Trainer redirects here. For other uses, seeTrainer (disambiguation).

APokémon Trainer^[a] (Japanese:ポケモントレーナーPokémon Trainer) is aperson whocatches,trains, cares for, andbattles withPokémon. The majority of people within the knownPokémon world are Trainers.

Pokémon Trainer is a broad term for any person who owns Pokémon, includingCoordinators andBreeders. However, the term is more often used to refer to people on ajourney to collectGymBadges and enter thePokémon League.

In the core series games

Many Trainers leave home, sometimes accompanied with afirst partner Pokémon obtained from aPokémon Professor, to travel around one or moreregions, doing such things as gathering information for aPokédex, perfecting their technique, collectingGymBadges, and working to become aPokémon Master. No matter what their specialties or aims, there is one code that they all follow—when two Trainers make eye contact, they must have abattle.

Pokémon Trainers come in all sorts ofclasses:Youngsters tend to stay close to home, andBug Catchers swarm about theBug-filled forests;Hikers traverse mountains andcaves,Fishermen are rarely far from water, andAce Trainers aspire to compete in thePokémon League. A Trainer's class may reflect theirfavorite type, the areas they prefer, their technique, and their level of skill; however, even within each class, Trainers may vary greatly.

Many towns have aGym run by a strong and experienced Trainer known as aGym Leader. Other Trainers may challenge a Gym Leader, and if the Gym Leader is defeated in battle, they award the challenger aBadge. However, inPokémon animation, the Gym Leader may award the Trainer a Badge for other reasons, since the Badge is a symbol of the Trainer's skill. For example,Ash won several of his early Badges by refusing to take an unfair advantage or going out of his way to save a Gym, which proved himself as an exceptional Trainer outside of battle. InAlola, each of the four islands has akahuna who may be challenged by traveling Trainers taking theisland challenge after the completion of their island's trials.

Above the level of Gym Leaders and island kahunas are theElite Four members and thePokémon LeagueChampion. There are also Trainers who serve asleaders forbattle facilities not recognized by the Pokémon League, such as theFrontier Brains of theBattle Frontier and theBattle Chatelaines of theBattle Maison. These Trainers are considered the cream of the crop, and should a Trainer defeat other Trainers at this level, it is not uncommon for them to be offered a place in these high ranks.

However, just as there are many Trainers with noble goals and lawful methods, there are also corrupt Trainers, including a number ofvillainous teams andPokémon thieves. These Trainers often use powerful Pokémon to take what they want and further their plans.

While the viability ofPokémon training as a lifestyle is never outright stated in most games, it is implied inPokémon Sun and Moon that it does not guarantee a sufficient income. SeveralEevee users are seen having to take up part-time jobs in order to obtain the finances needed to support themselves, with the latter being unable to go into retirement using just the funds from Pokémon training.

During the time period in whichPokémon Legends: Arceus is set, the term "Pokémon Trainer" was not in use, though a few people at the time still kept, trained, cared for, and battled with Pokémon as partners. The phrase "Pokémon wielder" or "wielder of Pokémon" is used byVolo to describe himself and the player (though no other contemporaneous character uses the term) and inRaifort's explanation about thetreasures of ruin; the same Japanese phrase has also been translated as "Pokémon user" or "user of Pokémon" in past games going back toPokémon Gold and Silver.

Trainer class

Trainer classes, officially known as aTrainer type^PtHGSS (Japanese:トレーナータイプTrainer type),Trainer Title^PBR (Japanese:かたがきtitle), ortitle^HGSSBWB2W2 (Japanese:肩書(かたが)きtitle), are the types ofnon-playable Pokémon Trainers that players can battle in allcore series Pokémon games. They come in different varieties and sprites which describe their occupation, estimated age, and sometimes what Pokémon they train. For example, aPsychic is a young adult with telekinetic powers who trainsPsychic-type Pokémon.

