Since its debut in 1996, the Pokémon series has captured hearts worldwide, evolving from pocket-sized Game Boy adventures to sprawling open-world epics. With dozens of mainline games across generations, ranking the best is no easy task. But I’ve narrowed it down to the top five, based on innovation, gameplay, story, and lasting impact. Whether you’re a generation one purist or a modern trainer, here’s my list of the best Pokémon mainline games.
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Ranking the Top 5 Pokemon Mainline Games
5. Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022)
Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022) changed the way we view the series as a whole. Instead of the typical turn-based combat that many players know and love, it had pivoted to real-time combat and catching. Players no longer had to compete in fierce battles against eight gym leaders, but were now focused on research tasks and exploring the ancient region of Hisui. With a fresh narrative tone, it gave trainers a more engaging story that focused on the space-time rift affecting the region, its people, and Pokémon. Its impact lies in redefining Pokémon’s formula, paving the way for more open-world titles like Scarlet and Violet, and proving the series could evolve while honouring its roots.
4. Pokémon Platinum (2008)
Fittingly, following Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022), at the number four spot on the list is Pokémon Platinum (2008). This title fixed major pacing issues that plagued Diamond and Pearl (2006) with a more polished Sinnoh region and an enhanced story to boot. A major highlight of this title at the apex of the game’s story, the Distortion World, where trainers break the established physics of Pokémon games and eventually encounter the Legendary Pokémon Giratina. The finale against champion Cynthia with her supremely balanced team was always a challenge that was not for the faint of heart. Additionally, the fourth generation of Pokémon helped established the online Wi-Fi community where trainers from around the globe could trade and battle. A personal favourite of mine, but realistically, there are better games in the series that just beat out this well-crafted title.
3. Pokémon Black & White 2 (2012)
In the third spot on the list, I decided to give love to the Unova region where trainers were able to discover over 150 new Pokémon in the titled Black & White 2. The original Black & White released two years prior, leaving fans of the series with mixed receptions. However, these titles have aged like fine wine as — unlike the first game — you are able to access older generation of Pokémon from the start, allowing you to build your party with new and familiar friends.
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The story tackled mature themes dissimilar to past titles such as Pokémon liberation along with Team Plasma’s leader, N, being a fan favourite amongst the amazing cast of characters. The sprites were fully animated, accompanied by a fantastic soundtrack which elevated the audio-visual experience of playing Pokémon games. Despite the Unova region being rather bland in regards to complexity and exploration, it makes up for delivering an engaging story to remember.
2. Pokémon Emerald (2004)
As we reach the top of Sky Pillar of this list, we arrive at the Hoenn region with the apex of Pokémon games; Pokémon Emerald (2004). Building on the previous Ruby and Sapphire titles with polish and ambition, Emerald delivers by bringing players the definitive Hoenn experience. This behemoth grants players access to the Battle Frontier, a post-game gauntlet to test trainers’ skills in all forms of Pokémon battles. Unlike its predecessor, Emerald puts Rayquaza at front and center, mediating the gargantuan clash between Groudon and Kyogre.
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Emerald (along with Ruby and Sapphire) promoted a new way to battle with the introduction of ‘Double Battles’ which in-turn became the staple for official competitive battling in VGC (Video Game Championships). This game oozes exploration reaching the highest volcanoes and the deepest of oceans, the Hoenn region feels alive. A great experience in almost every way, one of the best games created for the GameBoy Advance system.
“Too much water” — Kallie Plagge, 18th November 2014
1. Pokémon Heart Gold & Soul Silver (2009)
Honestly, could it have gone any other way? Prior to the announcement of the title, players had always wanted to return to the Johto region which is dripping with culture, nostalgia and tradition. Pokémon fans got their wish with the release of Pokémon Heart Gold and Soul Silver (2009) with an overhaul on the generation four art style unveiling new sprites, and quality of life improvements which made the experience of exploring and unveiling the mysteries of Johto that much more satisfying.
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Fans were glad to see the return of ‘following Pokémon’ from the original title as well as a fully-fledged post-game as you were able to explore the Kanto region (Pokémon Red, Blue and Yellow) with familiar faces making a return. With two regions, 16 gyms, a fierce showdown with Red and the return of the Battle Frontier, players had countless hours of content jam-packed into a handheld device. These titles are a love letter to Pokémon’s golden era on the Nintendo DS.
