What Pokemon Game Should I Start With

If you want to know what pokemon game should I start with, begin with Pokemon FireRed or LeafGreen on the Game Boy Advance. They are beginner-friendly with a classic feel.

Thinking of diving into the world of Pokemon? It’s a fantastic journey with so many options, it might seem daunting figuring out what pokemon game should i start with. You’re not alone! Many new trainers find themselves asking that very same question.

Choosing that initial game can greatly impact your experience. FireRed and LeafGreen present a simpler, yet still deeply enjoyable experience. So these are a strong recommendation for newcomers.

What Pokemon Game Should I Start With?

So, you’re ready to jump into the amazing world of Pokémon! That’s fantastic! But with so many games to choose from, it can feel a little overwhelming. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you find the perfect starting point for your Pokémon journey. Let’s explore the different options and figure out which game is the best fit for you.

Understanding the Different Generations

Before we dive into specific games, it’s helpful to know about the different “generations” of Pokémon games. Each generation introduces new Pokémon, new regions to explore, and sometimes new gameplay mechanics. Think of them like different seasons of a TV show – each one has its own unique vibe. Knowing a little about the generations will give you a better feel for what to expect. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Generation I: This is where it all began! Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow are the very first games. They’re classic and simple, but they might feel a bit dated compared to more recent titles.
• Generation II: Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal expand on the first games with more Pokémon, a bigger world, and cool new features like breeding.
• Generation III: Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald brought new visuals and introduced Abilities, which add a new layer of strategy. These were the start of Gameboy Advance era.
• Generation IV: Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum are often considered the first entry of modern Pokemon. They introduced online battles and a bigger storyline. These are Nintendo DS era titles.
• Generation V: Pokémon Black and White are direct sequels with a focus on their story, adding new, interesting pokemon designs.
• Generation VI: Pokémon X and Y were the first main games on the Nintendo 3DS. They introduced 3D graphics and the Fairy type.
• Generation VII: Pokémon Sun and Moon and Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon feature a tropical setting and unique gameplay mechanics, focusing on trial challenges instead of gym battles.
• Generation VIII: Pokémon Sword and Shield introduced the Wild Area, a large open zone where Pokémon roam freely, and dynamaxing, the ability to make pokemon gigantic for three turns in battle.
• Generation IX: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are open world games with a lot of freedom to explore and do whatever you like.

It’s a lot to take in, right? Don’t worry too much about memorizing it all. We’ll break down some of the best starting points from these different generations.

The Easiest Pokémon Games to Start With

If you’re completely new to the world of Pokémon, you might want to begin with something a bit easier and more beginner-friendly. Here are a few excellent options:

Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!

These games are remakes of the original Pokémon Yellow, but they’re designed specifically for new players. They have several features that make them super accessible:

• Simplified Catching: You catch Pokémon by throwing Pokéballs, like in Pokémon GO, instead of battling them first. This makes the process much quicker and easier.
• Friendlier Gameplay: The games are generally easier than other Pokémon games, with more forgiving battles.
• Co-op Mode: You can play with a friend, which can be a big help if you’re new to the game.
• Cute Visuals: The graphics are adorable, making the experience enjoyable for all ages.

If you want a comfortable start, these are fantastic for diving in without feeling overwhelmed.

Pokémon Sword and Shield

Pokémon Sword and Shield are also great options for new players. These games are the most recent in the main series, on Nintendo switch, and they strike a good balance between familiarity and new mechanics:

• Easy to Get Into: The initial parts of the game are tutorial heavy and guide you very nicely through the concepts of the game.
• The Wild Area: This is the first time we had a large, open zone to explore in the main series game, with varying difficulty levels, depending on your progress through the game.
• Lots of Variety: They have a great variety of Pokémon, characters, and areas to explore, keeping things interesting.
• Good Graphics: The graphics are a step up, making the world feel more alive.

