[Discussion] Rival or No Rival?

I have a bit of a problem.....As of now I am planning my first pokemon game, Pokemon Digital (check out the game idea thread in the game development category) and the main villain is Team Rainbow Rocket. All of the villains who appeared in the Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon Team Rainbow Rocket Chapter will appear in this game. Now, let's get to the problem. I want to have (at least) 6 encounters (for every villain to get their own encounter at least once) , but with the rival battles, it would be like every city you would be battling either your rival or Team Rainbow Rocket and I think that's too repetitive. Should I have a rival or not? 🤔

I think you make a good point. Maybe the RR bosses count as the "rivals" for your game, and you don't need any extra characters.

I think I agree, I don't want the player to go into a city only to be blocked by a story event or a rival battle everytime. Also, thanks.