★ Best Pokemon Tier List
☆ Best Teams to Beat the Story
★ Celadon Game Corner Guide
☆ Farm EXP, Money, and Duplicate Items!
★ Shiny Hunting Guide and Shiny Odds
☆ How to Get Lugia, Ho-Oh, and Deoxys

This is a guide to all Rival fights and teams in Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen (FRLG). Learn the different starters used by the Rival and how they adapt to your starter, all Rival battles, encounters and their locations here!
| Rival Pick | Your Pick |
|---|---|
Squirtle
|
Charmander
|
Charmander
|
Bulbasaur
|
Bulbasaur
|
Squirtle
|
The Rival will always choose a starter Pokemon that has an elemental type advantage to your Pokemon. This starter will evolve accordingly depending on the encounter you have had with the Rival, which means they will have a fully-evolved starter later on.
Best Starter Pokemon to Choose
| Rival Locations and Teams | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pallet Town | Route 22* | Cerulean City |
| SS Anne* | Pokemon Tower | Silph Co. |
| Route 22 Rematch | Pokemon League | League Rematch* |
※ Some encounters can be skipped or avoided depending on your current exploration and HMs.
Being a first rival fight, there won't be much differences in damage deal just yet with your Pokemon and your RIval's, just remember that their Pokemon can resist your moves but can damage your Pokemon more effectively.
| Pokemon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Charmander
(Lvl. 5) |
|
・Blaze
|
| Pokemon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Bulbasaur
(Lvl. 5) |
|
・Overgrow
|
| Pokemon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Squirtle
(Lvl. 5) |
|
・Torrent
|
You can head left from Viridian City to reach Route 22 and try to see the Pokemon League initially, but your Rival will stop you midway and ask you to battle with slightly stronger Pokemon.
Note that this battle is optional and you can choose to ignore this encounter until later in the game.
| Pokemon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Charmander
(Lvl. 9) |
|
・Blaze
|
|
Pidgey
(Lvl. 9) |
|
・Keen Eye
|
| Pokemon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Bulbasaur
(Lvl. 9) |
|
・Overgrow
|
|
Pidgey
(Lvl. 9) |
|
・Keen Eye
|
| Pokemon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Squirtle
(Lvl. 9) |
|
・Torrent
|
|
Pidgey
(Lvl. 9) |
|
・Keen Eye
|
Cerulean City is when your Rival's team will actually develop more Pokemon, and now he will have a Flying-type, Normal-type and even an Abra that is basically a free hit for you.
Start leveling your Pokemon to match theirs or even overwhelm their level if you want to cheese the fight, or use Electric-types to bring their Flying-types down.
| Pokemon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Charmander
(Lvl. 18) |
|
・Blaze
|
|
Pidgeotto
(Lvl. 17) |
|
・Keen Eye
|
・Gust
|
Rattata
(Lvl. 15) |
|
・Run Away
・Guts |
|
Abra
(Lvl. 15) |
|
・Synchronize
・Inner Focus |
| Pokemon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Bulbasaur
(Lvl. 18) |
|
・Overgrow
|
|
Pidgeotto
(Lvl. 17) |
|
・Keen Eye
|
・Gust
|
Rattata
(Lvl. 15) |
|
・Run Away
・Guts |
|
Abra
(Lvl. 15) |
|
・Synchronize
・Inner Focus |
| Pokemon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Squirtle
(Lvl. 18) |
|
・Torrent
|
|
Pidgeotto
(Lvl. 17) |
|
・Keen Eye
|
・Gust
|
Rattata
(Lvl. 15) |
|
・Run Away
・Guts |
|
Abra
(Lvl. 15) |
|
・Synchronize
・Inner Focus |
Most of the Rival's team will have increased their levels and some may have evolved from your last fight. Aside from following the type weakness advantage of Pokemon, leveling up and having a good spread of moves will make you win this match easily.
This battle can be skipped if you have a Pokemon that learned Cut from a trade, although we advise entering the ship and fighting here for more experience!
| Pokemon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Charmeleon
(Lvl. 20) |
|
・Blaze
|
|
Pidgeotto
(Lvl. 19) |
|
・Keen Eye
|
・Gust
|
Raticate
(Lvl. 16) |
|
・Run Away
・Guts |
|
Kadabra
(Lvl. 18) |
|
・Synchronize
・Inner Focus |
| Pokemon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Ivysaur
(Lvl. 20) |
|
・Overgrow
|
|
Pidgeotto
(Lvl. 19) |
|
・Keen Eye
|
・Gust
|
Raticate
(Lvl. 16) |
|
・Run Away
・Guts |
|
Kadabra
(Lvl. 18) |
|
・Synchronize
・Inner Focus |
| Pokemon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Wartortle
(Lvl. 20) |
|
・Torrent
|
・Bite
|
Pidgeotto
(Lvl. 19) |
|
・Keen Eye
|
・Gust
|
Raticate
(Lvl. 16) |
|
・Run Away
・Guts |
|
Kadabra
(Lvl. 18) |
|
・Synchronize
・Inner Focus |
Pokemon Tower is where the Rival's Team becomes slightly more serious, as they have changing members present depending on the starter you chose. You may encounter a Growlithe and Gyarados for certain versions of his roster on this fight.
