10 Best Pokémon Games in 2025

Developing a game is one thing, but introducing and selling it to an audience filled with critics and fans is another. Franchises like Pokémon could only be described as legendary. Titles in this series remain among the most beloved matches in the gaming industry. It boasts over 20 main series games and countless spinoffs, which only get better and better. Additionally, these titles target players of all ages, which only adds to their popularity. In this article, we discuss the 10 best Pokémon games you can enjoy alone or with friends.

10. Pokémon Unite

Pokémon Unite is a multiplayer online battle arena game where players take part in standard matches. They get into two teams of five each before joining ten-minute battles. The group with the most points at the end wins. When there's a tie, the side that scored the highest first wins the championship. Additionally, if the opposing side gives up during the match, you still get to win. Other than that, players can also engage in different extra missions, game modes, and 5-minute matches that occur on smaller maps. 

9. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Like other games in the series, this title follows the same basic structure. It unfolds in an open world with both urban and rural areas. Additionally, it also features a large wilderness without borders between the two, unlike previous games. In it, players obtain tiny creatures through catching and trading. They then use them to explore their world and fight with other trainers in the game. However, Scarlet and Violet include a new feature that allows you to battle trainers on paths.

8. Pokémon Legends: Arceus

The title is an action RPG where gamers freely move around a beautiful environment. It is divided into five large areas of individual biomes. Each time you enter a new place, you spawn in a camp. Players can travel on foot or unlock a rideable Pokémon that can swim, climb cliffs, or fly. It also moves much faster. While playing, the characters interact with the environment and each other. Some of them are friendly, while some act aggressively. However, there are others who completely avoid you.

7. Pokémon Masters EX

Players battle intensely in a 3-on-3 tournament to crown a champion. To enter, you must first collect five badges, which are earned through defeating the PML leaders located in the game. Most participants sync pairs and also unlock a sync pair story. Aside from the main mission, you can also take part in timed events, which have a limited time. You can play the side quests in single- or multiplayer events, working together to defeat powerful enemies. Doing so earns you rewards and prizes. 

6. Pokémon TCG Pocket

THC Pocket focuses on opening digital booster packs and collecting the cards inside them. After, you can make decks out of these cards and use them to fight against other players. Battle consists of a simplified version of the physical card game. You place one character in combat while the others remain on the bench. You also draw cards to get one energy each turn. Other features include being able to see your card collection and make friends with other players in the match. Gamers also get access to a booster pack after 12 hours, which has five cards inside it.

5. New Pokémon Snap

Play as a photographer who visits a special laboratory to help the research studies professor and his assistants. For each expedition, you travel in a hovercraft that allows you to take photos of different Pokémon in their natural habitats safely. They include jungles, deserts, and beautiful beaches. Every photo you take gets graded by the professor on a scale of one to four stars based on how rare the current activity is. He also considers things like shot composition and whether they are facing the camera or not.

4. Pokémon GO

It's an amazing title where players start by setting up an account and creating an avatar. You then customize it based on your play style. The game has several locations, such as gyms and stops. The first serves as a battle location for team-based king of the hill matches. The latter can be equipped with items that attract additional wild, and occasionally rare, characters. As you progress, you interact with real-world surroundings and their residents within the map. Pokémon GO is an interesting game that will leave you in awe after you've completed the gameplay.

3. Pokémon Sleep

Just like the title suggests, this is about tracking the player's deep sleep. Sleeping longer earns you rewards. To get the job done, you activate your phone's microphone and accelerometer. A professor gives players a Snorlax to observe their sleeping patterns when they initially join the game. After each session, you receive a report of your performance. Stated in it are three categories of sleep. They are dozing, snoozing, and slumbering. It also shows how much noise a player made throughout their nap.

2. Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver

Considered by many as the peak of traditional Pokémon gameplay, HeartGold and SoulSilver are enhanced remakes of the beloved second-generation titles. These games offer two full regions to explore: Johto and Kanto, essentially giving players two adventures in one. After defeating the Elite Four, the journey doesn’t end; you unlock an entire second map with new challenges, familiar faces, and bonus content, effectively doubling the playtime.

Beyond the expanded scope, the games also introduced quality-of-life improvements that made training, battling, and exploring feel smoother than ever. The updated visuals and remastered soundtrack brought the world of Pokémon to life in vivid detail, while the ability to have your lead Pokémon follow you in the overworld made the experience feel more personal and immersive.

1. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX

Step into a fantasy world where you play as a human who turns into a cute little creature. The avatar you choose is determined by a personality quiz taken right before entering the match. You also select a partner. However, they have to be from a different species than the player's avatar. The best part about Rescue Team DX is that it comes with many jobs that can be found on a bulletin board, requested by mail, or initiated through story events. They are rescuing other characters, delivering items, or escorting clients, among others.