For more than 25 years , developer Game Freak has retrieve a direction to reinventthe Pokémon franchisefor each new propagation of gamers . Both brand - unexampled Pokémon trainers and seasoned Pokémon masters are enamor by these precious ( and sometimes scary ) little monsters . perchance it ’s the effort to catch ’em all that keeps participant coming back . Or perhaps it ’s how endearing these little pocket monsters can be . Whatever the ground , actor continue to refund to or begin exploring the Pokémon enfranchisement .
Between new main series title that convey new region and Pokémon into the mix — likePokemon caption : Arceus , Pokémon ScarletandViolet , remakes , and spinoffs — there ’s a massive program library ofPokémon games to choose from . Everyone has their favorites , but some are arguably better than others ( just like Nintendo ’s long - runningMetroidandLegend of Zeldaseries ) . We fraction every Pokémon game into a duo of categories and ranked them accordingly .
Where do you think the next main series biz will range when it discharge ? And where willPokémon Sleeprank among spin - offs ?
All main series titles ranked
1. Pokémon Gold/Silver/Crystal (generation 2)
dispatcher Pokémon : Chikorita , Cyndaquil , Totodile
Pokémon GoldandSilveradded 100 Pokémon to the original 151 , including arguably the best trine of starters Pokémon has seen . Beyond summate to the Pokédex , generation two made great footstep in multiple areas over the original . For starting motor , you now had to think about the time of day when trying to catch new Pokémon , as the Clarence Day / dark cycle vigorously added a bed of depth to your time spent in the tenacious grass .
GoldandSilveradded the Kanto region to the single-valued function , connecting Johto with the landmass that bulge out the phenomenon . With 16 gymnasium leader to well , GoldandSilverremain the mysterious , prolonged Pokémon games ever created .
summate to the systems seen inPokémon Yellow , generation two leaned into double types , allowing you to make a more wide-ranging and strategically various team to bring into battle . The Johto region happens to be our favorite to explore as well and has the best fabled birds ( Lugia and Ho - Oh ) . This episode also add the three fabled dog Pokémon — Raikou , Suicune , and Entei — which could be constitute roaming throughout Johto after an initial motionless encounter .
We ’d be remiss not to mentionHeartGold and SoulSilver , the enhanced DS remake ofGoldandSilver , but we ’ll get to that in our remaking - specific section below .
2. Pokémon Red/Blue/Yellow (gen 1)
fledgling Pokémon ( Blue / Red):Charmander , Squirtle , Bulbasaur
Starter Pokémon ( Yellow):Pikachu
Partly due to nostalgia , part due to how these games still finger corking today , generation one ’s triplet of excellent Pokémon games take our second pip . To this day , generation one has the good collection of Pokémon . We ’ll never forget the original 151 or Ash ’s first adventure . From the opening here and now in Pallet Town to choose your first fledgling , racking up gymnasium badge , fight down off Team Rocket , and defeating the Elite Four , Pokémon RedandBluejust feel correct .
Sure , some of the abstruse car-mechanic the series is have it away for now are n’t present in the original games , but there ’s something about their streamlined identity element that still brings a smile to our faces . Pokémon Yellowbrought the series to full color , and having Pikachu by our side made us truly palpate like we were Ash on a journey to beguile ’em all . Generation one will always hold a special place in our hearts . It ’s magical .
3. Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald (gen 3)
Starter Pokémon : Treecko , Torchic , Mudkip
Generation three is when Pokémon games really started to lean into nature , EV systems , and IV systems , emphasizing not only the specie but the specific phallus of that species in your company . The power of thebest Game Boy Advance gamesmade each good example of the now 386 Pokémon more vivacious .
While we consider the 135 new Pokémon as a group did n’t liken to the 100 contribute in gen two , RubyandSapphirehad one of the neater region . The Hoenn island region felt large than previous regions and was generally a more interesting area to research . A dyad of prima gen three remake , Omega RubyandAlpha Sapphire , are useable on Nintendo 3DS .
4. Pokemon Legends: Arceus
Starter Pokémon : Rowlet , Cyndaquil , Oshawott
There is some motion as to whetherPokemon Legends : Arceusis technically a mainline title . Regardless of how you sense , there is no doubt that this is an ambitious and overbold take on the series . We praisedPokémon fable : Arceusinour reviewfor the way it , “ … cause bold change to the assay - and - true formula , successfully kicking off Pokémon ’s long - necessitate reinvention . ” Capturing and battling Pokémon meet aBreath of the Wild - same open existence in a plot that may regulate the future of the serial for years to come . It ’s help back a morsel by the Nintendo Switch ’s technical limitations , but the Pokédex organization and prominent battling make this a can’t - miss Pokémon entry .
5. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (gen 9)
Starter Pokémon : Sprigatito , Fuecoco , Quaxly
If it were n’t for its heap of glitch and graphic glitches , Pokémon ScarletandVioletcould very well have made it into the top three here . From a pure gameplay perspective , it ’s one of the most enjoyable Pokémon games resign in the past decade . That ’s thanks to its truly fresh open - world approach , which gives players way more freedom than they ’re used to having in the series . Inour review , we prognosticate it a “ real gradation forward for a series that ’s been locked in a hold pattern for well over a decade . ”
Though of course , its issues are concentrated to ignore . ScarletandVioletare some of the around the bend first - party Nintendo games ever released , which has raise some fair interrogation about the unsustainable pace developer Game Freak works . While those tech way out are certainly distracting , they do n’t take aside from a refreshing pleasure trip through the Paldea region , a post take with perhaps the series’finest aggregation of monsters .
6. Pokémon Sword and Shield (gen 8)
Starter Pokémon : Grookey , Scorbunny , Sobble
The tardy Pokémon game are the first mainline titles released as aNintendo Switch secret plan , and Game Freak has ultimately agnise our longtime dream of having a in full 3DPokémon adventure on a home cabinet . In the British - theme Galar region , you could venture into the unexampled Wild area and capture demon , or follow the primed pathways from Ithiel Town to Ithiel Town that have been in the series since the very beginning . Either way , Pokémon are now just out and about or else of being hidden in randomise encounters , so frustration is greatly slim .
With 400 Pokémon to view and the addition of the Dynamax system to power up your monster , Pokémon SwordandShieldcan keep you busy for hours . However , the removal of longtime monsters from the game , including Psyduck and Squirtle , does mean you ca n’t enamour ‘ emallthis clip . Fortunately , with the arrival of the game’sIsle of ArmorDLCandCrown TundraDLC , you ’ll have a chance to see new environments in the Galar region , catch new Pokémon , and engagement unexampled foes .
7. Pokémon Ultra Sun/Moon (gen 7)
Starter Pokémon : Rowlet , Litten , Popplio
Sun and Moonand the enhancedUltra SunandUltra Moonswitched up the standard Pokémon procession a bit . Set across the islands of Alola , SunandMoonintroduced players to Team Skull and the Aether Foundation , a group dedicated to protect Pokémon . Rather than progressing through various towns ’ gymnasium , you had to complete island trials , which typically include a diminished dungeon and a battle with a powerful Pokémon . Afterward , you ’d be able-bodied to battle the island ’s Kahuna .
The 80 new Pokémon were some of the most interesting to be added since the early game , and the Alolan version of original Pokémon felt inspired . Z - Moves , Ultra wildcat , and an blow up take on Mega Evolutions added welcome machinist into the folding . There was even aPokémon Snap - style mini - game , make water this one of thebest 3DS gamesyou can buy .
8. Pokémon X/Y (gen 6)
freshman Pokémon : Chespin , Fennekin , Froakie
Pokémon XandYmarked the series ’ first truly 3D experience . The camera linear perspective switched from top - down to a closer , behind - the - body angle , which gave the earth of Pokémon a sense of scope it had n’t seen before . The France - inspired Kalos neighborhood had dash and fashion and featured one of the largest mega - metropolis we ’d find out thus far .
ThoughXandYonly introduce 72 new Pokémon , it did mark the beginning of Mega Evolutions . The plot line fairly disappoints , but the higher faithfulness presentation provided by the Nintendo 3DS hardware made Pokémon models truly come out during struggle sequence , permit for crisper fight animation .
9. Pokémon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum (gen 4)
Starter Pokémon : Turtwig , Chimchar , Piplup
Pokémon Diamond , Pearl , andPlatinumserved an of import role in the evolution of Pokémon . They looked markedly well than gen three Pokémon , thanks to the Nintendo DS , but they chiefly showed where the franchise would finally go . genesis four bring a very crucial characteristic : on-line trading and battling . This made filling out the Pokédex , which then draw near 500 with the assistance of the unexampled 107 pocket fiend , more of a global effort .
