Pokémon Sword & Shield - Hop Final Battle Music (HQ)

[@Pokeli]

This music was a fusion between Sonic the Hedgehog, Street fighter IV and Cuba music. And trust me when I said that.

[@sergeantmituna6260]

I'm not getting any Sonic vibes from this song.

[@TheDarkmiguex]

Cuba music name is salsa (?)

[@JamesTheTurnbull]

@@sergeantmituna6260 0:54 gotta go really old school but Sonic 2 Aqua Ruins vibe there.

[@Fantii644]

Where do you hear the Street Fighter IV music vibes? Ryu's theme maybe?

[@uemochi9316]

....it sounds like "Flutter Vs. Gesellschaft from Megaman Legends to me

[@zutto_1054]

Its so cute that Hop pats his face like Leon does before a battle.

[@ryanfoley1008]

Connor _ and throws his Pokeballs the same way

[@PrincessArielAngel]

lol yess that was adorbs 🥺💕💖

[@azuredragon8388]

@@ryanfoley1008 and has the same command animation as him

[@cobalt318]

And does the same thing Leon does when he commands his Pokemon to do a move

[@reydesonic]

And says the same thing about "Knowing type matchups" to you everytime he battles. Honestly that is the one thing I realized that made me change my mind about Hop. The game says he has watched absolutely every one of Leon's matches, and you don't notice it, but when he keeps saying "HA I knew you would know type matchups." After the third time you're like, dang kid, I know. Can you learn yourself? Then you fight against Leon and he says it but in his own words. Then it hit me about Hop's entire character. He wanted to be an exact copy of his brother. He does absolutely everything he does. His one mission is beating the unbeatable Leon, his brother, so who else will do it than his own blood? Hop is smart, and knew that if he picked the starter weaker to yours, he had the advantage over Leon's (sadly he never makes it to the actual championship...) This and his arc climax with the doggo made it come full circle, after realizing maybe Pokemon battles is not his thing.

[@Espeon804]

Hop changed his team around so much to try to build a good balance. Poor kid was trying his hardest. I almost didn't want to beat him.

[@masonjones7777]

look if he can't learn to call back snorlax when I throw a shedninja at him.... Then he deserves everything coming to him

[@Raindrop_2401]

@@masonjones7777 what do you expect from pokémon AI

[@thebluebuilders1918]

It wasn’t quite wally levels

[@quest_17]

He had an Inteleon learn an ice type move because I always easily beat it with my grass type, he adapted.

[@twotimesj6478]

I vibe with this comment

[@KinglyRed]

I find it amusing that Hop's character arc is basically him slowly realizing he isn't the main character of a Pokèmon game

[@PerfectKirby]

If he was, he wouldn’t have progressed past his first battle with us lol

[@ItsSerranoHD]

Relevant: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5Soq4GCoMR5lc0&

[@perex23as95]

Just like every rival in every pokemon game???

[@prismal418]

No, his character arc is him realizing that he won't find true strength beating his brother but that he has his own strength and that's okay. he is his own person, not a second Leon.

[@Unifoseum]

prismal418 and that is the joke. Thank you, DEBRA.

[@dededeletethis9940]

Hop is the first time any trainer *swapped out their signature pokemon* at some point. He swaps out his wooloo at one point and doesn't use it for two battles. This is like a player deciding to box their starter. Hop wants to beat you so badly, he thought the problem might be his first pokemon. This is subtle character development.

[@mechanicalgamingscrapstudi7763]

I boxed my starter long after beating the game and getting into collecti g every pokemon which i am still doing and going trough the battle tower

[@isabellab.1875]

That Twilight Wings episode hits so much harder now...

[@timothyrogers280]

@@isabellab.1875 I was just thinking that hop and his wooloo definitely gave off ash and pikachu vibes

[@naturalcauses6193]

Same thing with silver, he puts up a facade that he doesn’t care about his Pokémon yet has a crowbat that we know evolved from a golbat.

[@azuquirtle]

Me: boxes my starter for the arcanine you can get for free at the start of the wild area

[@aelvric7579]

Hop gets mentally and verbally abused by everybody he meets for being the champion's brother: the game

[@gabrielguzman6018]

That's fucked up

[@Hogglefath]

I like it because it's quite realistic to how people treat celebrity's younger siblings/kids irl

[@aelvric7579]

@@Hogglefath that's really sad, they don't deserve it

[@j-mannostalgia1861]

Also doesn’t help that he’s related to both Leon and Iris

[@aelvric7579]

@@j-mannostalgia1861 in conclusion, by beating the champion hop might just be freed from his shackles

[@degra16]

Game freak owes us a picture of Hop being a professor, I felt really really bad for crushing his dream of becoming galar's champion

[@mykrib7279]

I want a sequel where Hop is a teacher; Marine, Berto and the one from the DLC gym lidres, and you as the champion

[@user-od6ue9zv9u]

@@mykrib7279 *Ah... Yes, "Marine" and "Berto"*

[@mykrib7279]

@@user-od6ue9zv9u Bede, sorry i am speack spanish

[@danieljimenez9821]

Well considering Red left the Champion place just three years after winning it in Gen 1, same with Hilbert/Hilda in Gen 5 two years after getting it too, what would cause this protagonist to not do that and leave the place empty for Hop to win it? In fact I see a future where he's a Champion who succeded his friend and his brother, being at the same level as a Champion along with Iris when she became Champion in Gen 5 sequel

[@spaghettiguy3205]

@@mykrib7279 Pokemon legendary sword and Ancient shield

[@oddwill4960]

*THEY’RE CHANTING HIS NAME* *HE HAS FANS* *I’M SO PROUD*

[@PrincessArielAngel]

😢😭😢😭

[@staples515]

He doesn’t deserve fans He’s pathetic

[@andrepfennig9534]

@@staples515 Woah woah, did he shit in your Cereal or why so salty?

[@hitolargo]

Andre Pfennig PFFT-

[@aelvric7579]

@@andrepfennig9534 it may be mainly because people consider him weak or too friendly

[@celesefernal2490]

Personality wise speaking, there's not alot kids, or even full grown adults I know in real life, that can take that many losses and still keep persevering. I may have won the league, but that's just what the player gets to do, but in real life, someone with Hop's personality can achieve much more than I can.

[@Scriblyn]

Damn bro that's deep

[@hajidle]

He's a videogame character

[@celesefernal2490]

@@hajidle what no way?

[@hajidle]

@@celesefernal2490 Didn't sound like you knew ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@Scriblyn]

@@hajidle Bro it sounds like you don't get the point hsjwjs

[@PsychoticaYT]

Before release: Why Hop? After release: *HOWS HOP??*

[@MeboDotExe]

Psychotica Reboot *iS HE OKAY!? TELL ME NOW*

[@JamesTheTurnbull]

Seriously had to check up on him after the tournament. That twitch.....that damn twitch.

[@tannukiiruukii]

Depressed

[@shirleydiaz9767]

True

[@hihowareya2209]

But nobody ever asked: ***WHO'S HOP?***

[@harukinakamura6630]

Game freak: we cut the dex to give more animations The animations: *gut-twisting losing animation of hop struggling to keep his cool when you beat him*

[@justanordinarymimikyu2109]

p y r o b a l l

[@sauloinaciobraga6949]

@@justanordinarymimikyu2109 n o r e t r e a t

[@DjPrimeVideos]

@@sauloinaciobraga6949 *eternabeam*

[@blackglurakx2409]

DJ Prime HYPERBEAM

[@sauloinaciobraga6949]

@@DjPrimeVideos a n y b e a m a t t a c k

[@megwashere2524]

Me: *beats Hop in a battle* Hop: *look really sad and about to cry for a split second* Me: I’M SO SORRY

[@hanayo8177]

Same. T_T

[@ninjakidz4life243]

Megan Was Here he is a cinnamon roll 😳🤭🥺

[@TheUltima_Werewolf]

Me: *get rekt lmao*

[@jackowish3440]

Hop:... DAMN IT

[@ohmabones2492]

Im about to end this man whole carrer

[@its_drawgon_lol]

I love this battle music so much, bc it literally tells Hop’s character arc in a couple minutes. It starts super exciting, as Hop was excited to start his journey. It goes on at the same pace until it slows down, representing the hardest part of his journey after being beat by bede. But it then goes back to its previous pacing, showing the resilience of Hop’s personality. It’s beautiful how the composer of the music pays attention to his arc, and that captures the emotion during your battle with Hop. Further proof that this game’s soundtrack is amazing.

