Pokémon Games: Release Order vs. Chronological Order
Embarking on a Pokémon journey can be overwhelming with the multitude of games available. To guide players, this article presents the complete list of mainline Pokémon games in both their release order and chronological order.
Release Order
For those who prefer to experience Pokémon in the order they were released, here is the chronological breakdown:
* Pokémon Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow (1998-1999)
* Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal (2000-2001)
* Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald (2003-2005)
* Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen (2004)
* Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum (2007-2009)
* Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver (2010)
* Pokémon Black and White (2011)
* Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 (2012)
* Pokémon X and Y (2013)
* Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (2014)
* Pokémon Sun and Moon (2016)
* Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (2017)
* Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! (2018)
* Pokémon Sword and Shield (2019)
* Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (2021)
* Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022)
* Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (2022)
* Pokémon Legends: Z-A (2025, upcoming)
Chronological Order
While the Pokémon games do not adhere to a strict linear timeline, there is some semblance of chronology. Based on information from Game Freak, the following is a tentative chronological order of the first six generations of Pokémon games:
* Pokémon Legends: Arceus
* Pokémon Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow
* Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald
* Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal
* Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum
* Pokémon Black and White
* Pokémon Black 2 and White 2
* Pokémon X and Y
* Pokémon Sun and Moon
* Pokémon Sword and Shield
* Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
It’s important to note that remakes are not included in this chronological order as they occur simultaneously with their original counterparts. Additionally, due to the lack of timestamps in the Pokémon universe, specific in-game dates are not provided, but context is given when possible.
Whether players choose to experience the Pokémon games in release order or chronological order, they can immerse themselves in the vast and ever-evolving world of Pokémon.
