Pokémon games have always had a strange way of balancing heartwarming nostalgia with moments that make you question reality. Behind the catchy music, colorful sprites, and adorable creatures lies a deep legacy of moments that don't just confuse, they downright troll you.
In gaming, “trolling” usually refers to someone intentionally doing something to annoy or mislead you for their own amusement. In the world of Pokémon, however, the game itself becomes the troll, pulling fast ones on players just for laughs.
And oh boy, Game Freak has been laughing for decades.
1. Generation 1's Million-Pokédollar Bicycle
Let’s go back to where it all began, Generation 1. You’ve been walking at the pace of a lazy Slugma, battling Rattatas and Zubats in painfully slow motion. Then you hear about a Bicycle. Finally, a solution to your pacing problem!
You race to the store with a decent wallet, only to discover the price tag: 1 million Pokédollars. That’s right. One. Million. And guess what? The game caps your cash at 999,999. It’s literally impossible. It’s a cruel joke.
But don’t give up just yet. Eventually, you get a Bike Voucher from a generous NPC, and the absurd troll turns into a sweet redemption arc. Still, savage.
2. Unfinished Battle Frontier in Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire
Fast forward to Generation 3’s remakes, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. You're exploring, battling, and reliving childhood memories when you spot a familiar structure near the Battle Resort: the Battle Frontier.
Longtime fans remember this legendary facility from Pokémon Emerald as the ultimate test of skill. There's even a sign that indicates the project has started. It looks like it’s under construction. But surprise! It never opens. No DLC. No unlockable post-game feature.
Just a troll ghost of greatness, a tease that never pays off. It’s a masterclass in bait-and-switch trolling.
3. Lance's Illegal Dragonites in Generation 2 Games
Now let’s talk about Lance in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, as well as the DS remakes. This man is supposed to be the honorable Dragon-type master and Pokémon League Champion.
But when you face him, he whips out not one, not two, but three Dragonites all below level 55, which is the level Dragonair actually evolves. That’s right, this troll of a champion is out here with illegal Dragonites at level 47 and 50.
No explanation. Just straight-up Pokémon war crimes. The rules apply to everyone…except Lance, apparently.
4. Alolan Marowak's Signature Move That It Actually Misses
Then we have the weird evolution issue with Alolan Marowak in Pokémon Sun and Moon. It learns its signature move, Shadow Bone, at level 27. But Cubone evolves into Alolan Marowak at level 28.
So unless you jump through hoops and find a Move Reminder, you literally miss out on the coolest part of using the Pokémon. It's like getting a new car, but the keys were sold separately.
5. Mindy's Troll Haunter Trade
Of course, the queen of all troll moments belongs to Trainer Mindy from Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, and BDSP. She offers to trade you a Haunter, a Pokémon that only evolves into Gengar when traded. You get excited. You accept. Then you check and see it’s holding…an Everstone.
That item prevents evolution. That’s right. She intentionally blocks the evolution. This is the trollest of all Pokémon trolls. Thankfully, Game Freak repented. In Scarlet and Violet, you can finally trade for a Haunter that doesn’t come with an Everstone. Progress.
Pokémon may be full of epic battles and feel-good nostalgia, but it’s also a playground for some of the most low-key savage troll moments in gaming history.
Whether it's unfair prices, fake promises, cheating champions, or evolution sabotage, one thing’s for sure: Pokémon will always keep you on your toes. And sometimes, laughing through the trolling is half the fun.