Friede - The High-Flying Professor of Pokémon Horizons | PokeInsight

Friede is one of the breakout stars of Pokémon Horizons: The Series. Unlike past Pokémon Professors who spend most of their time in labs, Friede is an adventurer at heart — flying across regions aboard an airship with his trusted partner, Captain Pikachu. As the leader of the Rising Volt Tacklers, Friede guides Liko and Roy through their new journey while uncovering mysteries across the Pokémon world.

Below is a complete overview of Friede, written in a casual blog style and fully SEO-optimized for fans searching for “Friede Pokémon Horizons,” “Captain Pikachu,” and “Rising Volt Tacklers.”

Who Is Friede in Pokémon Horizons?

Friede is a Pokémon Professor introduced in Pokémon Horizons. He leads a skyfaring exploration team called the Rising Volt Tacklers, operating from their airship, the Brave Olivine. Unlike traditional professors, Friede left his lab job because he preferred real adventure over indoor research. He travels the world investigating Pokémon phenomena and protecting young Trainers who join his crew.

Friede plays a central role in mentoring the series’ protagonists, Liko and Roy. He was asked by Liko’s mother to watch over her during her travels, which becomes the foundation for the Rising Volt Tacklers' early missions.

Friede first appears soaring in on his Charizard to rescue Liko, immediately establishing him as a bold, hands-on leader rather than a distant researcher.

Friede and Captain Pikachu: An Unbreakable Duo

Friede is rarely seen without Captain Pikachu, his trusted partner Pokémon. Captain Pikachu wears a small captain’s hat and often sits in the airship’s command seat, acting as Friede’s loyal co-pilot. This Pikachu never stays in a Poké Ball and is considered the crew’s second-in-command.

How They Met

Friede met Pikachu in the Paldea region, where Pikachu dreamed of flying. Pikachu attempted to launch himself into the air using Volt Tackle, and Friede became fascinated. He helped Pikachu pursue that dream — and the moment Pikachu finally succeeded, their partnership was sealed. This story directly inspired Friede to create the Rising Volt Tacklers, converting an old fishing boat into their iconic airship.

Captain Pikachu’s move Volt Tackle even inspired the name Rising Volt Tacklers.

The Rising Volt Tacklers Crew

Friede’s team is a group of explorers who each bring unique skills to the airship:

Orla – mechanic and childhood friend of Friede
Ludlow – veteran sailor and mentor figure
Murdock – chef (and donut expert)
Mollie – medic and caretaker
Dot – tech genius and masked streamer
Liko & Roy – rookie Trainers mentored by Friede

Friede is the glue that holds this diverse crew together. He protects them fiercely and helps them grow — whether that’s through training sessions, life lessons, or jumping into danger on their behalf.

Friede’s Personality and Traits

Friede is charismatic, clever, and laid-back, but also deeply loyal and protective. Key traits include:

Adventurous: prefers the skies over the lab
Easygoing: doesn’t like being called “Professor”
Mentor-like: trains Liko and Roy personally
Heroic: jumps into battle without hesitation
Playful: sneaks donuts with Captain Pikachu during downtime

He’s also a highly capable battler, using modern techniques like Terastallization with his Charizard. His signature phrase during Terastallization is:

“Time to go above and beyond!”

Friede’s iconic look includes:

A brown aviator jacket with yellow fur
Blue goggles worn on his forehead
White and black spiky hair
A confident grin that matches his personality

Notable Friede Moments in Pokémon Horizons

1. Charizard Rescue (Episode 1–2)

Friede makes a dramatic debut when he swoops in to protect Liko and battles Amethio with Charizard and Captain Pikachu.

2. Captain Pikachu’s Origin Story (Episode 14)

Reveals how Friede helped Pikachu achieve his dream of flying — forming their inseparable bond.

3. Training Liko and Roy (Episode 17)

Friede challenges Liko and Roy to land a single hit on Captain Pikachu, teaching them strategy and perseverance.

4. Terastal Charizard (Episode 25)

Friede performs his first in-anime Terastallization with Charizard, dramatically shifting the battle.

5. Galarian Moltres Battle (Episodes 36–37)

Friede and Captain Pikachu help subdue a raging Galarian Moltres, one of the most intense fights so far.

6. The Crew Disbands — and Reunites (Episodes 54–55)

After Friede goes missing, the Rising Volt Tacklers temporarily break apart — only to reform once he returns.

Voice Actors

Friede’s energetic personality is brought to life by two talented voice actors:

Japanese VA: Taku Yashiro
English VA: Crispin Freeman

Their performances give Friede a perfect mix of humor, confidence, and warmth.

Fun Facts About Friede

His name means “peace” in German.
He was designed by Tomomi Kaneko.
He is the first Pokémon Professor to actively fight alongside the main cast.
Captain Pikachu is always outside his Poké Ball.
The airship was built from an old boat owned by Ludlow.
Volt Tackle inspired the crew’s team name.

Final Thoughts

Friede brings a fresh energy to the Pokémon anime as a professor who isn’t afraid to leap into action. His leadership, charisma, and bond with Captain Pikachu make him one of the most memorable new characters in years. As Pokémon Horizons continues, fans can expect even more bold battles, emotional moments, and sky-high adventures from Friede and the Rising Volt Tacklers.

Friede - The High-Flying Professor of Pokémon Horizons