pokemon

Hop is character appearing in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. He is the player character's neighborhood friend and rival, who eventually becomes Sonia's research assistant, after the latter takes her grandmother, Professor Magnolia's place, as the region's professor. He is also the brother of Leon.

Quick Answers

What role does Hop play in Pokémon Sword and Shield? toggle section
In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Hop is the player's main rival and the younger brother of Leon, the Galar Champion. He frequently challenges the player, aiming to become the Champion himself. Hop's Pokémon team evolves as he progresses, showing his growth as a Trainer. He is also involved in the storyline with Zacian and Zamazenta, where he calms the legendary Pokémon and becomes its Trainer.
Provided by: Fandom
How does Hop's team evolve in Pokémon Sword? toggle section
In Pokémon Sword, Hop's team evolves as he progresses through the Gym Challenge. Endorsed by his brother Leon, the Champion, Hop's team includes a diverse selection of Pokémon to counter various types. As he continues his journey, Hop aims to become a Pokémon Professor and accepts Sonia's offer to be her assistant. His team evolves in species, strategy, and strength, reflecting his growth as a Trainer.
Provided by: Fandom
What is Hop's relationship with Sonia in Pokémon Sword? toggle section
Hop becomes Sonia's research assistant after she succeeds her grandmother, Professor Magnolia, as the region's professor. Their relationship is professional, with Sonia mentoring Hop in his new role. Sonia first interacts with Hop by questioning him about a mysterious Pokémon attack, and later offers him the assistant position.
Provided by: Fandom
How does Hop's ambition reflect in his Pokémon team? toggle section
Hop's ambition is shown in his Pokémon team as he initially seeks to emulate his brother Leon by joining the Gym Challenge. After overcoming personal challenges and gaining confidence, Hop chooses to become a Pokémon Professor. His team symbolizes his journey from aspiring to be like Leon to forging his own path, highlighting his growth and determination.
Provided by: Fandom
What changes occur in Hop's team throughout Pokémon Sword? toggle section
In Pokémon Sword, Hop's team evolves as he progresses through the game. Initially endorsed by his brother Leon, Hop faces challenges, including losing to Sordward and Shielbert. He aids the player and Piers in stopping their chaos. After calming Zacian/Zamazenta, Hop catches it, marking a key change in his team. Eventually, Hop chooses to become a Pokémon Professor and joins Sonia as her assistant.
Provided by: Fandom

Appearance

Concept artwork of Hop and Leon

Concept artwork of Hop and Leon

Hop has a youthful, energetic appearance that perfectly matches his spirited and determined personality. He has warm brown skin and expressive golden eyes that shine with excitement and ambition, often accompanied by a wide, confident smile. His thick eyebrows and animated expressions add to his enthusiastic demeanor. His hair is dark purple, styled in a high, tousled wave that gives him a playful and slightly wild look. Hop has a slim, athletic build and an average height for his age, with a posture that's often casual and full of motion—leaning forward, bouncing on his heels, or moving with eager anticipation. Altogether, his facial features and stature convey a bright, motivated Trainer who's always ready to chase after his goals and carve out his own identity.

Hop's clothing is casual, sporty, and practical—reflecting his active lifestyle and energetic personality. He wears a teal-blue denim-style jacket with fluffy cream-colored shearling trim along the collar, cuffs, and hem, adding a bit of flair to his otherwise functional look. Underneath, he sports a simple maroon t-shirt that complements the warm tones of his outfit. His pants are black with subtle purple side stripes, fitted for comfort and movement, ideal for a young Trainer constantly on the go. He finishes the look with a pair of purple and black sneakers, built for travel and battles across the Galar region. A green and black crossbody satchel is slung over his shoulder, a staple for carrying Poké Balls and essentials. Hop's outfit strikes a perfect balance between style and utility, capturing his role as a determined, up-and-coming Trainer.

Personality

Hop's personality is enthusiastic, determined, and full of heart. As the younger brother of Champion Leon, he starts his journey eager to follow in his brother's footsteps, often expressing boundless energy and confidence. He's friendly, upbeat, and deeply passionate about Pokémon battles, always looking for ways to improve and prove himself. Though he can be impulsive and a bit headstrong at times, Hop is also resilient—when faced with setbacks or loss, he reflects on them and uses those experiences to grow stronger. Throughout his journey, he matures noticeably, shifting from wanting to simply become the next Champion to discovering his own unique path. Hop's loyalty, optimism, and personal growth make him not only a fierce rival but also a deeply relatable and admirable character.