All Trainer classes have overworld or field sprites that sometimes may be used for non-Trainers. Unlike in-battle sprites, overworld sprites may be shared between multiple Trainer classes such as theAce Trainer overworld sprite, which is shared withDragon Tamers andPokémon Rangers in Generation IV. Notable Trainer classes, such as Gym Leaders, have unique sprites between each individual one. Trainer classes can be combined in certainDouble Battles; for example aCrush Girl and aBlack Belt can team up to form aCrush Kin; however, special class names are not created for Trainers involved in aMulti Battle.

FromGeneration III toGeneration V, theplayer assumes the form of a generic Trainer class of their choice when data of this player is exchanged wirelessly or throughrecord mixing to another core series game of the same generation. InPokémon Battle Revolution, the player can choose a Trainer Title for theirCustom Pass.

List of Trainer classes

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Main article:Category:Trainer classes

As a Trainer class

In the games, Pokémon Trainer (rendered as "^P_K^M_N Trainer" untilGeneration VI, in which the full title "Pokémon Trainer" is written out) was used as the Trainer class for certain storyline characters up until theMega Dimension expansion ofPokémon Legends: Z-A. These opponents tend to be the most powerful non-arena Trainers the player will face. This class is used for allrivals (exceptBlue andSilver, who are outright referred to as rivals, andUrbain/Taunie, who use theTeam MZ Trainer class), every opponent in link battles and thePokémon World Tournament,special Trainers in theBattle Tree, andBosses of theBattle Agency, as well as the following characters:

• Pokémon Gold, Silver, andCrystal:Red,Cal, andCarrie
• Pokémon Emerald:Steven
• Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, andPlatinum:Lucas*,Dawn*, and theStat Trainers (Cheryl,Mira,Riley,Buck, andMarley)
• Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver:Lance* and Red
• Pokémon Black and White:Cynthia,Hilbert*, andHilda*.
• Pokémon Black 2 and White 2:Cheren*,Bianca, Cynthia,Colress*,Rood,N,Alder,Cilan,Chili,Cress,Nate*, andRosa*.
• Pokémon X and Y:AZ,Essentia, andMalva*
• Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire:Zinnia*
• Pokémon Sun, Moon,Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon:Dexio,Sina^MUM,Molayne^SM,Anabel^SM, Red*, Blue*,Ryuki,Plumeria*,Guzma*, andLillie^USUM
• Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!:Mina, Blue*,Archer*,Green, and Red
• Pokémon Sword and Shield:Piers*,Leon*,Sordward,Shielbert,Peony, andOpal*
• Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl:Lucas*,Dawn*, and theStat Trainers (Cheryl,Mira,Riley,Buck, andMarley)
• Pokémon Scarlet and Violet:Penny*,Youssef,Harrington,Lacey*,Shige, and Aya
• Pokémon Legends: Z-A:L,Accroî,Condinu,Ohlà,Véloce,Adver,Chevalier, Louie, Bouché,Destin,Lyons,Dixan,Trent, andArcannes. An unnamedBrother and Sister are referred to as the Trainer class Pokémon Trainers in a Double Battle in the English version only*.

In the spin-off games

Play It! series

In the introduction ofPokémon Play It! andPokémon Play It! Version 2,Julie says that she and theplayer character are Pokémon Trainers. However, they play theTrading Card Game rather than train Pokémon. In the lesson "What's a Trainer card?", Julie mentions thatBill is a Trainer as well.

Super Smash Bros. series

Main article:Pokémon Trainer (Super Smash Bros.)

There is aplayable character called "Pokémon Trainer" in the gameSuper Smash Bros. Brawl. His appearance is based onRed'sGeneration III design, and he uses members of theevolutionary lines of theKanto first partner Pokémon to battle against the others, namelySquirtle,Ivysaur, andCharizard. While he was absent inSuper Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U, he returned inSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate, along an alternate female version based onLeaf.

Trophy information

Two trophies appear in the 3DS version ofSuper Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U, one of the Brawl character and one of the player characters fromPokémon X and Y.

Pokémon Trainer

NA:Pop quiz! What do Misty, Brock, Cynthia, Iris, and Ash all have in common? That's right—they're all Pokémon Trainers! This Pokémon Master in the making is the same. Back in Super Smash Bros. Brawl,he fought to be the very best—like no one ever was. To smash them was his real test—to launch them was his cause!

