Which Pokemon Games Should You Actually Play First?
Choosing a starting point for your Pokemon journey depends on your current console. Recent emulators offer more flexibility. If you only have a Switch, the “Let’s Go” games (Pikachu or Eevee) offer a modernized take on the original Yellow version. Alternatively, the remakes of Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl provide an excellent alternative entry point. Pokemon Legends: Arceus, while different from traditional gameplay, is also a solid option.
Jumping into Pokemon Scarlet or Violet won’t leave you significantly behind, assuming you aren’t looking to strictly follow the story. Avoiding Black 2 and White 2, as sequels, might be a good choice to start with a clean slate and avoid confusion.
How to Play the Pokemon Games in Chronological Order
While the Pokemon timeline initially seems straightforward, the actual order can get quite confusing without clear details. Thankfully, a previously published tweet from Toshinobu Matsumiya offered a starting point for some games. For others, estimations are made based on plot and technological advancements.
1. Pokemon Legends: Arceus
Pokemon Legends: Arceus marks the beginning of the series’ chronological order. Set in a period when humans and Pokemon were forming a relationship, the game takes place in a vast wilderness, emphasizing the early interactions between them. This game introduces crafting and research tasks, a significant departure from the traditional gym battle format.
While the precise timeframe between Arceus and other games is unknown, it appears to feature ancestors of Diamond and Pearl characters. Thus, understanding this will also allow you to understand the evolution of the Pokemon world in the later games.
2. Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow
As the original titles, Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow are a natural starting point within the chronological timeline. These Game Boy games introduce the core gameplay mechanics and the first-generation Pokedex. They were also the games that launched the franchise.
A deleted tweet from a Game Scenario writer, Toshinobu Matsumiya, validated that the series begins with Red, Blue, and Yellow. It demonstrates a significant difference in technology from newer games, showcasing the evolution of the series’ visual and gameplay aspects. This was also a significant point of the game’s evolution when it comes to technology.
Bonus: Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen
FireRed and LeafGreen serve as remakes of Pokemon Red and Blue, placing them at the same point in the timeline. Following a similar plot with modifications, such as visiting the Sevii Islands after the Elite Four, you can experience the essence of the original games while enjoying updates and enhancements.
3. Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald
Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald introduce the Hoenn region, a geographic location distinct from Kanto and Johto. This suggests a timeframe after Red/Blue and Gold/Silver, given the game’s third-generation Pokemon and evident technological advancements. However, a deleted tweet by Matsumiya indicates they are set concurrently with FireRed and LeafGreen.
This alignment also means that Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, as remakes, share the same point in the timeline. The inclusion of Fairy-type Pokemon, which first appeared in X and Y, further complicates the timeline’s accuracy.
4. Pokemon Gold, Silver, and Crystal
Gold, Silver, and Crystal, the second installment in the chronological timeline, occur three years after the original games’ events. Players venture into the Johto region, experiencing new Gen 2 Pokemon and excellent post-game content. A notable aspect is the interaction with the original protagonist, Red, a stronger opponent.
HeartGold and SoulSilver, remakes of Gold/Silver, fall under the same timeframe. Although they offer supplementary content, they primarily serve as updates to the originals.
5. Pokemon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum
Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, while chronologically arriving later in the series’ release, are aligned with HeartGold and SoulSilver. This timeline alignment, suggested by Matsumiya’s tweet, seemingly clashes with the technological leaps seen in the game. This gap can likely be attributed to the release date vs. the timeline within the Pokemon universe.
Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, the remakes, are also positioned within the same era. However, the introduction of Fairy-type Pokemon in X/Y presents a timeline inconsistency that needs further clarification.
6. Pokemon Black and White
Black and White, introducing the fifth generation of Pokemon and featuring on the Nintendo DS, follow Diamond/Pearl, though a precise timeframe within the Pokemon universe remains elusive. The lack of direct connections to preceding games prevents precise chronological placement, assuming it takes place more than 3 years post-Red/Blue.
7. Pokemon Black 2 and White 2
Black 2 and White 2, as direct sequels, provide a clear progression from Black/White. Changes include passing of duties from leaders, Team Plasma’s advancement, and a new Champion, indicating roughly two years passing since the events of Black/White.
8. Pokemon X and Y
X and Y, the first 3D Pokemon titles on Nintendo 3DS, feature an entirely new region. While a precise chronological placement remains uncertain, Matsumiya’s tweet links them to Black 2/White 2. The introduction of Mega Evolution, however, raises questions about their connection to other titles. There is the possibility of a separate universe within the series.
9. Pokemon Sun and Moon
Sun and Moon, set in the Alola region, arrive several years after X/Y. While not explicitly placed in the chronology via Matsumiya’s tweet, the inclusion of characters from X/Y, and an adult Red/Blue, suggest a passage of time. The exact duration remains unclear.
Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, remakes of Sun/Moon, share the same spot in the timeline.
10. Pokemon Sword and Shield
Sword and Shield, the first Switch-exclusive mainline Pokemon title, introduces a new region, new Pokemon, and Gigantamax. Lacking substantial connections to prior games, a precise chronological placement remains ambiguous. The inclusion of the Rotom Phone implies a time period after Red/Blue, but that’s a very loose estimate.
11. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
Scarlet and Violet, the most recent installment, presents a new region and Gen 9 Pokemon on the Switch. Without explicit clues, their placement is uncertain within the timeline. A possible connection to Sword/Shield exists.
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