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10 best Pokémon games ever, ranked

What’s the best way to catch ‘em all?

by Robin Bea
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

Pokémon has been a powerhouse franchise since the Game Boy, but not every installment is a classic...

Here are the 10 best main series Pokémon games, ranked from worst to best.

10. Pokémon Yellow

Pokémon Yellow isn’t a bad game; It just doesn’t add enough to Pokémon Red and Blue (of which it’s a remake) to stand out. Especially when those games would get excellent updates later on.

9. Pokémon Black and White 2

The first direct sequels in the Pokémon series, Pokémon Black and White 2 just end up feeling like more of the same. When Pokémon Black and White weren’t especially beloved to begin with, that’s a problem.

7. Pokémon Black and White

Pokémon Black and White took the series to the metropolitan Unova region, which felt distinct from the more rural settings of previous games. However, neither its villains nor its new Pokémon really stand out.

8. Pokémon X and Y

Pokémon X and Y moved the series to 3D and introduced a great new region in Kalos. On the other hand, its story wasn’t very strong, and the introduction of Mega Evolutions and horde battles threw combat balance out the window.

6. Pokémon Sun and Moon

Pokémon Sun and Moon shook up the series’ formula, replacing gym battles with dungeons and boss fights. Despite that — and cool regional Pokémon — Sun and Moon just doesn’t have the magic of the best Pokémon games.

5. Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire

Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire tend to get overlooked, but their introduction of double battles and type-specific abilities significantly improved combat. Even so, they felt a little too similar to previous games.

4. Pokémon Sword and Shield

Pokémon Sword and Shield moved the series to true 3D, and makes the most of it by letting you play dress-up with your trainer. It’s a great game overall but falls short of the best the series has to offer.

3. Pokémon Platinum

This remake of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl improves the originals enough to completely surpass them. It adds more fire Pokémon (which were sorely lacking in Diamond and Pearl) and improves online trading and battles.

2. Pokémon Fire Red and Leaf Green

The original Pokémon Red and Blue could almost top this list out of nostalgia if it weren’t for Fire Red and Leaf Green. These remakes add a fresh coat of paint and a brand-new area to the originals’ solid foundations.

1. Pokémon Heart Gold and Soul Silver

Pokémon Gold and Silver were already excellent games, and their remakes only solidified their greatness. Their massive Pokédex additions combined with improvements in graphics and gameplay make Heart Gold and Soul Silver the reigning Pokémon masters.

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