Pokémon

Series Overview

Pokémon is a role-playing game series developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. The series began in 1996 with Pokémon Red and Green, and is available on various Nintendo platforms including the Game Boy, Nintendo DS, 3DS, and Switch.

Release Order Complete list of games series in Release Order.

# Game Title Year Platforms Rating
1 Pokémon Diamond / Pearl 2006 Nintendo DS 8.5
2 Pokémon Platinum 2008 Nintendo DS 8.3
3 Pokémon HeartGold / SoulSilver 2009 Nintendo DS 8.7
4 Pokémon Black / White 2010 Nintendo DS 8.7
5 Pokémon Black 2 / White 2 2012 Nintendo DS 8
6 Pokémon X / Y 2013 3DS 8.7
7 Pokémon Omega Ruby / Alpha Sapphire 2014 3DS 8.3
8 Pokémon Sun / Moon 2016 3DS 8.7
9 Pokémon Ultra Sun / Ultra Moon 2017 3DS 8.4
10 Pokémon Let's Go, Pikachu! / Eevee! 2018 Switch 8
11 Pokémon Sword / Shield 2019 Switch 8
12 Pokémon Brilliant Diamond / Shining Pearl 2021 Switch 7.3
13 Pokémon Legends: Arceus 2022 Switch 8.3
14 Pokémon Scarlet / Violet 2022 Switch 7.2

Chronological Order Complete list of games series in Chronological Order.

# Game Title
1 Pokémon Legends: Arceus
2 Pokémon Omega Ruby / Alpha Sapphire
3 Pokémon Let's Go, Pikachu! / Eevee!
4 Pokémon HeartGold / SoulSilver
5 Pokémon Diamond / Pearl
6 Pokémon Platinum
7 Pokémon Brilliant Diamond / Shining Pearl
8 Pokémon Black / White
9 Pokémon Black 2 / White 2
10 Pokémon X / Y
11 Pokémon Sun / Moon
12 Pokémon Ultra Sun / Ultra Moon
13 Pokémon Sword / Shield
14 Pokémon Scarlet / Violet

All Pokémon Series Overview Each game's plot guide includes minor spoilers.

1. Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022)

In an era long before humans and Pokémon lived in harmony, a young traveler falls through a rift in space-time and wakes up on the shores of the Hisui region. Found by Professor Laventon, the protagonist is recruited into the Galaxy Expedition Team’s Survey Corps based in Jubilife Village. Their unprecedented mission is to create the region’s very first comprehensive record of Pokémon, exploring a vast and untamed wilderness where these creatures are often feared as dangerous monsters.

The peace of the region is shattered when a mysterious lightning strike from the space-time rift causes the "Noble Pokémon"—revered protectors of the land—to fly into an uncontrollable, golden frenzy. Tasked with quelling these powerful beings, the protagonist must navigate the escalating tensions between the Diamond and Pearl Clans, two local factions with deeply conflicting beliefs about the nature of their "Sinnoh" deity. Every step into the wild brings them closer to the source of the atmospheric disturbance that threatens to consume the entire region.

As the protagonist uncovers ancient ruins and follows the guidance of the mysterious Arc Phone, they begin to piece together a legacy that predates the current civilizations. The weight of their outsider status remains a constant shadow, as some members of the Galaxy Team grow suspicious of the traveler’s strange origin and their unique ability to calm the Nobles. They find themselves caught between serving as a bridge for peace and being a scapegoat for the encroaching disasters.

The sky continues to darken over Mount Coronet, and a final, catastrophic rift begins to tear reality apart at the summit. With the help of unlikely allies, the protagonist prepares to ascend the mountain to face the source of the chaos and fulfill the cryptic command they received upon their arrival: "Seek out all Pokémon." Will they be able to close the rift and uncover the true identity of the power guiding their fate before Hisui is lost to the void?

