There were many large changes made to the series when Pokémon Sword and Shield was released. One of the biggest came in the form of narrative. The journey the player goes on through the Galar region is rich with story and builds character relationships in a way that hasn't been seen in other games. One of the most notable cases for these changes comes with Leon, Champion of Galar. His involvement with the player's character from the start of the game and his influence on the story make him the best Champion to date in the Pokémon game series.
Pokémon Champions in games prior to Sword and Shield had very minimal interaction with players. While characters like Blue and Steven both have parts to play in story lines and are very popular with fans, they are minimally involved in the story and tend to make appearances closer to the end of the game. Leon is the first Pokémon Champion of any game to have major investment in the player from start to finish. With every interaction the player has with Leon, their relationship grows deeper. The fact that Leon's little brother Hop is determined to overthrow him as Champion, and that he is also the main character's best friend, helps players become invested in Leon's involvement in the story as well. This makes beating him at the end of Pokémon: Sword and Shield a true triumph, as players have seen just what an extraordinary Trainer Leon is, as well as having a personal connection with his character.
By having Leon more prevalent in Pokémon: Sword and Shield's story as Champion, instead of as an unseen idol to beat at the end of the game, it could be a sign of more involvement in future games from Champion characters narratively. Having the Pokémon Champion shown upholding duties and involving themselves in the workings of the region they have climbed to the top of changes how Champions are portrayed in the story and what their duties might be. Players also see past Champions of Galar in Pokémon: Sword and Shield's DLC content like Peony. This content fleshes out what it means to hold the title of Champion and the responsibilities expected of such a powerful position. They aren't just powerful Trainers, they are protectors, and Leon is seen upholding that duty throughout Sword and Shield.
Sword & Shield's Leon Is The Most Fleshed-Out Pokémon Champion
Another unique situation that players see with Leon as Champion is what happens after he is beaten. In Pokémon: Sword and Shield's Crown Tundra DLC, players gain access to the Star Tournament. Besides the addition of Dynamax Adventures, The Star Tournament is one of the biggest expansions of post-game content, and with it players learn that after being beaten by the main character, Leon has gone on to become Chairman after Rose. He has established the Star Tournament for even the best Trainers to have a chance to continue growing. This finally explains what could happen to Champions that have been unseated, and gives players closure to this powerful mentor they have built a relationship with.
Leon's role in the Pokémon series marks a new advance in character driven narrative. By fleshing out Leon out as a person, and giving him growth, it shows that Champions are much more than just milestone to get to the end of the game. The act of beating them after the long journey together becomes much more rewarding. Leon had opened the doors to a new style of character driven story-telling in Pokémon Sword and Shield, making him the best Champion to date. His relationship with players has elevated the journey to beat the best trainer in the region to a new level, and added depth that no other Pokémon game has accomplished, giving players a whole new emotional journey when they try to become the very best.
Pokémon Sword & Shield is available for the Nintendo Switch.