Every Mainline Pokemon Game Ranked Worst to Best

Before we dive into our ranking on all the mainline Pokemon games below, a few thing to be aware of. First, when we look at each Generation, we’ll be looking at the generation as a whole and not specific games. While we’ll definitely make mention of new releases for each generation, this list is mostly going to look at the impact that each generation has had on the franchise, for better or for worse, and which generations should be your go-to places to adventure in the world of Pokemon.

Then there’s the question of what constitutes a generation. Obviously, if there are two versions of a game that includes an entirely new Pokedex, they’re valid entries, but then you have remakes and a few spin-offs. For the sake of simplicity, we’re going to not discuss remakes here, and most spin-offs, like the Let’s Go! duology, will not be featured. However, due to its sizeable impact on the direction of future entries in the series, as well as the upcoming sequel, Legends: Arceus will be included in this list. It’s its own entity with specific mechanics and ideas that greatly expand on the series, so keeping it off this list would be a great disservice.

Now with that said, let’s start ranking each Pokemon generation!

10. Gen IX (Scarlet & Violet)

Many fans love the latest Gen IX games as the first truly open-world Pokemon games, and I love that people can find some new fun in a franchise that has long been criticized for doing the same boring old thing over and over. But we have to be honest here – after their release, many longtime fans, including several of us here at The Escapist, believed Gen IX to be outright bad. At least prior entries in the nearly 30-year-old franchise were (mostly) well-put together — even the ones lacking in content and design.

Putting aside the horrendous technical performances that make the pair of games nearly unplayable and hard to look at, Scarlet & Violet are plagued with a long laundry list of issues. From its lack of art direction to its nonuniform and inconsistent soundtrack, there are few redeeming qualities found here. While an open-world Pokemon game is a nice, novel idea, Paldea is a bland, empty mess offering little to do or see other than catching Pokemon that awkwardly walk around unaware of their surroundings with few meaningful NPCS, lore, or story to engage with. For a game that’s trying to do something fresh in a franchise that’s grown a bit stale, it oddly falls back on old designs that feel awfully outdated when compared to its immediate contemporary, Legends: Arceus.

There are a few bright spots, like the multiple storylines that you can take part in, and Terastalizization, where you can change the type of a specific Pokemon once per battle, is the best gimmick the series has had in a while. Ultimately, Scarlet & Violet are hollow experiences that feel like only a skeleton of an idea rather than a complete, worthwhile game.

Related: Every Pokémon Game on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack

9. Generation VIII (Sword & Shield)

Sword & Shield were supposed to be the franchise’s showcase of what a Pokemon game broken free of its handheld constraints could look like, and it mostly missed the mark. Refusing to grow up and instead firmly stick to old designs that it knows and does well, we’ve ended up with a middling entry that’s neither bad nor good — it’s just an overall dull experience.

Sword & Shield continues the trend of 3D Pokemon games lacking in interesting content, with a shallow, forgettable story and one of the most sparse regions in the franchise. Generation VI is also extremely linear, with players confined to multiple looping paths with no opportunities for exploration. Its more “open” Wild Area at least attempts to break the mold by teasing the concept of a much more open, grander Pokemon game, but, being so empty and boring, it falls flat and is perhaps the game’s weakest feature. Finding random Pokemon there is fun, but once you’ve been there once, it never changes or grows in any meaningful way.

Still, there’s some stuff to appreciate here. Sword & Shield’s approach to Pokemon battling as a sport is sensical and engaging, even if a touch bland. Gyms, presented here as large sports stadiums, have never made more sense, and they offer a fun, unique sense of excitement and scale. The pair of games also have some incredible creature designs that are some of the most thoughtful and best-suited for its region. But for all the attempts to innovate and revitalize the series, Generation VIII feels like business as usual in all of the worst ways.

8. Generation VI (X & Y)

Many fans were excited about Generation VI solely because it was going to be the first truly 3D Pokemon generation, but the reality of the situation as pretty disappointing. Yes, Every Pokemon was rendered in 3D, but one has to wonder if so much focus was placed on modeling each creature that the actual campaign and content within the base games, X & Y, was neglected. That’s the only explanation available for why these games are so disappointing.

The games are extremely front-loaded, missing endgame content and features found in previous titles. The loose plot thread exploring the concept of Mega Evolution largely goes unresolved and is seemingly dropped partway through the games. And their primary plot point revolving around a group of fascist fashionistas is just … odd, to say the least — one of the worst stories Pokemon has attempted to tell.

However, despite their inconsistencies, X & Y are rather noteworthy for introducing some series staples, including character customization and the much-needed Fairy type, which helped balance the over-powered Dragon-type Pokemon. They also ushered in the era of gimmicks (for better or worse), featured some rather interesting war-centric lore, and have some truly wonderful creature designs (I don’t care what you say, Klefki is smartly designed and charming as heck). There’s clearly a lot of potential with Generation VI, but it just went unfulfilled upon its original release.

7. Generation IV (Diamond & Pearl / Platinum)

This is likely a controversial take for many, but out of all the classic 2D Pokemon games, Diamond & Pearl are by far the weakest. Of course, there’s tons to love here, like the culture and lore of the Sinnoh region, the use of mountains and caves for the region’s geography, and breaks down of physical and special moves by the move itself as opposed to the type, but the games are woefully unbalanced. The biggest example of this is the treatment of Fire-type Pokemon, where Diamond & Pearl only offer you two Fire types for the majority of the base game, one of which being a starter Pokemon. Your team composition is limited even further by the amount of HMs you need to dedicate to your Pokemon team just to progress, which is simply ridiculous and unmanageable (thank God we’ve since moved away from HMs). Then there’s just the general lack of post-game content, making Diamon & Pearl fairly uninteresting to return to.