2. Pokémon Omega Ruby / Alpha Sapphire (2014)

In the tropical Hoenn region, a young trainer moves to Littleroot Town and quickly becomes entangled in a struggle for the very future of the planet's ecosystem. While pursuing the title of Pokémon Champion, the protagonist encounters a radical organization—either Team Magma or Team Aqua—who believe that the world must be reshaped to favor either land-dwelling or sea-dwelling life. Their obsession centers on ancient legends of Primeval Pokémon that once ruled the world with devastating power.

The conflict escalates as the villains successfully seize a powerful Orb capable of awakening a slumbering titan beneath the earth or sea. As the weather patterns across Hoenn begin to shift violently, the protagonist realizes that the organization's misguided idealism has triggered a chain reaction they can no longer control. They must race across the islands to find the means to confront a god-like entity that threatens to return the world to its primordial state.

Amidst the environmental collapse, the protagonist discovers the secrets of Mega Evolution and its ancient origins within the region’s history. They are aided by Steven Stone, a powerful mentor who understands that the balance of nature is far more fragile than the warring factions believe. The tension between human ambition and the uncontrollable forces of the natural world becomes a central struggle as the hero prepares for a final stand.

With the legendary titan finally awakened and the skies turning into a furnace or a deluge, the protagonist must venture into the heart of the Sootopolis City crater. The ancient power of "Primal Reversion" is unleashed, threatening to permanently alter the Hoenn region's geography. Facing the choice to protect the present or succumb to an ancient past, can the hero reach the titan in time to stabilize the world's energy?

3. Pokémon Let's Go, Pikachu! / Eevee! (2018)

In the iconic Kanto region, a new trainer sets out from Pallet Town with a spirited partner Pokémon that refuses to stay inside its Poké Ball. Together, they embark on a journey to challenge the eight Gym Leaders and eventually face the Elite Four at Indigo Plateau. However, their path is frequently blocked by Team Rocket, a notorious criminal syndicate led by the enigmatic Giovanni, who treats Pokémon as mere tools for profit and power.

As the protagonist explores familiar landmarks like the sprawling Saffron City and the eerie Pokémon Tower, Team Rocket’s influence is felt everywhere. The organization stages a violent takeover of the Silph Co. headquarters, seeking to steal a top-secret technology that can capture any Pokémon without fail. The hero must infiltrate the high-tech skyscraper to stop the criminals while proving that the bond between a trainer and their partner is stronger than any machine.

The journey highlights the protagonist's growing rivalry with a childhood friend and their interactions with legendary figures like the brilliant Blue and the master trainer Red. While Team Rocket’s schemes become more desperate and aggressive, the hero learns of a legendary, man-made Pokémon hidden away in a secret laboratory. The mystery of this creature's creation and its immense power looms over the region’s established order.

After dismantling the criminal operations and earning the final gym badge, the protagonist discovers that the heart of the conspiracy is closer than they ever imagined. They are led to a final confrontation where the fate of the Kanto region and the future of the criminal underground will be decided. With their partner Pokémon at their side, can the hero overcome the ultimate test of strength and reveal the true identity of the mastermind behind Team Rocket?

4. Pokémon HeartGold / SoulSilver (2009)

Set in the Johto region three years after the events in Kanto, a young trainer is tasked by Professor Elm with an errand that quickly evolves into a grand adventure. As they travel through ancient towns and serene forests, they discover that Team Rocket, thought to have been disbanded years ago, is attempting a shadow resurrection. The remnants of the organization are desperate to contact their fallen leader and return to their former glory through a series of cruel experiments.

The conflict intensifies when Team Rocket seizes control of the Goldenrod Radio Tower, broadcasting a signal intended to force Pokémon to evolve against their will. The protagonist must fight through the occupied city to shut down the broadcast and prevent the organization from destabilizing the region's peace. Along the way, they encounter a mysterious, red-haired youth who despises the weak and seeks power at any cost, mirroring the darkness they fight.

The narrative is steeped in the mythology of the Johto region, specifically the legendary bird Pokémon that represent the sky and the sea. The protagonist visits the burned ruins of the Brass Tower and the sacred Ecruteak City, learning how ancient disasters shaped the relationship between humans and the divine creatures of the land. They find themselves chosen by fate to seek out a legendary guardian to prove that the heart of a trainer is pure enough to lead the region.

