Pokemon Rivals Ranked: The Top 21 Rivals in the Pokemon Franchise
Pokémon rivals have always been an integral part of the gaming experience, with each one offering something unique and challenging to the player. But not all Pokémon rivals are created equal. In this article, we'll be ranking the top 21 Pokémon rivals in the franchise, based on their personality, character development, and overall impact on the game.The Worst of the Worst: Rivals 21-11
These Pokémon rivals just didn't cut it, either due to their lackluster personality, poor battle skills, or limited role in the game's story.21. Calem / Serena (Pokemon X & Y)
These two rivals are somewhat interchangeable, with their only defining characteristic being their battle skills. Unfortunately, their battles are often dull and unchallenging.
20. Brendan / May
Brendan and May are another pair of unremarkable rivals. Their battles are standard fare, and their personalities are relatively one-dimensional.
19. Trace
Trace is a relatively friendly rival, but his battles are still lacking in challenge and depth.
18. Klara
Klara is an interesting rival, but her behavior towards the player can be off-putting, and her battles are often repetitive and unchallenging.
17. Avery
Avery is a decent rival, but his storyline is limited, and his battles are not particularly memorable.
16. Bianca
Bianca is a friendly rival, but she's not particularly challenging to battle, and her storyline is relatively uneventful.
15. Carmine
Carmine is a bit of a bully, but she's also got a clearly defined personality and an interesting storyline.
14. Hop
Hop is a divisive rival, with some players loving his friendly demeanor and others finding him too easy to defeat.
13. Cheren
Cheren is a decent rival, with a relatively interesting storyline and challenging battles.
12. Barry
Barry is an impatient rival who can be abrasive at times, but he's also got a unique personality and challenging battles.
11. Bede (Pokemon Sword & Shield)
Bede is a rude and proud rival who's determined to become Champion. His battles are relatively easy, but his storyline is interesting.
The Middle of the Pack: Rivals 10-6
These Pokémon rivals are solid, but they don't quite make it to the top tier.10. Hau
Hau is a friendly rival who's more interested in having fun than battling. He's not particularly challenging, but he's a fun character to interact with.
9. Marnie
Marnie is a standout rival with a unique personality and challenging battles. She's also got a devoted fan club and a clear motivation for becoming Champion.
8. Gladion
Gladion is a rival with a unique concept and goals. His storyline is well-developed, and his battles are memorable.
7. Wally
Wally is an interesting rival with a unique storyline and challenging battles. He's a fan favorite among many Pokémon players.
6. Hugh (Pokemon Black 2 & White 2)
Hugh is a rival with a robust backstory and a clear motivation for battling. His battles are challenging, and his character development is notable.
The Best of the Best: Rivals 5-1
These Pokémon rivals are the cream of the crop, with unique personalities, challenging battles, and impactful storylines.5. Blue
Blue is the original rival and sets the mold for subsequent rivals. His battles are challenging, and his personality is iconic.
4. Nemona
Nemona is a friendly rival with a focus on battling. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and her battles are challenging.
3. Silver
Silver is a mean-spirited rival who's fun to beat. His battles are challenging, and his character development is notable.
2. Kieran
Kieran is a unique rival with a refreshing take on the Pokémon universe. His character development is notable, and his storyline is engaging.
1. N
N is the most complex and multifaceted rival in the Pokémon franchise. His battles are challenging, and his storyline is impactful.
There you have it – the top 21 Pokémon rivals in the franchise, ranked from worst to best. Each rival has something unique to offer, but N stands out as the most complex and engaging rival of all.