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ThePokemonfranchise is known for its strong trainers, whether that be theElite Four,PokemonChampions, or even evil team leaders hellbent on causing mayhem in thePokemonworld. These masters are the most powerful trainers players can battle to become a Pokemon Champion.
Among these are the Frontier Brains, an elite subclass ofPokemonbattlers that operate in establishments known as the Battle Frontier. Exceptionally powerful trainers, the Frontier brains own different battle facilities, acting as their strongest trainers. To beat a Battle Frontier, players must defeat each Frontier Brain. Frontier Brains are easily the strongest trainers inPokemon, far outmatching most Elite Four members, with some even usinglegendaryPokemonin battle. However, despite their power, some Frontier Brains are better than others.
Registeel
Steel
Pyramid King Brandon is arguably the most powerful Frontier Brain on this list. The leader of the Battle Pyramid, Brandon is a world-class Pokemon trainer who can be faced by the player twice after they progress through his pyramid, making their way to its peak. Upon completing the Battle Pyramid, Brandon can be fought in an epic contest of legendary proportions.
Brandon has an outstanding team of Pocket Monsters, with his first battle consisting of three legendary titans: Registeel, Regirock, and Regice. After his defeat, players can rechallenge the Pyramid King, employing the legendary birds in battle, namely Moltres, Articuno, and Zapdos.
A prolific trainer and adventurer who can wield the power of six legendary Pokemon in battle - unheard of in thePokemonworld - Brandon is easily the strongest Frontier Brain.
Heatran
Fire, Steel
The father of Generation 4 rival Barry and the leader of the Sinnoh and Johto Battle Tower, Palmer is an S-tier Frontier Brain that, much like Brandon, wields an impressive number of powerful legendary Pokemon. Upon Palmer’s first battle, he uses a Rhyperior, Milotic, and Dragonite - a strong initial lineup even for a Frontier Brain. In his second battle, he shows his true power - using none other than the legendary PokemonHeatran, Cresselia, and the creator of the legendary titans, Regigigas.
Using all three in one battle, Palmer is far stronger than the rest of the Frontier Brains on this list and is arguably the strongest trainer in theSinnoh region, potentially outmatching Pokemon champion Cynthia. How and where Palmer managed to get hold of these rare legendary Pokemonis unknown, but what is clear is his proficiency in using them in battle.
Raikou
Lightning
The boss of the prestigious Battle Tower, Salon Maiden Anabel is an unassuming but very competent Pokemon trainer and one of the strongest Frontier Brains. Aside from beating the Battle Tower’s numerous floors - 34 to be exact, players must fight Anabel at the top of the tower, in all her glory, using Legendary Pokemon such as Entei, Raikou, and Latios in her initial battle and rematch.
Salon Maiden Anabel is no pushover, wielding these legendary Pokemon against the player alongside Alakazam and Snorlax. An A-tier Frontier Brain with the skill to nearly make her S-tier, Anabel is a brilliantPokemontrainer who gives challengers a run for their money in skill, wit, and battle prowess.
Water, ground
Latias
Dragon, Psychic
Tucker, the flamboyant leader of the Battle Dome, is a strong-willed, often obnoxious trainer who makes himself the center of attention in his battle facility. Fortunately, though, he has a lot to be proud of, with a strong suit of Pokemon to match his potent personality. When players first face Tucker, he has a strong selection ofPokemon, such as Salamence, Charizard, and Swampert.
Upon his rematch, the Dome Ace elevates his game with a Metagross and the Legendary PokemonLatias by his side. Tucker is an A-tier Frontier Brain with the talent and legendary Pokemon to match his stark persona.
Blaziken
Fire, Fighting
The leader of the Sinnoh and Johto Battle Arcade is Dahlia. A colorful personality that excels in the spotlight, Arcade Star Dahlia is a strong Pokemon trainer usingPokemon such as Dusknoir and the legendaryPokemonZapdos.
While not a standout trainer like some of the other Battle Frontiers in the A-tier, Dahlia deserves her position due to employing a legendary Pokemon in battle, which is rare among the Frontier Brains.
Gallade
Fighting, Psychic
Darach is the Frontier Brain of the Battle Castle. At this distinctive battle facility, players can challenge Darach by defeating numerous trainers in a single battle. Darach is the butler and servant of Lady Caitlin, who later becomes a member of the Unova Elite Four in thePokemon Black and Whitegames and their sequels.
Darach is a strong Frontier Brain, using different variations of the same team and the legendaryPokemon Entei in battle against the player. As with the other Frontier Brains in the A-tier, his ability to use legendary Pokemon in battle makes him worthy of his ranking.
Suicune
Water
A powerful Frontier Brain and elite trainer, Palace Maven Spencer is the leader of the Battle Palace. Wise due to his old age, with an assertive team to back up his experience, Maven wields the legendaryPokemon Suicune in battle alongside a range of other Pocket Monsters such as Lapras and Arcanine. A respected master of the Battle Palace, this particular Frontier Brain is one of the strongest leaders in the Hoenn Battle Frontier.
Gyarados
Water, flying
Pike Queen Lucy is the chief of the Battle Pike - a giant snake-like structure that seemingly resembles her favorite Pokemon, Seviper. Players must defeat the Battle Pike twice to face her, with Lucy using (unsurprisingly) Seviper and other strongPokemon such as Gyarados, Steelix, and even a Milotic in battle.
Due to her team, Pike Queen Lucy is a B-Tier Frontier Brain with far strongerPokemon than the other Brains in C-Tier. Still, she lacks the legendary qualities of some of her Hoenn counterparts, such as Brandon, Anabel, and Tucker. Simply put, Pike Queen Lucy is an average Frontier Brain.
Random
Much like Factory Head Noland, Thorton suffers from the same randomization mechanic, making his Pocket Monsters vary in power and ability. While his Pokemon can range in levels from the 50s upwards, Thorton is a C-tier Frontier Brain with limited power compared to his counterparts. However, unlike Noland, he can potentially possess a legendary Pokemon, making him at least a little stronger than his Hoenn peer.
Breloom
Grass, Fighting
The battle Arena Tycoon, Greta is another Frontier Brain that does not pack the same punch as some of her colleagues. Greta, a trainer who focuses on Bug, Dark, and Fighting-types, has players compete in numerous tournaments before players can battle her. Greta is a capablePokemon trainer in her own right and has a qualified team of Pokemon, such as Gengar, Umbreon, and Breloom.
While Greta is strong compared to normal trainers andgym leaders, she is one of the weaker Frontier Brains on this list despite having a well-rounded team.
Battle Hall Matron Argenta falls in the same camp as Noland and Thorton, having randomized Pokemon as part of her battling team. While it can be debated that she is stronger than Noland due to having Pokemonwith high-stat abilities and stat-focused move sets, she does not have a legendary Pokemon on her team, unlike her counterpart, Thorton. Overall, Hall Matron Argenta fails to match the ability of the other Frontier Brains despite being a master of stats.
Factory Head Noland is the head of the Battle Factory in Hoenn’s Battle Frontier. Players can challenge Noland after defeating 20 trainers and a subsequent 41 for his rematch. Although Noland’s Pokemon are strong, he is unfortunately not on the same level as the other Frontier Brains on this list.
Noland features a randomized team of Pokemon. His difficulty varies depending on the Pocket Monsters he has in his possession at the start of the battle, leading to an oftenunderwhelming battlethat makes Factory Head Noland a C-Tier Frontier Brain.