You did n’t have to get laid people with copy of the game to trade in . Instead , you could just hop online and make a deal for what you needed . Online battling have you really see who was the best trainer for the first fourth dimension in serial history . Generation four is majuscule because of its technological design , but it ’s one of the more forgettable Pokémon time period overall .
10. Pokémon White/Black and White/Black 2 (gen 5)
Starter Pokémon : Snivy , Tepig , Oshawott
propagation five was an oddity . It was the first in the serial publication to get a unmediated continuation , withBlack 2andWhite 2releasing a yr after the pilot . The subsequence did retread familiar territory , but distinguish a new tale and featured some new areas and Modern Pokémon . multiplication five also holds the phonograph record for the most Pokémon , with 156 new Pokémon to bewitch .
Even more so thanDiamondandPearl , though , gen five , especially the sequel , feel like a stopgap for the series ’ next evolution . While we regard generation five as the “ worst , ” we still call back it ’s passably darn good . It did n’t usher in much newfangled at all , but the true continuation conception was intriguing nonetheless .
All remakes ranked
When you have a come through rule , it ’s hard to want to change it . The Pokémon games have found their niche audience and have make do to keep this audience entertained regardless of nontextual matter . However , the Pokémon franchise has managed to labour out a few remake that are worth your metre . Although these games are almost monovular to the games listed above , they do have some improvements to each plot that make them deserving checking out and were commonly compatible with the late instalment in the main series , allow for some interesting cross - generation trading and battling .
1. Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver (gen 4)
Starter : Chikorita , Cyndaquil , Totodile
If you have n’t hazard yet , Pokémon HeartGoldandSoulSilverare enhanced version of their predecessors , Pokémon GoldandSilver . This game was liberate to remember the tenth day of remembrance ofGoldandSilver , which were in the beginning released in 1999 . The Divine worked to assure that the game felt like a new game while also ensuring that it respected the tactile sensation of those who loved the originals .
The games hold a few new feature that originally onlyPokémon Crystalhad . It ’s also the first Pokémon biz that allowed the player ’s party to follow them into the out world . It was similar to how Pikachu would follow you around inPokémon Yellow . There were also a smattering of minigames that were added . player could use the Nintendo DS touchscreen to compete in the Pokéathlon . to boot , the GB Sounds was a new item and would vary the background knowledge euphony to the original 8 - bit music fromPokémon GoldandSilver .
2. Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen (gen 3 remake)
Starters : Charmander , Squirtle , Bulbasaur
The first remake for Game Freak , FireRedandLeafGreenare the 2004 enhanced remaking of the originalRedandBlue . Although they were made based on Red and Blue , they ’re in reality part of the third propagation of Pokémon plot . The game take us back to the Kanto region , giving us retentivity of some of the Pokémon we ’ve seen before .
However , at the end of the plot , we ’re welcome to the Sevii Islands , which is a wholly new arena that was n’t uncommitted in eitherRedorBlue . This island stands out because it carry Pokémon that were commonly undivided to the Johto region and has a few post - game missions that can be fun . What ’s more , once the missions on the Sevii Islands are make out , players were able to trade Pokémon with histrion who hadRubyorSapphire , making it potential to have Hoenn - exclusive Pokémon as well .
3. Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (gen 6)
Starters : Treecko , Torchic , Mudkip
Those of us who preferredPokémon RubyandSapphirewere invite back to the game withOmega RubyandAlpha Sapphire . The plot is part of the 6th generation of Pokémon game and was play on the Nintendo 3DS . Although the game is a remake , Game Freak work to ensure that it had some of the changes from later generations .
We saw Pokémon with split types from the 4th generation and had inexhaustible TM usage and treble battles from the fifth generation . They also added feature fromPokémon XandY , such as Super Training and Mega Evolution . One of the new mechanics that stand out was the power to use Latios or Latias to fly around Hoenn . This is because when using these Pokémon to fly , we could run into “ mirage fleck , ” which had Pokémon that were n’t otherwise useable in the Hoenn realm . This let in legion fabled Pokémon from previous generations .
4. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
starter : Turtwig , Chimchar , Piplup
The 2021 release ofPokémon Brilliant DiamondandPokémon Shining Pearlfinally brought gamers a pair of long - requested remake . The two classic Nintendo 3DS titles came to the Nintendo Switch with updated gameplay , enhanced visuals , and expand end game .