If we were just judging Generation IV based on its base games, it arguably would be even lower on the list, but it’s only saved thanks to the existence of the definitive third edition, Platinum. Platinum included more Fire-type Pokemon, the sizeable post-game Battle Frontier, and the ever-fascinating Distortion World, but the whole experience is still a bit mired and dry in comparison to other 2D Pokemon games. Plus, Diamond & Pearl gave us many of the ugliest Pokemon in the franchise, including the horrendous Ambipom, which is unforgivable.

Related: The Rarest Pokémon Games and What They’re Worth (2024)

6. Gen I (Red & Blue / Yellow)

The original games that started it all, Pokemon Red & Blue were a rave hit that obviously had a very strong premise, core conceit, and iconic monsters. Traveling around the world and catching 151 monsters was addicting, and the need to play with others in order to catch them all encouraged cooperation. Sure the mechanics were a bit basic, but it was a winning formula that kids in the era loved wholeheartedly, even to this day.

But it’s also safe to acknowledge that Generation I was a broken mess. Psychic Pokemon were beyond overpowered, certain moves just didn’t work or were never learned, the AI was simple to a fault, critical hits were based on your speed stat for some reason, and those are just a few of the most notable issues. Calling Gen I unrefined would be putting it nicely. And yet, Generation I is still fine, simple, and well-paced.

As the first games in the franchise, Generation I isn’t bogged down by the gimmicks and unnecessary fluff plaguing some of the later titles, especially in the 3D era of games. Yellow also introduced the concept of “follow Pokemon” to mirror how Pikachu won’t stay inside its Poke Ball in the anime, and while it’s not a feature that’s been used often in the game series, it’s still a beloved one all the same. Plus, the Kanto region and all its characters and creatures are absolutely iconic at this point, which has to count for something.

5. Generation VII (Sun & Moon / Ultra Sun & Moon)

Sun & Moon are certainly the most underrated of all mainline Pokemon games. It feels as if they are often unfairly derided even though Generation VII has so much to love. Admittedly, they also have their fair share of problems: Yes, the 3D graphics are weak, and the Alola region is overly linear and sorely lacking in history and lore, much like Generation VI. But they were also the first to break away from long-standing conventions, replacing traditional Gyms with Totem Pokemon, introducing exciting regional variants of old Pokemon, which is a brilliant addition that each future entry would utilize to a certain degree, and expanding the universe with concepts of otherworldly Pokemon beyond space and time, even if those elements would never be touched again.

Sun & Moon also features the best story you’ll find in any Pokemon game (yes, better than Generation V and its commentary on morality, subjectivity vs objectivity, and the best antagonists in the series’ history). Its omnipresent themes of abuse and neglect permeate the entire game that still resonates today and have led to perhaps the most memorable villain alongside Giovanni and N, the most effectively sympathetic (and humorous) gang, and a cast of characters that actually feel like people. There’s some solid post-game content too, like defending your title and the Team Rainbow Rocket subplot in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon. Add in some of Pokemon’s best creature designs, with one of the best starter Pokemon trio lineups in a long while, excellent regional variants, and iconic iterations such as Mimikyu, and you have a generation that more than deserves higher praise in the fandom.

4. Legends: Arceus

Pokemon Legends: Arceus is a rather interesting entry when it comes to mainline Pokemon games, not least because it’s not really a mainline game. It didn’t start a new generation nor does it include many franchise staples like Gyms or even towns. Instead, Legends: Arceus gives us several large wildlife areas to explore as it attempts to rethink what modern Pokemon can look like as a console experience. Due to the critical and commercial success of the game, and how many of its mechanics were implemented in Generation IX (albeit not as good), it’s safe to say the ideas of Legends: Arceus are here to stay.

Legends: Arceus provides the most dynamic Pokemon battling and catching found in any game (mainline or otherwise) wherein you can battle them directly, sneak up on them in third-person, or engage in over-the-shoulder fights without the use of any Pokemon. This, as well as the emphasis on catching as many Pokemon as possible, really does make the game feel more challenging than any other contemporary Pokemon game. It also managed to make wild Pokemon actually feel imposing, terrifying, and dangerous to encounter, making wildlife encounters feel truly unique and exciting.

Legends: Arceus isn’t perfect though. It’s held back by technical issues, which is a common staple for 3D Pokemon games now, a largely empty region that doesn’t have much going for it visually (aside from its lovely watercolor-inspired cel shading), and not everything it attempts to reimagine, such as Battle Styles, works. Highly experimental and wholly transformative, Legends: Arceus is by far the best and most memorable 3D Pokemon game to date, even if it doesn’t manage to get everything right.

Related: Ultimate Pig Pokemon List – Best Pig Pokemon, Ranked

3. Generation V (Black & White / Black & White 2)

As the final entry point for 2D Pokemon games, Generation V proved to be the end of an era. And what a pair of games for an era to go out on. Generation V took all that came before them and meticulously refined it, not necessarily adding much to the franchise as a whole but instead providing a quality experience to represent Pokemon in, perhaps, its purest, most complete form.

Black & White are Pokemon’s first recognizable attempt at a real, meaningful narrative, ambitiously trying to tackle what has always been an identifiable and hefty problem for the Pokemon series: animal abuse. It’s an honorable attempt at explaining away the series’ most controversial topic, even if it doesn’t fully commit to it by the end. Its other most iconic feature is actually a callback to Generation I, wherein the base games have a Pokedex filled solely with 150 new Pokemon and no repeats. While the impact of this is diminished slightly the more time passes, it helped make the region feel distinct and separate from the games that came before, even if the direct sequels, Black 2 & White 2, immediately rolled back this decision.

The pair of games are also the beginning of Pokemon‘s attempts to recognizably connect to the real world beyond Japan, creating a meaningful bridge to world culture through its themed settings. Theming the Unova region around New York City and the United States led to several locations that truly felt distinct, like Castleia City. Additionally, the region’s season mechanic is one of the most fascinating features in a Pokemon game, providing a shifting landscape that keeps the region fresh and interesting as you return to the games over time.

Not everything in Black & White quite works, like the inclusion of Triple and Roration Battles, as well as but there are so many interesting things going on, and the pair of games do so much so well that they’ve more than earned their place among the top three Pokemon games.

