Choosing our favorites from the plethora of Pokémon characters from the whole series is difficult. Nevertheless, we at SmartRead like a good challenge, which is why we have compiled a lengthy list of the most memorable faces from all nine generations of Pokémon games in this guide. There are several well-known faces among the difficult gym leaders and legendary academics. Now let's see who was selected.
Check out our Pokémon Go community day, Pokémon Go event, Pokémon Go raids guides, and our comprehensive Pokedex if you prefer the AR title to the main series. Alternatively, if you would rather be generating money than hunting monsters, check out our instructions on how to get some free Monopoly Go dice.
Now, let's discuss our top Pokémon characters from every generation, starting with .
Generation 1 Pokémon characters
Rival
In the Pokémon series, you may choose the name of your first opponent. You can call it Blue, Gary, or, if you really want to, Buttbrain. The clashes between the two Pallet Town trainers are among the greatest of the first generation, with your competitor selecting the starter that is strongest against yours. It's always entertaining to watch as your rival makes a valiant effort to win over his grandfather.Professor Oak
Oak, the first Pokémon professor, is a legendary figure who leads you on your initial exploration of the Pokémon universe. Although Oak doesn't actually appear in combat, his kind words and sporadic gifts make him the Gandalf to your Pokémon trainer's Frodo, and his desire that you finish the Pokedex initiates the whole game.
Lance
One of the hardest bouts in the first generation of Pokémon is with the trainer who can tame dragons, Lance, the last member of the Elite Four. Similar to Professor Oak, he also reappears in the next generation and teams up with Dragonite to provide formidable firepower when you confront a resurgent Team Rocket in the Lake of Rage.Giovanni
Giovanni is one of the legendary Pokémon characters that most everyone is familiar with. He is the captain of Team Rocket and the last gym leader you will see before going to Victory Road. In the anime-influenced Pokémon Yellow, Giovanni kind of plays second place to Jessie and James, but when it comes to Red and Blue, he's the main villain and one of the finest villains the show has ever had.Generation two Pokémon characters
Rival No. 2 / Silver
You may give your competitor whatever name you like in line with the original game, however Silver is his official Pokémon canon name. Compared to the earlier games, this competitor is much more hostile; after snatching his starting Pokémon, he launches an offensive of what can only be described as Pokémon abuse. He does ultimately realize his mistakes, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take advantage of any chance you have to put a stop to him.
Elmer, Professor
Elm, Johto's foremost Pokémon researcher and the guy who provides you your starter and a Togepi egg later on, is a somewhat more random professor of Pokémon than Oak. He doesn't really do much else than that, but as Professor Oak is also often seen in Johto, he isn't really need to.
Red
Red, the most formidable opponent of the second generation and maybe the whole series, is undoubtedly the most iconic character in the history of the genre. Red is like Ash from the Pokémon anime, with a formidable group of fully developed starters, an unwavering Snorlax, and yes, a formidable Pikachu. Many trainers still treasure the memories of that first fight with Red, standing in the snow on top of Mount Silver.Generation three Pokémon characters
Birch
Your starter is handed up to Professor Birch, the Hoenn region's scientist-in-residence, to protect them from a ferocious Poochyena onslaught. Other than presenting you to their daughter/son, they don't do much more to advance the plot or assist you; the majority of the crucial parts are left up to them. Elm is of course your point person when it comes to finishing your Pokedex, but other from that, he's very much on your own.
May/Brendan
In Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, the gender you choose at the beginning determines who you will meet—Brendan for females, or May for guys. The rival's attitude to you also changes with the third generation; Brendan and May are almost unbearably helpful, giving away HMs and important equipment as if it were no big issue (seriously, where are they getting this stuff from?).
Steven
Steven, a steel-type user, is the third generation's giga-trainer. He participated in the Elite Four tournaments in Ruby and Sapphire and has one of the hardest post-game challenges in Emerald. Apart from that, he's a generally kind guy who knows enough about the area to assist Team Magma or Team Aqua prevent the apocalypse (thank you, Arceus). He's even been so kind as to offer you a shiny Beldum after you win the league. Steven, cheers.
