Best Pokemon Games For Exploration

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Summary

  • Pokemon games have evolved from their exploration roots; recent titles offer more open worlds with less player-bound freedom.
  • Games like Detective Pikachu Returns & FireRed/LeafGreen stand out for their unique exploration.
  • Titles like Pokemon Go merge real and virtual exploration, and recent games like Scarlet & Violet offer seamless worlds for players to explore.

The Pokemon franchise is built upon the concept of exploration, drawing inspiration from creator Satoshi Tajiri’s childhood hobby of finding bugs and creatures around his hometown near Tokyo. Over time, it has grown into one of the most successful video game series globally, with sales of over 400 million copies of its mainline games and spin-offs since its debut in 1996.

Over time, the scope of Pokemon has expanded significantly, leading to changes in the level of exploration within the games. Earlier constraints due to graphic limitations and technological capabilities have given way to more open-world experiences in newer Pokemon games. Yet, this evolution comes at a price: while the games appear freer, they may not fully deliver on true player freedom. This list ranks the top Pokemon games according to the degree of freedom they provide, either by breaking away from traditional RPG structures or offering players occasional open-world exploration opportunities in the Pokemon universe.

10. PokePark 2: Wonders Beyond

Pokemon Make Friends Across Environments

The initial “PokéPark” video game on the Wii was launched in 2009, enabling gamers to manage the franchise’s iconic character, Pikachu, and traverse the main location while meeting Pokémon and engaging in mini-games to win over its residents. In 2011, the sequel, “PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond,” presented a comparable gameplay experience but introduced fresh areas for players to freely explore.

As a fan, I find that while it may not rival the expansive sandbox worlds of other games on the list, in terms of Pokémon spin-offs, this game stands out more like a 3D adventure title compared to traditional RPG formulas. This game offers an immersive experience where players can truly engage with a vibrant and bustling Pokémon world, rather than just following a predetermined path to accomplish goals and grow stronger.

9. Detective Pikachu Returns

From The Big Screen Back To The Switch

In 2018, the Nintendo 3DS game titled “Detective Pikachu” presented an unusual take on the Pokemon series, offering players a chance to embark on a detective-styled journey as Tim, a junior detective, who teams up with the chatty detective Pikachu to unravel mysteries. The 2023 follow-up, “Detective Pikachu Returns,” was released following the success of its live-action film in 2019 and provided a more immersive environment for exploration.

A significant portion of playing Detective Pikachu Returns involves players delving into crime scenes within a vast cityscape, offering a unique twist on exploration games compared to what Pokemon fans may typically expect. If you’re someone who enjoys both exploring new places and solving puzzles, then you might find Detective Pikachu Returns particularly engaging.

8. Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen

You Can’t Beat The Original Kanto Region

Instead of listing the original “Pokemon” games, it could be argued that the enhanced versions for Game Boy Advance, namely “Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen,” are more fitting on this list, as they are widely regarded as superior takes on the classic Gen 1 games. The players in these games embark on an adventure through the Kanto region, experiencing a greater degree of freedom during their journey towards the Pokemon League compared to many modern “Pokemon” titles.

Following victories over Brock and Misty, the first two Gym Leaders, players are free to take on the subsequent 5 Gym Leaders in any sequence they prefer, with one exception: Blaine must be confronted after Koga has been defeated. Moreover, the Kanto region conceals numerous secrets, such as discovering Legendary Pokémon and rare items, as you explore it extensively.

7. Pokemon Platinum

Sinnoh Was Improved In This Diamond & Pearl Follow-Up

The games Pokemon Diamond & Pearl initially introduced us to the Sinnoh region, but it was Pokemon Platinum that elevated it to one of the top 2D Pokemon experiences within the franchise. In the fourth generation, the focus was on exploration. There were numerous Legendary Pokemon to track down, a massive area ripe for discovering rare Pokemon and treasures, and even an intricate network of subterranean passages.

As a gamer, I’d add that in Pokémon Platinum, there’s a special zone just for us: the Distortion World. Here, we cross paths with the legendary character, Giratina. Since this world doesn’t follow the usual physics rules, it opens up some fascinating ways to traverse its multi-dimensional landscape. If only they could release Pokémon Platinum on the 3DS! The visuals would be mind-blowing, bringing everything to life in stunning detail.