PAL:Quiz time! What do Misty, Brock, Cynthia, Iris and Ash all have in common? That's right - they're all Pokémon Trainers! This Pokémon Master in the making is just the same. He fought to be the very best - like no one ever was - back in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. To smash them was his real test - to launch them was his cause.

Pokémon Trainer (Pokémon X & Y) (NA)/Trainers (PAL)

NA:We suppose it's possible you've missed out up till now, so let us explain: in Pokémon, you set out from your hometown on a Pokémon journey, catching Pokémon and fighting battles with them. In Pokémon X and Pokémon Y, you reach the next town and find yourself embroiled in a tale of... No, wait—no spoilers!

PAL:If you've been living under a rock for some years now, let us explain. In Pokémon, you start from your home town on your own Pokémon journey, catching Pokémon and fighting battles with them. In Pokémon X and Pokémon Y, you reach the next town and find yourself embroiled in a tale of... Well, we won't spoil it for you.

Pokémon Shuffle

InPokémon Shuffle,Mega Evolved Pokémon (which appear as bosses inmain stages andcompetitive stages) are each accompanied by a Pokémon Trainer. These Pokémon Trainers are depicted in silhouette. The first one, located in Stage 10 ofPuerto Blanco, owns a Audino capable ofMega Evolution. They ask the player to battle them. Afterward, they give the player aAudinite that they can use toMega Evolve their own Audino, and provide some instructions on how to use it.

All other Trainers only have one line before sending out their Pokémon, and do not say anything after the battle. This also applies to any additional playthroughs of Stage 10. If the stage was one of the main stages, the Mega Stone corresponding to their Pokémon is still rewarded after the battle. However, there is no accompanying dialogue

Trivia

• ForGettin' Twiggy With It!,Professor Oak's Big Pokémon Encyclopedia is about Pokémon Trainers. He writes thissenryū about it: 「さあ10さい　ぼくもわたしも　トレーナー」"Ah, the age 10; we will all be Trainers."
• It is stated inPokémon the Series that a person may not become a Trainer until the age of 10; however, this is not the case in other media as some Trainers are obviously below the minimum age, such as the Trainer classesTwins,Tuber, andPreschooler. Some Preschoolers in theBattle Subway emphasize the fact that they are four years old. However, in thePokémon the Series: Black & White episodeBattling the Bully!,Cilan mentions that young kids are allowed to have battles for fun.
  • In addition,Poppy of the Paldea Elite Four is stated to be 9 years old.
• InGeneration I andGeneration II, the word "Trainer" is not capitalized. However, it is capitalized in later games.
• InPocket Monsters: The Animation, it was revealed that Pokémon training was a very dangerous sport, as the mere act of training a Pokémon can result in severe injuries or even death. It also mentions that various men try to go out and become a Pokémon trainer at age 10 (which was considered the legal age of adulthood), and there was a high dropout rate regarding whether they become skilled Trainers that afterwards they come across as incompetent. It is also implied that this is the reason why many professional workplaces are primarily staffed by women.
• Pokémon X and Y introduced the most new Trainer classes of anycore series game, with 47.
• Pokémon Crystal andHeartGold and SoulSilver introduced the fewest new Trainer classes of any core series games, with one each.

In other languages

Notes

References

Related articles

• Pokémon Coordinator
• Animated series Trainer classes
• Trainers with unique classes
• Unused Trainer data

	ThePokémon League
	Participation Trainer •Battle •Gym Leaders Gyms •Badges •Referee Championship matches Elite Four •Orange League Champion League Pokémon League Conferences Indigo •Silver •Ever Grande •Lily of the Valley Vertress •Lumiose •Manalo	Regional Pokémon Leagues Indigo •OrangePtS •Johto •Hoenn •Sinnoh Unova (BB) •Kalos •Alola •Galar •Paldea Areas of jurisdiction Pokémon League Reception Gate •Hall of Fame Palace of Victory •Cerulean Cave •Area Zero Others Furfrou League Admissions Exam •Pokémon Association PIA •World Coronation Series (Masters Eight Tournament)

This Trainer Class article is part ofProject CharacterDex, aBulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each character found in thePokémon games.

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