2. Generation III (Ruby & Sapphire / Emerald)

Coming off the heels of the much-beloved Gold & Silver, Ruby & Sapphire had some big shoes to fill as the third entry in the Pokemon series and they absolutely nailed it. While Generation II wasn’t simple, the added complexity and refinement accomplished in Generation III helped cement Pokemon as more than just a fad. Ruby & Sapphire were the ones to introduce incredibly important franchise staples such as Natures, Abilities, double battles, and weather. Without them, Pokemon’s metagame would look nothing like it does today.

But beyond all that, Ruby & Sapphire are just fantastic games that are difficult to find fault with. Sure, there can be a bit too much water towards the endgame (as IGN rightfully pointed out in its much-memed 7.8 review of the 3DS remakes), the soundtrack can be a bit grating thanks to the Game Boy Advance’s limited sound chip, and the pair really toe the line on the “too many HMs” problem plaguing the 2D games. But aside from that, Generation III is Pokemon at its most gorgeous with lush, vibrant pixel art, and they boast the best and most intricate region in any Pokemon game to date. From wading through ash-filled fields near a volcano or the blistering sand storms of the desert to diving beneath the waves to explore the ocean floor, Pokemon has never had another region quite as dynamic and exciting to explore. And once you’re done, Emerald was there to provide players with the most extensive and exciting endgame of any Pokemon game up to that point that arguably hasn’t been topped since.

1. Generation II (Gold & Silver / Crystal)

President of the Pokemon Company Tsunekazu Ishihara has spoken before about how Pokemon Gold & Silver were intended to be the last games in the series, and with that assumption, they were made to be the ultimate, definitive Pokemon games. Even now, you can still feel that mindset permeating Generation II.

The second generation of Pokemon games established and laid the foundation as the blueprint of the franchise by improving on the first game with balances and additions that are still core to the series to this day. Some of those additions include shiny Pokemon, Pokemon breeding, the time system, the friendship mechanic (in mass form), gender, the Pokerus virus, held items, the split in the “Special” stat between Special Attack and Special Defense, the Dark and Steel type, the Pokemon animation being introduced in Crystal, and so much more — all of which the franchise would be worse off without (though Scarlet & Violet have already removed Pokerus from the games, which is a darn shame).

Furthermore, Generation II had one of the coolest features that hasn’t been replicated in a game since – connecting regions. Once you complete the game, players can journey from the Johto region to the first generation’s Kanto region and give you an abbreviated tour of the last region and end with one of the best final bosses the franchise has ever seen. And many of the new locations added with Johto are rich in environmental storytelling with brief glimpses of unique and interesting lore, such as the Ruins of Alph and the Tin Tower.

Sure, the game is a bit too easy given the lower-level Pokemon most enemies have, but that just means Generation II offers more opportunities to play with your party instead of fully committing to one team solely because they’re your strongest. Anyone can start any of the Generation II games and find something to appreciate or enjoy about them. A true masterpiece of the creature

What Does Sleep Mean in Pokemon TCG Pocket?

When a Pokemon in TCG Pocket is inflicted with the Sleep status, that Pokemon is unable to perform any attacks, or abilities, or retreat back to the bench. Until it can be cured, your snoozing Pokemon is essentially a sitting duck in your active spot.

How to Cure Sleep

There are only two ways to cure Sleep in Pokemon TCG Pocket overall: getting Heads on a coin toss that occurs each turn or evolving it.

The turn-based coin toss is a status check to see if your Pokemon will overcome its affliction or not. Because a coin toss is performed once during every turn for both you and your opponent, a Pokemon could be cured of Sleep in as little as one turn.

On the other hand, compared to the Paralysis and Poison statuses, unlucky coin flips could lead to an active Pokemon being useless by being asleep for consecutive turns.

While you can take the time to set up your alternative attackers on the bench or hope you pull a next-stage Pokemon to evolve it, your opponent may be able to set up what they need far quicker, or even damage your Pokemon enough for it to faint and score an extra point.

The secret third way to cure Sleep status in Pokemon TCGP is by using the Koga Trainer card, which allows you to return a snoozing Weezing or Muk to your hand. However, this card is only applicable to those two Pokemon.

Related: Best Dialga Ex Decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket

All Sleep Cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket

There are currently eight cards that can inflict the Sleep status Pokemon TCG Pocket including Darkai, Wigglytuff, and Hypno, with the latter being the most competitive in the game so far. You’ll find the full list, and their methods, and how to get them in the full list below:

Out of all the Sleep cards in Pokemon TCGP, Hypno is the most dangerous thanks to its ability to afflict opponents with the status from the bench.

Without even needing to stack it with any Energy, this makes Hypno an amazing support card for Psychic decks, leaving you to quickly set up your strongest heavy hitters like Mewtwo ex and its Psydrive – more so if you have a Gardevoir in your other spot to speed things along with its own ability.

Frosmoth and Wigglytuff ex can be mixed in with other suitable decks as well, but Hypno is currently the only Sleep card in the current Pokemon TCG Pocket meta to still be competitive without slowing the rest of your strategy down.

Now you know what the Sleep status does and how to cure it, try out the best Palkia ex deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket to see what other powerful combos the latest cards have to offer.

Gigantamax Kingler Weaknesses & Resistances in Pokemon GO

As a pure Water-type like its base form in Pokemon GO, Gigantamax Kingler is only weak against Grass- and Electric-type attacks, each dealing 160% super-effective damage.

Kingler is resistant to Fire-, Water-, Steel-, and Ice-type moves; each of these only inflict 39% damage, so be sure to avoid using any of these altogether.

