Beginner’s Guide to Starting the Pokémon Game Series

The Pokémon series is a global phenomenon, a vibrant universe of creature-collecting, battling, and exploration that’s captured hearts since 1996, selling over 480 million copies across nine generations and dozens of titles. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, Pokémon invites you to become a trainer, catching monsters, training teams, and challenging Gyms to become a Champion. Each mainline game offers a standalone adventure in unique regions—Kanto’s urban sprawl, Paldea’s open plains—connected by themes of friendship, discovery, and battling, but no prerequisite knowledge is needed to dive in. In 2025, with Pokémon Legends: Z-A (released 2025, for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2) dazzling with its Lumiose City urban redevelopment and Mega Dimension DLC (2025) adding hyperspace rifts, plus remakes like Black/White Remastered (2025) and classics on Nintendo Switch Online, it’s a golden era for newcomers. Whether you crave cozy exploration, competitive battling, or shiny hunting, this guide highlights the joy of starting your Pokémon journey—focusing on accessible entry points, gameplay basics, and tips to maximize fun, all tailored for beginners. Some information on this page can be inaccurate due to writing mistakes or misunderstanding, so recheck before playing.

Why Start Pokémon? A World of Wonder and Growth

Pokémon shines with universal appeal: colorful creatures each with unique types (Fire, Water, etc.) and moves. Gameplay blends RPG depth—leveling, evolving, strategizing—with casual charm—petting Pokémon, cooking curries. Vibrant regions burst with secrets: caves hiding rare items, NPCs trading tips and more. Playtime varies: 20-40 hours for main stories, 100+ for Pokédex completion or competitive grinds.

No Required Order: Each Game Stands Alone

Mainline games (one per generation) are standalone, sharing mechanics (catching, battling) but not stories. Start anywhere based on platform or vibe—modern for polish, classics for nostalgia. Spin-offs like Pokémon Mystery Dungeon or Pokémon Snap offer side fun. Below are top beginner-friendly entry points for 2025, all shining with unique strengths.

Top Recommended Starting Points for Newcomers

1. Pokémon Scarlet/Violet + Teal Mask/Indigo Disk DLC (2022/2023, Switch) – Open-World Freedom

Perfect for modern gamers, this Gen 9 title introduces Paldea’s seamless open world—roam cliffs, lakes, or Mesagoza’s vibrant streets at your pace. Choose Sprigatito, Fuecoco, or Quaxly, then explore three paths (Gyms, Titans, Team Star) with Terastal mechanics (type-shifting crystals). Rideable Miraidon/Koraidon zip across terrains; co-op multiplayer lets friends join hunts. DLCs add Blueberry Academy battles and Kitakami festivals. 30-50 hours, 100+ with Pokédex. Visuals pop on Switch OLED, smooth gameplay. Ideal for freedom lovers.

2. Pokémon Legends: Z-A (2025, Switch/Switch 2) – Innovative Urban Adventure

Released October 16, 2025, this Gen 9 spin-off reimagines Kalos’s Lumiose City as an urban playground. Catch Pokémon with action-based throws, battle in real-time with synced moves, and rebuild the city via missions. Mega Evolutions return alongside new forms. 25-40 hours, co-op raids shine. Switch 2’s ray-tracing enhances lights; standard Switch runs smoothly. Perfect for action-RPG fans and shiny hunters.

3. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl (2021, Switch) – Classic Remake Charm

Gen 4’s Sinnoh remakes offer traditional gameplay: top-down exploration, turn-based battles, and Gym puzzles. Pick Turtwig, Chimchar, or Piplup; explore Grand Underground for rare spawns. Chibi art evokes nostalgia, updated visuals add polish. 25-40 hours, easy modes included. Great for retro fans wanting structure.

4. Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu!/Eevee! (2018, Switch) – Beginner’s Delight

Gen 1 Kanto reimagined with Pokémon GO-style catching (motion controls or button-based). Partner Pikachu/Eevee follows, customizable outfits add charm. Simplified mechanics—no wild battles, focus on catching—make it ultra-accessible. 20-30 hours, co-op with friends. Vibrant visuals, casual vibe perfect for kids or mobile players.

5. Pokémon Red/Blue/Green via NSO (1996/2025, Switch) – Retro Roots

In 2025 these are available on Nintendo Switch Online (Game Boy tier), these Gen 1 classics introduce Kanto with Charmander, Bulbasaur, or Squirtle. Pixel art, nostalgia OSTs. 15-25 hours, simple but deep. Ideal for history buffs.

Mainline Games Overview: Where to Play in 2025

Game	Release	Platforms 2025	Playtime	Style	Why Start Here?
Red/Blue/Green	1996	Switch (NSO)	15-25h	Turn-based	Retro simplicity, cheap.
Gold/Silver/Crystal	1999	3DS/Switch (NSO)	20-30h	Turn-based	Johto charm, two regions.
Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald	2002	3DS (Omega -aka ORAS remakes)	25-40h	Turn-based	Hoenn vibrance, contests.
Diamond/Pearl/Platinum	2006	Switch (Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl)	25-40h	Turn-based	Sinnoh polish, Underground.
Black/White	2010	3DS, Switch (Remastered 2025)	30-50h	Turn-based	Unova story, seasons.
X/Y	2013	3DS	25-40h	Turn-based	Kalos Megas, fashion.
Sun/Moon	2016	3DS	25-40h	Turn-based	Alola trials, Z-Moves.
Sword/Shield	2019	Switch	25-50h	Open zones	Galar Dynamax, raids.
Scarlet/Violet	2022	Switch	30-100h	Open world	Paldea freedom, Terastal.
Legends: Z-A	2025	Switch/Switch 2	25-40h	Action RPG	Urban action, Megas.

Spin-offs: Pokémon GO (mobile, free, global hunts), Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX (Switch, dungeon-crawler), New Pokémon Snap (Switch, photography).

Beginner Tips: Catch ‘Em All with Confidence

1. Pick Any Starter: Fire, Water, Grass—all viable; choose your vibe (e.g., Fuecoco’s chill croc).
2. Balance Your Team: Mix types (Electric vs. Water, Grass vs. Rock) for coverage. Six slots max.
3. Explore Everywhere: Hidden items (Potions, TMs), NPCs with trades.
4. Battle Smart: Status moves (Sleep Powder, Thunder Wave) control fights; level grind in wild areas.
5. Trade Online: Switch Online for surprise trades, Link Codes for friends—fill Pokédex fast.
6. Shiny Hunt Later: Post-game Shiny Charm may boosts odds (from 1/4096 to 1/1365); try outbreaks.
7. Save Often: Auto-saves help, but manual before legendaries.
8. Join Communities: r/Pokemon, Discord for VGC tips, shiny raids. Watch Smogon/Pikalytics for meta.
9. Grab Sales: eShop discounts, NSO trials, etc.

2025 Highlights: Why Now’s Perfect

Legends: Z-A’s urban action and Mega Dimension DLC (hyperspace rifts) make catching cinematic. Black/White Remastered (early 2025) polishes Unova with HD sprites. NSO’s Game Boy titles (Red/Blue) are budget-friendly. Pokémon GO events sync with Z-A for cross-game rewards (Mega Zeraora hunts). Esports VGC Reg I meta (Bastiodon, Iron Hands) welcomes newbies with rental teams.

Pokémon’s magic lies in discovery—every catch, battle, or trade builds your legend. Start today, Trainer—your Champion journey begins!