The Best Pokemon Games Ever, Ranked

Pokémon is one of the most popular and enduring franchises in the world. While it’s faced some criticism over the years, its impact is undeniable. Starting with its debut in Japan in 1996, Pokémon quickly became a global phenomenon, and today, almost everyone recognizes Pikachu. The series has grown to include dozens of games, from the core adventures to many spin-off titles, with some entries remaining timeless classics.

It’s no surprise everyone has different opinions on which games in the series are the best. To decide which ones are truly the greatest, we’ll look at a few things: how much of an impact the game had, how innovative it was for the series, and what fans and critics thought – using ratings from OpenCritic to help us.

10. Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Broadening The Scope, Despite Technical Difficulties

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet had a rocky start when it launched on the Nintendo Switch in 2022. Many players were disappointed by the game’s technical issues, which made exploring its large world frustrating (this likely contributed to its average review score of 71 on OpenCritic). However, the game runs much better on the Nintendo Switch 2, allowing players to truly appreciate the ambitious scope Game Freak intended.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet aimed to build on the open-world feel introduced in Pokemon Sword and Shield, finally giving players the experience they’d been hoping for – a truly open Pokemon game that wasn’t just a linear path through gyms. The game offers three main objectives: completing the usual Pokemon League challenge, defeating massive Titan Pokemon, and taking down the leaders of Team Star. Each of these storylines is unique and features interesting characters, making them all worthwhile. While the Paldea region doesn’t have as many side quests and activities as games like Red Dead Redemption 2, it was a significant leap forward for the Pokemon series, and now plays even better with the improved performance of the Switch 2 (though that shouldn’t have been necessary). If the next Pokemon game, Wind & Waves, can expand the world and add more things to do, alongside introducing lots of new and creative Pokemon, it will be a massive success.

9. Pokemon Red & Blue

The Games That Started It All

After becoming a phenomenon in Japan, Pokémon finally came to Western audiences two years later. It quickly gained popularity through recommendations, and many players didn’t realize just how massive the series was—or would become. The choice between Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle in Professor Oak’s lab was a memorable experience for many, and its easy-to-learn gameplay and gentle difficulty made it a perfect first role-playing game for millions. Plus, the thrill of catching and training a team of those original Pokémon was a huge draw.

A lot has changed in gaming over the past thirty years, and revisiting the original Kanto games really highlights how basic they were by today’s standards. Later games added many improvements to things like inventory management and Pokémon types, making the original’s flaws – like the frustrating move Wrap – much more noticeable. Despite these shortcomings, the first Pokémon games—Red, Blue, and Yellow—remain incredibly popular, and for good reason. They’re the games that started it all and introduced the most iconic Pokémon we still know and love.

8. Pokemon Diamond & Pearl

One Giant Leap For Competitive Play

As a competitive Pokémon player, I really appreciated the changes Game Freak started making over the years, and I think Diamond & Pearl were a huge step forward – especially when they first came out on the DS in Japan back in 2006. What made a big difference to me was how they handled attacking moves. Before, some Pokémon types were automatically physical or special, but they changed it so all moves were either physical or special based on how they worked. This meant more Pokémon could actually shine, because you could build teams around their best stats, and it led to a much more interesting and diverse competitive scene!

While seemingly small changes, the additions to Diamond & Pearl were truly game-changing. Features like online battling and trading, through Union Rooms and the Global Trade System, were a huge step forward. But the game wasn’t just about those features. Even as a standard RPG, Diamond & Pearl looked and sounded fantastic for its time, with memorable environments. Plus, the Pokétch cleverly used the DS’s second screen with useful, subtle features – like a step counter to help with hatching eggs.

7. Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver

Reimagining A Classic

After the huge success of the original Red & Blue Pokémon games, Gold & Silver arrived soon after, building on everything players loved about the first generation. These new games introduced a wealth of new Pokémon, the engaging Johto region, and even new types to add strategy to battles. Plus, Team Rocket returned with another evil scheme! To show just how much content there was, players could even revisit the Kanto region after completing the main story and challenge its gym leaders again.

Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver, released in 2009, successfully brought back the beloved Generation II games while updating them with features from later installments. Similar to Diamond & Pearl, these versions cleverly used the Nintendo DS’s dual screens and touchscreen without relying too heavily on gimmicks—they even tried out interesting ideas like the Pokéwalker accessory. Many fans considered this updated version of a classic to be one of the best Pokémon games available at the time, and the series continued to evolve and improve in the years that followed.

6. Pokemon Stadium 2

Building On Pokemon’s 3D Debut

Few moments are as important for a long-running game series as its first jump into 3D. For Pokémon, that game was Pokémon Stadium, released in the West in 2000. It wasn’t a traditional Pokémon game where you explored a world, but a battle arena and collection of mini-games using Pokémon you’d already caught in the original Game Boy games. Pokémon Stadium showed off Nintendo’s early ability to connect handheld and home consoles – a feature they’d later refine with the Game Boy Advance and GameCube. Seeing Pokémon battle in 3D for the first time was incredibly exciting! The following year, Pokémon Stadium 2 arrived on the N64, adding compatibility with the 100 new Pokémon from the Johto region, along with some surprisingly challenging new mini-games.

Anyone who remembers games like Clear Cut Challenge and Rampage Rollout knows how easy to pick up, yet fiercely competitive, those minigames were. Races in Rampage Rollout, especially when playing with friends, could get as chaotic and competitive as a Mario Kart game, and they offered a nice break from battling. They also let players who didn’t enjoy strategy still participate and have fun. Meanwhile, the battles themselves became more complex with the new features in the second generation of Pokémon games, and certain Pokémon quickly became essential for any competitive team. Back then, this was likely the best way to experience Pokémon battles.

5. Pokemon Sword & Shield

An Unforgettable Adventure

Pokémon Sword & Shield was the first major Pokémon game on the Nintendo Switch, and it needed to demonstrate that the series could still be exciting after eight generations. The game focused on impressive visuals and introduced the unique Dynamax mechanic, along with the expansive Wild Area. This area represented Pokémon’s first attempt at a more open-world experience, similar to a Safari Zone without fences, where Pokémon could be seen roaming freely. Players could also participate in Max Raid Battles, which offered a new way to catch Pokémon, potentially even with rare Hidden Abilities, and felt like battling on a much larger scale.

Pokémon Sword & Shield earned generally positive reviews, with critics averaging 80 and players giving it a 70 on OpenCritic. The game’s expansions, Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra, greatly enriched the story and world of the Galar region, offering more engaging content for all players. They also made it easier for competitive players to train their Pokémon. Pokémon Scarlet & Violet aimed higher, but launched with technical issues that prevented it from reaching its full potential. Sword & Shield took a more cautious approach, making smart improvements that paved the way for future Pokémon games.

4. Pokemon Legends: Arceus

One Of The Series’ Greatest Spin-Offs To Date

The Pokémon franchise has consistently found success with its spin-off games. Titles like Mystery Dungeon and Snap have thrived, and Pokémon Legends: Arceus has become a particular fan favorite. Unlike Pokémon Sword & Shield, which had restrictions on exploration, Arceus offered players unprecedented freedom to roam and catch Pokémon in a truly immersive and dynamic world.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus has received positive reviews, with an 83 from critics and an 80 from players, and it’s easy to see why. This game offers a unique take on the Pokemon formula, sending players to the ancient Hisui region to complete the very first Pokedex. Because the game takes place in the past, even familiar items like Pokeballs are early, experimental versions. The story is different from other Pokemon games, focusing on a team of explorers dealing with strange temporal disturbances, powerful Noble Pokemon, and the legendary Lake Trio. The adventure builds to thrilling battles with new forms of Palkia and Dialga, and ultimately, a confrontation with Arceus itself. Beyond the main story, Pokemon Legends: Arceus is a dream for dedicated players, featuring a new way to catch and battle Pokemon, along with plenty of optional challenges for completing each Pokemon’s entry – like catching them by surprise. The game expertly balances these smaller details with its overall grand scope.

