When Do You Fight Your Rival?

Learn when and where you'll battle your rival Nemona in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Discover her team and weaknesses for each of the five encounters throughout the game.

This guide details the five battles against your rival, Nemona, in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. These battles occur at specific points in the Victory Road path.

Rival Battle One

This battle occurs immediately after you choose your starter Pokémon. Nemona will select a Pokémon with a type advantage over your starter:

• If you chose Quaxly, Nemona chooses Fuecoco.
• If you chose Fuecoco, Nemona chooses Sprigatito.
• If you chose Sprigatito, Nemona chooses Quaxly.

To win, use the elemental attack your starter Pokémon begins with.

Rival Battle Two (First Day of School)

Nemona challenges you to a rematch on your first day of school. Her team has slightly updated:

• Pawmo (Level 9, Electric)
• Her starter Pokémon (Level 8)

Use your starter Pokémon to counter hers.

Rival Battle Three (After Entering Third Gym)

After obtaining two gym badges, you'll encounter Nemona upon entering the third gym you intend to challenge. Her team now consists of three Pokémon:

• Rockruff (Level 21, Rock)
• Pawmi (Level 21, Electric)
• Her starter Pokémon (Level 22)

To defeat Rockruff, use Water, Grass, Fighting, Steel, or Ground-type attacks. For Pawmi, a Ground-type attack is effective. Nemona's starter will use a Tera Orb, but its type remains unchanged. Use your starter with super-effective attacks to win.

Rival Battle Four (After Beating Your Fifth Gym)

Upon defeating your fifth gym leader, Nemona will challenge you to a battle. Your Pokémon are healed beforehand, but you cannot change your team. Her team now has four Pokémon:

• Lycanroc (Level 36, Rock)
• Goomy (Level 36, Dragon)
• Pawmo (Level 36, Electric/Fighting)
• Her starter Pokémon (Level 37)

Use Water, Fighting, Steel, Ground, or Grass-type moves against Lycanroc. For Goomy, Dragon, Ice, or Fairy-type moves are effective. Pawmo, with its dual typing, can be defeated with Psychic, Fairy, or Ground-type moves. Her final Pokémon will be your starter's opposite type and will use a Tera Orb. Use your starter with super-effective attacks to win.

Rival Battle Five (When Entering Your Seventh Gym)

Nemona challenges you again as you enter your seventh gym. Her team includes:

• Lycanroc (Level 42, Rock)
• Sliggoo (Level 42, Dragon)
• Pawmo (Level 42, Electric/Fighting)
• Her starter Pokémon (Level 43)

Water, Fighting, Steel, Ground, or Grass-type moves are effective against Lycanroc. Ice, Fairy, or Dragon-type moves work well against Sliggoo. Psychic, Fairy, or Ground-type moves are recommended for Pawmo. Her final Pokémon, your starter's opposite type, will use a Tera Orb. Use your starter with super-effective attacks to secure victory.