[@mdec76]

It was Toby Fox lmao

[@camharkness]

@@mdec76 no. He did the music for the battle tower.

[@stankylad8815]

@@mdec76 yes, toby fox created the entire pokemon soundtrack

[@Ediitsaur]

go ichinose is goated

[@Fabletelling]

@@stankylad8815 so your telling me the dude that made undertale and deltarune made this music- no wonder it’s such a banger

[@yosh9192]

“Welp, that was pretty easy-“ “-oh no I crushed his dreams”

[@archwhynot]

WindyWolf101 Trust me, if you don’t feel bad for beating Hop… Y O U W I L L

[@AshenDust_]

Yosh lol most people feel bad for him, but he wiped most of my team in a nuzlocke in the final battle, and made me use my backup team, losing to Raihan. I didn’t feel sorry for him them Edit: not final battle, the one in the tournament

[@adriannaa545]

@@archwhynot I didn't lmao. Maybe post game I appreciated his character arc, but I don't regret slamming my Gyarados into his stupid Wooloo during pair matched. I would literally attack his pokemon 😂.

[@archwhynot]

Adrianna Arcuri fair enough lol.😂

[@babyjiren9676]

@@archwhynot I didn't. I laughed sadistically, beyond ecstatic to finally get back at him for pestering me non-stop throughout the game. Then I actually felt kinda happy for him when he later found his true calling. Didn't even get mad when he showed up again in the Isle of Armor.

[@cyradius662]

I find it interesting that Hop picks the starter weaker to yours, not because he wants to be nice to you, but because he wants to beat the one his brother will get. I definitely love how Hop's teams through the entire game very much explain his arc, He starts off with his Wooloo but then Ditches it for other pokemon because he doesn't feel like his partners are strong enough to help him grow, but eventually he comes back around and brings in Wooloo Evolved as his frontliner, Although I really wish Wooloo's Evolution had a Gigantamax and was his Final pokemon in this specific fight instead of the starter to really really bring around his story arc through his team choices, but he has a very good arc as a Rival anyways.

[@seanmckenzie3877]

He doesnt ditch wooloo... he opens with it in every fight. Even after he's depressed losing to bede he still uses it. What game did you play?

[@blue3545]

No he does ditch wooloo

[@ironwill6148]

Spooky TV He occasionally switches up his team.

[@decoral]

I 100% agree with you! Although he didn't really ditch wooloo. He just mixed up his team a bit!

[@jody1159]

Yeah, his whole entire character and growth just shot him up to my 3rd fav rival. He just feels human, and with each loss he takes, he becomes less confident, until he just switches hsi whole team up. I love him so much.

[@KirbyTG]

When you beat him and he twitches and gets frustrated... *Daaaang I legitimately feel bad now*

[@blue1431]

Kirby The Gamer yea that was hard to witness, I think this game has the most bittersweet ending to ever exist in pokemon. After that moment the game felt so sad to me. This kid just wanted to follow in his brothers footsteps and he tried so damn hard to do it. Poor kid.

[@mauricioaguilar7227]

@@blue1431 At least he is happy with his new dream of being a Pokemon professor. But that aside, yeah if you ignore that all the rivals get a happy ending with their new dream yeah, we inevitable ruin the dreams of everyone just because the plot demands it. It usually gets unnoticed but here is way more evident since the characters feel bad of always losing to you. So it was always like that. Pokemon need multiple endings, don't you think?

[@PrincessArielAngel]

yea :(

[@slander8643]

I play shield, and in the final battle his zachian could OHKO my Sheild Doggo. LVL 70 LOL

[@cureholly.]

@@slander8643 Opposite for me. My sword doggo destroyed his poor shield pupper.

[@rowltreck857]

You know what's sad. In Wyndon there's a girl who gets Marnie's autograph and treasures it. There are people who talk about "that gym challenger, "player name", is so good." Bede became a Gym Leader, and got plenty of recognition during his fights with the protagonist. Hop, however, is barely ever mentioned by any character in passing conversation. No one remembers him. He's always left out. You crush his dreams. You push him out of his one chance to be in the spotlight. But you stay friends, because you do care about him. And what we don't realize, is that Hop himself roots for us as well, even after we beat him. Because that's what true friendship is. We become famous, the first person to beat the longstanding Champion Leon. His older brother, who we almost put out of a job (Battle Tower helped). But he is still nice, when others would be rude. Marnie always saw it as a fun tournament, in a sense. Hop saw it as his one hope for some recognition. And he, luckily, got fans, some friends, and developed as a person along the way. A salute for the innocent one, who we so brutally crushed. o7

[@gothiiispiderz]

o7

[@LazzoD]

God that was deep

[@e4ehco21]

Bruh are you listening to the soundtrack the entire crowd is cheering for hop

[@MuttonTheDragon]

It doesn't help that, even in his house, all the photos we can clearly make out show only Leon. There aren't any pics of Hop anywhere. Not even his family loves him.

[@nintendofan022]

o7

[@disvain_]

A couple things I noticed after battling both Hop and Leon: - Hop throws Pokéballs the same way Leon does - They both clap their faces before battling

[@andrewbravo6152]

Hop only claps his face during the final battle with him. Every other time he has a unique one.

[@aloraichu4714]

And Hop comments on super effective hits like Leon does!

[@joaocamacho9151]

Disvain well...they are brothers and younger brothers tend to copy older brothers because they usually are the role models so i guess it’s hop trying to be like his older brother who he looks up to

[@aloraichu4714]

@@joaocamacho9151 yep! I noticed that too and think it's awesome. Its not just brothers, but sisters and siblings in general too. Its really wholesome

[@bluetoad2813]

@@aloraichu4714 I hate when my brother tries to be like me :(

[@meganhicks5408]

mom said it’s my turn to be the protagonist of a pokemon game

[@jinandfriendswholesomecont4850]

You mean mum

[@lobsterjake]

69

[@blarg2429]

@@lobsterjake Nice.

[@tomago1470]

@@jinandfriendswholesomecont4850 dude they're both right lol. it's not a spelling error

[@jinandfriendswholesomecont4850]

Ogamot t I know I was just eff’en around

[@Boonz]

This game really makes you feel sorry for the kid.

[@Powerzebra86422]

That’s my problem with friend “rivals” is that you feel bad for crushing them

[@FurretInASuit]

I felt absolutely terrible beating him here tbh

[@plushbabyyoda1787]

@@FurretInASuit Same. Literally crushed his dreams. I felt awful.

[@covetouscorvus]

Kacj Aioig well yeah, but that’s kinda life. Sometimes you do end up competing against your friends and it’s a very bittersweet feeling when you end up winning.

[@masonjones7777]

Hah! That’s why these days I get to be “the rival” I learn as much as I could from blue and smelled him later.

[@nightfall4434]

“Yes! I beat the Hop final battle!” Later in bed that night: *what have I done*

[@o_o499]

🗿😂😭

[@AnchorOfTime]

Now live with the shame

[@DylanIsChillin08]

💀Shameless

[@starinettez]

real 😭🙏 the guilt is overwhelming, i still feel it after 4 years 😞

[@cocorovo7624]

I'm sorry Hop.. The game wouldn't let me lose... Just like Wally....

[@decoral]

Exactly! I really felt sorry for him. He is a very likeable character! Same for Marnie!

[@jonathanflanagan1504]

that's what fanfiction is for...

