How to Beat Nemona in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, become a new trainer in the Paldea region! But first — you know the drill — you have to pick your starter Pokémon and battle your … friend? rival? frival? It would seem that, this time around, Nemona is there to fill the role of your friendly rival.

You first meet her when deciding which ‘mon you’ll be starting your journey with, and she immediately suggests you battle her, despite the power dynamic being heavily skewed in her direction. But, whatever … let’s do it. Read on to learn more about how to emerge victorious against Nemona in the first battle of your life. That’s totally not terrifying at all …

How to Beat Nemona in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

After you pick your starter, Nemona will choose one of the two ‘mons that you neglected. Keep this in mind as you decide, but your decision shouldn’t be predominantly based on this information. Pick who you want! Just know that who you don’t want will be selected by your incoming opponent.

If you’d like to emerge victorious against Nemona — really any trainer, for that matter — keep in mind the elemental strengths and weaknesses of your ‘mon. Grass is strong against Water, Water is strong against Fire, and Fire is strong against Grass. So, if you pick Sprigatito as your starter, you can get a head start on Nemona by using a grass-type move like Leafage. Same goes if you pick Fuecoco and Nemona picks Sprigatito. Or, if you pick Quaxly and she picks Fuecoco. It’s not guaranteed, however, as you could always pick Quaxly and Nemona could pick Sprigatito, so … just keep weaknesses in your back pocket.

Related: Here’s how to play Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Early

It shouldn’t be terribly difficult to emerge victorious against Nemona so long as you keep in mind what your starter is strong against and weak against. Of course, she’ll insist on another battle, but thankfully, Clavell will put a stop to that (for now).