Best Counters Against Gigantamax Kingler in Pokemon GO

To be able to beat Gigantamax Kingler in Pokemon GO, Trainers need to use Electric- and non-pure Grass-type counters like Venusaur, Ivysaur, and Zapdos. Like in other Max Battles, you can only send in Pokemon that are also Dynamax- or Gigantamax-capable, which significantly lowers your options compared to other raids, but there are still plenty of reliable options listed below:

There are other suitable counters like the Grass-type Rillaboom. However, among Gigantamax Kingler’s potential moveset; including Bubble, Mud Shot, Metal Claw, Vise Grip, Water Pulse, Crabhammer, and Razor Shell; is the Bug-type attack X-Scissor, which is super-effective against pure Grass-types.

Thankfully, Venusaur and Ivysaur are also part-Poison, which balances out X-Scissor into neutral damage.

The same kind be said for the Ground-type Mud Shot, which would blow away the Electric-and-Poison Toxitricity. Because of Zapdos is part-Flying, its Electric typing won’t leave it vulnerable.

It’s best to prioritize counters that can use moves of the same type to earn a 20% STAB (same-type attack bonus). However, those with non-matching types like Greedent, Dubwool, and Cryogonal, who can learn Grass- or Electric-type moves themselves, will still make fantastic back-ups since they can only take neutral damage at most from any of Gigantamax Kingler’s attacks.

On the other hand, if you’re really short on super-effective counters, you can also use neutral tanks like Blastoise or Lapras as strong defenders as well.

Related: Pokémon GO Shadow Regirock Raid Guide: Best Counters, Tips, and Tricks

Can Gigantamax Kingler be Shiny?

Yes, Gigantamax Kingler is Shiny in Pokemon GO, as confirmed by the game’s announcement post for its Max Battle Day event.

That means if you raid party defeats Gigantamax Kingler, there is a chance you can encounter and catch one with an alternative color. However, the odds of this isn’t always that high. The chances haven’t been confirmed, but we believe the odds of a Shiny Gigantamax encounter is 1 in 20, as those are the odds for 5-Star Raid bosses.

Don’t Forget Max Mushrooms

If you and your raid party are truly struggling against Gigantamax Kingler, use the Max Mushrooms that Pokemon GO has made available for sale.

For 30 seconds, Max Mushrooms double the damage your Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokemon deal; they are quite expensive at 400 PokeCoins each though. Nevertheless, if you and your fellow Trainers decide to use them, they can definitely turn the tide.

Now you know everything there is to know about how to defeat Gigantamax Kingler with the best counters during its Max Battle Day, check out the Pokemon GO event schedule to find out what else is going on in the game throughout February.

15. Ichigo and Rukia (Bleach)

Ichigo’s and Rukia’s friendship is one of the strongest in the show. The entire Soul Society Arc is a testament to what Ichigo would do to protect Rukia. He takes on the entire Soul Society just because he wants to save Rukia for saving his life.

The relationship is also filled with funny banter, mutual care, and love. To put it simply, if it weren’t for Rukia, Ichigo would never have become a Soul Reaper.

14. Lelouch and Suzaku (Code Geass)

The entirety of Code Geass shows what it means to sacrifice relationships to achieve a larger goal. The best example is the friendship between Lelouch and Suzaku. They are two childhood best friends separated by their opinions and definitions of good.

One is fighting against the government as part of the resistance to bring about a revolution, while the other thinks about fixing the system from the inside while working with the government. However, both of them still see each other as classmates and good friends, even if they differ in opinion.

13. Tanjiro and Nezuko (Demon Slayer)

Tanjiro would do anything for Nezuko in Demon Slayer. When she is turned into a demon, he doesn’t see a monster – only his sister. While the entire world tells Tanjiro that her sister is not who she was anymore and has become a monster, Tanjiro still decides to protect her sister and tries to turn her back into a human.

They have their ups and downs when Nezuko loses control, but it’s Tanjiro’s brotherly love and care that get her back to her senses. From that day on the snow mountain, both of them started a journey together not knowing what they were about to face, and the only thing keeping them together is the bond that they share as siblings.

12. Inuyasha and Kagome (Inuyasha)

Kagome and Inuyasha in Inuyasha bicker constantly. He’s stubborn, and she’s headstrong, but underneath it all, they care deeply for each other. Kagome’s kindness softens Inuyasha’s rough edges, while Inuyasha’s strength gives Kagome courage. Through every fight and every argument, their bond grows. Long before love enters the picture, their friendship is what keeps them together.

11. Yusuke and Kuwabara (Yu Yu Hakusho)

Yu Yu Hakusho’s Yusuke and Kuwabara start as rivals. They fight, bicker, and compete with each other anytime they can. However, through every fight, a strange respect grows. Kuwabara would take a hit for Yusuke without hesitation, and Yusuke wouldn’t leave him behind. It’s the classic bro-to-bro bond that we all relate to.

Their friendship is loud, messy, and full of attitude – but when it counts, they always have each other’s backs.

10. Eren and Armin (Attack on Titan)

In Attack on Titan, Eren Yeager and Armin Arlert share a dream. As kids, they looked to the horizon, imagining a world beyond the walls. They wanted to see the ocean, the sky, and the world beyond. However, it wasn’t going to be easy, as the world outside was filled with Titans, which were even worse than humans.

From countless near-death encounters to losing friends, they stuck together and survived. Eren became a fighter. and Armin became a thinker. Even after Eren sets out on a self-destructive path of genocide, Armin still sees a friend in him and tries to talk him out of it till the end.

9. Light and L (Death Note)

Death Note’s L and Light aren’t the best of friends; in fact, they are sworn enemies. However, somehow, they understand each other better than anyone else. They are both geniuses who are trying to bring down the other. Their battles are more than just strategy – they are a test of minds. It’s like seeing the best minds go at each other wildly. At the end of the day, though, both of them are teenagers and respect each other. While Light might be a psychopath and a narcissist, he still sees and respects the genius of L.

8. Natsu and Happy (Fairy Tail)

Natsu and Happy from Fairy Tail are inseparable. From the moment they met their adventures began. Happy isn’t just a talking cat – he’s Natsu’s best friend. He cheers him on, makes him laugh, and even helps him fight. No matter the danger, they face it together. Whether flying through the sky or stuffing their faces with food, their anime friendship proves that the best companions come in the unlikeliest forms.