[@Yuki_Ika7]

i faced him off at Stow-a-side town and only used my level 27 (about 3ish-4ish levels below hops pokemon team) Dubloo (i hope i spelled that right) and i won, i just flexed on him hard. i do feel bad about it but i am happy i succeeded in that challenge

[@hyperbladezz8045]

I have dubwool

[@krankees]

There can only be one trainer who uses Corviknight.

[@alioda_]

If you put your attention in Hop's animation before he sends his pokeball... He's actually trying to do the same gestures as those of Leon's, even his way of sending his pokeball was the same as Leon. I love this moment because it shows that he's finally at the end of the road, the only thing that he has to do now is to beat you.

[@mauricioaguilar7227]

And then it comes our plot armor..... :') I love this great details too.

[@kellyjohana516]

Oh yeah, when I was battling Leon I noticed a lot of similarities and I was like: "Gosh, Hop. All this time you were trying to imitate your brother... even with the annoying "You're aiming for supereffective attacks!""

[@andre51605]

What he has going for him is the fact that he EFFORTLESSLY caught a legendary pokemon

[@Edgeperor]

Yuusha-sama it’s even more impressive that his hand movements were so convincing that he made a Pokeball materialize out of thin air to catch said legendary

[@Inòó_òó]

I literally felt like shit when i won against him

[@TheJaredPunch]

Pizza Boi I feel I could just give the win so that he could face his brother, but if I didn’t I wouldn’t be able to call him a rival or myself a Pokémon Trainer

[@Marvin-zf1fi]

Same 🤧

[@cureholly.]

Same..

[@nerc1446]

I actually almost lost cause of his goat and my attacks missing every time somehow

[@neur3239]

Same ;-; I just wanna give him a hug and tell him everything will be okay

[@kittensolder8818]

This theme takes on a whole new meaning in the postgame. You're the unbeatable Champion now, and even in spite of that, when you're facing your childhood friend and Gym Challenge rival, the audience is cheering HIS name, rooting for your DESTRUCTION.

[@slaoq3378]

me who beat leon with eternatus: time to beat his butt again in the battle tower. also me: *throws a charizard* leon: *throws a inteleon* me: well, i think i can use dragon claw! inteleon: *one-shots charizard* me: oh well, i fucked up

[@j.c._gaming4671]

Not to mention you can NEVER hear this theme again besides online battling(I think)

[@mynameisbuho]

@@j.c._gaming4671 pretty sure you can, i haven't played the game in a while but i remember you can

[@karana2833]

Leon was right, the crowd is cruel, what's cool is that their cheering for you aswell

[@nukesova7150]

What if Hop wanted to become the Champion, but then God said *P Y R O B A L L*

[@1nickyross]

_or drum beating in the BeTtEr pLaYtHrOuGh_

[@gravygod1498]

Philip T1UPN ye

[@pedroopazo641]

*G U N*

[@Yelmerald]

In my universe i didnt need pyroball.

[@randomguyonyt6060]

@@pedroopazo641 The true best playthrough.

[@moojaymay]

Hop was trying not to cry when you beat him.

[@josephotzoy8959]

Ya

[@swaggie9833]

nooooo hushhh

[@yuriei.]

Your making me cry stop it

[@hyyperare1841]

Let me tell you something it is my internal weakness aganist Hop.. When ever he closes his right eye and makes a sad expression... I wish I could Hug him and say don't make the face

[@annie-ff5fo]

stoppppp 😭

[@mafoxy0316]

I really liked him as a rival, he's not just your stupid always happy friend, you can tell he loves rivalry and he really wants to beat you and Leon so he can be the very best, I even found myself rooting for him in this battle, one of my favorite rivals ever for sure

[@123goofyking]

I always love rooting for the underdog and when we were trading KOs in the final battle I was REALLY loving it!! (My team was 5 levels under his btw)

[@MeboDotExe]

so was mine but I i annihilated hop every time maybe I’m just good maybe he’s just naturally bad even if he tries his best- wait no I don’t want to think that it makes me sadder

[@TNTLLYftw]

@jc 721 by that logic you dont like Gary? Gary was easy as fuck in Red/Blue but he acted over confident

[@tonystank0edits]

yep

[@pinkmartini66]

Me: really likes his soundtrack and wants to loose When I win: HOP NU! Come back for da finals!

[@datemasamune2904]

Fans: We want a jerk rival again! Game Freak: You ARE the jerk rival! Fans: *Surprised Pikachu face*

[@ancientshiv9837]

We did get an actual jerk rival in Bede though.

[@thatonegaminglatias4345]

2 Jerks, 2 Good Friends, 0 generic rivals.

[@nicerhabara]

@person person Avery/Klara in the Isle of Armor (depending on you version)

[@knavenformed9436]

Has that not been the case from Sun/Moon onwards. The fans wanted a jerk/actually a rival and still haven't gotten one since Hugh? And even then Hugh was a diamond in the rough list of rivals.

[@mattgaming6127]

Bede: Am I a joke to you

[@lobsterjake]

Everyone: Mr. Nice Guy rivals are the absolute worst characters ever. Also everyone: HOP!! *PLEASE DEFEAT ME!!!!*

[@johnmark4228]

Nah, I liked how Wally appeared as a little brother type of rival. But true enemy rivals are better on average. Seriously, the first time I saw Leon and Hop speak, I wanted to wreck them so bad that I overleveled my Inteleon just to one-shot Leon's Gigantamax Charizard with Snipe Shot

[@lobsterjake]

John Mark So, you love crushing other people’s dreams? Just like Bede?

[@yellowtulips6522]

@@lobsterjake seems like so people these days are horrible..

[@NateTwoNinee]

Jake Tuck bro, Leon is the worst and most annoying champion in Pokémon history

[@lobsterjake]

Pienyx This comment is about Hop, not Leon. You’re in the wrong comment section.

[@-Panna-]

I honestly loved Hop. When I first started playing the game, he just seemed like that generic, overly eager and energetic kind of "rival", but he wound up having some of the best character development I've seen in the newer games. He felt so defeated when, no matter how hard he tried, he could never win. He was constantly changing his team, trying to adjust to the adversities he faced between the protagonist, Bede, and everyone else; the first time that has ever been done with a rival, to this extent. By the end of the game, and the post-game, his character had grown on me so much. I genuinely felt bad when I beat him, especially in the league, when he made that solemn but accepting face. It hit me pretty hard.

[@victorsandeen2694]

Do you have an Aqua Sobble profile pic?

[@-Panna-]

@@victorsandeen2694 Yes, I do. If I had five bucks for every time I've gotten this question, lmao.

[@clawblade9462]

setsu-I agree what are you trying to say and i feel the same too

[@got2choosejoy]

I don’t like him at all hop is sad and beating him in da gym challenge makes him understand that

[@Dununerp]

Bede beating Hop was what pushed me over the edge to demolish Bede

[@VasaviGalatine]

Something about his theme makes me teary, maybe because he ended up being my favorite rival and character. Also, it almost feels like a cheery-melancholic theme?

[@HiddenOne22]

Vasavi Galatine this is probably my favorite theme in the game! It’s very emotional! Hop is definitely one of the best rivals in the series

[@Genesis-ui7ph]

Oh so I'm not the only One Who feels like this everytime I listen to this theme. Good to know

[@VasaviGalatine]

Nick 2102 Yeah! Like I don’t know how to explain it very well but Hop’s final theme is very emotional and just sad overall.

[@VasaviGalatine]

Genesis not at all! His theme is honestly underrated.

