The Pokemon series is, by design, meant to be highly accessible. That being said, there are now a lot of games to choose from, and every Pokefan across the world will have their own opinion on which game is the best. Since most games are set in entirely different regions, there should be few concerns about where to start story-wise. However, a few elements make some titles stand out as better candidates than others.

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A notable aspect of Pokemon games is that the titles tend to come in pairs (e.g., Blue and Red). The gameplay offered between the two versions of any pair is almost identical, except for the availability of certain tamable Pokemon out in the wild. On the subject of availability, since older Pokemon games are no longer available to purchase from Nintendo, second-hand copies can be costly. Thankfully, there are still many viable options for budding new Pokemon trainers, no matter the budget or preference.

Pokemon Sword Or Pokemon Shield

The Classic Format And Game Mechanics With All The Modern Amenities

• While there are a number of modern Pokemon games on the Switch, Sword and Shield are the most accessible
• Sword & Shield has traditional gameplay, low difficulty, and high polish, making it an easy entry point for minimal hassle

The first-time player option that perfectly intersects modern graphics, quality of life, availability, and traditional gameplay is Sword & Shield. Although it isn't the latest Pokemon game on the Switch, it is widely regarded as one of the best on the platform. Some fans have criticized it for its meek difficulty curve, but this is an easy advantage for those looking to gently ease themselves into the series.

Sword & Shield introduced some new mechanics into the mix, but they are hardly overwhelming. While Sword and Shield introduced more Pokemon, as every generation has, it also kept the total catchable pocket monsters down to a reasonable number. As such, this is a safe option for players looking for a seamless and user-friendly experience (from purchase to gameplay) but not so much of a time commitment.

HeartGold Or SoulSilver

The Gold (And Silver) Standard For Pokemon Games

• HeartGold and SoulSilver have a reputation for being the best in the series, but newcomers may want to seriously consider if the high price is worth it
• While new players would not miss out by starting here, those who played the original games or their remakes will get more out of them as their second game

Many long-term fans will proudly proclaim that HeartGold and SoulSilver, both remakes of the second-generation games Gold and Silver, are some of the finest in the series. While this may be true, they may not be the best candidate for newcomers. For one, second-hand copies of either version on the Nintendo DS tend to come with hefty price tags. Although Gold and Silver are brand new adventures, they are still sequels to the original games, Red and Blue.

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As such, they contain story elements, especially near the endgame, that might only pay off for players who have played the first games. That said, there is absolutely no danger in DS owners snapping up either one at an affordable price and then starting their Pokemon adventure in Johto. Although there are a fair few game mechanics to get a handle on and some surprises that players of the very first game may appreciate, newcomers will still find it to be a rewarding first-time experience.

Pokemon Go

An Affordable Mobile Option For Those On The Go

• In-app purchases aside, Pokemon Go is free and can be played on a smartphone (and anywhere)
• Although it is a spin-off game, its focus on exploration and capturing roaming Pokemon captures the essence of the series

For those who missed the hype train in the second half of the 2010s, Pokemon Go is a mobile game that involves players physically walking around their town or city in search of collectible Pokemon. While it isn't considered a mainline game, it does involve throwing Pokeballs, catching, and battling Pokemon. Go may be a mobile game, but it manages to perfectly capture the "collectible 'mons" spirit of the mainline series.

As a mobile spin-off, there are no two versions to pick between, and even better, the app is free (but does contain in-app purchases). While taking a Switch out in public is a viable option, most people now have a game-ready smartphone, and downloading it is as easy as opening an app store. It may not be a "pure" Pokemon experience, but it is still a great first-time option for those on a strict or non-existent budget and a good way to promote outdoor exercise.

Let's Go, Pikachu! Or Let's Go, Eevee!

A Newbie-Friendly Option And A Chance To Revisit The Past

• Many traditional Pokemon elements have been stripped away to make the Let's Go! games as accessible as possible
• Both versions are 3D Switch remakes of the very first Red and Blue Pokemon games

This one might be the best choice for newcomers to gaming in general. Let's Go, Pikachu and Let's Go, Eevee! are known for their easy difficulties and stripped-back mechanics. Either would be a perfect transition for those who have already found themselves caught up in the Pokemon Go craze and are looking for a game with a similar attitude to Pokemon collecting. As one of the more recent Pokemon games, Nintendo has made an effort to make the experience for newcomers as smooth as possible.

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For example, unlike other games, Pokemon trainers cannot battle wild Pokemon to grind for experience points. One of the biggest perks is that they are remakes of Pokemon Yellow, a game from the first generation of games. This means newcomers will be able to catch up on all the gaming culture they missed out on from the beginning and experience the very first Pokemon adventure with a fresh coat of paint, or gaming parents can introduce their kids to Pokemon in the gentlest possible way.

FireRed Or LeafGreen

A Rare Catch But The Ideal Starter

• Although these games are now hard to track down, they offer the best of all worlds when it comes to an entry point into Pokemon
• FireRed and LeafGreen are faithful remakes of the original Red and Blue with modern additions and (still) stunning pixel graphics

They may not be the easiest to find, mainly because they require a GameBoy Advance or Nintendo DS (but not a 3DS) to play. However, assuming they can be purchased without breaking the bank, there is no better introduction to the series than these two. LeafGreen and FireRed are remakes of the original games and, as such, are packed with the most recognizable Pokemon and characters but with none of the rough edges.

The region features in Red and Blue may not be as expansive as later titles, but in many ways, this original adventure across Kanto cracked the formula perfectly. After eight years of experience in Pokemon development, Gamefreak's graphical and mechanical refinements for the remakes make the original adventures truly shine. After completing either one (and without spoiling it), those willing to shell out on the sequels, HeartGold or SoulSilver, will get a bigger bang for their buck.

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