# 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.

*By YPB Team · Published October 29, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/what-is-the-best-mainline-pokemon-game*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **Pokémon Red and Blue** — score 1000/1000
   The 1996 Game Boy originals that launched the franchise and its 151 Pokémon.
2. **Pokémon X and Y** — score 605/1000
   The 3DS jump to full 3D, adding Mega Evolution and the Fairy type.
3. **Pokémon Sword and Shield** — score 512/1000
   The first home-console mainline games, set in Galar with Dynamax battles and the Wild Area.
4. **Pokémon Diamond and Pearl** — score 468/1000
   The Nintendo DS Gen 4 games that split physical and special moves and brought online trading.
5. **Pokémon Gold and Silver** — score 468/1000
   The Gen 2 sequels that added a day-night cycle, breeding and a second region to explore.
6. **Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee** — score 468/1000
   The Switch remakes of Yellow that blended Kanto with Pokémon GO-style catching.
7. **Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire** — score 468/1000
   The Game Boy Advance debut of Gen 3, introducing Hoenn, abilities and double battles.
8. **Pokémon Sun and Moon** — score 419/1000
   The Alola-set Gen 7 games that replaced gyms with island trials and added Z-Moves.
9. **Pokémon Black 2/White 2** — score 363/1000
   The series' only direct sequels, packed with post-game content and the Pokémon World Tournament.
10. **Pokémon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl** — score 363/1000
   The faithful chibi-style Switch remakes of Diamond and Pearl.
11. **Pokémon Legends: Z-A** — score 299/1000
   The 2025 Lumiose City adventure with real-time battles and the return of Mega Evolution.
12. **Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver** — score 226/1000
   The beloved DS remakes of Gold and Silver, famed for following Pokémon and two full regions.
13. **Pokémon Legends: Arceus** — score 226/1000
   The open-area Hisui adventure that reinvented catching and exploration.
14. **Pokémon Scarlet and Violet** — score 226/1000
   The first fully open-world mainline games, set in the Paldea region.
15. **Pokémon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire** — score 226/1000
   The 3DS remakes of Hoenn with Primal Reversion and the Delta Episode.
16. **Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen** — score 140/1000
   The 2004 Game Boy Advance remakes that rebuilt Kanto with the Sevii Islands.
17. **Pokémon Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon** — score 140/1000
   The expanded Alola follow-ups adding Ultra Wormholes and Team Rainbow Rocket.
18. **Pokémon Black and White** — score 140/1000
   The bold Gen 5 reboot with an all-new Pokédex and the series' most acclaimed story.

Tags: games, franchises, nintendo, rpg, pokemon