Top 15 Pokemon Video Games, Ranked

From Kanto beginnings to open world adventures in Paldea, the Pokemon series has tried new ideas while keeping its core of catching, battling, and trading. This countdown looks across mainline entries and notable remakes to highlight the games that added the most features, regions, and systems players still use today. You will find new battle mechanics, larger Pokédex options, and fresh ways to explore each region. Here are the standouts that shaped how trainers play across generations.

15. Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu and Let’s Go, Eevee

These Switch titles revisit Kanto with motion based catching inspired by the mobile game integration. Wild encounters focus on catching rather than battling, while trainer battles keep traditional turn based combat. A partner Pikachu or Eevee learns exclusive moves and can be customized with outfits. Local co op lets a second player drop in to assist with exploration and battles.

14. Pokémon Yellow

This enhanced version of the original adventure follows the anime inspired setup with Pikachu as the starter. The mascot follows the player on screen and reacts to interactions. Team Rocket’s Jessie and James appear as recurring foes during the story. It fine tunes early mechanics and provides version neutral access to more species through in game events and trades.

13. Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen

These remakes bring Kanto to Game Boy Advance with modernized graphics and mechanics from the third generation. The Sevii Islands add postgame areas with new quests and opportunities to catch species not in the original region. A wireless adapter enables local trades and battles without link cables. Movesets, abilities, and items update classic lineups to align with the era’s systems.

12. Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire

Set in Hoenn, these entries introduce abilities and natures that affect battles and training outcomes. Double battles become a regular feature and influence team building and move synergy. Secret bases, berry cultivation, and contests expand activities outside of standard routes. The regional Pokédex focuses on new species that define the third generation.

11. Pokémon Sword and Shield

Galar introduces Dynamax and Gigantamax forms that temporarily boost Pokémon and alter moves during battles. The Wild Area offers large free roaming zones with roaming species, weather variation, and raid encounters. Expansion Pass content adds the Isle of Armor and the Crown Tundra with new areas, storylines, and returning species. Max Raid Battles support cooperative play against powerful foes.

10. Pokémon Sun and Moon

Set in Alola, the Island Challenge replaces gyms with trials that culminate in battles against Totem Pokémon. Z Moves provide one use power attacks tied to specific crystals and moves. Regional variants debut with Alolan forms that change typing and stats for familiar species. Ride Pokémon handle overworld traversal without relying on hidden moves.

9. Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

These versions expand the Alola storyline with new characters and additional postgame content. Ultra Warp Ride opens access to alternate worlds that include legendary encounters. New Ultra Beasts appear along with expanded Totem battles. Facilities such as the Battle Agency add rental based competitive challenges.

8. Pokémon X and Y

Kalos marks the series transition to fully 3D battles and environments on the Nintendo 3DS. The Fairy type debuts and rebalances matchups across many species. Mega Evolution provides temporary form changes with stat boosts and new abilities during battle. Character customization and a revised Exp Share streamline team building and training.

7. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Paldea features an open world structure with three main story paths that can be taken in any order. The Terastal phenomenon changes a Pokémon’s type during battle and powers special moves. Tera Raid Battles allow coordinated fights against crystallized opponents. Post launch updates and additional content introduce new areas, species, and competitive options.

6. Pokémon Legends Arceus

This Hisui era adventure blends action and turn based elements with seamless exploration zones. Research tasks encourage catching, observing, and battling to complete a detailed Pokédex. Agile and Strong Style move variants adjust speed and power to shift turn order. Crafting, rideable Pokémon, and noble boss encounters reshape how field gameplay works.

5. Pokémon Emerald

This third version refines Hoenn with new story beats and expanded features. The Battle Frontier debuts as a multi facility postgame venue with unique rules and symbols to earn. Gym leader lineups and legendary availability receive notable adjustments. The Pokédex and move pools are tuned to add strategic depth to team building.

4. Pokémon Platinum

Sinnoh returns with faster pacing and major additions to the original pair. The Distortion World provides a unique environment tied to the legendary storyline. An expanded Battle Frontier and updated regional Pokédex extend endgame play. Interface and encounter tweaks improve navigation through routes and dungeons.

3. Pokémon Black and White

Unova introduces a full regional Pokédex that focuses on new species before the National upgrade. Seasons change encounter tables and alter certain locations and visuals. Triple and Rotation Battles add new formats that affect positioning and move choice. The story integrates version exclusive areas and city layouts to encourage trading and revisits.

2. Pokémon Black 2 and White 2

These direct sequels return to Unova two years later with new towns, routes, and Pokédex options from the start. The Pokémon World Tournament gathers gym leaders and champions from across regions for bracket challenges. Challenge Mode and Easy Mode keys adjust difficulty after completion or via key sharing. Systems like Join Avenue and PokéStar Studios add management and side activity layers.

1. Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver

These remakes cover Johto with a full Kanto postgame, letting players collect badges across two regions. Any party leader can follow the player on the overworld to reflect friendship and immersion. The Pokéwalker accessory syncs steps to earn encounters and items outside the game. Added features such as the Safari Zone, Battle Frontier, and expanded move tutors round out a large set of activities.

Share your own top Pokemon games in the comments and let everyone know which adventure kept you playing the longest.