Etymology

The Japanese word ホップ (Hoppu) is borrowed from the English word "hop," which refers to the plant used in brewing beer. The English term ultimately traces back to the Latin genus name Humulus, especially Humulus lupulus, with Humulus possibly derived from humus meaning "ground," reflecting the plant’s growth habit. While the botanical name is Latin, the everyday English word "hop" evolved from Old English hoppa, initially meaning a small leap but later applied to the plant. In Japanese, ホップ entered the language alongside beer culture as the standard term for hops. His hairstyle additionally slightly resembles a hops bud.

Biography

His journey begins when he excitedly barges into the player's home to announce that Leon is coming back to Postwick. After meeting Leon next door, the three of them gather outside Hop's house, where Leon presents the three Partner Pokémon—Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble. The player chooses first, and Hop enthusiastically takes the one with a type disadvantage. He immediately challenges the player to a friendly match, which the player wins. Inspired by their potential, Leon endorses both Hop and the protagonist for the Gym Challenge after Hop declares his dream of becoming Champion like his brother.

Throughout their travels across the Galar region, Hop constantly challenges the player, driven by both admiration for his brother and a fierce desire to match the player's growth. However, after several tough losses—including a key defeat to rival Bede—Hop's confidence takes a hit. Questioning his identity as a Trainer, he briefly steps away to reevaluate, experimenting with different strategies and Pokémon. Over time, he regains his motivation, recognizing that strength comes not just from power, but from persistence and self-awareness. He eventually reaches the semi-finals of the Champion Cup in Wyndon, but is once again defeated by the player. Despite the loss, Hop expresses gratitude for the friendship and rivalry that shaped his journey.

When Chairman Rose awakens Eternatus and brings about the second Darkest Day, Hop remembers the mysterious Pokémon he and the player saw in the Slumbering Weald at the beginning of their adventure. Together, they return to the forest and retrieve the Rusted Sword and Shield—ancient relics tied to the legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta. The two then rush to Hammerlocke Stadium to aid Leon, arriving just in time to help summon the legendary heroes and assist the player in subduing Eternatus. Though it is the player who captures the powerful creature, Hop plays a crucial supporting role during Galar's most critical moment.

After the player is crowned Champion, Hop reflects on how far everyone else has come—and how he still feels left behind. In the post-game storyline, he joins the player in confronting the rogue royals Sordward and Shielbert, who try to exploit Zacian and Zamazenta for their own agenda. Once again, Hop suffers setbacks but continues to push forward. Eventually, in a final moment of growth, he successfully calms and captures one of the legendary Pokémon, Zacian/Zamazenta, signifying that he's finally earned a bond with a legend of his own.

Rather than continuing to pursue the Champion title, Hop realizes that his true path lies in research and mentorship. Inspired by the growth he experienced on his journey and the example set by Sonia, he chooses to become a Pokémon Professor. He accepts Sonia's offer to become her assistant, closing the chapter as a rival and opening a new one as a researcher—one who helps future Trainers grow, just as he did.

League Card entries

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League Cards

Regular League Card

This Pokémon Trainer got endorsed to take part in the Gym Challenge by his brother—the reigning Champion, Leon. Hop claims to have watched all Leon's matches. Commentators speculate that as a result, he might be quite the force to be reckoned with. The Champion himself has said that his brother has potential, but his carefully hoarded knowledge can go to waste as he tends to get easily flustered in battle. It's said that Hop's partner Wooloo is a great help to him both in battle and with chores around the house.

Rare League Card

This Trainer ultimately was defeated in the final match of the Champion Cup Semifinals. However, many Gym Leaders speak highly of his battle style, where he will let his Pokémon battle freely and really enjoy themselves. During the incident with Eternatus, he provided vital assistance in resolving the situation, proving beyond doubt that he is a skilled Trainer in his own right. It is expected that his battles with the new Champion will be the stuff of legend.

Other appearances

Pokémon

First battle

If the player character chooses:

Trainer
No image available
Hop
Poké Balls
Items
WoolooSobble
0831Wooloo Pokémon HOME
Base article
TypeType Normal HOME Normal0816Sobble Pokémon HOME
Base article
TypeType Water HOME Water
GenderMaleGenderMale
Level3Level5
AbilityRun AwayAbilityTorrent
MovesTackleMovesPoundGrowl

Trainer
No image available
Hop
Poké Balls
Items
WoolooGrookey
0831Wooloo Pokémon HOME
Base article
TypeType Normal HOME Normal0810Grookey Pokémon HOME
Base article
TypeType Grass HOME Grass
GenderMaleGenderMale
Level3Level5
AbilityRun AwayAbilityOvergrow
MovesTackleMovesScratchGrowl

Trainer
No image available
Hop
Poké Balls
Items
WoolooScorbunny
0831Wooloo Pokémon HOME
Base article
TypeType Normal HOME Normal0813Scorbunny Pokémon HOME
Base article
TypeType Fire HOME Fire
GenderMaleGenderMale
Level3Level5
AbilityRun AwayAbilityBlaze
MovesTackleMovesTackleGrowl

