What Are The Best Battles In 'Pokémon: Starting Out Life As A Pirate'?

The battles in 'Pokémon: Starting out life as a pirate' are insane, especially the clash between the protagonist’s Gyarados and a rival’s Dragonite. The sheer scale of their fight over the ocean is epic—Gyarados creating tidal waves while Dragonite counters with hyper beams that slice through water like lasers. Another standout is the underground battle in a smuggler’s den, where the protagonist uses a ghost-type Pokémon to phase through walls and ambush enemies. The creativity in these fights, blending pirate tactics with Pokémon moves, makes them unforgettable. The final showdown against the pirate king’s legendary Pokémon is pure chaos, with the entire crew’s Pokémon teaming up for a combined attack that lights up the night sky.

As someone who’s followed this series closely, I’ve gotta say the battles are next-level. The naval skirmish where the protagonist’s crew faces off against a marine fleet is a masterclass in strategy. They use water-types to sabotage enemy ships while flying-types drop explosive berries from above. The way the author mixes pirate warfare with Pokémon abilities is genius—like using a Alakazam to predict cannon trajectories or a Machamp to redirect incoming fire.

Then there’s the duel atop a crumbling iceberg between the protagonist’s Charizard and an enemy’s Articuno. The ice melts mid-battle, forcing both to adapt as their footing vanishes. Charizard’s wings evaporate falling debris into steam, creating a smokescreen for surprise attacks. Articuno’s hail storms clash with fire blasts in a visual spectacle that feels ripped from an anime.

The most emotionally charged fight happens when the protagonist battles their former first mate. Their Pokémon were originally trained as partners, so they anticipate each other’s moves perfectly. It becomes a psychological war, with the protagonist sacrificing their ace Pokémon’s armor to land a decisive blow. The aftermath—where both pirates share a drink while their Pokémon heal—shows the depth of their bond.

What makes the battles in 'Pokémon: Starting out life as a pirate' shine is how they subvert expectations. Take the “no Pokémon” brawl where the protagonist gets disarmed and has to fight using stolen tech and a parrot that knows Thief. It’s hilarious yet tense, especially when the parrot nabs an enemy’s key item mid-battle.

The storm battle is another gem. The protagonist’s Pikachu rides a floating mast, using thunderbolts to recharge a broken submarine’s engines while dodging attacks from electric-resistant foes. The desperation feels real—you can almost smell the ozone and seawater.

My favorite is the tavern brawl that escalates into a full Pokémon rumble. Tables become shields, chairs turn into stepping stones for smaller Pokémon, and a drunk Snorlax accidentally becomes the arena’s centerpiece. The sheer unpredictability captures the chaotic spirit of pirate life better than any scripted duel.