6. New Pokemon Snap

Spectate Pokemon In Their Natural Habitats

As a seasoned gamer diving into a fresh adventure, I’m swapping my Pokeballs for a camera this time around! Just like its Nintendo 64 ancestor, the core gameplay of New Pokemon Snap revolves around spotting and snapping candid shots of these enchanting creatures in their natural habitats to fill up a PhotoDex. But unlike the original Pokemon Snap from way back when, this new version is packed with an incredible variety of Pokemon, showcasing their dynamic actions!

200 distinct Pokemon inhabit the world of “New Pokemon Snap,” and for many casual followers of the series, the thrill of capturing them in action during photographic field trips can be genuinely exhilarating. As players traverse through each environment, they’ll find that the Pokemon world has never felt more vibrant and alive than it does in this Nintendo Switch game.

5. Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver

Two Regions For The Price Of One

The second-generation Pokemon games were actually much more advanced than most fans acknowledge. Luckily, Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver provided the enhancements they truly deserved, incorporating numerous refinements that had been made to the series since Gold & Silver’s initial launch in 1999. However, some of its most engaging exploration elements were first implemented as far back as 1999.

Specifically, the games HeartGold & SoulSilver follow their initial counterparts by allowing players to challenge the Kanto Pokemon League after being crowned Champions of Johto. Uniquely among Pokemon games, these titles offer two complete regions for players to traverse. While the variety of catchable Pokemon is restricted to just the first two generations, it’s significantly more than what players typically encounter in their games.

4. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers Of Sky

The Best Pokemon Roguelite You’ll Find

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon stands out as a beloved offshoot of the original Pokemon franchise, merging Nintendo’s universe and characters with Spike Chunsoft’s roguelike role-playing game series. Of these games, Explorers of Sky is often hailed as the best, allowing players to lead one of 19 different Pokemon on expeditions into randomly generated dungeons where they encounter and battle other Pokemon.

In contrast to what Pokemon fans might anticipate, this series offers a narrative-focused journey rather than the typical format. However, its roguelike features give each player a distinct and personalized experience. The dungeon exploration is thrilling and significantly boosts the game’s replay value, as the diverse possibilities of character combinations and Exploration Teams make each new playthrough exciting.

3. Pokemon Go

Step Outside And Explore The Real World

To put it simply, there’s no comparison when it comes to the authenticity of exploration found outside of video games in the real world. Yet, games such as Pokemon Go stimulate this very aspect, transforming players’ mobile maps into a Pokemon-infested universe teeming with gyms to conquer, Pokemon to capture, and tasks to accomplish. Since its launch in 2016, this game has continued to expand, boasting endless possibilities for adventure.

Perhaps you find yourself on holiday in a location that feels like home, hesitant to venture beyond your comfort zone. But then you discover a unique Pokemon hiding out in an unfamiliar corner. Forget about the different regions in Pokemon games; with Pokemon Go, exploration is not only confined to the digital realm but also extends to real-life adventures. So, remember to check it whenever you find yourself in new surroundings!

2. Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Paldea Is As Open As Pokemon Has Ever Been

It’s likely that Pokemon Scarlet & Violet would not have been included in this list without the anticipated release of the Switch 2. While these games boast many positive advancements for the series, such as portable PCs, frequent Pokemon Centers, and the ability to craft TMs, navigating the Paldea region was rather challenging due to the original Switch’s limited processing power.

It’s great that the Switch 2 version of Scarlet & Violet offers a refreshing take on the series. The Pokemon seem to appear everywhere now, giving the environment a lively, inviting vibe as you delve into it. For the first time in the Pokemon franchise, encounters with other trainers don’t disrupt your exploration experience, as battles are integrated smoothly into the vast, open-world gameplay of the base game.

1. Pokemon Legends: Arceus

It’s Satisfying To Uncover Sinnoh’s Past In Hisui

Although some find fault with the roughness in Scarlet & Violet, Pokemon Legends: Arceus is praised for its polish instead. This spin-off game introduces a fresh series that delves into timelines distinct from the standard Pokemon games. In Pokemon Legends: Arceus, players embark on an adventure across the expansive landscapes of Sinnoh, which were once an ancient civilization called Hisui, to compile the initial Pokedex.

Due to its captivating gameplay structure, Legends: Arceus offers an incredibly enjoyable experience for players as they immerse themselves in exploring and attempting to capture various Pokemon species, aiming to fill up their Pokedex. Although the narrative is standard for a Pokemon game and can be disregarded, the sheer fun you’ll have discovering new Pokemon and completing additional quests in every location may cause you to overlook the story entirely.

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2025-07-06 14:04