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Pokemon Games Play Order Guide

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Pokemon Games Play Order Guide

This guide explains the best order to play the mainline Pokemon games, covering both release order and story-chronological order, so you can choose the path that fits your goals. It also covers how the different generations connect, what to consider when picking a starting point, and answers common questions about the series.

Background: How the Pokemon Game Series Is Structured

The mainline Pokemon role-playing games (RPGs) are divided into generations, each introducing a new region, a new set of Pokemon, and often new gameplay mechanics. As of 2025, there are nine generations, spanning from the original Red and Green (released in Japan in 1996) to the latest Scarlet and Violet (2022). Each generation typically includes two paired versions (e.g., Pokemon Sword and Shield) and sometimes a third enhanced version or a remake of an older game.

Most generations are set in a distinct region inspired by a real-world location, such as Kanto (Japan), Johto (Japan), Hoenn (Kyushu, Japan), Sinnoh (Hokkaido, Japan), Unova (New York City), Kalos (France), Alola (Hawaii), Galar (United Kingdom), and Paldea (Iberian Peninsula). The storylines are largely self-contained per region, but there are connections—like returning characters, references to past events, and the existence of a shared Pokemon world.

Release Order vs. Story Chronology: What’s the Difference?

If you want to experience the series as it evolved, play in release order. This lets you see the gradual improvements in graphics, mechanics, and features, and it avoids the awkwardness of going from modern QoL (quality of life) features back to older, clunkier systems. It also means you’ll encounter each new Pokemon and region as they were introduced to the world.

If you prefer a narrative timeline, the mainline games can be roughly ordered by their in-world chronology, which is generally the same as release order, with a few exceptions. For example, Pokemon Legends: Arceus (2022) is set in the distant past of the Sinnoh region, long before the events of Diamond and Pearl (2006). Also, the sequels Black 2 and White 2 (2012) take place two years after Black and White (2010). Remakes like FireRed and LeafGreen (2004) retell the Kanto story with modern mechanics, so they can be played in place of the originals.

In practice, the games are designed to be played in any order, as each region’s story is self-contained. However, if you care about continuity, playing in release order (or the order of the regions’ debut) is the safest bet.

How to Choose Your Starting Point

Your choice depends on what you value most:

  • Nostalgia and simplicity: Start with the first generation (Red/Blue/Yellow or their remakes FireRed/LeafGreen). These are simple, but they have some outdated mechanics (like Special being one stat) and no physical/special split.
  • Modern mechanics with a classic feel: Start with a remake of an older game, like Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver (2009, remakes of Gold/Silver) or Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (2014, remakes of Ruby/Sapphire). These offer the best of both worlds—modern conveniences and classic regions.
  • Easiest for newcomers: Pokemon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! (2018) are simplified remakes of Yellow, with no wild battles (you just catch Pokemon) and a focus on the original 151. They are very accessible but not representative of the main series.
  • Deepest story and characters: Many fans consider Pokemon Black and White (2010) and its sequels to have the most narrative depth, with themes of truth and ideals.
  • Open-world exploration: Pokemon Scarlet and Violet (2022) are the first fully open-world mainline games, with three main story paths you can tackle in any order.

If you’re completely new, a good starting point is any game from Generation 6 or later (X/Y, Sun/Moon, Sword/Shield, Scarlet/Violet) because they include modern conveniences like the EXP Share for the whole party, and they don’t require knowledge of past games.

Complete Mainline Games in Release Order

Here is a list of the mainline games in release order (excluding spin-offs like Pokemon GO or Mystery Dungeon). Note that paired versions are listed together, and remakes are marked.

  1. Generation 1: Red, Green (Japan only), Blue, Yellow (1996-1998) – Kanto
  2. Generation 2: Gold, Silver, Crystal (1999-2000) – Johto and Kanto
  3. Generation 3: Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald (2002-2004) – Hoenn; FireRed, LeafGreen (2004, remakes of Gen 1)
  4. Generation 4: Diamond, Pearl, Platinum (2006-2008) – Sinnoh; HeartGold, SoulSilver (2009-2010, remakes of Gen 2)
  5. Generation 5: Black, White (2010-2011) – Unova; Black 2, White 2 (2012-2013) – direct sequels
  6. Generation 6: X, Y (2013) – Kalos; Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire (2014, remakes of Gen 3)
  7. Generation 7: Sun, Moon (2016) – Alola; Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon (2017) – enhanced versions; Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! (2018, remakes of Yellow)
  8. Generation 8: Sword, Shield (2019) – Galar; Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl (2021, remakes of Gen 4); Legends: Arceus (2022, prequel to Gen 4)
  9. Generation 9: Scarlet, Violet (2022) – Paldea; The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC (2023)

Note that some games like Pokemon Legends: Z-A (announced for 2025) are set in the Kalos region but are not direct remakes; they are a new type of game like Legends: Arceus.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that you must play all previous games to understand the story. In reality, each game has a self-contained plot, and references to past games are just Easter eggs. Another misconception is that the third version (e.g., Emerald, Platinum) is always the definitive version—true, but they often have different story beats and additional content, while the paired versions have version-exclusive Pokemon.

