What is the best mainline Pokémon game?

Nostalgia pulls hard toward the Game Boy years, while newer fans swear by open regions and bolder experiments.

1. 1
   Pokémon Red and Blue

   The 1996 Game Boy originals that launched the franchise and its 151 Pokémon.
   1000pts
2. 2
   Pokémon X and Y

   The 3DS jump to full 3D, adding Mega Evolution and the Fairy type.
   605pts
3. 3
   Pokémon Sword and Shield

   The first home-console mainline games, set in Galar with Dynamax battles and the Wild Area.
   512pts
4. 4
   Pokémon Diamond and Pearl

   The Nintendo DS Gen 4 games that split physical and special moves and brought online trading.
   468pts
5. 5
   Pokémon Gold and Silver

   The Gen 2 sequels that added a day-night cycle, breeding and a second region to explore.
   468pts
6. 6
   Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee

   The Switch remakes of Yellow that blended Kanto with Pokémon GO-style catching.
   468pts
7. 7
   Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire

   The Game Boy Advance debut of Gen 3, introducing Hoenn, abilities and double battles.
   468pts
8. 8
   Pokémon Sun and Moon

   The Alola-set Gen 7 games that replaced gyms with island trials and added Z-Moves.
   419pts
9. 9
   Pokémon Black 2/White 2

   The series' only direct sequels, packed with post-game content and the Pokémon World Tournament.
   363pts
10. 10
    Pokémon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl

    The faithful chibi-style Switch remakes of Diamond and Pearl.
    363pts
11. 11
    Pokémon Legends: Z-A

    The 2025 Lumiose City adventure with real-time battles and the return of Mega Evolution.
    299pts
12. 12
    Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver

    The beloved DS remakes of Gold and Silver, famed for following Pokémon and two full regions.
    226pts
13. 13
    Pokémon Legends: Arceus

    The open-area Hisui adventure that reinvented catching and exploration.
    226pts
14. 14
    Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

    The first fully open-world mainline games, set in the Paldea region.
    226pts
15. 15
    Pokémon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire

    The 3DS remakes of Hoenn with Primal Reversion and the Delta Episode.
    226pts
16. 16
    Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen

    The 2004 Game Boy Advance remakes that rebuilt Kanto with the Sevii Islands.
    140pts
17. 17
    Pokémon Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon

    The expanded Alola follow-ups adding Ultra Wormholes and Team Rainbow Rocket.
    140pts
18. 18
    Pokémon Black and White

    The bold Gen 5 reboot with an all-new Pokédex and the series' most acclaimed story.
    140pts

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