In which order should I play Pokémon games?

In Which Order Should I Play Pokémon Games?

The Pokémon franchise has been a beloved part of many gamers’ childhoods, with a vast array of games to choose from. With the release of new games, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to play and in what order. In this article, we’ll explore the best order to play the mainline Pokémon games, considering factors such as storyline, gameplay, and region.

The Chronological Order

Playing the Pokémon games in chronological order is a great way to experience the series. This order follows the release dates of the games, with the earliest games being played first. Here’s a list of the mainline Pokémon games in chronological order:

• Generation I: Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow (1996-2000)
• Generation II: Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal (1999-2003)
• Generation III: Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald (2002-2007)
• Generation IV: Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum (2006-2010)
• Generation V: Pokémon Black and White (2010-2013)
• Generation VI: Pokémon X and Y (2013-2016)
• Generation VII: Pokémon Sun and Moon (2016-2019)
• Generation VIII: Pokémon Sword and Shield (2019-present)

The Best Order for New Players

If you’re new to the Pokémon series, it’s recommended to start with the first generation games, Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow. These games introduce the core gameplay mechanics and characters that have become iconic in the series. From there, you can move on to the subsequent generations, following the chronological order.

The Order for Hardcore Fans

For hardcore fans who have already played the games in chronological order, there are other ways to experience the series. You can play the games in the order of their region, starting with the Kanto region (Generation I) and moving on to the Johto region (Generation II), and so on. This order allows you to explore different regions and characters while still experiencing the games in a cohesive storyline.

The Order for a Specific Region

If you’re interested in playing games set in a specific region, you can do so by grouping the games by region. For example, you can play the games set in the Kanto region (Generation I and III), the Johto region (Generation II), the Hoenn region (Generation III), and so on.

The Order for a Specific Generation

Another way to play the games is by generation. This order allows you to experience the advancements and changes in the series over time. For example, you can play the Generation I games, then move on to the Generation II games, and so on.

The Pros and Cons of Each Order

Here are some pros and cons of each order:

Chronological Order

Pros:

• Experiences the series in the order it was released
• Allows for a cohesive storyline
• Introduces new gameplay mechanics and characters

Cons:

• May be overwhelming for new players
• Some games may feel outdated compared to newer releases

Region-Based Order

Pros:

• Allows for exploration of different regions and characters
• Can be a fun way to experience the series
• Introduces new regions and characters

Cons:

• May not provide a cohesive storyline
• Some games may feel disconnected from others

Generation-Based Order

Pros:

• Allows for experience of advancements and changes in the series
• Introduces new gameplay mechanics and characters
• Can be a fun way to experience the series

Cons:

• May not provide a cohesive storyline
• Some games may feel disconnected from others

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several ways to play the Pokémon games, each with its pros and cons. Whether you’re a new player or a hardcore fan, there’s an order that’s right for you. By considering the chronological, region-based, and generation-based orders, you can experience the series in a way that suits your preferences. Happy gaming!