These games can be a bit more challenging than Let’s Go, but they’re still very accessible for newcomers.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

These games are the newest entries in the series and bring a true open-world experience to Pokémon. Here’s why they are beginner-friendly:

• Open World Freedom: You can explore the world in whatever order you like, making the game feel less linear.
• Multiple Storylines: The game has three different storylines that you can tackle at your own pace, offering a lot of flexibility.
• Easy to Pick Up: Despite the open-world nature, the game is still pretty easy to get the hang of, with the initial hours guiding you on the mechanics and the systems.
• Modern Presentation: They have the best graphics and most up-to-date features, giving players the best game experience right away.

While the open world might feel intimidating, the game is forgiving and allows you to go at your own speed.

If You Want a More Classic Pokémon Experience

Maybe you want to play a game that feels more like the classic Pokémon adventures you’ve heard about. That’s fantastic! Here are some suggestions:

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen (Remakes of Gen 1)

These Game Boy Advance games are remakes of the original Pokémon Red and Blue. They maintain the core feel of the originals but with improved graphics and gameplay.

• Classic Experience: They offer the classic Pokémon journey, making them a good starting point for seeing how the series used to be.
• Good Balance: They aren’t too easy or too hard, offering a solid challenge for new players.
• Nostalgia Trip: Great if you want to experience where it all began, but with a more polished feel.

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver (Remakes of Gen 2)

These Nintendo DS remakes of Pokémon Gold and Silver are considered by many to be among the best in the series. They introduce many concepts of Pokemon like pokemon following the player and a lot of post-game content to keep the players engaged.

• Lots of Content: A very full experience with a big region to explore and lots to do.
• Engaging Story: Has a compelling story to keep you motivated.
• Pokemon Follow: Your pokemon can follow you on the map adding a lot to the immersive feeling of being in the world of Pokemon.
• Excellent Remakes: They have improved on the original games significantly, making them accessible and fun.

Pokémon Platinum

This is an enhanced version of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. While these games are from 2006, they are some of the most popular among the fans.

• Compelling Story: The game includes an engaging story line with a lot of memorable characters.
• Challenging Gameplay: The game has a moderate difficulty level, especially for the last parts of the game.
• Nostalgia Factor: Playing these will take you back to a time when games were simpler but very engaging.

Considering Your Preferred Playstyle

Thinking about how you want to play Pokémon can also help you choose the right game.

Do You Like to Explore Open Worlds?

If you enjoy games where you can wander around freely, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are perfect because you get a completely open world right from the beginning. This gives you a freedom you haven’t had before in the main Pokemon series.

Do You Prefer Simpler Gameplay?

If you like easy-to-understand games with clear goals, then Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! are very suitable. These games avoid overcomplicating the catching system and the battle system.

Do You Want a Lot of Post-Game Content?

If you like games that keep you playing even after you finish the main story, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver are a great option. They have plenty of extra activities and a large secondary region to explore.

Are You Interested in a Unique Experience?

If you want something different, Pokémon Sun and Moon or Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon offer a distinct experience with trials instead of gym battles, and a completely different vibe to the world.

A Quick Look at Platform Availability

It’s important to note which systems you have available to play on. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Nintendo Switch: Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu!, Let’s Go, Eevee!, Sword, Shield, Scarlet, and Violet are all on this platform.
• Nintendo 3DS: Pokémon X, Y, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon are on this platform.
• Nintendo DS: Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, and SoulSilver, Black, White, Black 2 and White 2 are on this platform.
• Game Boy Advance: Pokémon FireRed, LeafGreen, Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald are on this platform.

Make sure you have the right system to play the game you choose.

A Simple Table to Help You Decide

Here’s a table that summarizes the key points for each game we’ve discussed:

Hopefully, this table makes your decision a bit clearer! Remember, there’s no right or wrong answer. The best game for you is the one that you’ll have the most fun with. So take your pick, grab your Pokéballs, and start your journey. Have a wonderful time!

Which Pokemon Game Should You Play First?

Final Thoughts

For a beginner, Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu or Eevee provides a simpler, more accessible entry. These games feature familiar Pokémon from the first generation and easy catching mechanics. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are faithful remakes of classic titles and offer a more traditional experience.

Ultimately, what pokemon game should i start with depends on your preference. If you want a gentle introduction to the series, begin with Let’s Go. If you prefer a classic formula with updated graphics, choose the Diamond or Pearl remakes.