Pokemonis known for having some of the most well-designed and loved protagonists of any game series. Ever sincePokemon Red & Bluecame out in 1996, which featured the protagonist Red, fans of the series have been creating their own fan-art and cosplays for the iconic and well-dressed protagonists of thePokemongames.
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Since the release of the very first game, there have been countless more protagonists added to the game series, including those that star in their ownPokemonspin-off games. That said, there are certainly some protagonists that receive more communal love than others for their likability and achievements in-game.
11Dawn/Lucas – Pokemon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Dawn and Lucas are rather unforgettable protagonists, both with the recent release ofPokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearland Dawn’s role as one of the main characters in thePokemonanime. Their designs are some of the most consistent and recognizable in the series, withPokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearlnot updating or changing much about their iconic outfits.
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The achievements of these two in the games are certainly something, with both of these protagonists able to capture the deities of time, space, and the distortion world in Generation IV. Given the difficulty of the Elite Four andChampion Cynthiain both the original games and their remakes, these protagonists' strength is certainly nothing to scoff at.
10Pikachu – Pokepark Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure
The Pikachu that most fans ofPokemonknow and love comes from thePokemonanime. However, Pikachu is given his own epic adventure in thePokepark Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure(as well as the game’s sequelPokepark Wii 2: Wonders Beyond).
Focusing on the first game, Pikachu must make his way through several zones of the magical Pokepark in order to find his friends, ultimately saving the crumbling Pokepark along the way. By making his way through the different zones of the Pokepark, Pikachu must battle challenging enemies, including powerful ground-types which render his moves completely ineffective. Pikachu’s final challenge? Facing off against the playful, yet strong, psychic-type Mew.
9Kate/Kellyn – Pokemon Ranger: Shadows Of Almia
ThePokemon Rangerspin-off series doesn’t receive as much attention as other spin-off games do, consideringthere hasn’t been a new installment to the series since 2010.That said, the protagonists ofPokemon Ranger: Shadows Of Almiaremain the most recognizable and beloved of the whole series.
Pokemon Ranger: Shadows Of Almiais known both for its challenging boss battles/gameplay and witty humor. Some of this humor is, surprisingly, portrayed by the silent protagonist. Considering most protagonists inPokemongames remain unexpressive, this gives the quiet emotes of thePokemon Ranger: Shadows Of Almiaprotagonists' depth and personality to an otherwise quiet character.
8Brendan/May – Pokemon Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire
Generation III is one of the most beloved generations ofPokemongames for good reason. Hoenn is filled to the brim with originality, unique creatures that are both powerful and cute, and lovable game protagonists.Pokemon Emerald, Ruby & Sapphireare also the first and onlyPokemongames that give the protagonists a father, who just so happens to be a gym leader.
7Gloria/Victor – Pokemon Sword & Shield
While eachPokemonprotagonist has to facean evil organizationor an angry, mythical creature that threatens the world as we know it, thePokemon Sword & Shieldprotagonists had to endure a bit more than that. The final challenge of the game comes when Rose, the president of Macro Cosmos and the chairman of the Galar Pokemon League, brings the second coming of a world-ending event called the Darkest Day.
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This forces the protagonist to fight Rose, but also the world-eating monster he summoned, Etneratus (as well as its second, more powerful, form, Eternamax). Although many protagonists have had to save the world, it’s safe to say that the achievements of Gloria and Victor have that beat.
6Hero/Heroine – Pokemon Conquest
Speaking of saving the world, inPokemon Conquestthe once lone warlord of Aurora must set out to reclaim all the kingdoms in the region of Ransei. All of these kingdoms need to be claimed by a single warlord in order to summon the legendary creator of the Ransei, Arceus.
The task of defeating and claiming each of the seventeen kingdoms is no easy feat as it is but add in the fact that the protagonist will eventually face off against a powerful warlord with a Zekrom on his team, and it becomes unbelievable.
5Ethan/Lyra – Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver
PokemonCrystalintroduced the concept of a playable female protagonist (who was named Kris at the time), which carried over into the protagonists ofPokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver.While these two didn’t have to save the world or anything of the such, their strength as trainers is evident in the final challenge that awaits them in the post-game.
Ethan and Lyra are the first characters to defeat Red, the powerful protagonist from the originalPokemon Red & Blue.Red’s team is extraordinarily powerful, containingPokemonthat range from level 73 to 81. It’s quite the level jump from the Elite Four and Champion, who hadPokemonanywhere from level 40 to 50.
4Nate/Rosa – Pokemon Black 2 & White 2
The overarching story inPokemon Black 2 & White 2is certainly one that’s remembered by those who played through it, as well as the originalPokemon Black & White.Nate and Rosa bear uncanny similarities to the previous game’s protagonists, Hilda and Hilbert. The two ultimately finish what the previous protagonists had started, which was defeating and disbanding Team Plasma and Ghetsis.
3Hero/Player – Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers Of Time, Darkness, Sky
Pokemon Mystery Dungeonhas been credited by many to be one of the most outstandingPokemonspin-off games. This is due to its incredible story, soundtrack, gameplay, graphics, and characters. Unlike manyPokemongames, the protagonist is not completely silent. They have a personality, backstory, thoughts, and depth beyond what players are normally given.
This depth of character only makes the player grow attached to their protagonistPokemonand strengthens the emotional effect that the tear-jerking storyline has.
2Hilbert/Hilda – Pokemon Black & White
Hilbert and Hilda were the first protagonists to have multiple rivals. While in previous games the protagonist would only have their one childhood friend or arch nemesis as their rival,Pokemon Black & Whitegave players both Cheren and Bianca.
The goal of Team Plasma, the evil organization that Hilbert and Hilda must defeat, is more sinister than usual. Their goal is to liberatePokemonfrom their trainers, believing thatPokemondeserve to be free. In order to save the world from this ideal, the protagonists must face many challenging, sequential battles to defeat Team Plasma.