It is peculiar to note however, that your Rival's Raticate has disappeared in the roster and will not appear anymore even in later rival battles.
| Pokemon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Charmeleon
(Lvl. 25) |
|
・Blaze
|
|
Gyarados
(Lvl. 22) |
|
・Intimidate
|
・Bite
|
Pidgeotto
(Lvl. 25) |
|
・Keen Eye
|
・Gust
|
Exeggcute
(Lvl. 23) |
|
・Chlorophyll
|
|
Kadabra
(Lvl. 20) |
|
・Synchronize
・Inner Focus |
| Pokemon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Ivysaur
(Lvl. 25) |
|
・Overgrow
|
|
Growlithe
(Lvl. 22) |
|
・Intimidate
・Flash Fire |
・Leer
・Roar
|
Pidgeotto
(Lvl. 25) |
|
・Keen Eye
|
・Gust
|
Gyarados
(Lvl. 23) |
|
・Intimidate
|
・Bite
|
Kadabra
(Lvl. 20) |
|
・Synchronize
・Inner Focus |
| Pokemon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Wartortle
(Lvl. 25) |
|
・Torrent
|
・Bite
|
Growlithe
(Lvl. 23) |
|
・Intimidate
・Flash Fire |
・Leer
・Roar
|
Pidgeotto
(Lvl. 25) |
|
・Keen Eye
|
・Gust
|
Exeggcute
(Lvl. 22) |
|
・Chlorophyll
|
|
Kadabra
(Lvl. 20) |
|
・Synchronize
・Inner Focus |
Silph Co. will feature your Rival having almost fully-evolved Pokemon with his roster having significantly leveled up from your last battle. Get ready to level your own Pokemon and have a better move spread throughout the fight.
| Pokemon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Charizard
(Lvl. 40) |
|
・Blaze
|
|
Gyarados
(Lvl. 35) |
|
・Intimidate
|
・Bite
・Leer
|
Pidgeot
(Lvl. 37) |
|
・Keen Eye
|
|
Exeggcute
(Lvl. 38) |
|
・Chlorophyll
|
|
Alakazam
(Lvl. 35) |
|
・Synchronize
・Inner Focus |
| Pokemon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Venusaur
(Lvl. 40) |
|
・Overgrow
|
|
Growlithe
(Lvl. 35) |
|
・Intimidate
・Flash Fire |
・Leer
|
Pidgeot
(Lvl. 37) |
|
・Keen Eye
|
|
Gyarados
(Lvl. 38) |
|
・Intimidate
|
・Bite
・Leer
|
Alakazam
(Lvl. 35) |
|
・Synchronize
・Inner Focus |
| Pokemon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Blastoise
(Lvl. 40) |
|
・Torrent
|
・Bite
|
Growlithe
(Lvl. 38) |
|
・Intimidate
・Flash Fire |
・Leer
|
Pidgeot
(Lvl. 37) |
|
・Keen Eye
|
|
Exeggcute
(Lvl. 35) |
|
・Chlorophyll
|
|
Alakazam
(Lvl. 35) |
|
・Synchronize
・Inner Focus |
You will face your Rival again, this time on your way to enter the Pokemon League after you defeat Giovanni, and will feature a full six-roster of Pokemon with most of them being evolved.
| Pokemon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Charizard
(Lvl. 53) |
|
・Blaze
|
|
Gyarados
(Lvl. 45) |
|
・Intimidate
|
・Leer
|
Pidgeot
(Lvl. 47) |
|
・Keen Eye
|
・Gust
|
Exeggcute
(Lvl. 45) |
|
・Chlorophyll
|
|
Alakazam
(Lvl. 47) |
|
・Synchronize
・Inner Focus |
|
Rhyhorn
(Lvl. 45) |
|
・Lightning Rod
・Rock Head |
| Pokemon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Venusaur
(Lvl. 53) |
|
・Overgrow
|
|
Growlithe
(Lvl. 45) |
|
・Intimidate
・Flash Fire |
・Leer
|
Pidgeot
(Lvl. 47) |
|
・Keen Eye
|
・Gust
|
Gyarados
(Lvl. 45) |
|
・Intimidate
|
・Leer
|
Alakazam
(Lvl. 47) |
|
・Synchronize
・Inner Focus |
|
Rhyhorn
(Lvl. 45) |
|
・Lightning Rod
・Rock Head |
| Pokemon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Blastoise
(Lvl. 53) |
|
・Torrent
|
・Bite
|
Growlithe
(Lvl. 45) |
|
・Intimidate
・Flash Fire |
・Leer
|
Pidgeot
(Lvl. 47) |
|
・Keen Eye
|
・Gust
|
Exeggcute
(Lvl. 45) |
|
・Chlorophyll
|
|
Alakazam
(Lvl. 47) |
|
・Synchronize
・Inner Focus |
|
Rhyhorn
(Lvl. 45) |
|
・Lightning Rod
・Rock Head |
This is your Rival's final fight with you as part of the Indigo Plateau's Pokemon League. He will have a full roster of 6 Pokemon and several Full Restores should you fail to one-hit his Pokemon and leave it at critical HP.