A common problem for newcomers is the sheer number of games and versions. To avoid confusion, focus on one generation at a time. Also, note that the physical/special split (introduced in Generation 4) changed how moves work—before it, all moves of a type were either physical or special based on the type (e.g., all Fire moves were special). This affects strategy in older games.

Another issue is that older games are not compatible with newer ones for trading, and some features like the Global Trade System (GTS) for Nintendo DS games were shut down in 2014, so you can’t trade online in those games anymore. For the 3DS games, the eShop closed in March 2023, so you can’t buy digital copies of older games on that platform, but physical copies still work.

How to Play Older Games Today

If you want to play older games, you have several options:

  • Original hardware: You can buy used cartridges for Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, DS, or 3DS. This is the most authentic but can be expensive for rare games like Pokemon Emerald.
  • Virtual Console: The 3DS Virtual Console had the original Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, and Crystal, but the eShop closed, so you can only get them if you already downloaded them.
  • Remakes: Playing remakes like FireRed/LeafGreen or HeartGold/SoulSilver is often the easiest way to experience old regions with modern quality-of-life features.
  • Nintendo Switch Online: As of 2023, Pokemon Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, and Crystal are available on the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack for the Game Boy and Game Boy Advance. This is a legal and convenient way to play them.

Be aware that emulators are a legal gray area—they are not illegal to use, but downloading ROMs of games you don’t own is copyright infringement. Always support official releases when possible.

Costs and What to Expect

Mainline Pokemon games are typically priced at $60 for new releases on Nintendo Switch. Older cartridges can vary widely in price: common DS games might cost $30-50, while rarer ones like Pokemon HeartGold can exceed $100. The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack costs $49.99 per year (as of 2025) and includes a selection of classic games, including some Pokemon titles.

In-game, there are no microtransactions for the main story, but some games have paid DLC (e.g., Sword/Shield and Scarlet/Violet expansions) that add new areas and Pokemon. The Pokemon Home subscription service ($2.99/month or $15.99/year) allows you to store and transfer Pokemon between games, which is useful if you want to build a living dex.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to play Pokemon games in order to understand the story?
No. Each mainline game has a self-contained story set in a new region. While there are references to past games, they are not required for understanding. You can start with any game, though starting with a modern one is often easier.

What is the best Pokemon game for beginners?
Pokemon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! are the most beginner-friendly due to simplified mechanics. For a more traditional experience, Pokemon Sword and Shield or Scarlet and Violet are good choices because they have modern conveniences and are easy to get into.

What is the difference between the paired versions (e.g., Sword and Shield)?
The main differences are version-exclusive Pokemon, and sometimes a few different characters or locations. For example, in Sword you get the Pokemon Zacian, while in Shield you get Zamazenta. The overall story is the same, so choose based on which exclusive Pokemon you prefer.

Are the remakes better than the originals?
It depends on what you value. Remakes like HeartGold and SoulSilver are widely considered the best games in the series due to improved graphics, added content, and quality-of-life features. However, some players prefer the original versions for their nostalgic feel and challenge. Remakes are generally a good way to experience older regions.

What is the chronological order of the Pokemon games?
The mainline games are mostly in release order, but with exceptions: Legends: Arceus is a prequel to Diamond/Pearl, and Black 2/White 2 are sequels to Black/White. If you want to play in chronological order, start with Legends: Arceus, then the original games in release order, but note that the timeline is not officially confirmed for all games.

Can I transfer Pokemon from old games to new ones?
Yes, but not directly. You can transfer from Generation 3 to 4 to 5 to 6 to 7 using the Poke Transporter and Pokemon Bank (for 3DS), and then to Pokemon Home (for Switch). However, some Pokemon are not transferable to certain games due to the National Dex cut in Sword/Shield and Scarlet/Violet. Also, the 3DS eShop closure means you can no longer download Pokemon Bank if you didn’t already have it.

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