Maxie / Archie
As they work to change the world, Archie and Maxie, the heads of Teams Aqua and Magma, respectively, are enmeshed in a deep resentment with one another. Maxie wants to awaken Groudon from its sleep and cause a severe drought on Earth, while Archie wants to compel Kyogre to flood the planet. In any case, you join forces with one to defeat the other, and the world is spared from certain apocalyptic events with the aid of Rayquaza and a few successful fights.Generation Four Pokémon characters
Rowan
Rowan, the Sinnoh region's Pokémon professor, is a little grumpier than his colleagues scientists, but he's still kind enough to give you your beginning Pokémon. Rowan is regarded as one of the greatest professors in the world; according to one of his assistants, Oak feels inferior to Sinnoh's top scientist.
Barry
Maintaining the theme of friendly rivals from generation three, Barry is just your average local kid who, by coincidence, is embarking on the same quest as you after an incidental day at Lake Verity. Aside than lending you the occasional crucial item, he doesn't really do much but assist you in a major fight against Team Galactic at the climax of the fourth generation's plot.
Cyrus
As Team Galactic's captain, Cyrus spends a significant portion of the narrative frantically attempting to decipher how to call upon the Pokémon deity Arceus. His whole plan is to use Arceus's strength to become a deity in a world that has just been created by bringing him back. You, a ten-year-old trainer from the tiniest village in the area, are obviously the only one left to defeat him.Cynthia
Cynthia is the master tamer of the fourth generation, or the Lance counterpart. Cynathia's mixed team, which consists of Garchomp, Spiritomb, and Milotic, is generally regarded as the hardest Elite Four champion to face. This makes the build-up to the final challenge an unmatched test. If you think this fight is difficult now, but wait till you see Cynthia's squad in Black and White as well. That post-game bonus is on par with the incredible battles with Red and Steven.Generation five Pokémon characters
N
Many believe that the Pokémon game plot peaked with the fifth generation, and N is largely to blame for this. N was nurtured to take over Team Plasma after being found as an orphan by Ghetsis, the main antagonist of Pokémon Black and White. However, the more you get to know him, the more he realizes he's not made out for the life of a supervillain. No, we don't blame N; he would much prefer ride a Ferris Wheel with his Pokémon pals.Hetsis
Ghetsis, the real head of Team Plasma, dedicates a significant portion of Black and White as well as the immediate sequels to seeking to destroy human-Pokémon relationships. His initial intention was to utilize N to control the world with Zekrom or Reshiram by his side. However, after his foster kid betrays him, he decides to take things into his own hands and returns to try raising Kyurem after his first attempt failed. This also doesn't go well for him; at the conclusion of the novel, Ghetsis's second effort at global dominance fails miserably, and the villain loses his heart.Juniper
Juniper is a welcome addition to the series as the first female Pokémon professor, and not only because she's a lot happier than Rowan. At the beginning of the game, you meet Professor Juniper, who gives you, Bianca, and Cheren a starting Pokémon. Except from giving out TMs for reaching Pokedex milestones, you don't really spend much time with her.
Cheren and Bianca
Just one opponent? Oh well. That is insignificant. Bianca and Cheren are your two adversaries in Pokémon Black and White; each of them will take the extra beginning Pokémon. In the follow-up, they both experience a transformation as Cheren becomes the gym leader of Aspertia and Cheren becomes Professor Juniper's assistant.
Gen Six Pokémon characters
Caprifolium
It seems sense that the local professor is an authority on the topic, given that generation six introduced massive evolution. Professor Sycamore is a wealth of knowledge on the unique evolutionary mechanism. Not only does he provide you with a starting Pokémon, but he also gives you one from the first generation, which you may massively evolve later on. Aside from his kind disposition, Sycamore is always available to provide guidance on capturing new species.Calem and SerenaIn several aspects, the fifth generation of Pokémon reverts to the original formula, with your opponent depending on your gender much as it did in Gold and Silver. Calem / Serena, who is a member of the group you grew up with, is the greatest trainer apart from the player character, and it's these rivalries that really put you to the test. They're also the most generous of the group, providing you with an unenhanced starter when you win the Elite Four.
Tierno, Shauna, and Trevor
If facing off against just one opponent wasn't enough, you'll also have to worry about Shauna, Trevor, and Tierno, as well as the occasional skirmish involving your childhood friends scattered around Kalos. As long as you can defeat them in combat, each of these three friends will be available to you throughout your journey to provide important items, HMs, and strong techniques.
