ThePokemontrainer Red is perhaps the most famous protagonist in the series, second only to the anime’sAsh Ketcham. Red was the main protagonist of the originalPokemon Red and Bluegames, along with the originalPokemon AdventuresManga. Red later appeared in thePokemon Fire Red and Leaf Green remakesand as an enemy trainer in titles such asPokemon Heart Gold and Soul Silver.
The famedPokemontrainer has long been considered themost powerfulPokemontrainerof all time, though with multiple versions of this iconic Pokemon master appearing throughout the franchise, it begs the question: which one is the very best?
Trainer Red appears in thePokemon Ultra Sun and Moonbattle tree. Spearheaded by Red and his counterpart, Blue, the battle tree is only accessible after players defeat the game’s elite four. After defeating numerous consecutive trainers in the battle facility,Red and Bluecan be challenged.
Red hasPokemonin the low 70s to high 60s in battle, keeping a similar team to other games. While this version of Red is notably weaker than other variations, he is still one of the strongest and toughest trainers to defeat inPokemonUltra Sun and Moon. His lineup includes Pikachu, fully evolved Kanto starters like Charizard, and a Snorlax.
4Red In Pokemon Adventures
The Strongest Red In Manga
While Red is notably weaker than his counterparts in the main series of games, inthe manga -PokemonAdventures, Red is a very powerfulPokemontrainer, with the comic following the events of the originalRed and Bluegames. The manga loosely follows the game’s events as Red strives to becomePokemonchampion, defeating rival Blue and becoming the greatest trainer in the Kanto region.
This version of Red captures thelegendaryPokemon, Mewtwo, for gym leader Blaine and even fights an amalgamation of the legendary birds Moltres, Articuno, and Zapdos.
Red later appears in other manga arcs in the series, teaming up with characters such as Gold and legendaryPokemonacross numerous regions to fight the evilTeam Rocket.
A powerful variant of Red, this version is the strongest inPokemonmanga and a tougher variation than in Ultra Sun and Moon due to capturing and facing legendaryPokemoneasily at level 70s (surpassingUltra Sun and Moonlevels). It is second only to the other games on this list, where he received a considerable power boost after completing all of his objectives as champion.
The Best Pokemon Trainer In Kanto And Johto
Pokemon Gold and Silver
Enter a whole new world, with new Pokemon to capture, train and battle! Meet Professor Elm and get the all-new Poke Gear, including map, radio, cell phone and clock. Set the clock then watch as day turns to night and events take place in real-time - and be sure to keep an eye out for Pokemon that come out only at night!• Dozens of never-before-seen Pokemon! Find new evolutions for some familiar Pokemon and discover whole new species. Your Pokedex will reveal genders of some Pokemon.• A whole new world! Explore Johto, where there are new gym leaders to beat and eight new badges to earn.• Two new types! Introducing Dark and Steel-type Pokemon.• Trade with Silver, Red, Blue and Yellow versions to catch ‘em all!
Red appeared inthe second generation ofPokemongames—Gold, Silver, and Crystal— after players beat its main story. Red is located at the peak of Mount Silver, a difficult post-game area that Professor Oak tasks players with visiting.
Since the generation 2 games directly follow the first generation of games, Red is canonically powerful, with the famed trainer isolating himself from the rest of the world (after the events of the gen 1 games) to train hisPocket Monstersto perfection. While in the first generation, you play as Red, in the second, you must face him in what is still one of the most challengingPokemonbattles in the series.
Trainer Red has a challenging team with a level 81 Pikachu, all three fully evolved gen 1 starterPokemonin the high 70s, and otherPocket Monsters, such as Espeon, in the same level range. Red inGold, Silver,andCrystalis the trainer’s third most powerful version, significantly expanding his power from generation 1.
Let’s Go, Pikachu, and Let’s Go, EeveeareauthenticPokemongames released for the Nintendo Switch in 2018. Utilizing the Nintendo Switch’s motion control features, the game removed the other titles’ traditional catching and battle mechanics, with players using the Switch joycons to catchPokemonthrough motion. Players cannot battle wildPokemonin these games but can battle classic trainers such as the Kanto Gym Leaders andElite Four.
Red is also battle-able, with players able to fight the legendary trainer outside the Indigo Plateau after beating numerous master trainers in the post-game. Although much ofLet’s Gois considered easy compared to other titles in the series, trainer Red is no pushover, with one of his strongest teams (all Pokemon at level 85) in the series. By sheer levels, this version of Red is the second strongest, though he isn’t quite able to match the number one entry.
Pokemon: Heart Gold & Soul Silver
PREPARE FOR THRILLING NEW ADVENTURES AS LEGENDARY POKÉMON AWAKEN!Explore the Johto region as you catch, train, and battle with your favorite Pokemon by your side.Turn the tides—call forth the Legendary Pokémon!• Travel with your favorite Pokemon!• Enjoy minigames with your trained Pokemon!
The most powerful version of Red is his variant inPokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver. These titles were remakes of the originalPokemon Gold, Silver,andCrystal— expanding on the generation 2 games with new features such as new catchablePokemon, original plot points added to the main story, and even the ability to obtain legendaryPokemonfrom other regions such as Groudon, Kyogre, and Rayquaza.
Trainer Red also gets a notable upgrade, with even strongerPokemonthan inGold, Silver,andCrystal.
Red’s lineup includes many of the samePokemonas in the original games, except for a Lapras as a replacement for Espeon — and all with much higher levels. Red’s Pikachu hits a staggering level 88, while all his otherPokemonsettle in the low to mid-80s. Consequently, Red’s team inHeart Gold and Soul Silverdwarfs all other known variants,Pokemonchampions, and most trainers in thePokemonworld. As a result, this version of Red is easily the most powerful in the series.