Related: 13 Most Hated Anime Characters Ever

7. Ash and Pikachu (Pokémon)

Ash and Pikachu don’t start as friends in Pokémon. Pikachu was a stubborn Pokémon who didn’t listen to any trainer, much less a kid from a small village. After countless fights, Pikachu starts to see and respect Ash’s ambition to become the best Pokémon trainer. From then on, their bond strengthens with every battle. Their friendship is so deep that Pikachu refuses to evolve as it might affect their relationship.

Ash’s feelings for Pikachu remain the same, as no matter which island they are on or what people they are with, he always keeps Pikachu by his side or, more precisely, on his shoulder.

6. Edward and Alphonse Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

Edward and Alphonse Elric’s bond in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood goes beyond friendship – they are brothers united by a shared goal.

It all started with a failed experiment to revive their mother, which caused Edward to lose his arm and Alphonse his entire body. While Edward was fine losing his arm, he couldn’t stand to see his brother in such distress. For this reason, both of them set out on an adventure to get what they lost back. However, both of them were unaware of the cruel world that was out there.

With every battle, their unwavering loyalty to each other is displayed. Edward’s determination to protect Alphonse and Alphonse’s deep care for his brother make their bond one of anime’s most heartfelt examples of family and friendship.

5. Midoriya and Bakugo (My Hero Academia)

Midoriya and Bakugo’s relationship in My Hero Academia starts as complicated but soon turns into something we all love.

Bakugo became jealous of Midoriya’s newfound power as he was always just a puny kid who followed him around. However, seeing him stand as his equal made Bakugo doubt his strength. Of course, being boys the only way to sort this out was a fight. It didn’t matter who won that fight, though, because, in the end, Bakugo saw the hard work and struggle Midoriya went through to get where he was, motivating Bakugo to aim higher.

From then on, they became rivals and friends, trying to become stronger than the other. Their competitiveness and bond make My Hero Academia such a fun watch.

4. Naruto and Sasuke (Naruto)

Naruto and Sasuke start as teammates and good friends. Naruto was happy to see someone look at him as a human and not as the nine-tailed beast. So, when the entire village discarded Sasuke as a rogue ninja and criminal because he lusted for power, Naruto still had faith in his friend and fought to get him back on the right path.

Even after countless fights, Naruto believes they’re meant to be friends. His stubbornness eventually brings Sasuke back. Their story proves that some bonds can survive anything – even darkness.

3. Goku and Vegeta (Dragon Ball)

Goku and Vegeta start as enemies, and their rivalry is legendary in Dragon Ball. Over time, though, their rivalry turns into a relationship of mutual respect. Vegeta refuses to admit it, but he admires Goku, and Goku, in turn, sees Vegeta as his greatest challenge. They push each other to new heights. Without their rivalry, they wouldn’t be as strong. This dynamic makes them one of anime’s most iconic pairs. Frankly, if it weren’t for Goku’s and Vegeta’s competitiveness toward, each other, there wouldn’t be such amazing Saiyan transformations.

2. Zoro and Luffy (One Piece)

Zoro and Luffy in One Piece don’t need grand speeches or sentimental moments to prove they have one of the best anime friendships of all time. It’s there in the way Zoro stands beside Luffy without hesitation and the way Luffy never doubts that Zoro will come through when it matters.

From the second Zoro joined the Straw Hat crew, he wasn’t just signing up for an adventure – he was betting everything on Luffy’s dream. And Luffy? He trusts Zoro with his life, crew, and even the hard decisions. They don’t overcomplicate things. They fight, they win, they move forward. Whether it’s in a fight or a tough call, their bond is unshakable.

1. Gon and Killua (Hunter x Hunter)

Gon and Killua in Hunter x Hunter shouldn’t work as friends. One’s a sunshine-wrapped-in-human-form adventure junkie; the other is a trained assassin with enough emotional baggage to fill an entire arc. And yet, from the moment they meet, it feels as if they have known each other forever.

Gon sees Killua’s potential even when he doesn’t, and Killua would probably fight the entire universe if it meant keeping Gon safe. It’s the kind of friendship that makes you believe in the power of true ride-or-die companionship.

And those are the 15 best anime friendships of all time.

When Is Pokemon Presents 2025?

While The Pokemon Company has yet to officially confirm the date, Pokemon Presents typically happens on or around Pokemon Day, which is celebrated on February 27 each year.

Thanks to datamines in Pokemon GO, fans have all but confirmed a February 27 Pokemon Presents this year. The exact time has not been revealed, but it’s likely that the live video will be available afterward as a recording for those unable to watch at the premiere time.

Related: What Is Pokemon Ambrosia? Latest Pokemon ROM Trend, Explained

What Pokemon Fans Want to See at Pokemon Presents This Year

Historically, the February Pokemon Presents is a massive day for Pokemon news. During last year’s Presents, we got our first looks at Pokemon Legends: Z-A and Pokemon TCG Pocket. This year, fans have a few things on their wishlists. Here’s what we hope to see in this year’s Pokemon Presents, in order from most to least likely.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A Release Date

First and foremost, fans hope to see The Pokemon Company confirm when its next main series game will be released. After the initial announcement and hype cycle, updates about Pokemon Legends: Z-A have been pretty scarce, leaving many to assume it’s still a ways off. However, the game is supposed to come out in 2025, and Pokemon Presents would be the perfect time to give us a date to mark down on our calendars.

Fans also hope to get confirmation of whether the game will release for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 or if it will stay on the Switch.

What’s Next for Pokemon TCG Pocket

Trading is the next big thing coming to Pokemon TCG Pocket. In theory, trading should arrive before the Pokemon Presents, since developers have previously shared plans to add trading in January 2025. If that happens as planned, fans of the mobile app will be ready for the next big update.

Developer Dena has already teased that big things are coming this year, and Pokemon Presents would be the perfect time to capitalize on the hype around the game and let us know what’s next. Fans hope to see a new set of Booster Packs, but “other new features in development” likely means something bigger than that.

