Potential Ratings: Every Pokémon has potential, and this can be upgraded by their trainer in whatever manner they deem fit.
It goes like this:
1 Star — The Common Pebble
This Pokémon shows little innate aptitude for battle or specialty. Their skills are raw, unrefined, and often unimpressive even to novice trainers. These Pokémon require immense patience, creative training methods, and a strong emotional bond to uncover even a sliver of deeper power. Most trainers trade or abandon these, but legends tell of 1-star Pokémon who broke all expectations.
2 Stars — The Useful Tool
With some effort, a two-star Pokémon can learn basic strategies, develop a handful of consistent moves, and become a serviceable companion. While rarely flashy, they can perform reliably in structured roles. Many working-class trainers rely on these as part of team-building foundations, especially in fields like scouting or rescue work.
3 Stars — The Skilled Artisan
Natural talent begins to shine here. A 3-star Pokémon may lack the raw ferocity of the highest tiers, but it can become tactically formidable with the right mentorship. These Pokémon often have well-rounded stats and can flex between battle roles. Some develop signature quirks or styles that make them memorable, even feared in certain circuits.
4 Stars — The Hidden Tiger
This level is reserved for Pokémon with latent excellence. They may not appear intimidating at first, but under seasoned hands, they bloom into fearsome warriors. Many elite gym leaders' secret weapons are 4-star Pokémon whose potential was unlocked through years of care, experimentation, and deep mutual understanding.
5 Stars — The Born Dragon
Exceptional from the start. These Pokémon are rare, often exhibiting strength, intelligence, or mystical qualities that defy normal explanation. Training them is less about unlocking potential and more about surviving the storm they bring. They are prized, envied, and sometimes feared—each one a walking legacy. Rivaling entire teams by themselves, 5-stars often change the course of battles—and sometimes history.
Trainer Rankings
A trainer's journey is marked not just by power, but by persistence. Badges serve as proof—not only of victory, but of the understanding forged between human and Pokémon. Rankings are as follows:
Beginner (0–1 Badges)
Fresh-faced and full of dreams, Beginner trainers have just stepped into the wide world. Their teams are usually made up of unevolved Pokémon and unpolished strategies. Many stumble, a few soar, but all begin here. Known more for enthusiasm than consistency.
Novice (2–3 Badges)
At this stage, trainers are starting to get a feel for their own style. They've tasted both success and defeat and know the basics of battle flow. Their Pokémon are evolving, learning better techniques, and their bonds are beginning to mature. A Novice knows enough to be dangerous.
Intermediate (4–5 Badges)
Now seasoned enough to hold their own, Intermediate trainers have faced a wide range of opponents and situations. They often have specialized team roles, combo strategies, and a solid grasp of type dynamics. This is when true rivalries begin to form, and the weight of ambition becomes clear.
Advanced (6–7 Badges)
A cut above the rest. Advanced trainers demonstrate tactical precision, adaptability, and command deep respect from their Pokémon. Their teams are fully formed, often containing at least one rare or high-potential member. Battles are no longer about just strength, but psychological and strategic finesse.
Elite (8 Badges)
The badge collection is complete, but the journey is far from over. Elite trainers are contenders for the regional conference or championship leagues. These individuals are viewed as role models or threats—sometimes both. Their Pokémon are often battle-hardened, and their reputations precede them.
A Pokémon's strength isn't just in its moves or stats, but how they're used in real combat. Power Levels help measure a Pokémon's current effectiveness in battle—its coordination, reaction time, synergy with its trainer, and general combat performance.
PL-0: Dormant
The Pokémon is freshly caught, unevolved, or untrained. Moves may be limited, aim is sloppy, and stamina is low. These Pokémon can barely hold their own in a scuffle and often act independently or erratically.
PL-1: Basic Combatant
Able to follow commands and land basic attacks reliably. Some type advantage knowledge begins to show. Most school-level trainers or hobbyists train their Pokémon to this level.
PL-2: Trained Fighter
A noticeable jump. Moves have been refined, and combinations start to appear. The Pokémon can anticipate orders and react under pressure. Evolutions often occur around this level.
PL-3: Tactical Specialist
This Pokémon can execute strategies mid-battle, including dodging, terrain control, and ability synergy. Team tactics become second nature, and stamina allows for extended fights. Most mid-tier gym battles feature Pokémon of this level.
PL-4: Veteran
Strong enough to rival Elite Four contenders. These Pokémon react instantly to subtle cues and have battle instincts that rival their trainers' thoughts. Abilities are fully mastered, and even a disadvantageous matchup can be turned around through sheer precision.
PL-5: Apex Combatant
The highest level of natural battle performance. These Pokémon fight like legends—near psychic awareness of battlefield shifts, extreme durability, and techniques so refined they appear supernatural. Often considered "boss-level" threats in wild or tournament settings. Champions may have one or two Pokémon at this level.
Pokémon Mastery Tiers
Mastery is the art behind the power. It reflects how fluently a Pokémon can use its abilities, how deeply it understands its own strengths, and how in-sync it is with its trainer's intent. Mastery can elevate even a weak move to something terrifying, or make a simple dodge look like choreography.
Tier 0: Unawakened
The Pokémon has not yet bonded with its trainer or internalized its abilities. It fights instinctively, often misusing or overusing moves. There is hesitation in combat and miscommunication during command sequences.
Tier 1: Awakened
The Pokémon can consistently perform its known moves with precision. There is clear communication between trainer and Pokémon, and moves are beginning to be strung together intentionally. Training starts to show visible results.
Tier 2: Union
The Pokémon understands not only its moves, but why and when to use them. It can adapt to real-time battlefield conditions, feint, counter, and synergize with terrain or team tactics. There's a mutual understanding—spoken or unspoken—between trainer and Pokémon.
Tier 3: Battle Bonded
The Pokémon and trainer operate as one. Instructions become shorthand, glances become commands. At this level, Pokémon can sometimes act without direct orders, performing advanced maneuvers they've never been explicitly taught. This is where signature moves and unique combat styles emerge.
Tier 4: Transcendent Bond
Very few reach this level. The bond between trainer and Pokémon transcends standard communication—some call it emotional telepathy. Moves take on unique properties (e.g., Pikachu's Volt Tackle in the anime), and the Pokémon may begin manifesting aspects of its full potential regardless of its star rating or power level. These Pokémon often become legends, remembered even outside the League circuit.