[@mikowotowo]

@@VasaviGalatine I just want to pipe in and say that I get completely emotional the moment I listen to this theme. Especially at 0:14-0:20 and parts of the song that sounds similar to that. It just conveys Hop's emotion so well that even despite all these people cheering for him, he couldn't do it. And I think that's what makes this theme really sad. It sounded victorious in certain areas and cheery, as his brother's did, which also conveys how much he wanted to be just like his brother. This song is so melancholic... it's so good. I actually tear up every time I listen to this song... I love you so much, Hop;;

[@JoeSchmoHere]

Ok I'll say it, Hop is my favourite rival. This arc of basically coming to grips with the fact that he isn't the protagonist is really interesting and his less antagonistic persona is nice. Also the fact that he boxes his Wooloo, his signature pokemon, in an attempt to beat you because he wants to so bad is again really interesting. Also this just slaps so hard.

[@Randomguy-sn1yz]

How to do a friendly rival: Make them actually feel like a friend. How to NOT do a friendly rival: Make them overly optimistic even when losing continuously. This is another reason Hop is cool.

[@sirwelcome]

@@Randomguy-sn1yz I’m pretty sure the thing you said about how to not make a friendly rival was Hop

[@shinyshinx789]

Same. After beating Shield, he also became my favourite, way better than Hugh and Blue.

[@sirwelcome]

@@shinyshinx789 😏

[@PinkestWisp]

This is probably the most masterfully tragic-sounding rendition of a rival theme I’ve ever heard. It’s so SERIOUS in comparison to his normal theme. This battle is Hop’s EVERYTHING. His entire life’s goal, his heritage, his sense of self worth....it’s ALL on the line for him, and you can TELL he’s just...terrified. He’s genuinely under pressure to perform, and so he tries to perform under Leon’s battling model, the only model for skill in Pokémon battling he’s ever had growing up. He doesn’t just WANT this win, he genuinely NEEDS this win to feel good about himself, you can tell. It’s HEARTBREAKING to be forced by the story to have to beat him. I may have cried a little, I feel so sorry for him. He deserves a lot of hugs. Fanfic writers, please treat him well.

[@satan3034]

Rule 34 artists, please go away.

[@dwanedibly8129]

If he wanted the win, he should've had a team that didn't suck, the little pansy...

[@nycureamy]

Dwane Dibly to him, his team meant a lot to him. He even tried switching it up! If he beat us, he could probably say the same about our team, beating him doesn’t automatically make *his* team trash. That’s like saying Leon’s team is trash cuz we beat him, which isn’t true.

[@dwanedibly8129]

@@nycureamy Dude, seriously? Hop didn't even try. His entire team was horribly under-leveled the entire game, except for the postgame fights. Plus, his teams were trash; he doesn't even have very good pokemon aside from the starter and maybe the Snorlax if you don't have a fighting type.

[@satan3034]

Dwane Dibly Hop WAS trying, he even booted his partner from his team because of how much he wanted to become stronger.

[@ringorango_4735]

Hop finally beat his brother in one way: Hop's theme slaps harder than Leon's.

[@bluebird6348]

I personally dont like Leon's theme but hops is a bops

[@pixelpudding3914]

And he can coordinate an outfit

[@brianbuchwak9981]

This is true

[@angelbjerke9427]

Ngl

[@haraldhorseman832]

He’s also better at not getting lost in the... anywhere really...

[@naeshaunedwards7731]

I swear Hop is the most underrated rival. He actually felt human. I felt so bad for him I wish he could have at least beat Leon before me

[@Pauli-dg2yv]

Laughs in Wally

[@eureka7804]

I Am The Spy wally is like so popular wdym lol

[@kellyegnor8687]

@@Pauli-dg2yv The difference is you only met Wally twice, and he had ONE battle. Hop was with you for a lot of the game, and had like 12 battles with you. If Wally was actually in the game more, then I'd see the resemblance.

[@Bemw0]

I Am The Spy wally would have been good but he is only like battled twice so.....

[@theeaglemaster388]

@@Pauli-dg2yv Wally had a lot of potential to be one of the best rivals But Game Freak wasted it by giving undeserved screentime to the walking tool (May/Brendan)

[@shin_haeim]

If hop is the professor in the next gen... I’m crying

[@Phoenixgaming-zf4tu]

we need to ask game freak to do this

[@shunplayz21]

Same

[@Locked101]

@@Phoenixgaming-zf4tu NOO BUT THEN THE TREE LINE WOULD END ;(:(:(:(:(

[@user-od6ue9zv9u]

@@Locked101 actually hoptree is a real tree

[@user-od6ue9zv9u]

@@Locked101 and plus professor juniper is based on a bush not a tree so the tree line was broken 10 years ago

[@snoast5938]

This kid deserved to win more than anybody else lmao

[@wwbskwgsidb688]

True

[@snoast5938]

It’s just my silly opinion, but seeing the motivation the kid had albeit a bit cliche was fun to watch. Seeing him defeated when he came so far to get to this point made me as the player feel bad too.

[@glipglop1412]

Merciless Freak Mate, do you just enjoy shitting on this game’s characters. Yesterday I saw you in another thread complaining about Klara and Piers, asking for others opinions, and then just shitting on them. You really need get a life outside of antagonizing characters in a kids game.

[@doorico8577]

Merciless Freak ngl he’s right. I see you EVERYWHERE, and always in a negative light.

[@doorico8577]

Merciless Freak hahah. You sound like you are trying to be edgy.

[@kevinkevin9525]

Dude this song has a whole story to it. It's like how Hop changed throughout the game. Going from a happy and energetic kid to falling into a state of depression and lack of self confidence to still trying to discover himself. The sound track in this game was the best I have heard for any games in awhile.

[@TheRedDataDragon]

It’s honestly quite sad, he just wants to be like his brother Leon.

[@rosanna6791]

i mean the dude who wrote and made the sundtracks for undertale was apart of the music team so it was gauranteed to be a banger wth a bunch of meaning

[@socks710]

@@rosanna6791 Toby Fox only added one track into the game, the Battle Tower theme. The rest of the music was done in-house by GAME FREAK.

[@scottbecker4367]

@@TheRedDataDragon well now he is. They both lost the championship :D

[@floppa_9530]

majima music review

[@Bobafett-bi8ht]

Hop reminds me of us, the older pokemon players. Like him we were excited to begin our adventure, we struggled to make good teams and overcome difficulties and finally we came to the league in order to defeat the champion. When I faced Hop in the league, I saw myself as a kid, with this HOPe to win. I played long enough to see myself becoming the difficulty I once faced and I'm happy to see new blood playing pokemon

[@sergisergio3741]

Pacôme Rousselle ( J’ai vu que t’étais français donc je réponds en français hein ) J’suis totalement d’accord avec toi j’ai eu cette réflexion après avoir terminé le jeu et qu’il ait commencé à rejoindre Sonya , j’me disais juste que tout son enthousiasme , ses difficultés etc etc Donnait vraiment à Nabil cette impression de me revoir en essayant de terminer le jeu en comprenant au fur et à mesure le jeu les types et tout le reste . bref un des meilleurs rivaux que Pokémon a pu nous donner.

[@SmartAlec1]

i must destoy you for teh pun

[@SmartAlec1]

@@sergisergio3741 je suis d'accord

[@joaovitorprudencio1544]

@@sergisergio3741 ok boomer

[@glipglop1412]

Ok genwunner

[@ziimulhah3223]

Hop wiped me SO many times in his final battle. But I genuinely couldn't get mad at him. I raged, sure, but it was always at his Pokemon. I never got angry that I lost to him, just that I lost. When I saw his dialouge after the battle, I was kinda upset, because he said nothing important. He just told me something along the lines of, "keep training and you'll beat me", essentially doing a reset to before the battle, and I wanted him to celebrate his victory. I know he's just a pile of code, but Hop was the only rival I felt terrible for beating. I was a bit upset when I beat Marnie, I was flippant when I beat Bede. But Hop feels like someone who deserves to win.

[@gibrankg656]

I’m confused how Hop wiped you, games aren’t hard and they’ve definitely made them easier in terms of team building.

[@ziimulhah3223]

@@gibrankg656 it was really all Zaican. I took down the rest of his Pokemon with ease, but I got outsped and one-shot by that thing until my team was dead. I only won after training in the League and adding Zamazenta to my party. Took Zaican down with a Behemoth Bash and a Snipe Shot. Gotta say, it felt so fitting that my first partner was the one to land the final blow.