Big News for Pokemon Sleep, Pokemon GO, UNITE, and More

The Pokemon Presents will undoubtedly include updates on many of the other mobile and live service games in the extended Pokemon universe. That said, fans’ exact hopes for many of these games are hard to pin down.

Pokemon GO had a tough year in 2024, and many would like to see massive changes – but it’s not super likely that will happen any time soon. A fix for the terrible new avatars or the return of accessibility support would be great, but fans aren’t holding their breath for those features.

As for Pokemon Sleep, the game is in the process of changing hands to Pokemon Works, and players are nervous. Last year, we learned about the new Legendary Pokemon coming to Sleep, and fingers crossed we get something big this year, too.

For all of these live service games, new info will almost definitely be a part of Pokemon Presents, but what, exactly, we don’t know.

Pokemon Gen 10 News

Many fans assume that Gen 10 will arrive in 2026, on the 20-year anniversary of Pokemon games. That means a Gen 10 game should be just a little over a year away. Not impossible timing for a first look, given the timing for prior announcements.

That said, The Pokemon Company may want to keep the hype on Legends: Z-A for now. It may not be ready to reveal what’s next, even if it is in progress. Still, with little news about upcoming main series games in the traditional format, it’s certainly possible we’ll hear something about Gen 10 at Pokemon Presents this year.

Pokemon Remakes in the Unova Region

The Unova remake rumors never die, and fans are already hoping to finally see them become reality this year. After all, Pokemon GO is celebrating the Unova region this year with the Unova Tour, and this is the next region set to have a remake based on previous patterns.

Given that Pokemon Legends: Z-A also revisits a prior region, this would be an interesting move from The Pokemon Company. Still, there isn’t really much of a precedent for Legends-style games just yet. That means anything is possible, including a Unova remake announcement in 2025.

And those are the biggest announcements fans want to see during Pokemon Presents 2025.

The two companies announced that Aardman — the legendary claymation studio responsible for Wallace & Grommit, Sam the Sheep, and Chicken Run — will be developing a new project (or projects) that features all our favorite catchable creatures. Actually, it could be all our least favorite. There are very few details on what this partnership will produce aside from the general assumption that it will be in Aardman’s signature animation style and that it will feature multiple adventures, not just one. That means we could be getting a new TV show, a series of films, or even just a bunch of YouTube shorts out of this.

The official statement is that this is a “special project” that will bring Aardman’s unique style of storytelling to the Pokemon universe in brand-new adventures.” We won’t get to see that unique style applied to Pikachu for a long while, however, as whatever the project is won’t be released until 2027.

“This is a dream partnership for Pokemon. Aardman are masters of their craft, and we have been blown away by their talent and creativity. What we have been working on together ensures our global Pokémon fans are in for a treat!” said Taito Okiura, VP of marketing and media at The Pokemon Company International.

Both Aardman and TPC have a partnership with Netflix at the moment, meaning there is a high likelihood that whatever is going to show up with show up there, especially since TPC’s other stop-motion series Pokemon Concierge is streaming there as well. However, for now, we’ll just have to settle for the image of a Poke Ball made out of clay.

The Best Pokemon Deals for Black Friday 2024

Let’s face it – Pokemon is an expensive hobby. Between the TCG, in-app purchases for Pokemon GO and Pokemon TCG Pocket, and all those plushies, there’s no shortage of ways to send your real-life PokeCoins. These best Black Friday Pokemon deals can help you snag some great merch for you or your favorite trainer for less.

10. Dragonite Nanoblock Building Kit

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If you’re gifting someone who enjoys making things and also loves derpy Dragon-type Dragonite, you’re in luck. This Dragonite Nanoblock Building Kit lets your favorite Pokemon fan build a 2.3″ Dragonite figurine of their very own, and it is frankly adorable.

For Black Friday, this Pokemon building kit is 17% off, making it a worthwhile stocking stuffer to snag.

9. Pikachu Sunglasses with Carrying Case

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In my neck of the woods, winter is actually prime time for sunglasses thanks to the glare from all that snow. So even if it feels like an out-of-season gift, your favorite Pokemon fan will likely appreciate a stylish pair of Pikachu sunglasses to keep the bright light at bay during their next Pokemon GO Raid.

For Black Friday, these Pika perfect kid’s shades are 20% off on Amazon.

8. Psyduck Spiral Pullover Hoodie

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For the migraine-sufferers and Water-type enthusiasts among us, Psyduck is a true icon. This sweatshirt features the Pokemon Concierge mascot in all his headache-having glory, and it’s 30% off for Black Friday.

This one is a print-on-demand Amazon Prime exclusive and comes in Adult Unisex sizes Small – XXL.

7. Mew Funko Pop

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Adorable Legendary Pokemon Mew is a beloved part of the franchise, and its made a bit of resurgence as the secret mission prize card in Pokemon TCG Pocket. That makes it pretty timely that Mew is one of a handful of Pokemon Funko Pop deals this Black Friday on Amazon.

Funko Pop Mew, complete with a stand that showcases it in flight, is on sale for 35% off right now.

6. Pokemon TCG Kangaskhan EX Battle Deck

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With the popularity of Pokemon TCG Pocket, there are plenty of new fans ready to try out the physical TCG for the very first time. These Battle Decks are a great way to get started with learning the rules, as they come fully loaded and ready for battle.

At 27% off for Black Friday, this Kangaskhan EX deck is a great way to start someone new to the Pokemon TCG.

5. Amazon Exclusive Flocked Espeon Funko Pop

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This velvety Funko Pop is an Amazon exclusive, so you’ll only find this texture from the online retailer. For the Eevee-loving or Psychic-type trainer in your life, you can snag this exclusive Espeon Funko Pop for 27% off on Black Friday.

If you know someone like me who’s been trying to complete their Eeveelution Funko Pop collection, now is a great time to hit “add to cart.”

