Release & story order
Pokémon timeline
Every mainline Pokémon RPG in US release order and story order—from Hisui and Kanto through Paldea and Lumiose—with notes where regions overlap and Nintendo never fixed exact timing.
Start with:
Release order
When each mainline game launched in the United States. Remakes and Legends titles are listed separately so you can compare launch dates.
- New to the series → Scarlet/Violet or Legends: Z-A on Switch, or a remake (Brilliant Diamond, FireRed, etc.)
- Retro marathon → Red/Blue → Gold/Silver → Ruby/Sapphire → … by US launch date
- Remakes replace the original for play—pick one version per generation (see the FAQ)
- Spin-offs (Mystery Dungeon, Ranger, Snap, and more) are covered on separate timelines—this list is mainline RPGs only
Story order tips
Story order by region—not one continuous plot. Red/Blue and Ruby/Sapphire sit in the same broad era; Gold/Silver follows about three years later. Later regions mostly run in sequence. Grouped regions mark where you should not count "years later" across areas.
- Grouped regions overlap—do not count "years later" from one group to the next
- Confirmed gaps within a group: Gold/Silver three years after Red/Blue; Black 2/White 2 two years after Black/White
- Legends: Arceus is a Sinnoh prequel; Legends: Z-A ties to Kalos—Scarlet/Violet vs Z-A order is unknown (see the FAQ)
Story order
Story order by region—not one continuous plot. Red/Blue and Ruby/Sapphire sit in the same broad era; Gold/Silver follows about three years later. Later regions mostly run in sequence. Grouped regions mark where you should not count "years later" across areas.
- Grouped regions overlap—do not count "years later" from one group to the next
- Confirmed gaps within a group: Gold/Silver three years after Red/Blue; Black 2/White 2 two years after Black/White
- Legends: Arceus is a Sinnoh prequel; Legends: Z-A ties to Kalos—Scarlet/Violet vs Z-A order is unknown (see the FAQ)
Timeline
When each game was released. Click a game for platforms, dates, and where it fits in your playthrough.
Release order
Pokémon Red / Blue
Game BoyMainlineGen 1Generation I debut — Kanto League, 151 Pokémon, and the franchise formula.
- Overview
- Satoshi Tajiri and Game Freak paired turn-based monster catching with link-cable trading — a portable RPG built around collection and version-exclusive species.
- In-game setting
- Become Champion in Kanto; Team Rocket and Mewtwo cap the adventure. Red and Blue differ mainly by exclusive Pokémon (Version exclusives drive trading).
- Should you play it?
- Historic but dated — FireRed/LeafGreen or Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee are easier entry points for Kanto (Let's Go is a spin-off, covered on the spin-off games timeline).
- Release date
- US launch: September 30, 1998 (Game Boy). Japan received Red/Green in 1996 and Blue in 1996—this timeline uses US dates.
Pokémon Yellow
Game BoyMainlineGen 1Pikachu follows you — an anime-flavored Kanto revisit, not a new region.
- Overview
- Partner Pikachu walks behind the player and reacts to friendship — a preview of mechanics that later defined HeartGold/SoulSilver.
- In-game setting
- Same Kanto map as Red/Blue with adjusted gyms and story beats closer to the animated series.
- Should you play it?
- Optional nostalgia — skip if you already played Red/Blue or a Kanto remake.
- Release date
- US launch: October 18, 1999 (Game Boy).
Pokémon Gold / Silver
Game Boy ColorMainlineGen 2Johto plus a post-game Kanto return — the first direct regional sequel.
- Overview
- Real-time clock, day/night wild encounters, breeding, held items, and a full second region after the Elite Four.
- In-game setting
- Johto League and roaming Legendary beasts; after becoming Champion you revisit Kanto with updated gyms — story-wise set about three years after Red/Blue.
- Should you play it?
- HeartGold/SoulSilver replace this for most players — same story, modern controls.
- Release date
- US launch: October 15, 2000 (Game Boy Color).
Pokémon Crystal
Game Boy ColorMainlineGen 2Enhanced Gold/Silver — animated sprites, Battle Tower, and Suicune-focused story additions.
- Overview
- First Pokémon title where the player picks their gender; Battle Tower and mobile adapter support in Japan.
- In-game setting
- Same Johto/Kanto arc as Gold/Silver with Crystal-only Eusine and Suicune scenes.
- Should you play it?
- Pick Crystal or Gold/Silver — not both unless you are a completionist. HeartGold/SoulSilver covers the story once.
- Release date
- US launch: July 29, 2001 (Game Boy Color).
Pokémon Ruby / Sapphire
Game Boy AdvanceMainlineGen 3Hoenn reboot — new region, abilities, and double battles.
