Learn how to defeat Hop and his starter Pokémon in your very first battle in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Get tips on type advantages and using your starter's new moves!
Alright, so you've just finished up with your rival, Hop, and it's time for your very first official Pokémon battle! Don't worry, I'm here to walk you through it. Hop's got a couple of Pokémon, but nothing you can't handle, especially with a little guidance.
- 1Hop's Wooloo: First up is Hop's Wooloo, a Normal-type at Level 3. Yours will be Level 5, so you've got a level advantage right off the bat! Just pick any Normal-type move like Scratch, Tackle, or Pound. It's pretty straightforward. If you happen to take a bit too much damage (which is unlikely), just open your Bag and use a Potion. No shame in that!
- 2Hop's Starter: After you defeat Wooloo, Hop will send out his starter Pokémon. This one will be Level 5 and will have a type that's weak against your starter. By now, your starter should have leveled up and learned a new move that matches its type – like Water Gun for Sobble, for example. If it's safe, use that new move! It'll do massive damage and Hop will be pretty shocked.
- Always keep an eye on your Pokémon's HP. If it gets low, use a Potion before Hop sends out his next Pokémon.
- Remember the type matchups: Water beats Fire, Fire beats Grass, and Grass beats Water. Use this to your advantage!
- Don't forget to use the new move your starter learned – it's specifically there to help you win this fight.
After this battle, Hop will suggest you both join the Galar region's Gym Challenge. But first, you need to get a Pokédex! Hop knows where the Pokémon Research Lab is, so follow him. Oh, and watch out for that fence near your house – looks like something big just broke through and ran into the forest!
100% Human-Written. AI Fact-Checked. Community Verified. Learn how AntMag verifies content