As the protagonist prepares to cross the border into the Kanto region to continue their journey, they realize the threat of Team Rocket’s legacy is not yet fully extinguished. A final, secret meeting is rumored to be taking place where the past and present will finally collide. Will the hero be able to protect the sacred traditions of Johto and finally put an end to the organization’s reach, or will the shadows of the past find a way to return?

5. Pokémon Diamond / Pearl (2006)

In the mountainous Sinnoh region, a young trainer from Twinleaf Town witnesses a strange news report about a search for a red Gyarados, sparking a journey of discovery. Their adventure leads them into the path of Team Galactic, a group led by the cold and calculating Cyrus. Unlike common criminals, this group seeks to gather the energy of evolution and the power of legendary entities to erase the current universe and create a new, emotionless world.

Team Galactic’s plan involves the capture of the three "Lake Guardians," spirits of the mind, emotion, and will, to forge a "Red Chain" capable of binding the gods of time and space. The protagonist must travel to the peaks of Mount Coronet and into the depths of hidden laboratories to rescue these beings and halt the countdown to universal destruction. The scale of the threat forces the hero to confront the terrifying possibility that the world as they know it is fundamentally flawed.

The story explores the ancient myths of Sinnoh, which suggest that the world was birthed at the summit of the region's central mountain range. The protagonist is guided by Cynthia, a powerful researcher and Champion who helps them understand the grave importance of the balance between time and space. As the boundaries of reality begin to thin, the hero's personal growth is tested by the sheer philosophical weight of Cyrus’s nihilistic vision.

At the Spear Pillar atop Mount Coronet, the ritual to summon the legendary masters of the dimensions begins. The sky cracks open, and the protagonist must stand against the architects of the new world as reality begins to warp around them. With the Lake Guardians’ help, they face a final struggle to preserve the existence of all living things. Can a single trainer’s will be enough to stop a machine designed to unmake the universe?

6. Pokémon Platinum (2008)

Expanding upon the crisis in Sinnoh, the journey of a young trainer takes a darker turn as the machinations of Team Galactic reach a terrifying apex. While Cyrus continues his quest for a world without emotion, a third, shadowy power begins to manifest from a dimension where time and space do not exist. Strange portals appear across the region, and the presence of a "Renegade Pokémon" suggests that the interference with reality has consequences far beyond Cyrus's comprehension.

The narrative shifts as Team Galactic's attempt to bind the lords of time and space at the Spear Pillar is interrupted by the emergence of Giratina. This monstrous entity drags Cyrus and the legendary protectors into the Distortion World, a realm where gravity is broken and logic fails. The protagonist, alongside Cynthia, must enter this nightmare dimension to stop Cyrus from claiming a new throne and to prevent the collapse of both worlds.

Inside the Distortion World, the protagonist must solve environmental puzzles that defy the laws of physics while tracking Cyrus through the void. The tension between the rigid order Cyrus desires and the absolute chaos of this hidden realm highlights the danger of his ambitions. The hero realizes that they are no longer just fighting for their home region, but for the stability of every dimension connected to their own.

After navigating the shifting platforms of the void, the protagonist faces a final confrontation with both the leader of Team Galactic and the guardian of the distorted realm. Success means returning to the real world and ensuring the portals are sealed forever, but Cyrus refuses to abandon his vision. Will the hero find a way to appease the dragon of the void, or will they be trapped in the silence of the Distortion World for all eternity?

7. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond / Shining Pearl (2021)

Returning to the Sinnoh region in a modern era, a young protagonist sets out to become a champion while unraveling the mysteries of the land's ancient legends. The journey follows the familiar path through the Oreburgh Mines and the snowy heights of Snowpoint City, but the threat of Team Galactic feels more pressing than ever. Their agents are seen excavating artifacts and harrying the local population, all while Cyrus prepares for his grand design to "reset" reality.

