Over the past two decades, many trainers have tried to rank each generation against the others, to determine the best Pokémon games. And often, they’ve based their assessments on completely different factors. Some focus on the starter Pokémon and others the stories the games tell. Some even base their favorites on the regions they get to explore. But at the end of the day, very few of these rankings actually agree with each other.
In essence, this all points to one fact — very few people are ever going to see eye-to-eye on the best Pokémon games. But that doesn’t mean it’s a topic unworthy of discussion. It’s just one that has to be taken with a grain of salt. Because for the most part, the reasons people like particular generations are entirely subjective. So, with that caveat in mind, let’s discuss the best Pokémon games.
Trying to Stay Objective About the Best Pokémon Games
But first, let’s get one thing out of the way — this list is not simply a personal opinion. In fact, if it were, some of the games would rank far higher and others lower. However, I didn’t want to simply throw out another purely opinion-based ranking system for the Pokémon generations. I wanted to take a look at different factors of each game to try and provide a more objective ranking system. And in doing so, I had to grapple with the fact that my personal favorites didn’t necessarily make it to the top spots. But that’s all right, because none of the games on this list are bad. Quite the opposite, actually. Every one of these is worth playing multiple times. But some might be more worth a replay than others. Here’s how we went about deciding the scores.
1. Starter Pokémon
Obviously, one of the factors fans get most excited for whenever a new generation is announced is the lineup of starter Pokémon. After all, these are the core partners that stay with you throughout your journey. And while design and personal favorites played a small role in the way we ranked this aspect, we also included power stats and type advantages/disadvantages.
2. Primary Legendary Duos
Right after starter lineups, one of the main things fan want to know more about are the representative legendary Pokémon for the new generations. Ever since Gold and Silver, each generation has included at least two game versions, represented by a different legendary Pokémon. And just as with starters, we ranked this factor by overall design, stats and type.
3. Region
Each generation of games introduces a new region to explore, but not all are created equal. Showing a bit of personal bias, Kanto probably isn’t as fun to explore as Galar. But that isn’t the only way to rank a region. We’ve also taken into account the new Pokémon introduced for each realm, including regional variants of existing favorites. Another aspect we’ve looked at is the number and quality of the towns, cities and landmarks in each game.
4. Storyline and Content
The first few Pokémon games started out relatively lax on an in-depth storyline. The primary basis was setting out on an adventure, catching Pokémon, and becoming the best trainer in the region. However, as the games progressed, they began to introduce more narrative aspects, which have been taken into account for our rankings. Both plot and available content have been accounted for here.
5. Critical Reception
Finally, we’ve also taken into account what others have said about each generation of Pokémon games. This includes the aggregate scores for each game from critical outlets and players alike. Because there is often discrepancy between what critics and general players think about a title, we’ve scored these separately.
Counting Down the Best Pokémon Games
8. Pokémon X and Y (Gen 6)
Pokémon X and Y were the first titles released on the Nintendo 3DS system, bringing a breath of fresh air to the franchise. They introduced players to the Kalos region, which is modeled on the cities and countryside of France. Some of the most notable aspects of these games are the 3D graphics and the improved movement system, which allowed players to freely explore the world. Every preceding title operated on the up-down, left-right grid. So, the enhanced traveling aspect greatly differentiated this title from its predecessors.
However, what it boasted in control innovations were tempered by a lackluster story and mid-tier starter Pokémon. And even though the reception for the game was fairly good, the underwhelming region left more to be expected. As such, this generation stands last in our ranking of best Pokémon games.
7. Pokémon Sword and Shield (Gen 8)
The newest generation introduced in the Pokémon Franchise, Sword and Shield represent a major shift from the other titles in several notable ways. The Galar region is arguably the most praiseworthy aspect of these games. And in terms of exploration, these titles blow all others out of the water. The introduction of the Wild Area, which is a free-roam range, allowed players the first glimpse into what an open-world Pokémon game might look like. And rather than running blindly into battles with wild Pokémon, players could see the creatures roaming around in their natural environments.
However, the anthropomorphic starter Pokémon left many fans wanting, and in some ways, the main story simply felt too short. This might have been heightened by the fact that players no longer needed to grind to level up Pokémon, thanks to an improved Exp. Share. But for long-time fans of the series, this represented a backward step. However, all of this pales in comparison to the fact that these were the first titles to exclude the National Pokédex. So, while trainers could catch every existing Pokémon in previous titles, they could not in Sword and Shield. And for the first generation released on the Nintendo Switch, this was an immense letdown.
6. Pokémon Black and White (Gen 5)
In some ways, Pokémon Black and White seem to be the forgotten generation. As the second titles on the Nintendo DS, they did little to improve on the mechanics introduced in Diamond and Pearl. Even though there were new battle styles, like rotation and triple matches. However, these games arguably present the best overall narrative in the entire franchise. In fact, they finally asked the question players (should have) wondered since the beginning. “Is it ethical to make Pokémon fight each other?” This mature theme is woven throughout the story, as players encounter the cult-like Seven Sages of Team Plasma.
Furthermore, Black and White introduced two of the coolest legendary Pokémon, Reshiram and Zekrom. And because this generation is the only one to receive direct sequel titles in Black and White 2, these legendary dragons had more time in the spotlight. As for exploration and notable landmarks, these titles were relatively mediocre. However, one praiseworthy aspect is the introduction of a full roster of new Pokémon. In fact, players only encounter new creatures until the National Dex is obtained in the post-game. While Black and White might not sit high in the ranking for best Pokémon games, they’re decent titles that are worth playing again.