- Overview
- Abilities, natures, double battles, and Secret Bases on the GBA — a mechanical reset that did not require playing Gen 1–2 first.
- In-game setting
- Team Magma vs Team Aqua and the Groudon/Kyogre conflict. Ruby and Sapphire differ by which Legendary and villain team is emphasized.
- Should you play it?
- Standalone story. Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire replace it on 3DS.
- Release date
- US launch: March 18, 2003 (Game Boy Advance).
Pokémon FireRed / LeafGreen
Game Boy AdvanceRemakeGen 1Kanto remade on GBA — same story as Red/Blue with Gen 3 mechanics and Sevii Islands.
- Overview
- Brought Kanto up to Gen 3 engines — abilities, natures, and wireless trading on compatible hardware.
- In-game setting
- Same Kanto League arc as the originals plus post-game Sevii Islands.
- Should you play it?
- Play this OR Red/Blue/Yellow for Kanto — not all three.
- Release date
- US launch: September 9, 2004 (Game Boy Advance).
Pokémon Emerald
Game Boy AdvanceMainlineGen 3Definitive Hoenn — both teams, Rayquaza, and Battle Frontier.
- Overview
- Combined Ruby/Sapphire plots and added the Battle Frontier — still the fan-favorite Hoenn package on GBA.
- In-game setting
- You intervene between Magma and Aqua before Rayquaza quells the crisis.
- Should you play it?
- If you play one Hoenn game on GBA, Emerald is the usual pick. ORAS replaces the trio on 3DS.
- Release date
- US launch: May 1, 2005 (Game Boy Advance).
Pokémon Diamond / Pearl
Nintendo DSMainlineGen 4Sinnoh debut — physical/special split and online Global Trade.
- Overview
- DS touch screen for Pokétch and underground mining; Wi-Fi trading went mainstream for the series.
- In-game setting
- Galactic Team and Dialga/Palkia. Diamond and Pearl differ by which Legendary anchors the version.
- Should you play it?
- Play after Legends: Arceus if you want historical Sinnoh context first — or jump to Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl.
- Release date
- US launch: April 22, 2007 (Nintendo DS).
Pokémon Platinum
Nintendo DSMainlineGen 4Expanded Sinnoh — Distortion World, Giratina, and the Battle Frontier return.
- Overview
- Revised Galactic plot and the Distortion World — the usual definitive Gen 4 Sinnoh package on DS.
- In-game setting
- Cyrus's plan escalates with Giratina's realm; Battle Frontier post-game.
- Should you play it?
- One Sinnoh story — Platinum OR Diamond/Pearl OR BDSP OR Legends: Arceus for tone (see the FAQ).
- Release date
- US launch: March 22, 2009 (Nintendo DS).
Pokémon HeartGold / SoulSilver
Nintendo DSRemakeGen 2Johto/Kanto remade — partner Pokémon follows you again.
- Overview
- Walking Pokémon return with Gen 4 mechanics, Pokéwalker accessory bundled at launch, and the Battle Frontier.
- In-game setting
- Same Johto-then-Kanto structure as Gold/Silver/Crystal — still the sequel to Kanto's first adventure.
- Should you play it?
- Best way to experience Gen 2 today if you have a DS family console.
- Release date
- US launch: March 14, 2010 (Nintendo DS).
Pokémon Black / White
Nintendo DSMainlineGen 5Unova — seasonal cities, no old Pokémon in the main dex until post-game.
- Overview
- Fully new regional Pokédex until the National Dex unlocks; triple battles and Rotation battles debut.
- In-game setting
- N's arc and Team Plasma's liberation philosophy — among the most story-forward mainline entries.
- Should you play it?
- Required before Black 2/White 2 — the only numbered direct sequel within one generation (Gold/Silver is a cross-generation sequel to Kanto).
- Release date
- US launch: March 6, 2011 (Nintendo DS).
Pokémon Black 2 / White 2
Nintendo DSMainlineGen 5Unova sequel — first numbered follow-up in the same generation.
- Overview
- Same region rebuilt two years later with new routes, Pokémon World Tournament, and Challenge Mode.
- In-game setting
- Continues N and Team Plasma threads from Black/White with a new protagonist.
- Should you play it?
- Play only after finishing Black or White — not a standalone entry.
- Release date
- US launch: October 7, 2012 (Nintendo DS).
Pokémon X / Y
Nintendo 3DSMainlineGen 6Kalos — Mega Evolution and fully 3D battles on 3DS.
- Overview
- Mega Evolution, Fairy type, and camera-controlled overworld on 3DS — the first mainline Pokémon launch worldwide on the same day (October 12, 2013).