[@xavi_]

@@ziimulhah3223 pov: you bought pokemon shield :Skull:

[@BlkAdler.1627]

@@ziimulhah3223 Lmao his Zacian nearly wiped my team out when I faced him in the final battle, but my Seismitoad managed to finish him off with Dig. Of course this was after I kept using Full Restores and Revives 😂💀

[@randompug1878]

@@xavi_ what...I have Pkmn Shield and he didn't have Zacian?

[@NintendoViola]

I’m here for 0:54 Also, Hop really made me feel for him by the end of the game. It’s hard not to compare yourself to others, but I’m glad to see the direction he seems to headed after the postgame.

[@SquidwardProfilePic]

Yeah u beat him so bad that he quits battling all together

[@henriquecarballoaranha9100]

👏👏👏 👏👏👏 👏👏👏 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@user-yu8en2gy3m]

best part of the song

[@Superfan109]

*Clap* 👏 *Clap* 👏 *Clap* 👏

[@alejandroolazabal7995]

Yung Wun He doesn’t quit battling all together, he says he’ll still be your rival

[@titaniumdioxide2650]

I felt like the villain when I won the battle and destroyed his dreams.

[@wockytalkie8352]

*undertale has joined the chat*

[@got2choosejoy]

I honestly don’t care about hop

[@bluetoad2813]

So that's why there's no bad team in this game

[@wockytalkie8352]

Luisa Patino no u

[@arvoloidd1972]

Blue Toad Plot twist: YOU are the antagonist

[@doubbledonkeydude]

Hop : *tries to become champion* My Inteleon : *For his neutral special, he wields a GUN*

[@heinzdoofenshmirtz8643]

Looking cool, Joker!

[@StaticSoulZ]

Just take my like

[@antasmaxgenoforsmash5434]

finally someone who picked intelleon and didnt go "easy mode" with cinderace

[@localhuman1045]

@@antasmaxgenoforsmash5434 imagine picking generic overpowered soccer player over memeable hitman 😤

[@wizard_guru8035]

@@antasmaxgenoforsmash5434 I picked sobble as well sobble was going to be mine since reveal

[@totalchaos63]

Gamefreak’s animation: Yo where is our check at? The game ain’t gonna be that epic without our funding! Music Department: No clue mate

[@mechanicalgamingscrapstudi7763]

The reason every pokemon dosent have a animaton for every move is for the same reason i regret playing every combinaton of snake at once It takes way too long

[@mechanicalgamingscrapstudi7763]

@Raphael Tamano i do feel as if they were pressed on time because of the dlc areas having more detail and visual quality as well as more full flesged cutscenes because of the lack of a deadline in comparison to the original game with only a few real cutscenes and less wild area detail(also kind of unrelated and not part of the main poind but zamazentas tail clips through its cape at times showing the lack of time to look for somthing like that)

[@mechanicalgamingscrapstudi7763]

Also you got me at a time where i was bored so i went off on a tangent

[@blackironwalterkus3851]

@@mechanicalgamingscrapstudi7763 we’re not asking for every move to be animated, we’re asking for blastoise to actually shoot water out of its cannons.

[@mechanicalgamingscrapstudi7763]

@@blackironwalterkus3851 yeah i can agree with that

[@galaxysleeper]

*Me starting Sw/Sh thinking Hop was gonna be another lame rival:* I'm gonna destroy this kid's hopes and dreams *Me by the end of Sw/Sh:* SWEETIE I'M SO SORRY-

[@CortaxP]

@Merciless Freak You monster

[@CloverDragon03]

@@CortaxP "Merciless Freak" Username checks out. How could you?

[@jasonstinson6249]

Merciless Freak is a shit poster who acts all edgy and shits on people when they give a opinion on a character.

[@Triggs800]

Jason I agree

[@CloverDragon03]

Jason Stinson Figures

[@MeboDotExe]

Hop deserves to win. He tries his best. He switches things up every time, but it’s never enough. Time and time again. Bede. Us. He loses. Not because he’s bad, but because we’re just better. He has the motivation and drive to succeed. We’re just better. I feel bad for the kid.

[@pef_v6107]

Not because he's weak, he just lacks talent

[@ptiger2898]

Mebo I wish theres an ending that Hop wins

[@mrsuzan533]

@@ptiger2898 i'm about to go into this fight with pkmn bordering on lvl 80. that's why i'm making a new team around lvl 50-ish so i feel like the fight was fair, that both sides had a chance to win, and, most importantly, so i don't feel terrible for crushing his dreams.

[@ignisspiritustenebris7137]

Luckily we see from Kabu (who trainers rarely defeat) that Hop's attitude will pay off

[@snowy1966]

@@mr.cringe7717 that person was already hit by one.

[@RandomPerson-ob6wm]

I really liked the idea that he was frequently changing his team to find a balance. He even got rid of his Wooloo at one point. Hop has to have one of best character developments for a FRIENDLY rival. He’s definitely up there with Barry and Wally.

[@U.F.O]

I actually really enjoyed the fact that he dropped Dubwool from his team. It's not something you see pointed out often in the games themselves, but there are species of Pokemon considered stronger or weaker than others. Bede defeating him made him question his philosophy in raising his team, and whether battling with Pokemon you love is more important than battling with "strong" Pokemon. When he brought Dubwool back, it really was a touching moment for me.

[@leslie-wx5rp]

argh I felt so sad that he dropped his wooloo but yeah that’s a great um...trait?

[@ron4tron]

@@leslie-wx5rp It's great development

[@Fanimati0n]

How soon you forget Bianca.

[@frost_sprite]

@@Fanimati0n Bianca didn't really have much of an arc as Barry, Hop and Wally.

[@AndyMacster]

Started out hating this dude, only to realise he represents our own feeling that we're the main character when we're not. He grew to appreciate those around him and most importantly, grew to appreciate what truly mattered to him. What a wonderful character arc 👏

[@DukeTheDukeTheDukeTheDuke]

It's really sad especially when all the main character says is : ''.'' and hop goes into an existential crisis.

[@shearman360]

Damn I thought this guy was going to a Hau clone but he turned out to be one of the best written characters in pokemon history

[@cureholly.]

Same. It was a pleasant surprise for sure.

[@perex23as95]

Lel no

[@esteban8471]

He's definitely up there with Alain, Paul and Lillie for me. He's such a fun character.

[@prismal418]

I loved Roses tries to be condescending with him and he answers "No, thanks to your gym Challenge i've gotten stronger".

[@charliemasson4287]

He's annoying af, I much prefer the other two rivals

[@doctordreamcast2093]

The resolution to his character arc in the post game was very satisfying

[@ibacka8800]

People say that he’s Galarian Hau, but honestly, he’s more of a Barry character, always in a rush and trying to win against you Edit: Not saying that Hop isn’t his own character, he’s probably the only rival to take his losses to the point of self-condescension

[@anxiousrobot82]

iBacka yeah!! he’s Barry

[@DONIMATOR-pn5rp]

yeah i liked how he's actually competitive.

[@Renji_Abarai]

He's himself in that he want's to become champion but we basically stop him from doing that. The other two were more accepting than he was, and Hop just seems to condescend himself every time he loses, which honestly makes me feel bad for beating him.

[@hollypurcell3383]

Yeah that's what I think he didn't remind me of hau at all it was Barry that he seemed a lot like

[@sixgo3391]

He is hau and barry at the same time(?

