Pokémon Horizons' New Protagonists Finally Proved Who Is The Better Trainer With an Exciting Duel

Warning: Spoilers for Pokémon Horizons, Episode #67Fans ofPokémon Horizonshave debated whether Liko or Roy is the better trainer since the moment both characters appeared in the show together, and the series has finally pitted them against one another to find out. The result was a nailbiting battle which culminated in an evolution, settling the matter–for now.

Liko was granted a passing grade on her Terastal exam as thanks for helping to defend Naranja Academy from the Explorers, which made her eligible for the tournament of those who passed the Terastal course. As a result, she was put up against someone else who had passed, and that someone turned out to be Roy. Both trainers were shocked to be battling one another in an official capacity, although they’ve had plenty of practice matches against one another over the course of the series.

Roy and Liko look at each other before their battle.

Episode #67 finally saw the two facing off, and the battle was every bit as exciting as fans could’ve hoped.

Liko and Roy Have Come A Long Way Since Starting Terastal Training

The Heroes' Training Has Paid Off

The “Terastal Debut” arc has effectively been one long training arc for Liko, Roy, and Dot, who realized after facing the Explorers andthe Black Rayquazathat they needed to get stronger to be able to achieve their dreams.Not only has the arc given them a chance to master the power of Terastallization, the unique phenomenon of the Paldea region, but it has forced them to participate in higher stakes battles, such as those against Gym Leaders and even Elite Four members.

Battling strong and competent trainers in controlled conditions has allowed Liko and Roy to grow their skills tremendously. While their goal wasn’t necessarily to win against these powerful trainers, Roy managed to surprise by winning against Brassius.Roy and Liko also suffered some devastating losses, particularly against Ryme and Grusha, respectively, which forced them to confront their weaknesses and grow as trainers. Both even saw Pokémon evolve, with Liko evolving her Hattena into Hattrem and Roy evolving his Wattrel into Kilowattrel.

Roy hugs Crocalor after their victory over Liko.

All of this came together in an exciting battle, which saw both Liko and Roy putting everything they’d learned to the test. They understood their type match-ups, and battled strategically, using moves in unconventional ways that would make Ash Ketchum proud. Particularly clever was Liko’s use of Hattrem’s ability, Healer, to restore Floragato after it became paralyzed by Roy’s Kilowattrel. Both also pulled out their Tera Orbs at an opportune time, attempting to take full advantage of the power boost that Terastallization offers. Roy’s Fuecoco even became so fired up it evolved into Crocalor, sealing him the victory.

Pokémon Horizons' Multiple Protagonists Gives Fights Between Leads More Drama

Liko and Roy’s Equal Status Makes Their Fight Better

While the originalPokémonwas primarily about Ash Ketchum,Pokémon Horizonshas made it clear that Liko and Roy(and now Dot as well) are all protagonists of equal status, making the series more of an ensemble story.That simple change made the battle between Liko and Roy all the more enjoyable to watch, as it was far from obvious who the winner would be. When Ash has had to battle his companions, often times for gym badges, the conclusion was foregone–Ash had to win in order for the story to advance.

Roy’s journey has been more focused on battling than Liko’s has been thus far, so it stands to reason he should’ve had something of an edge here. However, even in spite of that, the battle’s outcome could’ve easily been different, and there’s no guarantee a rematch would go down the same way. It really felt like a match between two trainers of equal skill, something that’s often difficult for the anime to portray. Liko didn’t look bad for losing, either; she was merely surprised and outmaneuvered a bit, and she was operating at a type disadvantage for most of the fight.

All in all, the battle between Roy and Liko served as an excellent showcase for the growth both have experienced as trainers throughout this story arc, proving that they’re ready for the challenges that lie ahead on their journey. Roy may have proved himself the superior trainer for now, but that could always change, so both Liko and Roy will need to keep training their best in order to face the future. AsPokémon Horizonsmoves on to its next story arc, Liko and Roy will be putting their skills to the test to achieve their dreams.