- In-game setting
- Team Flare and the ultimate weapon; Lumiose City becomes a hub for later games.
- Should you play it?
- Standalone Kalos arc. Legends: Z-A returns to Lumiose years later (see the FAQ).
- Release date
- US launch: October 12, 2013 (Nintendo 3DS).
Pokémon Omega Ruby / Alpha Sapphire
Nintendo 3DSRemakeGen 3Hoenn remade with Mega Evolution and soaring on Latios/Latias.
- Overview
- Primal Groudon/Kyogre and DexNav searching — Hoenn plot with Gen 6 battle systems.
- In-game setting
- Same Magma/Aqua conflict as Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald with expanded epilogue (Delta Episode).
- Should you play it?
- Hoenn remake — pick ORAS OR original RSE/Emerald, not both for story.
- Release date
- US launch: November 21, 2014 (Nintendo 3DS).
Pokémon Sun / Moon
Nintendo 3DSMainlineGen 7Alola — island trials replace gyms; Z-Moves and regional forms.
- Overview
- No traditional gyms — Island Kahunas and trials structure the campaign; Rotom Dex and SOS battles.
- In-game setting
- Aether Foundation and Lillie's arc with Nebby; Sun/Moon differ by time offset and version Legendaries.
- Should you play it?
- Play before Ultra Sun/Moon if you want the original Alola story first.
- Release date
- US launch: November 18, 2016 (Nintendo 3DS).
Pokémon Ultra Sun / Ultra Moon
Nintendo 3DSMainlineGen 7Alternate Alola retelling — Necrozma focus and expanded Ultra Recon Squad plot.
- Overview
- Reworked story beats and Ultra Warp Ride — an enhanced version rather than a small sequel like B2W2.
- In-game setting
- Alternate timeline take on Alola with heavier Necrozma integration.
- Should you play it?
- Pick Sun/Moon OR Ultra Sun/Moon for one Alola playthrough — USUM replaces SM for many newcomers.
- Release date
- US launch: November 17, 2017 (Nintendo 3DS).
Pokémon Sword / Shield
Nintendo SwitchMainlineGen 8Galar — Wild Area open sections and Dynamax on Switch.
- Overview
- First mainline on Switch; Wild Area co-op raids and Dynamax/Gigantamax battles.
- In-game setting
- Gym Challenge and Chairman Rose's Eternatus crisis. Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra expansions shipped separately in 2020.
- Should you play it?
- Standalone Galar story. Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra expansions are optional post-game content covered in the FAQ.
- Release date
- US launch: November 15, 2019 (Nintendo Switch).
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond / Shining Pearl
Nintendo SwitchRemakeGen 4Sinnoh remade — chibi style, faithful Diamond/Pearl structure.
- Overview
- Faithful remake of Diamond/Pearl on Switch — Underground returns; battle style differs from Legends: Arceus.
- In-game setting
- Same modern Sinnoh League arc as 2007 originals.
- Should you play it?
- Sinnoh remake OR Legends: Arceus OR DS originals — three different takes on Sinnoh (see the FAQ).
- Release date
- US launch: November 19, 2021 (Nintendo Switch).
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Nintendo SwitchMainlineLegendsAncient Hisui — action RPG prequel before modern Sinnoh.
- Overview
- Real-time catching and battler hybrid in open zones — the first Legends-style mainline game.
- In-game setting
- Set long before Diamond/Pearl in the same land (Hisui → Sinnoh). Explains early Poké Ball craft and noble Pokémon.
- Should you play it?
- Play before BDSP or Diamond/Pearl if you want historical context — not required for the League plot.
- Release date
- US launch: January 28, 2022 (Nintendo Switch).
Pokémon Scarlet / Violet
Nintendo SwitchMainlineGen 9Open worldPaldea — fully open-world mainline with three story paths and Terastallizing.
- Overview
- Open-world structure with Koraidon/Miraidon traversal; three parallel story arcs (Victory Road, Starfall Street, Path of Legends).
- In-game setting
- Academy life in Paldea; version mascots differ between Scarlet and Violet.
- Should you play it?
- Strong modern entry point. Finish the base game before The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk expansions.
- Release date
- US launch: November 18, 2022 (Nintendo Switch).
The Teal Mask & The Indigo Disk
Nintendo SwitchExpansionGen 9Scarlet/Violet expansion pass — Kitakami and Blueberry Academy.
- Overview
- Two-part expansion: The Teal Mask (September 2023) then The Indigo Disk (December 2023) with a linked epilogue.
- In-game setting
- Continues the Scarlet/Violet protagonist's journey — play after the base game main arcs.
- Should you play it?
