Even though the launch ofPokemon Scarlet and Violethas featured technical and performance issues, the games have still managed to break records. The third core series entries to hit the market in roughly 12 months have become the franchise’sfastest-selling games on the Nintendo Switch. That’s partly down to how Game Freak has managed to blend together quality-of-life improvements, intriguing designs, and addictive open-world gameplay.
As a part of the studio’s updated formula, players can technically explore the Paldea region in any order that they see fit. In another break from tradition, during their subsequent journeys of discovery throughPokemon Scarlet and Violet, they can also interact with multiple Champions. Each of these high level trainers has a unique backstory and impact on the experience that’s worth exploring.
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Champion Geeta
Out of all the Champions that players interact with inPokemon Scarlet and Violet, Geeta will arguably be the one that seems the most familiar to veterans of the series. As the Champion of the Paldea region’s Elite Four, Geeta occupies the role that othertrainers like Leon and Cynthiahave taken up in previous games. After beating the four trainers before her, players will have to face off in a fight with Geeta to beat the Pokemon League.
Unlike previousPokemongames, though,Scarlet and Violetapproach that concept a little differently. Beating the Elite Four and Geeta, for example, is the final part of the Naranja and Uva Academy’s Victory Road storyline. While Geeta is the Chairwoman of the Pokemon League, she also occupies a similar role on the board of both schools. It’s implied because of this that the player’s first battle with her is really only a finishing exam. It isn’t untilthe post-game Academy Tournamentthat the Champion fully engages the player in a traditional all-out battle.
It’s worth noting that Geeta is the only trainer inPokemon Scarlet and Violetthat hasthe Top Champion classattached to her name. This helps to distinguish her from the other Champions while making it clear that she’s Paldea’s most powerful and highest-ranking trainer. That’s reflected in her team of Pokemon as well, and the fact that she doesn’t specialize in one type like some of her Champion predecessors.
Champion Nemona
One design choice that makesPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s idea of the Champion special, is the fact that any trainer who beats Geeta also attains that rank as well. This is the case of the player’s firstrival and friend, Nemona. When they meet her at the start of the games, Nemona has already set out and completed her journey to become a Champion. The player’s interactions with her during their own Victory Road quest are more engaging as a result. Unlike some of the rivals that Game Freak has introduced in the past, Nemona is already a proven entity inPokemon Scarlet and Violet.
Other Champions
Due to the waythe Paldea region hands outChampion titles, it’s possible that players will interact with more trainers in that class at some point in the future. It’s been heavily rumored by insiders and leaks, for example, thatPokemon Scarlet and Violetwill get DLC expansions in 2023. It’s therefore not out of the realm of possibility that there are other trainers in the region that have beaten the Elite Four and Geeta already.
Upon finishing off the Victory Road quest line inPokemon Scarlet and Violet,the player ascends to the rank of Champion as well. Previous games likePokemon Sun and Moonhave explored the idea of other trainers coming to challenge the player for their crown, so it’s possible that this concept could pop up again in a different guise as well. With rumors regardingScarletandViolet’s potential DLCcontinuing to swirl online, fans might not have long to wait when it comes to finding out.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violetare available on Nintendo Switch.
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