We praised the biz inour reviewfor faithfully translating Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl in a mode that felt authentic to the originals . That can be a bit of a doubly - edge sword , as the one-dimensional path and want of challenging gameplay will be appeal for new gamers , but may twist off series veterans . The Underground has been spread out into the raw Grand Underground . This end - secret plan area now bear a straggle dungeon , where you could battle and catch Pokémon of various type . It ’s great for gather XP or make full out your Pokédex .
5. Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (gen 7)
Starters : Rowlet , Litten , Popplio
As part of the seventh generation of Pokemon plot , Pokemon Ultra SunandUltra Moonenhance the versions of the originalSunandMoonin a way that makes them pleasurable . Critics and players were a number shared on how this secret plan felt . On one manus , the extra lineament were amazing . On the other hand , it did n’t drift too far from the original story , which made it feel like the same plot over again .
nevertheless , we encounter some great new features added to the plot . thing like Ultra Beasts , raw mannequin of legendary Pokémon Necrozma , and a novel Lycanroc form . We could also move around around the Alola part to call for Totem Stickers , which would then give us a chance to get a Totem - sized edition of a Pokémon . We also had a few new body process : Mantine Surf let us surf across the region ’s seas , the Alola Photo Club get us to take pictures with our Pokémon , and Ultra Warp Ride let us move around through Ultra Wormholes and encounter Ultra Beasts in their own creation . Of naturally , there were also the newfangled Z - Moves for a fistful of Pokémon and the upgrade to the Rotom Pokedex , which add Roto - Loto .
All spin-off games ranked
Outside of the mainline game , there are dozens upon dozens of Pokémon experiences . Some of them diverge more or less from the core formula , and others are completely different . Make no error about it , the Pokémon franchise has produce a lot of dud that feel like cash grabs . ( Pokémon Mystery Dungeonseries , anyone ? ) But some Pokémon whirl - offs work quite well . Here are our favorites .
1. New Pokémon Snap
New Pokémon Snapis the latest discharge in the Pokémon franchise and one of the serial ’ best . Part amusement park ride , part mystifier game , New Pokémon Snaptasks you with take in pictures of Pokémon as you are carted around on a ego - driving car . You bring in points and stars based on the quality of the painting as you venture across several maps . Getting the thoroughgoing gibe often comes down to careful timing and learning what lures or actions on your part will get the right reaction from the Pokémon . There are hidden pathways to find , and the wild Pokémon become increasingly comfortable with you on repeat visit , leading to even more opportunity to snatch up an interesting picture . Seeing these adorable creature in their natural habitat is relaxing and charming , andNew Pokémon Snapis the perfect game to make relaxed with .
2. Pokémon Stadium
Pokémon Stadiumbrought our ally to 3D long before the mainline serial when it launched on Nintendo 64 . The game used the received crook - base battling system , rendering all of your ducky from the original 151 in the aura they deserved .
Working our way through the bowl cups and playing multiplayer against supporter was a blast . The best part aboutStadium , though , was the Transfer Pak . The N64 comptroller attachment get you stick in your copy ofPokémon Red , Blue , orYellowto apply your personal collection in the secret plan ’s exciting 3v3 battles .
3. Pokémon Conquest
Pokémon Conquestfor Nintendo DS spin the Pokémon formula into a fantastic manoeuvre experience . Set in the new Ransei region , it told a entirely original level filled with warlord and engage factions . While the turn - base tactics gameplay was n’t as deep or challenging as games such asFire EmblemandFinal Fantasy Tactics , it was a stark founding to the musical style and contained all of Pokémon ’s patented charm .
4. Pokémon TCG Online
Pokémon began its life story as a series of TV game , but the trading card game has taken on a living of its own . release in the West by none other than Wizards of the Coast — the same company behind what might be the most popular trading batting order game in the humanity , Magic : the Gathering — Pokémon ’s forcible twirl - off is simple-minded to read but rife with depth . Pokémon TCG Onlineis a free , online interpretation of the tabletop secret plan , fit with the in style expansions and a aerodynamic interface . Even better , each pack of forcible lineup come with a repurchase code , let you to double down digitally .
5. Pokémon Snap
An on - runway shooter about taking candid guess of Pokémon in their born drug abuse for Professor Oak ? Sign us up . The originalPokémon Snapas aNintendo 64 gamefocused more on the beauty of these wizardly creatures rather than their deft fighting skills . We know every second of it , especially when we captured an perfectly perfect photograph of a attack - breathing Charizard .
