Can you battle the trial captains?

So, You Wanna Battle a Trial Captain, Huh? Let’s Talk About It.

Remember those Gym Leaders we all knew and loved? Well, Alola decided to shake things up! Instead of gyms, we got Island Trials – a whole different ball game designed to really test what you know about Pokémon i. And leading the charge? The Trial Captains i. These aren’t your typical gatekeepers; they’re more like mentors, guiding you through challenges tailored to specific Pokémon types i. But here’s the burning question: Do you actually get to battle these guys?

Captains: More Like Guides Than Straight-Up Opponents

Okay, so here’s the deal: Trial Captains aren’t necessarily itching for a fight during the main story. Think of them as the brains behind the operation, setting up the trials and offering helpful hints along the way i. Your real challenge at the end of each trial is the Totem Pokémon – seriously pumped-up versions of regular Pokémon, juiced up by the island’s guardian deity i. The captains? They’re hand-picked by the island Kahuna, or sometimes even a past captain, and they usually hang up their hat at 20 i.

But Wait! There Are Chances to Throw Down!

Don’t get me wrong, battling Trial Captains is possible in Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon. It’s just not always the main event i. Think of these battles as cool side quests or bonus missions you stumble upon when you revisit them later in the game.

• During the Trials Themselves: Sometimes, you’ll find captains getting involved in their own trials, or even popping up in other captains’ trials. Ilima, for example, throws down with you before his trial in Verdant Cavern.

• Post-Game Rematch Mania: Once you’ve conquered the Island Challenge and become the Champion (go you!), you can track down some of the Trial Captains for a rematch. And trust me, they bring the heat with higher-level teams ready to test your skills.

• Mina’s Wild Ride (Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon): In Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, Mina’s trial is like a Captain reunion tour! You’ll be meeting and battling several captains whose trials you’ve already aced. It’s a fun way to see how far you’ve come.

• Acerola Joins the Elite Four!: Acerola steps up her game and becomes part of the Elite Four. This means multiple chances to battle her, which is awesome.

• Specific Captain Hotspots:

  • Ilima: You can battle him before his trial, and then again at the Trainer’s School on Route 1. Talk about dedication!
  • Lana: Find her after you’ve taken down her sisters in Konikoni City. Family feud, anyone?
  • Kiawe: He’s hanging out in Paniola Town (Ultra Sun only), or at his house in Paniola Town at night after you beat the Akala Grand Trial (Sun only). Gotta catch him at the right time!
  • Mallow: Check her out at the Konikoni City restaurant during the daytime (Ultra Moon only), or at her cafe at night (Moon only). Seems like she’s always cooking up something!
  • Sophocles: He’s ready to battle as a challenger at the Pokémon League after you become Champion. Talk about a promotion!
  • Mina: Find her at Poni Gauntlet after you’ve cleared out all the trainers there. She’s waiting for a worthy opponent!

More Than Just Gyms: A Fresh Take on Pokémon Battles

So, while Trial Captains might not be the main battling focus during the Island Challenge, they definitely offer some cool and unique encounters if you’re willing to seek them out. These battles add a ton of flavor to the Alola region and give you a different kind of challenge compared to the classic Gym Leader showdown. It’s all about exploring and taking on those extra challenges – that’s where the real fun begins!