How to Defeat All Area One Trainers in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, you step into the shoes of a young trainer in the region of Paldea. But, not long after you start your adventure, you’re faced with a veritable gauntlet in the form of Area 1. If you’ve played a Pokémon game, there’s a good chance you’ll know what to expect — it manifests as a wide open area, beautiful to look at, with several trainers just … hanging out. I guess for everyone but you … being a trainer is easy work, huh? If they have all that free time, anyway …

If you’re struggling to defeat these trainers, read on to learn some tips that might help you claim victory!

How to Defeat All Area One Trainers in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

How to Defeat Carlota the Student

In your first battle of Area 1, you’ll face Carlota the Student. It shouldn’t be difficult to school this student, as their only ‘mon is the grass-type Bounsweet. You’ll be able to take this opponent down easily with a few attacks, so don’t worry too much about strategy here. Carlota will give you $220 Pokédollars, so take it and move on to the next opponent.

How to Defeat Iker the Courier

In the next battle, you’ll face Iker the Courier. They’ll send out Rookidee, a flying-type that’ll use unnerve, which prevents your ‘mon from eating berries. If you need to, switch your ‘mon and get to attacking. If you have a ‘mon with electric abilities, prioritize those considering Rookidee is weak to Electric, Rock, and Ice. It shouldn’t be too long before you’ll emerge victorious against this messenger.

How to Defeat Ruben the Janitor

Next, you’ll go up against Ruben the Janitor. He’ll send out Gulpin, a poison-type, so while you should be careful, you can probably apply the same strategies from before here. If you have a ‘mon with Bite, that seems to be an effective move against Gulpin, so give it a shot! In no time flat, you’ll have cleaned up this janitor’s mess and be moving on to the next — and last — challenger.

How to Defeat Zahira the Student

What’s up with all these students with free time?! In the fourth and final battle — yes, I am aware you can do these battles in any order, what of it? — you’ll face Zahira the Student. Zahira will use Lechonk, a normal-type which you can likely dispatch using the same moves you’ve been using up until now.

Related: What is the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Discord Link?

Show Zahira what it means to be old school, then head back to the area where you found Iker the Courier, near the Pokémon Center. Here, you’ll find a Pokémon League rep who will award you with a Thunder Wave TM! Congratulations! They’re holding contests like this at other areas in Paldea, so see if you can … wait for it … catch ’em all!