[@oliverbrookeirl]

I won’t accept Hop slander, I personally think he’s a really good rival with good development (also he’s ridiculously strong compared to most other rivals because he gets a legendary)

[@HollowKute]

With a frickin' regular pokemon

[@darkvoidx3]

Same, he felt like the most realistic rival just like how a kid his age should act, I really dislike when ppl dunk on Hop, such a good and well written character.❤️

[@JokerFromPersona5Royal]

I got almost completely stomped by him because he had Zacian

[@Kurameno]

People with shield will know the final battle with him in the post game is an actual “stuck” point. He one shot like 4 of my pokemon with the stupid behemoth blade 😭 especially because i didn’t put legendaries on my team

[@Bangbanggooberblat69]

Victor in Sword: hahaha i got the better pokeman

[@glipglop1412]

In my opinion, Hop is one of the, if not the best rival in the series 1. Actually grows as a person as he realizes that he isn’t the protagonist and even ends up learning in the Pokémon research lab 2. His themes are absolute bops 3. He is the first (main) rival that you actually feel sorry for beating (Wally wasn’t close to being in the games long enough for him to classify as a rival) 4. When he succeeds, you genuinely feel happy for him 5. His type matchup lines are memeable 6. He is the first (main) rival to actually catch the counterpart legendary Pokémon (Zacian/Zamazenta) 7. First rival to actually change up his team (Besides Blue) 8. Isn’t another bland asshole rival 9. Is unique in the fact that he accepts the fact that he can’t become champion and instead strives to become a professor Literally the only two reasons that people call Hop a Hau clone that I can think of are the fact that they both have the same animation and brown skin

[@raptorlite6060]

as for number 6, what about N?

[@glipglop1412]

I don’t really think N counts

[@jowee6839]

@@raptorlite6060 n isnt really a main rival, just a main character. The main rivals would be cheren and bianca

[@coreflakes]

Doesnt Blue/Gary switch out his pokemon such as Raticate?

[@glipglop1412]

WhiteBlock CC Gary is one of the only other instances

[@IronHawk96]

The most bittersweet victory in Pokemon...

[@comradeweeble5317]

This wasn't sweet at all, it just left me feeling like a prick

[@shinypikagaming]

Poor Hop’s doing everything he can to win, and I’m just over here with my team I accidentally overleveled!

[@comradeweeble5317]

@@shinypikagaming you should have seen how my drizzle oneshot each of his mons when returning to the london town

[@SifGreyfang]

This is a rival who doesn't know when to quit and I respect that

[@RaccoonZaggoon9036]

Hop: Thanks, mate. I'm really glad you were the one here with me." Me who has grown emotionally attached to him: EMOTIONAL DAMAGE.

[@draggydaducky]

*I DID NOT MEAN TO SEND HIM TO JESUS*

[@ilivefordisrespect9809]

Imo this is one of the most emotional battle themes in the game. To me it shows how hop had to go through and overcome a lot of shit to get to where he is now. It all comes together in the final battle between you and him. But he slowly starts to realize that he can’t beat you, then he finally accepts that fact after you beat him. Tl;dr this song to me represents hops growth and slow realization that he needs to find his own path.

[@Latino_Burrito]

I don't like people comparing hop to hau anymore. At first I did the same thing but now that I think about it they're nothing alike. Hau wasn't even really a rival, he was a friend of yours that tagged along on your adventure simply because his grandfather was the kahuna and it was tradition to do the island challenges. Hau never wanted to be the best, and he never claimed to be the best unlike previous rivals. He was literally just your friend who from time to time was like "wanna battle?" Unlike hop on the other hand who's like "oh shoot I'm the champions brother I'm OP" when in reality he realizes there's a greater gap in strength between you and him. Unlike Hau hop actually tries to be the best and wants to be the best which is what drives him to wanting to beat you. Idk why I just found this really interesting.

[@ieatbugs1996]

what about USUM Hau? I think USUM Hau wasn't as bad as everyone says he is

[@FloraComet]

Let's not forget that Hop has some sass about him that Hau didn't have when talking to other people in game

[@chainsawlightning4515]

Everyone: Hop and Hau are similar Spicy Tuna Roll: *posts the comment above* Hop: Well HOPOW, Hau! The Player: You finally get your reward! Yay! :)

[@notfabio9858]

name last name yeah I love hop but people always seem to ignore Hau’s growth in USUM, I think they were both great rivals

[@arinwolfe4853]

Okay, only thing I want to mention that they're the same in is that they both have BANGIN BATTLE THEMES

[@チャーリー-q7s]

Hop is somewhat one of the strongest rivals in Pokémon history, since he uses the legendary, and he changes his team sometimes.

[@チャーリー-q7s]

I’m so proud of my boi for actually having fans-

[@JopocaJ]

Goddamit i love hop's character but when i had to fight his zacian in shield i got demolished twice

[@ihatezorpors]

I was over leveled fighting hop in Shield and his zacian still took out half my team

[@JustCam117]

Yeah I refuse to fight him in tournaments (post game) because his zucian is too powerful I would have to switch my team.

[@SadMoribund]

Another reason to get Sword boys : ), my Zacian 2 hit OHKO'd his Zamazenta.

[@ShermTank7272]

This theme... heck, this whole battle, feels like such a desperate last stand from Hop. The high energy, his pride on the line, the crowd cheering, it feels like he should pull an anime-style comeback. But... he doesn't. After all, Hop isn't the protagonist. You are. Hop isn't the future champion. You are. Hop isn't the rival. *You are.*

[@ambipongus]

That’s some psychological shit right there

[@XvX106]

Bro...that got deep real quick

[@3Kalyca]

Way to guilt trip me bro 😭

[@novemberninth4392]

Now I won't be able to sleep from the guilt

[@Melody-rk6bs]

I'm really sorry for him , I love him but the game forces me to do this 😭

[@benjaminschmitt1562]

*I see a thousand timelines. Only one ends with Hop being victorious.* Me: CAN I BE IN THAT ONE?

[@kong3681]

*infinite timelines

[@patmurph7769]

@@kong3681 from my research there's 386 nonillion

[@kong3681]

@@patmurph7769 well yes but actually no

[@oliverbrookeirl]

Hop: How many outcomes did you see? Player: 14,000,605 Hop: How many do I win? Player: *one*

[@Black__Rose.]

21 million or 22 million

[@mechashadow]

Are they cheering his name "Hop, Hop, Hop!"? Is this why we can't pick his name?

[@anis6800]

Yes they do!

[@KameKame27]

It's also why he becomes a professor. Hop trees do exist I believe, and his hair is shaped as an acorn, symbolism for his growth

[@aguyinacloak4740]

Wait, you are unable to pick Hop as a name?

[@TheStickMachine]

You know Pokémon isn't an american game right ? His name isn't Hop everywhere :°

[@TheStickMachine]

@@aguyinacloak4740 He mean't you can't rename him (like in some older games), but that's not the reason as i explained he's not named Hop worldwide.

[@tashng1106]

I would write a comment about how Hop is honestly one of the greatest characters in the franchise… But I don’t have to, since this comment section already has. After seeing so many people hate him mindlessly, it’s so heartwarming to see so many people truly understand.

[@joinmeforasmile4464]

I *wholeheartedly* agree!

[@lostlegendaj649]

Thank You someone who understands how deep this character is,i feel like this is one of the only if not THE ONLY rival with feelings that change through the game he could have got more recognition if he came from a not as much hated game from the community

[@lloydlarssn8515]

Hop is legit my favorite Sword and Shield character and if you dont like him I dont like you 💅

[@angelbjerke9427]

people hate him?

[@lostlegendaj649]

No people are just pissy about the game and love to hate and call him a hau clone but fail to realize how good he is becuase their to angry about the graphics of the damn TREES.

[@emmaloctober6001]

Hop and Hau are two completely different types of upbeat and cheerful. I found myself more attached to Hop

[@JoseAlberto-dh8pf]

Hop > Hau

[@emmaloctober6001]

@@JoseAlberto-dh8pf I liked both

[@electrobombgaming7342]

They also have the same animations

[@tmc31390]

Because there was a purpose behind Hop’s upbeat attitude. Hau, on the other hand, was just… happy for happy’s sake.

[@Josuh]

My man Hau only lives for them malasadas

[@Kait16xo]

Okay but I have no idea why I had any emotional attachment to Hop- I blame Bede...