- Not standalone — finish Scarlet/Violet first.
- Release date
- Indigo Disk US release: December 14, 2023; requires Scarlet or Violet base game.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Nintendo SwitchSwitch 2MainlineLegendsLumiose City rebuilt — real-time battles and Mega Evolution return.
- Overview
- Single-city open structure with real-time combat — a sequel in spirit to Legends: Arceus but urban and Kalos-linked.
- In-game setting
- Set in Lumiose City during a redevelopment era; Z-A Royale ranked battles at night.
- Should you play it?
- Latest mainline-style entry at time of update. Mega Dimension DLC shipped December 2025.
- Release date
- US launch: October 16, 2025 (Switch and Switch 2; upgrade pack available).
Pokémon Legends: Z-A — Mega Dimension
Nintendo SwitchSwitch 2ExpansionLegendsPaid expansion — Hoopa and new Mega Evolutions in Lumiose.
- Overview
- Adds Mega Dimension story content and additional Mega Evolutions after the base campaign.
- In-game setting
- Requires Legends: Z-A base game — epilogue-scale expansion, not a new region RPG.
- Should you play it?
- Optional after finishing Legends: Z-A.
- Release date
- US release: December 10, 2025.
FAQ
Where to start, overlapping regions, remakes, and why there is no single official story timeline.
Release order
Release order is when each game launched in the US—the order collectors and historians use. Story order groups mainline RPGs by region: Red/Blue and Ruby/Sapphire share one broad era; Gold/Silver comes about three years later; Sinnoh may overlap Johto (see the FAQ). Later regions mostly line up one after another (Unova → Alola → Galar → the modern era). Pokémon does not have one continuous worldwide plot like Fallout or Zelda. Release order helps you buy and play; story order shows how regions relate and confirmed year gaps within each group.
Story & regions
No single global timeline ties every game together. Series producer Junichi Masuda has said Game Freak does not apply a strict timeline to the Pokémon world. Most games star a new hero in a new region. Direct links exist (Gold/Silver three years after Red/Blue, Black 2/White 2 two years after Black/White, Legends: Arceus before modern Sinnoh), and early regions run in parallel. Story order shows those relationships by region—not an official calendar.
Overlapping regions
Most fan timelines place Pokémon Red/Blue and Ruby/Sapphire in the same broad era—separate heroes, not a sequel chain. Gold/Silver follow Kanto about three years later. Modern Sinnoh (Diamond/Pearl) may overlap that Johto window, but in-game dialogue between Jasmine and Cynthia conflicts. Hoenn and Sinnoh are grouped separately so you do not read them as strictly before or after each other.
Remakes & Legends
Other timelines
Mystery Dungeon — Rescue Team through Super and Rescue Team DX only. Best if you want roguelike dungeons, not open-world RPGs.
Spin-off games — Snap, Stadium, Orre, Ranger, Conquest, Let's Go, and similar side games. Best for photography, battle arenas, or one-off adventures outside the main series.
Anime watch order — TV story arcs from Kanto through Horizons (one row per arc, not every episode). Best for bingeing Ash's journey or starting with Horizons.
Movies — theatrical films in US release order. Best after the matching TV arc, or as stand-alone extras.
TCG video games — Game Boy Color, Online, Live, and Pocket digital clients—not paper booster sets.
Mobile games (GO, Unite, Masters, Sleep) have no fixed timeline here; see spin-offs FAQ.
Optional & spin-offs
More timelines
Other release-order and story-order guides on this site.
- Game series
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon games in US release and play order (2005–2020)—Rescue Team through Super Mystery Dungeon and Rescue Team DX, separate from mainline Pokémon RPGs.
- Game series
Pokémon Spin-Offs
Pokémon spin-off games in US release order (1999–2021)—Snap, Stadium, Orre, Ranger, Conquest, Let's Go, and more, separate from mainline RPGs and Mystery Dungeon.
- Media
Pokémon Anime
Pokémon TV anime in US watch order (1998–2025)—Ash's classic arcs through Journeys and the Horizons era, one row per story arc, not individual episodes.
- Media
Pokémon Films
Pokémon theatrical films in US watch order (1999–2021)—Mewtwo Strikes Back through Secrets of the Jungle, one row per movie, separate from TV arcs and games.
- Game series
Pokémon TCG Games
Pokémon Trading Card Game video games in US release order (1999–2024)—Game Boy Color, Play It!, TCG Online, TCG Live, and TCG Pocket, not physical card set lists.
- Consoles
Nintendo consoles
All Nintendo consoles in US release order (1985–2025)—NES through Switch 2, Game Boy, DS, and 3DS handheld lines, with history and launch dates.