6. Pokémon Go
Pokémon Gois the most successful Pokémon game of all fourth dimension in terms of player count . The mobile sensation lets you be a existent - liveliness Pokémon trainer anywhere in the worldly concern . Using AR technology , Pokémon pop up whether you ’re walk down the sidewalk or hang out in your own backyard .
7. Pokémon Unite
Pokémon meetsLeague of LegendsinPokémon Unite , the first - ever Pokémon MOBA . Customizable trainers battle five versus five , using some of the most popular Pokémon from the series . It has classic attack moves , phylogenesis , and adorable outfits for Pokémon to hold out . What ’s not to eff ?
8. Pokémon: Let’s Go
Pokémon : permit ’s Gofor Nintendo Switch is unbelievably close to being conceive a mainline Pokémon secret plan . After all , it ’s a largely close remaking ofPokémon Yellowrendered in beautiful 3D visuals , complete with battling , the gymnasium badge progression , and the Elite Four . WhereLet ’s Godiffers is the act of catching Pokémon .
UsingPokémon Goas an influence , a simplistic taking into custody mini - game commences when running into a wild Pokémon . Let ’s Goalso depicts wild Pokémon roaming the overworld , so you always know what you ’re getting into beforehand . Pokémon : Let ’s Gois a wonderful melding of two types of Pokémon secret plan .
9. Pokémon Puzzle League
PokémonPuzzle Leagueis essentially justTetris Attackwith a different coat of paint , but it is still one of the more entertaining Pokémon game outside of the main serial . The game is mere : the player ’s table is on one side of the screen with the opponent ’s on the other .
Both control board will fill up with tile and players must rearrange the tile to create billet of three or more in a course . Doing so will remove the tile from your board and send pulley-block to your opposer ’s board , which they ’ll have to crystallise out . The biz is straightforward but thought-provoking and is particularly fun to make for against another person . The comportment of various character reference from Pokémon also gives it a warm feeling of nostalgia .
10. Pokémon Pinball
PokémonPinballfor the Game Boy Color is surprisingly addictive for a biz with only two tables . Hitting certain objects on the tabular array will get Pokémon to appear , and players can then catch them by hit them with the ball multiple times before the sentence limit runs out .
Though it is a canonical plot , there are some interesting aspects to it . It has a misshapen game magazine that contains a battery - power “ rumble ” feature to add some haptic feedback . This was a unique novelty for the Game Boy when this game was released .
11. Pokémon Café Mix
Pokémon Café Mixis a free - to - sport plot that necessitate you to complete puzzles . The plot star you and an Eevee , who are owners of a café where Pokémon come and ordinate Pokémon - themed solid food and drink . To fulfill each order , you have to fill out a puzzle to educate the gibe item . You ’ll demand to authorise Pokémon picture on - screen by linking them together in a ring . When you finish a grade , you ’re able to advance your café with customized floors and designs that force in different Pokémon . After a while , these Pokémon will also become part of your faculty .
This secret plan is similar to a lot of mobile games on the market . First - time player who render it out will get the hang of it fairly quickly . It ’s a fun and cure game for player on the go to try out . you could toy the plot on both the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices , but the game is only supported in the Switch ’s hand - hold up musical mode . Pokemon Cafe Mixisn’t an groundbreaking game that will garner especial prize , but it ’s a fun game for Pokémon fan to play .
12. Pokken Tournament DX
Pokken Tournament DXis aTekken - inspired fighting game that put you in direct control of your chosen Pokémon , battling your way to the top . This deluxe interlingual rendition is an lucubrate and upgraded embrasure of the 2016 Wii U loss , bring with it expanded rosters and gameplay modes to the Nintendo Switch .
The action shifts between three-D and 2D , and successfully immix Pokémon powers with traditional melee combat . The resultant is a biz that is welcoming to Pokémon fans but deep enough to satisfy press plot aficionado . Pokken Tournamentfeatures a single - participant campaign but really radiate in its online competitive multiplayer mode .
13. Detective Pikachu
Detective Pikachuis the first of its form within the Pokémon enfranchisement . It ’s an adventure plot that assume you through a hefty narrative . You fiddle as Tim Goodman , who stumbles upon a Pikachu that he can oddly understand . We do to encounter out that this particular Pikachu is actually the Pokémon of Tim ’s father , Harry Goodman . We also come to memorize that Harry has vanish . Now it ’s up to you and your unexampled Pikachu to find Harry and unravel the secrets of the Pokémon Comprehensive Laboratory .