5. Pokémon Sun and Moon (Gen 7)
Each Pokémon generation includes something to make it stand out from all others. And for Sun and Moon, one of the most apparent ways of doing this was by eliminating gym challenges. In all other Pokémon titles, trainers battle eight gyms to collect badges and challenge the Pokémon League. Not so with these games. Instead, players embark on a journey through Alola, a system of islands modeled on Hawaii. Here, they take the Island Challenge, which includes overcoming trials, challenging totem Pokémon and defeating island Kahunas.
Like Black and White, these games feature a more comprehensive story throughout. And despite having relatively uninspiring legendary Pokémon, they do feature several starters who fans have grown to appreciate. As with Galar, the Alola region is fairly open to exploration. Particularly in the Ultimate versions of the games, which made several updates and changes to the base versions. While this generation might not inspire the most loyalty, it undoubtedly deserves a play for its unique story and setting.
4. Pokémon Red and Blue (Gen 1)
Pokémon Red and Blue set the tone for everything Pokémon has become today. And when looking at the best games in the franchise, that can’t be overstated. Even though Gold and Silver took the formula from these games and improved drastically upon them in many ways, there’s just something about the original setting that keeps drawing people in. The starters for this generation are absolutely iconic, making multiple appearances in other generations as well. And the legendary Pokémon, Mewtwo and Mew, are powerhouses in comparison to those of other games.
Still, Red and Blue were extremely light in terms of actual story content. With the premise of becoming a Pokémon master, the player sets out to defeat different gyms. And even with the inclusion of Team Rocket and a main rival, these games are easily surpassed in narrative by other titles. As a fan favorite, the first generation has been remade multiple times for different systems. Fire Red and Leaf Green saw it updated for Game Boy Advance. And Let’s Go! Pikachu and Eevee brought a new take for the Nintendo Switch. However, the original Game Boy Color versions will always hold a special place in the hearts of Pokémon trainers everywhere.
3. Pokémon Gold and Silver (Gen 2)
The first generation of Pokémon games was an undeniable success. But Pokémon Gold and Silver are where things really took off. First releasing on the Game Boy Color in 1999, they introduced the model for the franchise that almost every other generation would follow. In particular, the inclusion of two legendary Pokémon, specific to the different versions. The starter Pokémon, Chikorita, Cyndaquil and Totodile, are some of the most beloved in the franchise. Even though their stats are relatively low due to type disadvantages.
One of the biggest improvements on the first games, which hasn’t been modeled in other generations, is the expansion of connection regions. Kanto and Johto are part of the same continent, and in the second generation, both are accessible. This means players have the option to collect an additional eight badges, for a total sixteen gym challenges. This is unrivaled by any other generation, and makes for one of the longest post-games in the series.
However, because these games released over twenty years ago, they easily feel a bit clunky and outdated today. At least in terms of movement and mechanics. Overall, the play style is the same as every other Pokémon game, which serves as a good connection throughout the franchise. Today, many fans herald Gold and Silver as the pinnacle of best Pokémon games. However, there are two others that make the top for this list.
2. Pokémon Diamond and Pearl (Gen 4)
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl were the first games in the series released for the Nintendo DS back in 2006. The improved graphics and touch-screen elements became staple aspects of the next three generations. However, that’s not what made them memorable as top-tier Pokémon games. The Sinnoh starters were some of the most visually interesting, even beating out those from Gold and Silver. And the legendary Pokémon, Dialga and Palkia, are still compelling fifteen years and four generations later. The Sinnoh region itself is quite different, bisected by Mount Coronet in the center. However, it boasts many geographically diverse areas, like it’s predecessor, Hoenn. And one of the unique developments of this generation was the Underground, where players could dig for treasure and find ancient Pokémon fossils.
Ultimately, the narrative elements focus on time and space, represented by the two legendary Pokémon. And throughout the adventure, players must contend with the villainous Team Galactic, which seeks to manipulate the very fabric of the universe. Though this generation of Pokémon is contested by fans, it can’t be denied as a pillar in the series.
1. Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire (Gen 3)
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire were the first games to take players to a region not connected to the others in the series. That was made clear from the very start, where trainers find themselves in the back of a moving van, taking them to the Hoenn region. And in a sense, this set the tone for an exotic adventure unlike anything Pokémon fans had seen so far. The first in the series released on the Game Boy Advance, this generation brought to life the world of Pokémon in a vibrant, colorful way unparalleled by the first two generations. The region seemed alive with potential, from the depths of the sea to the top of volcanic Mt. Chimney.
The starter Pokémon for this generation were likewise new and captivating. And in the remakes, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, they were given Mega Evolutionary forms that made them all the more powerful.
Though the overall play style is similar to its predecessors, the third generation was also the first to introduce intrinsic narrative elements linked to the legendary Pokémon. Rival gangs, Team Aqua and Team Magma, fight the player at every step while trying to awaken the slumbering Pokémon, Kyogre and Groudon. Though somewhat unrealistic in motive, each faction hopes to reshape the world using the power of the legendary creatures. And it’s up to each trainer to stop them.
Overall, Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire represent the best Pokémon games, because quite simply, they were fantastic. These titles took a successful model and made it even better, offering players dozens of hours of new and refreshing content without excluding the things that make the series great. And if there are any Pokémon games to play over and over again, these are the ones.
So, You Disagree On the Best Pokémon Games
I know what you’re probably thinking — this list is all wrong. But that’s all right. We don’t have to have the same opinions on which Pokémon games are the best. And in fact, there are some on this list I would personally place higher than they landed. I’ve said elsewhere that the best Pokémon generation to start with is Gold and Silver. Or rather, more specifically, the counterpart version, Pokémon Crystal. But in trying to be objective, it simply didn’t make it to where I wanted to place it. At the end of the day, we all have our favorite Pokémon games, and for different reasons. But that’s something that makes this community great. We can all find something to love that keeps us coming back time and time again. So, whether you’re in it for the nostalgia or a brand new player, get to training.