Pokémon has delivered fun-filled experiences for fans to enjoy since the 90s’. Whether fans adore the titles for their memorable characters or for their thrilling battles, one can’t deny the impact this series has had on multiple gaming generations.
Well, we’re here to help celebrate and shine a spotlight on some of the latest, greatest, and unforgettable moments from the franchise through the years. For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best aspects of the Pokémon games, we’d like to highlight what we consider to be the most challenging Pokémon battles of all time
Whether they were against an opposing human trainer or Pokémon itself, you’re likely to have developed a fondness for one of the battles below.
Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below!
Cynthia (Pokémon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum)
Cynthia’s battle in the Sinnoh region games is widely regarded as one of the most challenging battles in the franchise’s history. Firstly, Cynthia’s Pokémon team is incredibly well-rounded and balanced, making her a formidable opponent. Her team consists of a diverse range of Pokémon from her Garchomp to her Spiritomb. Each carries a unique set of moves and abilities that cover various types. This means players must strategize and adapt to their team’s strengths and weaknesses to come out on top.
Furthermore, Cynthia’s team possesses high-level defensive and offensive stats. For example, her Garchomp has devastating moves that can swiftly knock out weaker opponents. Additionally, they carry a range of status-altering moves, making it more challenging for players to win.
In addition to having Full Restores, Cynthia can be a hassle for newcomers and veterans to defeat.
Arceus (Pokémon Legends Arceus)
Pokémon Legends Arceus was a different type of Pokémon game compared to the mainline titles. This game followed the action RPG formula to a tee and had players scavenge different environments to complete the Pokédex. Once completed, they had the opportunity to challenge Arceus, known for being Pokémon’s god.
The battle with Arceus didn’t play out as your typical turn-based affair. However, players could trigger a battle of that nature to occur by performing a specific action during the action RPG aspects of the final Arceus fight. Nonetheless, this battle was a tough one to get through due to Arceus utilizing multiple attacks from Palkia’s Spacial Rend to Dialga’s Roar of Time to defeat them.
On top of the player having to rely on Pokémon Legends Arceus’s mixed control scheme, this battle is definitely a difficult one to complete.
Whitney (Pokémon Gold/Silver/Crystal)
Whitney’s Pokémon battle in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal versions is another Pokémon battle that left gamers frustrated. Firstly, her ace Pokémon, Milktank, has become notorious for its incredible strength and endurance. With the combination of its high base states and diverse move-set, it was a formidable Pokémon to defeat in battle.
Moreover, Milktank’s ability, Scrappy, allows it to hit Ghost-type Pokémon with Normal and Fighting-type moves, eliminating common strategies to counter it. Secondly, Whitney’s battle forces players to adjust their strategies and overcome them with unique tactics. She liked using Attract to infatuated Pokémon of the opposite gender and Milk Drink to heal her Pokémon to infuriate players. Thinking of countermeasures for her Pokémon this early into the game proved to be a hassle for many fans.
In addition to being a great roadblock for players to progress through the Johto Region, Whitney definitely deserves a spot on this list.
Ultra Necrozma (Pokémon Ultra Sun & Moon)
Ultra Necrozma in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon was a challenging Psychic-type Legendary Pokémon that irritated players. For instance, the Pokémon possesses unparalleled offensive capabilities. With its signature move, Photon Geyser, it can deal damage to practically any Pokémon. This makes fighting this Pokémon a hassle for those who don’t like using their heads.
Furthermore, this Pokémon has incredible Speed and Special Attack stats. This combination of immense power and speed allows it to outclass many Pokémon it faces. Its ability, Neuroforce, further enhances its damaging potential by boosting the power of super-effective attacks. If you’re not armed with a Dark-type Pokémon like Zoroark, you can kiss your victory goodbye.
Claire (Pokémon Gold/Silver/Crystal)
Claire was a formidable gym leader in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. Her team consists of a combination of Dragon-type Pokémon, which were notoriously difficult to counter in the early generations. This limited the number of effective type matchups and made it challenging for players to devise a strategy to overcome her team.