As the protagonist earns badges and grows in strength, they witness the devastating power of Team Galactic’s bombs, which drain the region's sacred lakes to capture the Lake Guardians. This direct assault on the world’s balance forces the hero into a series of high-stakes infiltrations of the group’s high-tech bases. The contrast between the peaceful, rural life of Sinnoh and the cold, industrial goals of the villains creates a constant state of tension.

The story emphasizes the protagonist’s connection to their Pokémon and the historical importance of the myths told by the region’s elders. Cynthia remains a vital ally, providing the hero with the necessary tools and knowledge to face the cosmic entities that Team Galactic seeks to enslave. The protagonist must prove that the bonds of the heart are a source of strength, directly contradicting Cyrus’s belief that emotions are a weakness.

The climax takes place at the ancient ruins atop Mount Coronet, where the fabric of the universe begins to unravel under the influence of the Red Chain. The protagonist must intervene in a ritual that threatens to summon the master of either Time or Space, depending on the version of the legend. With the fate of the Sinnoh region hanging by a thread, the hero enters a battle that will determine if the world remains as it is or is reborn in a cold, silent void.

8. Pokémon Black / White (2010)

In the Unova region, a land of massive cities and advanced technology, a young trainer sets out on a journey that will challenge their most basic beliefs. They are quickly confronted by Team Plasma, a group of crusaders who argue that Pokémon are not partners, but slaves who must be "liberated" from their trainers. Led by a mysterious and charismatic youth named N, who possesses the unique ability to speak directly to Pokémon, the group seeks to create a world where humans and Pokémon live separately.

The narrative develops into a deep philosophical conflict between "Truth" and "Ideals," represented by two legendary dragon Pokémon of ancient Unova. As the protagonist travels from the neon-lit Castelia City to the historic Opelucid City, they find themselves in frequent debates with N regarding the morality of the Pokémon-human bond. Unlike typical villains, N is a tragic figure who truly believes he is doing what is best for the creatures he loves.

As Team Plasma’s influence grows, it becomes clear that N is being manipulated by a shadowy council led by the manipulative Ghetsis. While N seeks a peaceful revolution, Ghetsis intends to use the liberation of all other trainers' Pokémon to ensure that he is the only person left with the power to rule the world. The protagonist must find their own legendary dragon to stand as an equal to N and prove the validity of their bond.

The story leads to a massive siege on the Pokémon League, where Team Plasma’s castle rises from the earth to overshadow the Hall of Fame. The protagonist must navigate the fortress to reach the throne room for a final confrontation with N and the true mastermind behind the group. Can the hero convince N that their partnership is based on love rather than exploitation, or will the world be permanently divided by Team Plasma’s decree?

9. Pokémon Black 2 / White 2 (2012)

Two years after the events in Unova, the region has changed significantly, with new cities emerging and the threat of a resurgent Team Plasma looming. A new trainer from Aspertia City begins their journey, only to find that the once-idealistic group has split into two factions. While some former members seek to atone for their past, a new, more militant Team Plasma has emerged, utilizing high-tech weaponry and a massive flying frigate to terrorize the region.

This new Team Plasma, led once again by Ghetsis and the scientist Colress, has abandoned the pretense of liberation in favor of total conquest. They seek the legendary Pokémon Kyurem, an empty husk that can absorb the power of the other legendary dragons to create a devastating freezing weapon. As the protagonist witnesses entire cities being encased in ice by the Plasma Frigate, the stakes for the region’s survival reach an unprecedented level.

The protagonist is joined by a hot-headed rival whose personal vendetta against Team Plasma stems from the theft of his sister's Pokémon years ago. Together, they track the criminals across the new landscapes of Unova, meeting returning characters who have grown and changed since the previous conflict. The tension between the desire for revenge and the need for justice defines the hero’s path through the frozen wasteland.

The final act takes place in the Giant Chasm, where Ghetsis prepares to use Kyurem to plunge all of Unova into a permanent ice age. The protagonist must board the Plasma Frigate and fight their way to the heart of the ship to stop the machine before it’s too late. With the return of a legendary ally from the past, can the hero defeat the ultimate cold and bring warmth back to a fractured region?