[@Kait16xo]

Actually I only partially blame Bede The other part is pokemon stepping up their rival storyline game

[@TeaKiwi]

I still burnt them both

[@Kait16xo]

@@Ultra273 true

[@Kait16xo]

@@TeaKiwi honestly yeah lol

[@camharkness]

I loved hop as a character from the start. And just loved him more and more as the game went on. Hes precious.

[@eagleflies9515]

Frankly, I would take a bullet for Hop and I wish I lost against him

[@PKmaster12]

I knew I wasn’t the only one who kinda hoped he would‘ve won

[@cureholly.]

Not to be dramatic or anything but I would die for Hop.

[@PrincessArielAngel]

samee

[@reagantorrey69]

@@cureholly. Naw, that isn't dramatic enough.

[@poniz2471]

He should've won. I would gladly settle down and take a spot as gym leader but NOOOO. GF had to make us feel bad.

[@TomatoesInMyRamen]

I really liked Hop. It’s like they combined Barry, Hau, Hugh and Trace into a single character. He felt like an old friend the whole time because he reminded me of them and the whole rose tower segment made me really happy. Getting to do multibattles with him in the elevator with that music was 👌👌

[@SquidwardProfilePic]

There's no badass Hugh in him but everything else is accurate

[@TomatoesInMyRamen]

Not so much like being a badass but more of an older brother/friend vibe? He could’ve run off and gotten an endorsement on his own since he already had a Pokémon and I don’t even know how long he’s had it, but both Hugh and Hop waited until the player gets their starter before leaving. Then a few times he was kinda protective like Hugh was, jumping in to fight with or yell at someone they thought were bothering the player.

[@yourehereforthatarentyou]

who tf is trace

[@kenstorm707]

@@yourehereforthatarentyou Rival from Let's Go

[@yourehereforthatarentyou]

@@kenstorm707 weird name, but i like it

[@valuabledoodles]

Everyone: Hop is one of the most well-written characters in the franchise! He shows actual character growth and he finds a place for himself in the story after the story! Me, who skipped through all his dialogue because I thought he was annoying in the early game: *I have made a grave mistake*

[@ZoraVisions]

Haha same. I am replaying this game

[@catscanhavelittleasalami]

He's alright. I wouldn't call him the most vell written character in the franchise though.

[@surreal4972]

@@Mr_Noname084 Lillie. That’s it. That’s the reply.

[@FunLobsterFacts]

@@surreal4972 N too, and tbh, Hugh is one of the best.

[@liltaxfraud5292]

N, hugh, silver, bede: I'm gonna stop you right there

[@splashything3001]

The really sad part is that he doesn’t give up until the very end. He’s still convinced he can sweep your entire team, and when you use a super effective hit against him, it just kinda feels like kicking yourself in the face.

[@arithedragon6198]

opinion: I actually think Hop is one of the better written Firend rivals of the series.

[@zerochill4096]

That's actually a very popular opinion to the people who played through SwSh. I'd even go as far to say that, because of the sheer amount of character development he went through, Hop is the best rival character in the series!

[@arithedragon6198]

@@zerochill4096 oh really? That genuinely makes me feel valid in my affection towards him as a character.

[@zerochill4096]

@@arithedragon6198 I'm glad I can do that, but you should also thank the writers for making Hop such an interesting character and integrating story and gameplay very well with each other (like the matches when Hop heavily doubted his capabilities where he didn't have a Wooloo, which makes it feel like a gut punch to the player since he loves his Wooloo).

[@arithedragon6198]

@@zerochill4096 I am very thankful to the writers, as well as gamefreak in general for giving us these games, I seriously love them, and it makes me happy that there are people out there with positive mindsets about the game like I do, even if their for smaller areas of the game.

[@zerochill4096]

@@arithedragon6198 Same here. As Pokémon games, SwSh may be my favorite.

[@schtamerr]

i love this final theme! Why? Because it literally resembles his character development. The first tone is when hop and you started the journey. Its Hops excitement. And then the slower softer tone is when he lost to the first matches with YOU. But then he starts quickly (resembling that it wasnt a failure since it was his first battle) and gets the 3 arena badges. After that, the theme gets slower again. This resembles his los against Bede. You can here that its longer slower and soft, means that hes mixed up and doesnt know what he should do. Its also longer because of his failure in circhester. But then, as the song kicks in again, You fight with Hop so his mind is free again. Then he has all 8 badges, competing with you in the tournament. Then the song gets slower again. This is Hop thinking back where he begann. I think you should get the reason now. And i also love Hop as a Rival because of his development. For me hes clearly the best Rival. F**k you fight me

[@macarrones05]

I completely agree, all the changes in his theme perfectly resembles all of his development

[@SuouTsukasaKingofKnights]

Good point

[@peppercat1887]

Hop was a genius all along. We considered him the classic rival when he took a starter with a weakness to ours but his starter had type advantage to what was left for Leon.

[@PokeDude011]

*Here lies Hop’s hopes and dreams* “What a baby.”

[@LeafhopperV]

You having this Cell avatar really sells this.

[@afarensis9720]

Bede: do you not have anything to show for yourself? Turns out he didn't :(

[@linklinklink_731]

Hop would have beaten bede in the end really

[@rarewaifu]

@@linklinklink_731 because he got handed a legendary lmao

[@linklinklink_731]

@@rarewaifu nope it's because bede had a known type team all fairy and hop's is all around.bede wouldn't have had a chance

[@newfd420]

1:22 is it just me, or are they shouting, “Go, Hop!” Then they go to just shouting, “Hop!”

[@demon108hunter6]

Yeah think there shouting Hop

[@majunies1736]

🤯omg bro i hear it

[@jaboyplays1449]

Even the audience knows what happened to him

[@lyaboilyaboi3070]

If they aren’t imma be disappointed

[@jamievalorin1347]

They are really rooting for hop

[@braytumbo6757]

Normally we would want to beat our rival, this time i didnt feel the same.

[@gekko2244]

i don't really care if most people dislike this fella he's one of my favorite rivals

[@megaspacewaffles]

I think he’s one of the few rivals who had a proper character arc. I’d love to see him as a professor in a future game

[@PHOTON.thief.]

his battle genuinely made me kinda emotional because of the whole "small start, big finish" storyline with him as the rival and his character arc. i loved every milisecond of his fight

[@WarriorBazooka]

Me, upon first picking up the game: 'oh this kid is just gonna be one of those generic rivals who is determined to kick your ass but never gets bothered by losing to you' Me, upon finishing the game: 'this kid is my son and i want to protect him and give him a better life than he got'

[@spicywashere6913]

Me at the beginning: Ugh, he’s trying to battle me again!!! Me during Hop’s depression: Oh lord....uh Me at the end of main story: I’m so sorry Hop I love you I will defeat Leon for you Me at end of Post Game: THATS MY BOI HOPPPP *sob*

[@Fanimati0n]

He's definitely an acquired taste, but one you come to adore

[@terrance3218]

Nope. My opinion remained the same: I hated him.

[@BisonGaming3334]

Hop: *Dynamaxes Cinderace* Me: *Hovers finger over Snipe Shot* Inteleon: I'm sorry, big one.

[@mykrib7279]

Yeah, when I faced my Rillaboom against his Inteleon I always lost because he always killed me by ONE RAY ICE!!!!

[@SylentVoidkeeper]

Honestly, this music tells a better story than the actual game. It’s clear by this point that Hop is more and more aware that he’s falling behind, and no one is more aware of it than him. He knows he probably doesn’t have the ability to beat his brother, but he still has a deep belief that his entire dream and goal in life is to beat him and prove he’s more than just “the champion’s brother”. That’s why the final battle theme almost feels like his regular battle theme is buried inside of it, as if he’s trying to distance himself from how he was earlier in the game and finally prove himself. Obviously, as the true protagonists we know this is inevitably futile, but Hop doesn’t. There’s a massive element of tragedy to the whole song.