Additionally, Dragon-type moves had high base states and devastating moves, making her team formidable. Furthermore, her team feels relatively balanced and strategically designed to cover each other’s weaknesses. From strong attacking moves like Dragon Claw to great defensive moves like Light Screen, she was a powerhouse worth fearing.
Ghetsis (Pokémon Black & White)
Ghetsis’s Pokémon battle in Pokémon Black and White can be incredibly difficult for players for multiple reasons. For instance, he possesses a team of powerful, high-leveled Pokémon, many of which are Dragon-type. This composition gives him a significant advantage as Dragon-type Pokemon are known for their high offensive stats and diverse move pools.
Players must plan their strategies carefully and have a well-balanced team to stand a chance against Ghestsis’s Pokémon. Ghetsis utilizes strategies designed to disrupt players’ plans and keep them on their toes. His Pokémon are equipped with moves that can cause confusion, inflict status conditions, and lower the players’ defenses.
With his arsenal of Dragon-types at his beck and call, Ghetsis is a noteworthy opponent that’ll give you a thrilling battle.
Greevil (Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness)
PokémonXD: Gale of Darkness is one of the few Pokémon JRPGs not developed by GameFreak. This project was helmed by Genius Sonority and was loved for its interesting plot, fun characters, and prominent graphics (for its time). Greevil was one of the game’s most notorious bosses. Players not only had to defeat him in battle but had to focus their attention on catching his Shadow Pokémon.
The Shadow Pokémon not only have strong moves but they were essential for those who wanted to 100% the game itself. Shadow Pokémon never becomes available after a battle. You’re only given one chance to catch them, which makes it difficult for players who lack the ability to multitask.
On top of having strong Pokémon like the three legendary birds Moltres, Articuno, and Zapdos, he was a force to be reckoned with.
Evice (Pokémon Colosseum)
In a similar vein to Greevil, Evice stems from a game developed by Genius Sonority too. Pokémon Colosseum was released before Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness and had its own share of Shadow Pokémon for players to collect and purify. Furthermore, the Shadow Pokémon Evice had at his disposal were extremely high-leveled, making him a villain worth fearing.
His team featured a Salamence and Aggron, who were known for their strong move pools and high offensive stats. This combination of Pokémon forced players to adopt versatile battle strategies and carefully plan their moves to exploit type advantages while mitigating potential weaknesses.
On top of having an aggressive and unpredictable battle strategy, Evice was a powerful foe worth defeating in Pokémon Colosseum.
Lance (Pokémon Red/Blue/Yellow)
Lance’s Pokémon battle in Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow was entertaining from beginning to end. He possesses a strong team of Dragon-type Pokémon, which were notoriously tough to defeat in these games. Players had to rely on their team’s movepools and their supply of healing items to make it past their team.
Lance’s battle strategies were designed to keep players on their toes. His Pokémon came equipped with moves like Outrage and Hyper Beam, attacks known for having high base power. Additionally, Lance utilizes full restores to heal his Pokémon during battles. Players found this tactic annoying as they’d have to bank on their Pokémon’s survival.
With his arsenal of Dragon-type Pokémon and excellent strategies, Lance was a tough Elite Four member to beat in Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow.
Norman (Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald)
Norman’s a fierce Normal-type gym leader in Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. His team of high-level Normal-type Pokémon may seem straightforward to defeat, but Norman came prepared for the occasion with Pokémon like Slakiing and Vigoroth serving him well in battle. These Pokémon are known for having great attacking power and move access.
Moreover, Norman’s battle strategies were effective in disrupting the players’ strategies. His Pokémon had moves that’d allow him to lower your creature’s accuracy. Additionally, some had moves that’d let him inflict status conditions on them, hampering their ability to make a move.
Unless you came prepared with dominant Ghost-type or Fighting-type Pokémon, you’re sure to run into trouble with Norman’s team.
So, there we have it, our pick for the most challenging Pokémon battles through the years!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!