What Games Do You Need to Complete the Pokédex?
The Pokédex is a central component of the Pokémon franchise, allowing trainers to catalog and track the various Pokémon they’ve encountered and caught. Completing the Pokédex is a significant achievement, and it requires a good understanding of which games are necessary to achieve this goal. In this article, we’ll explore the different games you need to complete the Pokédex and provide some valuable insights to help you on your journey.
The Basics
Before we dive into the specific games, it’s essential to understand the concept of the Pokédex. The Pokédex is a digital encyclopedia that records information about the various Pokémon species, including their characteristics, habitats, and behaviors. The Pokédex is not a single, comprehensive book but rather a collection of entries that can be accessed through various Pokémon games.
The Mainline Games
The mainline Pokémon games are the core series of games that feature the Pokédex. These games are:
- Diamond, Pearl, HeartGold, and Emerald: These games are considered the foundation of the Pokédex, as they introduce the concept of the Pokédex and feature a significant number of Pokémon.
- Platinum: This game is an enhanced version of Diamond and Pearl, featuring additional Pokémon and updates to the Pokédex.
- Black, White, Black 2, and White 2: These games introduce new Pokémon and updates to the Pokédex, building upon the foundation established in the earlier games.
- X, Y, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire: These games feature new Pokémon and updates to the Pokédex, as well as a new region to explore.
- Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon: These games introduce new Pokémon and updates to the Pokédex, as well as a new region to explore.
- Sword, Shield, Brilliant Diamond, and Shining Pearl: These games feature new Pokémon and updates to the Pokédex, as well as a new region to explore.
Version Exclusives
Some Pokémon are exclusive to specific versions of the games, meaning they can only be obtained in those versions. For example, Glameow is only available in Platinum, while Growlithe is only available in HeartGold. These version exclusives can be obtained through trade or by playing the specific version of the game.
The Living Pokédex
The Living Pokédex is a concept that refers to the ability to catch all Pokémon in a single game. This is not currently possible, as some Pokémon are only available in specific versions or through trade. However, some games, such as Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon, feature a more comprehensive Pokédex than others.
The Pokémon Games with the Best Pokédex
Some Pokémon games feature a more comprehensive Pokédex than others. Here are some of the games with the best Pokédex:
- Pokémon X: This game features a Pokédex with over 300 Pokémon, including many version exclusives.
- Pokémon Y: This game features a Pokédex with over 300 Pokémon, including many version exclusives.
- Pokémon Omega Ruby: This game features a Pokédex with over 300 Pokémon, including many version exclusives.
- Pokémon Alpha Sapphire: This game features a Pokédex with over 300 Pokémon, including many version exclusives.
- Pokémon Sun: This game features a Pokédex with over 300 Pokémon, including many version exclusives.
- Pokémon Moon: This game features a Pokédex with over 300 Pokémon, including many version exclusives.
- Pokémon Ultra Sun: This game features a Pokédex with over 400 Pokémon, including many version exclusives.
- Pokémon Ultra Moon: This game features a Pokédex with over 400 Pokémon, including many version exclusives.
Conclusion
Completing the Pokédex is a significant achievement in the Pokémon franchise, and it requires a good understanding of which games are necessary to achieve this goal. By playing the mainline Pokémon games, you’ll be able to access the majority of the Pokédex entries. Additionally, some games feature version exclusives that can only be obtained through trade or by playing the specific version of the game. With this knowledge, you’ll be well on your way to completing the Pokédex and becoming a true Pokémon master.