sword & Shield:
Pokemon | Level | Type | Ability | Moves | Held Item |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blissey | 60 | Normal | Natural Cure | Blizzard/Light Screen/Thunder/Fire Blast | None |
Darmanitan | 58 | Ice | Gorilla Tactics | Icicle Crash/Stone Edge/Earthquake/Zen Headbutt | None |
Gallade | 59 | Psychic/Fighting | Steadfast | Swords Dance/Leaf Blade/Psycho Cut/Throat Chop | None |
Salazzle | 58 | Poison/Fire | Corrosion | Toxic/Protect/Flamethrower/Dragon Pulse | None |
Togekiss | 60 | Fairy/Flying | Hustle | Dazzling Gleam/Air Slash/Aura Sphere/Heat Wave | None |
Blastoise (if the player chose Bulbasaur) Venusaur (if the player chose Squirtle) | 60 | Water Grass/Poison | Torrent Overgrow | Flash Cannon/Surf/Ice Beam/Iron Defense Energy Ball/Earth Power/Sludge Bomb/Amnesia | None |
7 Whitney
Pokemon Gold & Silver
About Whitney
Despite only having a few Pokemon, her team is strong enough to stomp any challengers, and she's remarkably difficult to beat at this point in the Generation 2 games. Her Miltank is particularly tough, with a move that heals half its hit points and one that can deal massive damage if left unwatched. She's ended many Pokemon journeys because of how much of a challenge this Normal-Type Gym poses, and many question why she has to be so difficult to beat. All in all, only the best end up receiving her Plain Badge.
Where To Find Whitney
This fearsome female trainer makes her debut in Pokemon Gold & Silver as the Gym Leader of Goldenrod City.
Quote From Whitney In Pokemon Gold & Silver
"Everyone was into Pokemon, so I got into it too! Pokemon are super cute! You want to battle? I'm warning you--I'm good!"
Despite this horribly misleading bit of dialogue that implies Whitney has no idea what she is doing, she could devastate the player's whole team if they let her Miltank spool up their multi-turn Rollout attack. With such powerful tactics, it's clear her naive words are simply meant to trick the player into a false sense of security.
Whitney's Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver Team:
Pokemon | Level | Type | Ability | Moves | Held Item |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Clefairy | 17 | Normal | Cute Charm | Mimic/Encore/DoubleSlap/Metronome | None |
Miltank | 19 | Normal | Scrappy | Stomp/Rollout/Attract/Milk Drink | Lum Berry |
6 Argenta
Pokemon Platinum
Pokémon Platinum
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo DS
- Released
- March 22, 2009
- Developer(s)
- Game Freak
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
About Argenta
One of the least well-known characters here, she's the only trainer to sport the title "Hall Matron," and she deserves it. She has an array of over 200 Pokemon to choose from, making it impossible to ever be well-prepared for her battle. Argenta is one of those trainers players have to go through to actually prove their worth as a battler. Given how hard her fight is, people who've beaten her have all the bragging rights.
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Where To Find Argenta
Argenta is the Frontier Brain in Sinnoh and Johto; however, players have to win 50 consecutive battles in the Battle Hall to even get the right to fight her, which is a considerable feat for anyone who's played Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver.
Quote From Argenta In Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver
"I imagine there were tense moments getting here with your chosen one. But understand that one shines the brightest when a challenge is overcome. I am Argenta, and I am your final and most daunting challenge."
As arguably some of the best 'boss dialogue' in a Pokemon game, these lines make it clear that Argenta is not messing around. She intends to push the player to their limits or break them in the process.