Which Game Has the Most Complete Pokedex?
The Pokémon franchise is known for its extensive Pokédex, a collection of data on all the different Pokémon that players can encounter and catch throughout their journeys. As the franchise has grown, the size of the Pokédex has grown exponentially, with new games introducing more and more Pokémon to the mix. In this article, we’ll explore which Pokémon games have the most complete Pokédex.
The Original Trio: Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow
The first Pokémon games to feature a Pokédex were the original trio: Red, Blue, and Yellow. Launched in 1996 for the Game Boy, these games introduced the world to the concept of a creature collection RPG, and with them came the very first Pokédex.
With 151 Pokémon to discover and capture, these games set the standard for all subsequent Pokémon games. While this initial roster of Pokémon is still an integral part of the franchise, its modest size pales in comparison to the modern Pokédex.
Second Generation: Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal
The second generation of Pokémon games, including Gold, Silver, and Crystal released in 1999, significantly expanded the Pokédex. Adding over 100 new Pokémon to the mix, this generation brought the total number of Pokémon up to 252.
While Gold, Silver, and Crystal boasted an impressive Pokédex, they were still dwarfed by later games that would go on to feature hundreds more Pokémon.
Third Generation: Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald
The third generation, released between 2002 and 2005, introduced the concept of Double Battle and introduced over 100 new Pokémon, bringing the total number to 393.
Fourth Generation: Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum
The fourth generation, released between 2007 and 2009, introduced the Nintendo DS and over 100 new Pokémon, bumping the total number up to 494.
Fifth Generation: Pokémon Black, White, and Sequels
The fifth generation, released between 2010 and 2013, saw a huge surge in the number of Pokémon, introducing 156 new ‘mon to the mix and reaching a grand total of 651.
Sixth Generation: Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire
The sixth generation, released between 2013 and 2015, further expanded the Pokédex, introducing 71 new Pokémon and bringing the total up to 722.
Seventh Generation: Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon
The seventh generation, released between 2016 and 2017, added yet more Pokémon to the mix, reaching a staggering 802 entries.
Eighth Generation: Pokémon Sword, Shield, and Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
The most recent games, released in 2019, saw the introduction of 81 new Pokémon, bringing the total to 916.
Which Game Has the Most Complete Pokedex?
Taking a look at the statistics above, we can see that Pokémon Sun and Ultra Sun boast the most complete Pokédex, with 809 total Pokémon.
However, Pokémon GO, which runs on a separate platform and uses the mobile app to access a portion of the Pokédex, tops them all with an incredible over 1,000 different Pokémon.
In Conclusion
Each new generation of Pokémon games introduces fresh new ‘mon, gradually building upon the already vast repository of data. As the franchise continues to evolve, the Pokédex has expanded exponentially, making it the go-to reference for Pokémon enthusiasts and newcomers alike. While some games have contributed more significantly to the Pokédex than others, every game has played a role in bringing the Pokémon world to life.