Gen Seven Pokémon characters
Kukui
Professor Kukui is not like the other instructors at all. He is a wrestler, the Alolan League's founder, and he is not wearing a t-shirt. Oh, and he now holds the title of league champion. Alolan Nintetales, Braviary, and Snorlax are just a few of the strong Pokémon on his squad. In Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, things are a bit different since Kukui gives Hau the upper hand in the decisive fight. A long-standing fan idea suggested that Kukui may be Ash's father, but Poketheorists seem to have disproved it.
Hau
Hau is your opponent for the eighth generation of Pokémon, however. When I say competitor, I mean that from this point on, your adversary will act more like a hype man, setting you up for huge fights and providing explanations about the intricate, multi-layered plot. As kahuna, or "big chief" to you and me, of Melemele island, Hau's grandpa contributes to the upholding of Alolan customs.
Guzma
Guzma is different from the heads of the majority of Pokémon's villainous groups in that, well, he's kind of cool. As it happens, he's not even the group leader! No, Guzma is merely another lackey, disguising himself as the head of Team Skull so Lusamine may continue her background search for the Ultra Beasts. Guzma eventually had a change of heart and gives up his evil ways, dismantling Team Skull in the process.Lusamine
Lusamine is the main antagonist of the eighth generation of Pokémon, motivated by her desire to locate the strong hyper monsters that exist in many realities. Lusamine, the game's unexpected enemy, first presents herself as the most devoted trainer in the whole region, but you quickly discover that this isn't the case. In her pursuit of power, Lusamine succeeds in uniting her family against her in Sun and Moon as well as Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, creating one of the most depressing plotlines in the history of the series.Generation 8 Pokémon characters
Magnolia
Magnolia is the least engaged Pokémon professor to date, or as I like to refer to her, "ol' gramma Pokémon." Really. Even if her purpose for being here is unknown, her knowledge of dynamaxing—which is Galar's specialty—comes in useful when it comes to laying down the general framework of the new mechanism.
Hop
Hop is your childhood buddy and the brother of Leon, the league champion, and one of the three opponents in the Galar area. Hop, like many of his more recent opponents, is more of an ally than an enemy, offering context on Galar's eccentricities and the history of the area. Despite this, you still engage in combat with over eight confrontations along your journey.
Bede
Bede is a strange and unpleasant minor adversary in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Although Opal began the game as a psychic-type user, she mentors Bede to become the new fairy-type gym leader, replacing their mind readers with some cuddly pink friends.
Leon
The head of the league Leon is the giant dog in Galar, well-known among the populace and well loved by his younger brother Hop. After defeating the danger posed by Eternatus, Leon awaits you in Sword and Shield with his famous dynamaxing Charizard. Additionally, he opens the first battle tower in Galar, where you may re-eventually confront him for even more difficult battles against legendary Pokémon.
Flower
A surprising adversary for Pokémon Sword and Shield is Rose, who seems to want to support Galar in his search for an endless power source. Unfortunately, he doesn't fully foresee this strength, as Pokémon villains often tend to do, and in the end, it will be up to you, Leon, and Hop, to make sure Eternatus doesn't completely destroy the area.Generation 9 Pokémon characters
Turo / Sada
Depending on the version of the game you have, the ninth generation of Pokémon has two distinct professors for the first time ever. We won't offer you any spoilers since this is the newest book in the series, but let's just say that these two Pokémon professors are not who they appear to be.
Nemona
Nemona, your ninth opponent, continues the current theme of supporting the player character more so than acting as an adversary or direct rival. Even yet, she still wants to fight constantly since the championship match will determine her status as the league's victor. In addition, she is the class president for students and the epitome of a keen-been—always there to provide academic help.
Arven
Arven is something of a recluse, which makes sense given that his parents are professors who are never present. Along with him, you go on a mission to locate all the herba mystica required to repair your renowned vehicle and his cute Mabostiff, which ultimately results in a dog owner and his dad facing off in Area Zero. Despite having a traumatic past, Arven ends up growing to be one of your best friends in Paldea.Clavell
Clavell is the guy attempting to bring down Team Star and the director of the school you attend. You visit the five Team Star camps strewn over Paldea with Clavell, or his doppelganger Clive, in an attempt to ascertain why the kids haven't shown up for class. This region's professor does not normally provide you your beginning Pokémon; instead, Clavell does, with the principal reserving the extra for your combat in the academy ace competition.These are our top Pokémon characters from the whole series. Why not use our sister site WarGamer's resources on rare Pokemon cards and how to play Pokemon cards to get back into the card game while you're here?