10. Pokémon X / Y (2013)

In the Kalos region, inspired by the beauty of France, a young protagonist moves to Vaniville Town and sets out with a group of friends to explore the land's artistic cities and rolling hills. Their journey is soon interrupted by Team Flare, a group of fashion-obsessed elitists who believe the world has become overcrowded and ugly. They seek to use a legendary "ultimate weapon" from an ancient war to "reset" the world, preserving only those they deem beautiful and worthy.

The plot delves into a dark legend from three thousand years ago, involving a massive king and a war that nearly destroyed all life. The protagonist encounters a mysterious, giant man named AZ who wanders the region in a state of perpetual mourning, searching for a Pokémon he lost during the ancient conflict. The hero realizes that Team Flare’s plan is not just a modern conspiracy, but a attempt to repeat a historical catastrophe.

The narrative introduces the phenomenon of Mega Evolution, a temporary but powerful transformation triggered by the bond between trainer and Pokémon. As the protagonist hunts for Mega Stones and investigates the "Tower of Mastery," they learn that this power is the only thing capable of standing against Team Flare’s destructive technology. The tension between the "beauty" Team Flare desires and the genuine, messy connections of the human heart becomes the central theme.

The conflict reaches its peak in a secret laboratory beneath Geosenge Town, where the ultimate weapon begins to rise from the earth once again. The protagonist must face the leader of Team Flare, Lysandre, who is determined to fire the weapon regardless of the cost to his own humanity. Will the hero be able to disable the machine and reunite the ancient king with his lost friend, or will the "cleansing" light of the weapon erase everything they love?

11. Pokémon Sun / Moon (2016)

Moving to the tropical Alola region, a young trainer takes part in the "Island Challenge," a series of trials and rites of passage that take the place of the traditional Gym system. As they travel across the four main islands, they encounter the rebellious Team Skull, a group of outcasts who cause trouble for the local communities. However, a more sophisticated organization, the Aether Foundation, appears to be the true power in the region, claiming to protect Pokémon from harm.

The story centers on the protagonist's friendship with a mysterious girl named Lillie and her strange Pokémon, "Nebby," which she is hiding from her own family. As the hero discovers that the Aether Foundation is performing secret experiments on "Ultra Beasts"—monsters from another dimension—the true nature of the organization’s leader, Lusamine, is revealed. Her obsession with these alien creatures threatens to tear open the fabric of reality over Alola.

The narrative explores themes of family trauma and the consequences of obsession as Lillie tries to escape her mother's suffocating control. The protagonist must travel through "Ultra Wormholes" to reach an alien dimension and rescue those who have been lost to the madness of the beasts. The traditional myths of Alola, centered on the legendary guardians of the islands, provide the only hope for restoring the natural order.

As the Alolan islands face a full-scale invasion of creatures from the void, the protagonist must complete their final trial and ascend the sacred mountain. They find themselves at the center of a cosmic struggle that involves the very evolution of their mysterious friend Nebby. Can the hero bridge the gap between dimensions and heal a broken family, or will Alola be consumed by the hunger of the Ultra Beasts?

12. Pokémon Ultra Sun / Ultra Moon (2017)

In an alternate retelling of the Alolan journey, the protagonist faces a significantly greater threat emerging from the depths of space. While the Aether Foundation and Team Skull still play their roles, a new group called the Ultra Recon Squad arrives from a world that has been stripped of its light. They warn of a terrifying entity known as Necrozma, the "Blinding One," which is awakening to steal the light from Alola and plunge the universe into eternal darkness.

The plot shifts its focus toward the history of Necrozma and its connection to the legendary Pokémon of the Alolan islands. As the protagonist travels through the region, they witness the sky darkening as Necrozma begins to absorb the light energy of the sun or moon. The Aether Foundation’s attempt to control the Ultra Beasts is revealed to be a desperate, misguided attempt to find a weapon against this encroaching cosmic void.