3. Pokemon X & Y

Mega Evolution Makes Its Big Debut

The Pokemon series is known for constantly adding new twists to battles, but Mega Evolution stands out as one of the most significant. First appearing in Pokemon X & Y in 2013, it’s been missing from some recent games, yet remains popular – as shown by the varied reactions to new Mega Evolution Abilities in Pokemon Champions. Mega Evolution is a defining feature of the sixth generation of Pokemon games, and players who experienced the power of Pokemon like Mega Kangaskhan remember it vividly. However, the introduction of this game-changing battle mechanic isn’t the only reason Pokemon X & Y is considered a standout entry in the series.

While players have complicated feelings about the trainer characters – Tierno, Serena/Calem, Trevor, and Shauna, and the many tutorials they lead – the story still offers some genuinely rewarding moments and takes place in beautifully designed locations. It’s widely considered one of the best stories in any Pokémon game. The game world feels vibrant and alive, thanks to its memorable characters, and the music is consistently excellent. The move to 3D graphics might not appeal to fans who prefer the classic Pokémon sprites, but it was a significant improvement. Overall, this game was a turning point for the series, reflected in its high score of 86 on OpenCritic, a rating very few Pokémon titles have surpassed.

2. Pokemon Sun & Moon

The Joyful Region Of Alola

The Pokemon games often tackle surprisingly deep and emotional stories, like the tragic history of AZ and his Floette. These heavier themes help make the stories truly resonate. However, the games always remember what’s most important: the strong connection between people and their Pokemon, and the joyful moments they experience together. The Alola region, featured in Pokemon Sun & Moon, perfectly embodies this spirit. With an impressive 87 out of 100 on OpenCritic, it’s one of the highest-rated games in the series (though Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon scored slightly lower at 83). It offers much more than just a fun, Hawaiian-inspired setting.

This game boasts vibrant visuals and a wonderfully varied region, built around a unique four-island structure. The central Island Challenge offers a fresh quest experience, even for long-time fans. It’s more than just a reskin of familiar gym battles; the Trials introduce fun, new gameplay elements, like identifying Alolan Marowak’s dance or taking photos to reveal a Ghost-type Pokemon. Throughout the adventure, you’ll battle powerful Totem Pokemon and collect Z-Crystals, which unlock powerful Z-Moves. These special moves are this generation’s battle feature, and they’re implemented well – you can only use each one once per battle. Combined with the unique Alolan forms of Pokemon, this game successfully blends exciting new ideas with improvements to established gameplay.

1. Pokemon Pokopia

An Unusual, Yet Beloved, Pokemon Adventure

It’s true that Pokemon Pokopia isn’t a traditional Pokemon game, and some might be surprised to see it ranked so highly. However, according to OpenCritic, it’s currently the highest-rated Pokemon game available. With an average score of 90 from critics and a perfect 100 from players, it clearly delivered on its promises. When it was first announced, the game – a life simulation and building game focused on Ditto – was a bit of a mystery. But those who played it at launch found it just as addictive and hard to put down as other building games like Dragon Quest Builders, which was also made by the same developers.

Pokopia is a truly massive game. You can generally travel to any location you see, and if you enjoyed spending hours customizing your island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you’ll find a lot to love here – though the building is more similar to Minecraft. What’s great is that despite offering tons of building and habitat options to attract Pokémon, the game introduces everything at a comfortable pace, so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Longtime Pokémon fans will be happy to know that the creatures aren’t just for show; they teach you new skills and building strong relationships with them is genuinely enjoyable. Their interactions with you and other Pokémon are particularly charming. Hopefully, future updates will add even more content to the game.

2026-04-14 00:42