Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Rival: All Nemona Battles

Like other games in the past, there is one key Pokémon Scarlet and Violet rival who will push and challenge you throughout your journey. While rivals have changed plenty since the days of Blue or Silver, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet rival Nemona may be the best counterpart seen in years.

For players still on the fence about diving in, here are all the details about what kind of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet rival you could be in store for. If you’re already on the grind, there are also details on the teams that Nemona will bring to the table each time you take her on.

Who is the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet rival?

Most of the major releases for the last several years have included a variety of rival figures, but the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet breaks that mold and goes back to a simpler time with one very clear rival in Nemona. You’ll find yourself pitted against other characters throughout the game at times, and sometimes aligned with them taking on challenges together, but Nemona is the only Pokémon Scarlet and Violet rival.

While not all may agree, many fans have insisted Nemona could be the best Pokémon game rival in years. Comparisons to Ash Ketchum and beloved Dragon Ball Z favorite Goku have been common, as Nemona brings an infectious enthusiasm about battling as your rival. Even if you don’t spend much of your time focused on battling, you’re likely to cross paths with Nemona plenty throughout your journey.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet rival battles, all Nemona teams

If you’re already working through Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, don’t expect future battles with Nemona to be anywhere near as easy as your first clash. It’s clear that Nemona is ahead of your character in her journey, but her intentionally scaled teams based on where you are in your journey could end up being far more powerful than you anticipated.

There are seven big battles against Nemona throughout Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and they’ll also be influenced by which starter Pokemon you chose at the beginning of your journey. Keep in mind that teams listed here with “if player chose,” Nemona will only have the counterpart starter that matches yours, but the rest of the team will remain the same across the board.

First battle

The first, and certainly the easiest, will take place on a beach just after you choose your starter Pokémon. Nemona will always choose the starter Pokemon weaker than your choice. If you pick Fuecoco, she’ll go with Sprigatito. If you pick Sprigatito, she’ll go with Quaxly. If you pick Quaxly, she’ll go with Fuecoco. Don’t make the mistake of thinking this will make her an easy battle later on, as starter evolutions all gain secondary types and moves to help them counter those weaknesses.

However, in this fight you’ll only be up against Nemona’s level five starter in what serves more as an early-game tutorial. Use your type advantage and attacking moves to breeze through things, and get ready for the real challenge later on.

Second battle

The second time you take on your Pokémon Scarlet and Violet rival takes place at the gates of Mesagoza as you’re still getting the main story rolling. It helps to have a Ground-type Pokémon like Diglett or Paldean Wooper on hand, as Nemona will also showcase Terrastallization for the first time with Pawmi.

Here’s her full team:

• If player chose Sprigatito: Quaxly (Level 8)
• If player chose Fuecoco: Sprigatito (Level 8)
• If player chose Quaxly: Fuecoco (Level 8)
• Pawmi (Level 9)

Third battle

When you enter your third gym, regardless of order or gym choice, Nemona will find you and once again trigger a battle with your Pokémon Scarlet and Violet rival. She’ll instead be Terrastalizing her starter this time, so be ready for that challenge and keep in mind how to counter it.

Here’s her full team:

• Rockruff (Level 21)
• Pawmi (Level 21)
• If player chose Sprigatito: Quaxwell (Level 22)
• If player chose Fuecoco: Floragato (Level 22)
• If player chose Quaxly: Crocalor (Level 22)

Fourth battle

After clearing your fifth gym, you’ll once again be greeted by your Pokémon Scarlet and Violet rival with Geeta present to watch this clash from the sidelines. The biggest change here is the addition of Goomy, so you’ll want to bring a counter to the table like a Fairy-type or Ice-type move.

Here’s her full team:

• Lycanroc (Level 36)
• Pawmo (Level 36)
• Goomy (Level 36)
• If player chose Sprigatito: Quaquaval (Level 37)
• If player chose Fuecoco: Meowscarada (Level 37)
• If player chose Quaxly: Skeledirge (Level 37)

Fifth battle

As your final clash prior to your attempt to conquer the Pokémon League, Nemona will find and challenge you as you enter your seventh gym. If you have a team that handled her previously, just make sure your the levels are at or above hers to ensure this battle is manageable.

Here’s her full team:

• Lycanroc (Level 42)
• Pawmot (Level 42)
• Sliggoo (Level 42)
• If player chose Sprigatito: Quaquaval (Level 43)
• If player chose Fuecoco: Meowscarada (Level 43)
• If player chose Quaxly: Skeledirge (Level 43)

Champion battle

Your sixth time against Pokémon Scarlet and Violet rival Nemona will be after defeating the Elite Four and Champion Geeta in the Pokémon League. As you’ll both be Champions at that point, Nemona will challenge to one “final” battle in Mesagoza. Having a capable Fighting-type will be a big help against Dudunsparce, Lycanroc, and Orthworm, so try to at least have one Pokémon with a strong Fighting-type move.

Here’s her full team:

• Lycanroc (Level 65)
• Goodra (Level 65)
• Dudunsparce (Level 65)
• Orthworm (Level 65)
• Pawmot (Level 65)
• If player chose Sprigatito: Quaquaval (Level 66)
• If player chose Fuecoco: Meowscarada (Level 66)
• If player chose Quaxly: Skeledirge (Level 66)

Academy Ace Tournament

Once you’re in the true endgame after completing all of the base storylines and challenges, including rematch battles against all gym leaders after you become Champion, your Pokémon Scarlet and Violet rival Nemona will organize the Academy Ace Tournament. You actually won’t face Nemona the first time, but in future challenges she is one of the random options which could be your opponent as the last match. If you do end up against Nemona, it will once again be a tough contest.

Here’s her full team:

• Lycanroc (Level 71)
• Goodra (Level 71)
• Dudunsparce (Level 71)
• Orthworm (Level 71)
• Pawmot (Level 71)
• If player chose Sprigatito: Quaquaval (Level 72)
• If player chose Fuecoco: Meowscarada (Level 72)
• If player chose Quaxly: Skeledirge (Level 72)

Best of luck in your battles, as defeating your Pokémon Scarlet and Violet rival is never an easy challenge thanks to the sheer toughness and prowess that Nemona brings to every battle.