Plan accordingly and avoid using your starter on his starter ace to avoid massive damage to your Pokemon as it will always have effective moves against you.
| Pokemon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Charizard
(Lvl. 63) |
|
・Blaze
|
|
Gyarados
(Lvl. 61) |
|
・Intimidate
|
・Bite
|
Pidgeot
(Lvl. 59) |
|
・Keen Eye
|
|
Alakazam
(Lvl. 57) |
|
・Synchronize
・Inner Focus |
|
Exeggutor
(Lvl. 59) |
|
・Chlorophyll
|
|
Rhydon
(Lvl. 59) |
|
・Lightning Rod
・Rock Head |
| Pokemon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Venusaur
(Lvl. 63) |
|
・Overgrow
|
|
Arcanine
(Lvl. 61) |
|
・Intimidate
・Flash Fire |
・Bite
・Roar
|
Pidgeot
(Lvl. 59) |
|
・Keen Eye
|
|
Gyarados
(Lvl. 59) |
|
・Intimidate
|
・Bite
|
Alakazam
(Lvl. 57) |
|
・Synchronize
・Inner Focus |
|
Rhydon
(Lvl. 59) |
|
・Lightning Rod
・Rock Head |
| Pokemon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Blastoise
(Lvl. 63) |
|
・Torrent
|
・Bite
|
Arcanine
(Lvl. 59) |
|
・Intimidate
・Flash Fire |
・Bite
・Roar
|
Pidgeot
(Lvl. 59) |
|
・Keen Eye
|
|
Exeggutor
(Lvl. 61) |
|
・Chlorophyll
|
|
Alakazam
(Lvl. 57) |
|
・Synchronize
・Inner Focus |
|
Rhydon
(Lvl. 59) |
|
・Lightning Rod
・Rock Head |
You can rematch your Rival again after visiing the remaining Sevii Islands and encountering them there. This rematch features high-level, high-damage Pokemon and moves and some of their Pokemon have since been replaced with Tyranitar and Heracross.
| Pokemon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Charizard
(Lvl. 75) |
|
・Blaze
|
|
Gyarados
(Lvl. 73) |
|
・Intimidate
|
|
Heracross
(Lvl. 72) |
|
・Swarm
・Guts |
|
Alakazam
(Lvl. 73) |
|
・Synchronize
・Inner Focus |
|
Exeggutor
(Lvl. 73) |
|
・Chlorophyll
|
|
Tyranitar
(Lvl. 72) |
|
・Sand Stream
|
| Pokemon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Venusaur
(Lvl. 75) |
|
・Overgrow
|
|
Arcanine
(Lvl. 73) |
|
・Intimidate
・Flash Fire |
|
Heracross
(Lvl. 72) |
|
・Swarm
・Guts |
|
Gyarados
(Lvl. 73) |
|
・Intimidate
|
|
Alakazam
(Lvl. 73) |
|
・Synchronize
・Inner Focus |
|
Tyranitar
(Lvl. 72) |
|
・Sand Stream
|
| Pokemon | Type | Abilities | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Blastoise
(Lvl. 75) |
|
・Torrent
|
|
Arcanine
(Lvl. 73) |
|
・Intimidate
・Flash Fire |
|
Heracross
(Lvl. 72) |
|
・Swarm
・Guts |
|
Exeggutor
(Lvl. 73) |
|
・Chlorophyll
|
|
Alakazam
(Lvl. 73) |
|
・Synchronize
・Inner Focus |
|
Tyranitar
(Lvl. 72) |
|
・Sand Stream
|

You can encounter your Rival from in Sevii Islands Four and Six, although he won't be battling you in these circumstances, only taking to you as he explores the area.
| Gym Leader Guides | Elite Four Guide |
| Giovanni Fights and Teams | Rival Fights and Teams |
| 1 | Boulder Badge | 2 | Cascade Badge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Thunder Badge | 4 | Rainbow Badge |
| 5 | Soul Badge | 6 | Marsh Badge |
| 7 | Volcano Badge | 8 | Earth Badge |
| 9 | Victory Road | 10 | Pokemon League |
| 11 | Post-Game | 12 | - |
| 1 | Brock | 2 | Misty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Lt. Surge | 4 | Erika |
| 5 | Koga | 6 | Sabrina |
| 7 | Blaine | 8 | Giovanni |
| 1 | Lorelei | 2 | Bruno |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Agatha | 4 | Lance |
| * | Champion | * | - |
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