[@oribunnii]

“Hop is about to send out Zamazenta” My level 100, Ev trained, Max friendship Sirfetch’d: *I am 4 Parallel universes ahead of you.*

[@darkwebfarting5656]

Now this is a god tier comment meme.

[@lucario7version2.08]

Also Sirfetch'd: (Speedrunner Sounds)

[@AshenDust_]

Jowoseph Joestrawr lol I just used Zacien! He is mags Rayquaza levels of broken

[@雪者]

*Pokemon Shield Hop with Zacian would like to know your location*

[@wockytalkie8352]

Me with my lvl 55 shiny alolan meowth: I shall protect u

[@EmberTyphlosion]

I love how the crowd sounds like they're chanting "Hop". If so, very nice touch! :P

[@linklinklink_731]

They are , cheering for the underdog 😖 such a cool theme and heart breaking moment for him..

[@Mystreek]

it broke my heart when he smack his thigh then looks at you with a dissapointing face damn. he just wanted to overcome his brother so bad that he didn't saw the gap between him and the player. then when he finds out, he's loosing to his rival.

[@compatriot852]

"I want to become a person who helps people in need" Mfw he tries becoming a professor instead of a Pokemon Ranger...

[@legenddarkrai]

Ya know I never even thought of that; Hop would make a great Pokemon Ranger!

[@novemberninth4392]

exactly

[@kingvideogames]

That would make for a great reveal of a new Pokemon Rangers game.

[@doctorviper2061]

The thing is, im pretty sure Gamefreak forgotten the ranger games

[@electrobombgaming7342]

@@doctorviper2061 you never know. i mean, if pokemon mystery dungeon got a remake, then anything is possible

[@Dr.D.R.]

I called Hop Hau by mistake for so long. But then once I had gone through his character arc, I stopped calling him Hau. The character development he went through was so impressive. Honestly everyone’s character development was incredible in this game.

[@Dr.D.R.]

Lets Get Fluffy Yh tbh Marnie stayed more or less the same but I still enjoyed hers. Leon too.

[@visionflix2202]

That1RandomGuy if you go back to the budew hotel, in one of the rooms you see her practice smiling because she doesn’t want to disappoint her fans.

[@tyrap6949]

Getting oneshot by Hop's legendary: The musical

[@splashything3001]

That’d be preferred to crushing a child’s dream

[@KameKame27]

@@alejandro_rodriguez_99 I lost the final post game battle bcs of this lol

[@KameKame27]

@@alejandro_rodriguez_99 more like Mega Rayquaza lol

[@SmartAlec1]

@@alejandro_rodriguez_99 There is something so fucked up about the shield pokemon being weak to the sword pokemon.

[@redviolet5158]

@@SmartAlec1 "Let's just give the sword legendary the better defensive typing, what could possibly go wrong?"

[@colleenjohnson6083]

Normal theme: A bop When you battle him in at the end of the game: *DETERMINATION*

[@Jet_Genesis720]

You mean a Hop? I’ll go

[@decidueyefan3844]

Now whenever I beat hop, I’m gonna hear determination from undertale play, thanx

[@Xman34washere]

That hits different with toby fox

[@heinzdoofenshmirtz8643]

You're only allowed to say that because Toby Fox made a song in these games.

[@richardgibson8403]

Colleen Johnson but nobody came

[@PixelSkull7547]

it was THIS theme that made me tear up when I first played shield, so good, Hop deserved all the love that crowd is givin' him

[@SeinenGuy]

I'll give Hop one thing, that smile of his is nice to see at times even in battle.

[@rongray6562]

What I loved about Hop was how passionate he was to reach his ambitious dream. His entire arc is a struggle to find his own identity through his career as a trainer and made each loss of his a new determination to become stronger. He kept falling down, but he always got back up. Hop only looks up to others, never down. In the end even his final team didn't work out, but he was ok with that because the only person you can be is yourself. He dreamed big, and let that drive his character. This music reflects that in a bittersweet way.

[@Kit91180]

Whenever Hop showed up and got all excited about our next journey, it really made me adore him. He was real in that he did lack confidence while trying to find himself, but at the same time he was always positive and kind no matter the situation. I value that in people in general, and I actually am considering restarting the game just to enjoy going through it again.

[@lazyrainysoul]

I just finished Shield after 3 years of leaving it uncompleted. Hop's words in the final battle in the Slumbering Weald really tugged at my heartstrings. "Back then, my dream was to be strong, like Lee. But now, he isn't the champion. I... I don't know what my dream is anymore." You can see that he's sad for a moment, but looks back up at you, the player, with a smile. I could've sworn I started crying right then and there. I'm so glad that Hop has found his true passion. I really loved SWSH. I got so attached to the characters, especially the ones that helped me in the final battles, Piers, Leon and Hop. I was drawn in by the story. There were some truly heart wrenching moments that brought me to tears. The graphics are incredible. You can fight me on that because I'm not taking it back. Twilight Wings really brought out the Gym Leaders' and other characters' relationships and how they interact with each other. Galar was a brilliant journey. Generation 8 was a brilliant era. But, now it's time to wait another decade for a SWSH remake.

[@Powerzebra86422]

I love how you could hear the crowd cheering for Hop

[@karolightcornsyrup]

I feel so bad for Hop when you beat him in the Semi Finals, you can see his disappointment in himself

[@xavidrummen8728]

This boy better be in the dlc or else im gonna go commit wooloo tackle

[@pcwill101168]

He does! He gets Gigantamax

[@ghiobus4933]

@@pcwill101168 does he? which one? i really want to play the dlc now haha

[@yajiroinvader5756]

@@ghiobus4933 he already had gmax corviknight in the main story

[@stephenfong1144]

@@ghiobus4933 It's Hop in Isle of Armor, and if you want more Sonia as well, she's in the Crown Tundra

[@ghiobus4933]

@@stephenfong1144 ty!

[@kaito1397]

I was listening to this on a Japanese KZbin channel, and I was glad to see that the Japanese viewers were thinking similar things. That Hop is an underrated rival who is so human and you can’t help attatched to. I guess people are people, everywhere, and have empathy for people like him. Hop is supported by people from places across the world! Anybody else from different cultural origins who have seen the support for Hop in their own culture?

[@charlenegendillout8528]

For some reason people don't like him because he's human? And yet, He is the one rival that everyone felt sorry for when they beat him. We were shattering his dreams ... He wanted to defeat his brother more than anything, he gave himself trouble to succeed he did his best, no one is perfect, and unlike Hau who took his defeats very well, Hop started to have problems with self-confidence, with depression in himself. And that's what I find alive, it's human in him, he's one of the best rivals

[@ShermTank7272]

Got a link?

[@illusionofquality979]

@@charlenegendillout8528 *himself Generally people complaint that he is "too friendly." It's a common complaint about multiple NPCs in various installment and it seems to me that people who think that put "too friendly" blinders on when they notice it. I found both Hop and Leon where very friendly but there was more to their characters than with other "friendly" NPCs across multiple generations.

[@_larchiviste_]

Yes, in my friends' group he's very appreciated, and we live in France

[@Nonikt]

He is very appreciated in The colombian Pokémon community

[@hyrix6668]

When you realize that Hop intentionally choose the starter weak to yours. Knowing his older brother will take the one strong against the main character's starter.

[@dubumafu]

Or he picked the stronger pokemon to beat lee and no the protagonist

[@Jet_Genesis720]

That’s a big brain

[@Eclipse_101]

Team Plasma Colress expansion*

[@XD-wm9ss]

Team Plasma Colress I keep re matching him but he still uses g max corviknight

[@elijahlopez6287]

Intentionally?

[@crimsondemonmegumin]

I'm here for the hard work pokeli puts into these cuts

[@toontownruleertrsalx]

loving the desperation/underdog kinda tone the song has

[@LatiloveOmg]

People are chanting for him I love this.