Unveiling Pokémon Horizons' New Protagonists: Embracing Ash's Legendary Strategy

Warning: SPOILERS for episode #20 of Pokémon Horizons

The newest protagonists of Pokémon Horizons are still in the process of discovering what it means to be a Pokémon trainer. However, their latest challenge has compelled them to adopt a mindset reminiscent of Ash. Ash was renowned for his ability to think outside the box and creatively utilize Pokémon moves. Now, Liko is showcasing this same skill during a gym test.

Thinking outside the box was crucial for Ash. He frequently encountered unconventional opponents like Team Rocket and their robots, specifically designed to counter the Pokémon he owned. This often led to remarkable instances where regular Pokémon attacks were used in unexpected ways. For example, Razor Leaf was employed to cut open a rubber bag or a bird Pokémon would dive-bomb their flying balloon. In episode #20 of Pokémon Horizons, Liko and Roy face a gym test proposed by Kabu. They are challenged to either ignite the flames of Litwick or extinguish them, requiring them to consider using moves in atypical ways.

Liko & Roy Are Learning To Use Pokémon Attacks in Unconventional Ways Like Ash Did

Roy found it easy to ignite Litwick's flames using Fuecoco, but Liko faced a tougher challenge in extinguishing them. Sprigatito's limited repertoire of moves didn't make it suitable for battling Ghost- and Fire-type Pokémon. However, Liko soon realized that by giving specific commands, Sprigatito could utilize its Leafage attack in various ways. It could generate large, sweeping clouds of leaves to hit multiple Litwick simultaneously, or it could unleash controlled bursts that were just enough to extinguish a single flame.

Interestingly, this flexibility in using a single attack aligns with the Agile/Strong style attack mechanism in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. This approach allows players to adapt their attacks to different situations. What links these tactics to Ash is the motive behind the attacks. Rather than aiming to cause damage, they serve a distinct purpose, like extinguishing a flame. Ash has also been known to use attacks as defensive tools, deflecting or blocking enemy attacks, as demonstrated through his Counter Shield strategy. Liko applied her newfound knowledge from the trial and employed Leafage to obscure her opponent's vision when challenging Kabu's Centiskorch.

Ash May Be Gone, But He Has Left His Mark On Pokémon

Liko is demonstrating the potential to think like Ash, which could lead her to become an exceptional trainer in the future. Roy had also showcased his ability to think creatively by utilizing a combo attack with his Fuecoco and Wattrel in a previous episode. Despite Ash's absence, his influence remains strong on the new protagonists of Pokémon Horizons. As they progress and develop as trainers, this influence could play a vital role in their achievements.