The narrative expands into the "Ultra Space" more deeply, allowing the protagonist to travel to different worlds on the back of a legendary Pokémon. They visit the "Ultra Megalopolis," a city built in total darkness, where they learn the tragic history of the people who once worshipped the light-thief. The hero realizes that they must not only protect Alola but also find a way to restore balance to a creature that has been driven mad by its own emptiness.

The climax involves a journey to the Altar of the Sun or Moon, where Necrozma fuses with the region's legendary protector to reach its most powerful form. The protagonist must engage in a battle that spans dimensions to reclaim the stolen light and save the world from an era of shadows. Will the hero be able to provide the energy Necrozma needs to find peace, or will the entire Alolan archipelago be lost to the dark forever?

13. Pokémon Sword / Shield (2019)

In the Galar region, a land of sprawling countrysides and industrial cities obsessed with sports-like Pokémon battles, a young trainer enters the "Gym Challenge." Sponsored by the undefeated Champion Leon, the hero travels by train and foot to compete in massive stadiums filled with cheering fans. The region is famous for the "Dynamax" phenomenon, which allows Pokémon to grow to gargantuan sizes during matches held over power spots.

While the protagonist focuses on their rise to the top, a shadowy subplot involving Chairman Rose and his secretary Oleana begins to unfold. Rose is obsessed with a future energy crisis that is still a thousand years away, believing that he must tap into a dangerous, ancient power source to ensure Galar’s continued prosperity. His experiments with "Wishing Stars" begin to cause wild Pokémon to Dynamax unexpectedly, endangering the public and the very stadiums the hero competes in.

The story draws heavily on the "Darkest Day" legend, an ancient catastrophe where a black storm nearly destroyed the region until it was stopped by two legendary heroes. The protagonist and their rival, Hop, discover ancient ruins that suggest the history of the region’s founding is far different from what the public is told. The tension rises as Rose’s desperation to solve a distant problem leads him to ignore the immediate danger he is creating.

The conflict reaches a breaking point during the Championship finals, as Rose interrupts the match to unleash "Eternatus," the source of the Dynamax power. The protagonist must venture into the heart of the Energy Plant beneath the stadium to stop a rampaging god of destruction. With the help of the true legendary guardians of Galar, can the hero end the second Darkest Day and prove that the future cannot be secured through reckless ambition?

14. Pokémon Scarlet / Violet (2022)

In the vast, open-world Paldea region, a new student enrolls in the prestigious Naranja or Uva Academy and is tasked with an independent study project called the "Treasure Hunt." The protagonist is free to pursue three distinct paths: challenging the Gym Leaders to become a Champion, dismantling the rebellious Team Star's bases, or hunting "Titan Pokémon" to find the legendary Herba Mystica. Throughout these journeys, they are accompanied by a mysterious, weakened legendary Pokémon that serves as their mount.

The narrative converges on the mystery of "Area Zero," a massive, clouded crater in the center of the region where the "Terastal" phenomenon originates. The protagonist learns of a brilliant professor—Sada or Turo—who has been working in isolation within the crater for years, researching Pokémon that appear to be from a distant past or a far-off future. These "Paradox Pokémon" are beginning to leak out of the crater, threatening the Paldean ecosystem.

The story explores deep emotional themes through the protagonist’s friends: Nemona’s drive for competition, Arven’s desperate quest to heal his sick Pokémon, and Penny’s complicated relationship with the hackers of Team Star. As they eventually enter the depths of the Great Crater together, they discover the horrifying truth about the professor’s research into time displacement. The high-tech ruins of Area Zero reveal a secret that challenges the boundary between life and artificial intelligence.

In the deepest layer of the crater, the protagonist must face the ultimate safeguard left behind by the professor’s experiments. They find themselves caught in a struggle against a machine programmed to continue a dangerous legacy at all costs. With the support of their friends and their loyal legendary companion, can the hero shut down the time-traveling threat and find their own "treasure" within the heart of Paldea?

All Pokémon Games in Order: A comprehensive list of the franchise, organized by release and chronological order. Information is curated from web sources and highlights mainline entries only. Note: This guide does not include DLCs or remakes, focusing strictly on primary Pokémon titles for a cleaner browsing experience.