Second battle

If the player character chooses:

Trainer
No image available
Hop
Poké Balls
Items
WoolooSobble
0831Wooloo Pokémon HOME
Base article
TypeType Normal HOME Normal0816Sobble Pokémon HOME
Base article
TypeType Water HOME Water
GenderMaleGenderMale
Level6Level8
AbilityRun AwayAbilityTorrent
MovesTackleGrowlMovesPoundGrowl
Water Gun
Rookidee
0821Rookidee Pokémon HOME
Base article
TypeType Flying HOME Flying
GenderMale
Level5
AbilityUnnerve
MovesPeckLeer

Trainer
No image available
Hop
Poké Balls
Items
WoolooGrookey
0831Wooloo Pokémon HOME
Base article
TypeType Normal HOME Normal0810Grookey Pokémon HOME
Base article
TypeType Grass HOME Grass
GenderMaleGenderMale
Level6Level8
AbilityRun AwayAbilityOvergrow
MovesTackleGrowlMovesScratchGrowl
Branch Poke
Rookidee
0821Rookidee Pokémon HOME
Base article
TypeType Flying HOME Flying
GenderMale
Level5
AbilityUnnerve
MovesPeckLeer

Trainer
No image available
Hop
Poké Balls
Items
WoolooScorbunny
0831Wooloo Pokémon HOME
Base article
TypeType Normal HOME Normal0813Scorbunny Pokémon HOME
Base article
TypeType Fire HOME Fire
GenderMaleGenderMale
Level6Level8
AbilityRun AwayAbilityBlaze
MovesTackleGrowlMovesTackleGrowl
Ember
Rookidee
0821Rookidee Pokémon HOME
Base article
TypeType Flying HOME Flying
GenderMale
Level5
AbilityUnnerve
MovesPeckLeer

First multi battle

If the player character chooses:

Third battle

If the player character chooses:

Trainer
No image available
Hop
Poké Balls
Items
WoolooSobble
0831Wooloo Pokémon HOME
Base article
TypeType Normal HOME Normal0816Sobble Pokémon HOME
Base article
TypeType Water HOME Water
GenderMaleGenderMale
Level11Level14
AbilityRun AwayAbilityTorrent
MovesTackleGrowlMovesPoundGrowl
Water GunBind
Rookidee
0821Rookidee Pokémon HOME
Base article
TypeType Flying HOME Flying
GenderMale
Level12
AbilityUnnerve
MovesPeckLeer

Trainer
No image available
Hop
Poké Balls
Items
WoolooGrookey
0831Wooloo Pokémon HOME
Base article
TypeType Normal HOME Normal0810Grookey Pokémon HOME
Base article
TypeType Grass HOME Grass
GenderMaleGenderMale
Level11Level14
AbilityRun AwayAbilityOvergrow
MovesTackleGrowlMovesScratchGrowl
Branch PokeTaunt
Rookidee
0821Rookidee Pokémon HOME
Base article
TypeType Flying HOME Flying
GenderMale
Level12
AbilityUnnerve
MovesPeckLeer

Trainer
No image available
Hop
Poké Balls
Items
WoolooScorbunny
0831Wooloo Pokémon HOME
Base article
TypeType Normal HOME Normal0813Scorbunny Pokémon HOME
Base article
TypeType Fire HOME Fire
GenderMaleGenderMale
Level11Level14
AbilityRun AwayAbilityBlaze
MovesTackleGrowlMovesEmberTackle
GrowlQuick Attack
Rookidee
0821Rookidee Pokémon HOME
Base article
TypeType Flying HOME Flying
GenderMale
Level12
AbilityUnnerve
MovesPeckLeer

Fourth battle

If the player character chooses:

Second multi battle

Trainer
No image available
Hop
Poké Balls
Items
WoolooCorvisquire
0831Wooloo Pokémon HOME
Base article
TypeType Normal HOME Normal0822Corvisquire Pokémon HOME
Base article
TypeType Flying HOME Flying
GenderMaleGenderMale
Level22Level21
AbilityRun AwayAbilityUnnerve
MovesDouble KickMovesPluck


Fifth battle

If the player character chooses:

Sixth battle

If the player character chooses:

Seventh battle

If the player character chooses:

Champion Cup

If the player character chooses:

Eighth battle

If the player character chooses:

Ninth battle

Sword

If the player character chooses:

Shield

If the player character chooses:

Galarian Star Tournament

As the opponent, Hop can team up with Leon, Marnie, Bede or Opal.

Sword

If the player chose:

Shield

If the player chose:

Trivia

Gallery