4. Pokemon Battle Figure Set of 8

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Who doesn’t love to see those iconic Kanto Pokemon at their battle-ready best? This set of 8 figures includes classic favorites like Pikachu, Jigglypuff, Charmander, and of course, Meowth. A great option for filling up that bookshelf display or for the kiddos to enjoy some Pokemon battle playtime.

The set of battle figures is on sale for 30% off this Black Friday and could easily be split up for stocking stuffers for a whole family.

3. Paldea First Partner Plush 3-Pack

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This set of plushies includes all three Paldea starters, making it a great gift for the young trainer who needs to pick their first partner or the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet enthusiast in your life.

Alternatively, you can divide and conquer to get three gifts in one with this Paldea Starter trio, which is 30% off on Amazon for Black Friday.

2. Sketched Pikachu Mini Backpack with Poke Ball Coin Purse

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Who among us doesn’t need a great bag to carry all of our Pokemon-catching equipment? This adorable Pikachu mini backpack features a sketch of two Pikachu pals and comes with a detachable Poke Ball coin purse. It would be a perfect tiny backpack for a youngster or grown-up Pokemon fan who needs a backpack purse to carry their daily supplies.

This BioWorld officially licensed backpack is on sale for a whopping 42% off for Black Friday, making it one of the best Pokemon deals on our list.

1. PowerA Nintendo Switch Pikachu Controller

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Once again, PowerA has a handful of Pokemon-themed Nintendo Switch controllers up for grabs at a discount. This time around, the Retro Pikachu design, Pikachu Vortex, and Pikachu Vibrant designs are all on offer at 33% off for Black Friday, helping you snag these quality controllers for less. There’s truly a Pikachu for every mood.

Pokemon GO Zorua Disguises, Explained

Zorua is one of two shape-shifting Pokemon in Pokemon GO. While Ditto always has a few favorite disguises that rotate on a seasonal basis, Zorua’s trick is a bit different. Zorua will always disguise itself as the player’s current buddy Pokemon.

This means that if you’ve got a Shiny Umbreon as your buddy, you will see Shiny Umbreon spawn on the map when Zorua shows up in the wild. During events like Halloween Part I, where Zorua is featured, you might see a lot of Shiny Umbreon.

No matter how exciting this might be, it’s going to transform into a Zorua when you catch it. And just because that wild spawn looked Shiny doesn’t mean Zorua will be.

Tips for Easily Spotting Zorua Spawns

The easiest way to avoid being tricked by a sneaky Zorua is to set your buddy Pokemon as something that doesn’t typically spawn in the wild. Legendaries or Pokemon that only hatch from eggs, like Charcadet, are great choices. That way, you’ll know if you see a Shiny Shadow Groudon wild spawning, it’s definitely going to be Zorua.

If you have a more common spawn set as your buddy, it’s easier to get tricked and potentially disappointed when you make your catch. You may also want to avoid feeding your Buddy enough treats to join you on the map during a Zorua-heavy event, as seeing it next to you and spawning in the wild can get confusing.

Related: How To Evolve Magnezone in Pokemon GO

Can Zorua Be Shiny in Pokemon GO?

Although having a Shiny disguise doesn’t guarantee anything, Zorua can be Shiny in Pokemon GO. The Shiny version is dark brown and has bright blue markings.

Since Zorua can be a rarer spawn, events like Halloween Part 1 are a great time to Shiny hunt for it. Just keep in mind that you won’t know it’s Shiny until after catching it, since the disguise will look exactly like your Buddy, Shiny status and all.

Can You Catch Hisuian Zorua in Pokemon GO?

As of now, Hisuian Zorua is not available in Pokemon GO.

When it is released, it may or may not use the same disguise strategy in the game. For now, you can assume that your Buddy spawning on the map will be the normal form of Zorua.

Whether you’re Shiny hunting Zorua or just hoping to avoid being tricked by it, hopefully, these tips will help!

Pokemon GO is available now on mobile devices.

How To Get Magnezone in Pokemon GO

Although Magnemite and Magneton were part of Pokemon GO from the start, the third form wasn’t added to the game until over a year later. Though it is now possible to get a Magnezone in Pokemon GO, this form does not appear in the wild. To get one, you’ll need to evolve a Magnemite to its final stage and complete some special evolution requirements.

Magnemite is a wild spawn Pokemon, so you can find one in your Pokemon adventures. It’s often featured in Electric-type themed events, so you may even have a few in your Pokemon inventory already. Another good option for catching Magnemite is to battle Team GO Rocket grunts who use Electric types. It is sometimes a Shadow Pokemon catch after completing these battles.

Once you have the Magnemite you want to evolve into Magnezone, here are the steps to follow.

Evolve Magnemite into Magneton

First, you need to evolve Magnemite to Magneton. You can do this easily – like many first evolutions in Pokemon GO, it just takes 25 Magnemite Candy.

Evolving Magneton into Magnezone is where things get tricky, as this is one of Pokemon GO’s special evolutions.

Related: How To Get Morpeko in Pokemon GO

Evolve Magneton into Magnezone

To evolve Magneton into the third and final stage, you will need to accumulate a total of 100 Magnemite Candies. This is easy to do during an event where Magnemite spawn frequently, as you can catch them with a Pinap Berry to get several candies. Otherwise, you can set Magneton as your Buddy and walk to get the candies you need.

Once you have 100 candies, you need one final step – a Magnetic Lure Module. Magneton can only evolve into Magnezone when it’s near a PokeStop with a Magnetic Lure Module equipped. So, you’ll need to have this item yourself or ask for help from a friend who does.

Set the Magnetic Lure Module on a nearby PokeStop. Then, stand close to it, and you should see the Evolve option become available. If it isn’t working, try standing closer to the PokeStop to ensure you’re in the radius.

Can Magnezone Be Shiny in Pokemon GO?

Now that you know how to evolve Magnezone, I’m sure you’re wondering – can it be Shiny? Yes, you can get a Shiny Magnezone in Pokemon GO.

