Every Pokemon Game Online: What Order to Play Them In

All 12 Pokemon games on EggerMath in release and story order — plus the best starting point and Nuzlocke picks.

EggerMath hosts 12 Pokemon games across GB, GBC and GBA. Here is the definitive play order, whether you want history or story.

Release Order (Recommended for First-Timers)

• Pokemon Yellow (GB, 1998) — Pikachu follows you; the anime season as a game.
• Pokemon Gold / Silver (GBC, 1999) — Johto plus all of Kanto; 16 badges.
• Pokemon Crystal (GBC, 2000) — the definitive Johto with Suicune plot.
• Pokemon Ruby / Sapphire (GBA, 2002) — Hoenn, abilities, double battles.
• Pokemon FireRed (GBA, 2004) — the Kanto remake done right.
• Pokemon Emerald (GBA, 2004) — the peak: Battle Frontier, both box legendaries.

Where Should a Beginner Start?

Pokemon Emerald. Modern mechanics, best post-game, zero friction. Purists start at Yellow; everyone else starts at Emerald. Full breakdown in all Pokemon games online.

Best Nuzlocke Picks

Emerald for the classic ruleset, Crystal for old-school brutality. Read the full rules in our Emerald Nuzlocke guide, and check how to play Emerald free first.