However, since the Pokemon doesn’t spawn in the wild, you need to catch a Shiny Magnemite and evolve it using the steps above to get a Shiny Magneznoe.

Pokemon GO is available now on mobile devices.

Zero Max Battle Rewards for Rural Pokemon Trainers

Let’s face it – when new features come to Pokemon GO, glitches tend to follow. So, when Pokemon first started coming back from their tenure at Power Spots bringing 0 Candy and 0 Candy XL, many of us assumed it was a bug.

Unfortunately, the missing rewards are by design. Your Pokemon earn candies while defending a Power Spot based on how many other trainers battle there. Unlike Gyms, which reward PokeCoins based on how long your Pokemon defends the gym, timing doesn’t matter. It’s all up to how many other trainers do a Max Battle.

While this fits into the community spirit of the game in theory, it poses a problem for those of us who don’t live in densely populated areas. As one player puts it, “basically another case of rural areas getting screwed over.”

While Pokemon might sit in a rural gym for weeks before someone comes along to knock it out, the trainer does at least get their 50 PokeCoins when it finally happens. But Power Spots expire after a day or so, leaving limited time for the 3 other players in your town to join in.

Clearly, many trainers in less populated areas – or places where Pokemon GO just isn’t as popular – are missing out on these rewards.

“I had a Squirtle in one for 3 days and not a single candy,” says one trainer. As a rural player myself, I’ve yet to earn a single candy from leaving my Pokemon at the local park every time I go there. Considering I’m based in a rural area, the park is pretty popular for Pokemon GO with decent gym turnover. And yet, no one seems to get to the Power Spots.

Or Maybe… No One Likes Max Battles?

Aside from the hope that it’s a glitch, most players blame remote locations with few players for the 0 candy rewards.

However, one player in a more metropolitan area does present an alternative explanation for the spree of players with no candy from Power Spots.

“No one is battling in them that’s why,” says @Enliltheprince, adding, “It’s died off because of the stupid limits it had and the high cost of doing them.”

It is possible that the real culprit behind the lack of candies is that Max Battles just aren’t very popular. If that’s the case, it will be interesting to see what happens as new Dynamax Bosses are added to the game.

Either way, those of us who’ve left Pokemon to linger in rural Gyms for months at a time and miss out on Raids that require big groups to beat would still like to see Niantic consider alternate ways for players outside of big cities to enjoy Pokemon GO.

Geek & Sundry dropped the trailer for Pokemon TCG: Scarlet & Violet – Stellar Crown Showdown on Tuesday, fresh on the heels of relaunching the channel with the Dungeons & Dragons actual-play series Sagas of Sundry: Goblin Mode. Horror filmmaker and Pokemon superfan Alison Mattingly hosts the three-episode series, which sees her facing off against Crews, Batalon, and Breslin using the Pokemon trading card game’s Scarlet & Violet – Stellar Crown expansion.

Those wondering how Crews’ Pokemon prowess stacks up to Mattingly’s can already watch the Brooklyn 99 star put his skills to the test, as the series’ inaugural showdown launched shortly after Tuesday’s trailer. Geek & Sundry fans are no strangers to watching Crews indulge his nerdy passions on the channel, as the actor rolled through the CelebriD&D tavern back in 2018.

Crews’ installment of Pokemon TCG: Scarlet & Violet – Stellar Crown Showdown will be followed by early October appearances from Batalon and Breslin. Peter Parker’s “Guy in the Chair” will be put in a different kind of hot seat in Batalon’s Oct. 1 episode. Finally, Breslin will hunt for victory and Little Miss Sun-Shiny Pokemon on Oct. 8. Batalon and Breslin’s episodes of Pokemon TCG: Scarlet & Violet – Stellar Crown Showdown will follow Crews’ lead, dropping at noon PT.

Pokemon TCG: Scarlet & Violet – Stellar Crown Showdown marks the second series associated with Geek & Sundry’s relaunch. The Felicia Day-founded YouTube channel served as a hub for tabletop-oriented gaming content in the 2010s with series like Critical Role, Tabletop, Titansgrave, Shield of Tomorrow, and the original iteration of Sagas of Sundry. Though the Legendary Entertainment-acquired channel struggled to find its footing after Critical Role‘s 2019 departure, it continued in its pursuit of actual play content with series like Deborah Ann Woll’s Relics & Rarities. However, over the years, the channel’s original productions slowly fizzled out. Pokemon TCG: Scarlet & Violet – Stellar Crown Showdown now joins Sagas of Sundry: Goblin Mode in triumphantly welcoming 2024 audiences back into the Geek & Sundry-verse by embracing the tabletop foundations that made the channel special.

Nintendo and The Pokemon Company are coming after Pocketpair for infringement of patent rights, seeking an “injunction against infringement and compensation for damages.” Pocketpair has already responded on social media, saying, “It is truly unfortunate that we will be forced to allocate significant time to matters unrelated to game development due to this lawsuit.” But all this back and forth is just causing more and more memes to end up on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Social Media Is Having a Field Day With the Palworld Lawsuit

Palworld was already a massive meme prior to any of this happening, with people poking fun at all of the screenshots coming from the game. However, those who gave the game a shot found out it was pretty fun and a solid alternative to the Pokemon series, which hasn’t released a new game since 2022. So, with many feeling like Palworld‘s days are numbered, they’re remembering the good times.

“You were magnificent, Palworld,” said wisdomeel on X while posting a Jujutsu Kaisen-inspired meme of Mewtwo taking out of the Pals from Palworld. I shall never forget you for as long as i live.”

Related: How To Unlock Max Moves in Pokemon GO

Others are taking the approach that, instead of going after smaller games and developers, Nintendo should worry about its own games, as they feel the Pokemon series has dipped in quality in recent years. “Nintendo should put those resources in gamefreak instead to make better Pokemon games because they havent made a good game in 10 years,” said Faz on X.

No matter which way this plays out, the gaming community will look back on Palworld fondly. It’s never easy to get people to rally around something, but for several weeks in early 2024, all people could talk about was Pokemon with guns.