Best 9 Games Like Pokémon That’ll Hook You in 2025
Looking for games like Pokémon? I’ve got you. Pokémon titles are all about that perfect mix – catching adorable (or terrifying) creatures, battling your heart out, and exploring colorful worlds where literally everything wants to fight you. It’s addictive. But sometimes, it’s nice to break free from the familiar and dive into games that borrow the good stuff while adding their own flavor.
These games have all the best parts like gathering your team of monsters, mastering strategic battles, and uncovering hidden secrets in sprawling worlds. But they also add something fresh – deep stories, crazy evolution mechanics, and combat systems that feel a little more intense than what you’re used to. And don’t worry, the thrill of finding that rare creature is still alive and kicking.
If you’re tired of the same old routine, these games offer a completely fresh start. Think of them as the slightly more rebellious cousins of Pokémon – familiar but with enough new tricks to leave you puzzled. Whether it’s bonding with your creatures or watching them become scary and unstoppable, these games really know how to scratch that monster-training itch.
Our Top Picks for Games Like Pokémon
Don’t worry, I’ve done the hard work – played too much – to find games like Pokémon that offer something familiar and new. Think creature battles with a twist, worlds that feel realistic, and mechanics that will leave you questioning, “Why didn’t Pokémon think of this?”
With that being said, here are our top choices:
- Palworld (2024) – A chaotic mix of monster collecting and guns. Yes, you can shoot things with your monsters.
- Cassette Beasts (2023) – Monsters plus mixtapes equals fusion battles — where you literally remix your team.
- Digimon World: Next Order (2017) – Train, battle, and actually take care of your Digimon, like a virtual pet gone wild.
- Monster Hunter Stories (2016) – Hatch eggs, build bonds, and battle with Monsties in a stunning RPG adventure.
- Suikoden (1995) – JRPG series with a focus on character recruitment and deep storylines.
These are a few of the best games like Pokémon that bring something unique to the table. Whether you want nostalgia, strategy, or just the chaos of battling monsters while wielding a bazooka, this list has you covered. Stick around – we’re diving into what makes each one worth your time!
9 Best Games like Pokémon in 2025
When it comes to games like Pokémon, some don’t just copy the formula – they crank it up a notch and make it their own. Think of them as the upgraded versions, with sharper graphics, deeper mechanics, and battles that actually make you strategize instead of just spamming the same move.
What makes them stand out? The combat is smoother, the worlds feel alive, and the controls won’t make you want to rage-quit mid-battle. And the creatures? Absolute beasts.
You’re not just catching them – you’re fusing, evolving, and sometimes even crafting your own unstoppable team. If you’ve ever wished Pokémon had a bit more complexity, these games have you covered.
And let’s be real – style matters. These games go all in on visuals, from cinematic battles to designs that make every creature look like a legendary. They might not have Pikachu, but trust me, when you’re charging into battle on a fire-breathing monster that looks straight-up mythical, you won’t even notice.
1. Palworld (Best for Chaos Enthusiasts)
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PC, PS5, Xbox One/Series X | 2024 | Pocketpair |
Palworld is a notable open-world game where Pokémon decided to ditch the PG rating and go completely wild. The graphics are jaw-dropping, blending realistic environments with cartoony creatures called Pals. You start as a survivalist in a chaotic world where Pals aren’t just for battling – they’re also your co-workers. Farming, building, even fighting – Pals do it all. Ethical concerns? Let’s just say this isn’t your typical wholesome monster game.
For gameplay, I’d say it’s a crazy mix of action, survival, and crafting. You can team up with Pals to explore the open world or pit them against enemies in intense battles. It’s perfect for players who want a darker, more chaotic spin in the Pokémon games. Newcomers will enjoy the open-ended gameplay, while veterans will love experimenting with the unique mechanics and questionable ethics.
2. Cassette Beasts (Best for Creative Souls)
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PC, Xbox One/Series, Nintendo Switch, iOS (iPhone/iPad) | 2023 | Bytten Studio |
When I first heard of Cassette Beasts, I thought, “Monsters and mixtapes? This has to be a joke.” Well, it wasn’t, and I ended up loving every second. The pixel art graphics are ridiculously charming, like something straight out of a retro dream. You start as a stranded newcomer on a mysterious island, and before you know it, you’re recording monsters on cassettes. Yes, recording. Someone definitely had fun brainstorming that idea.
Gameplay? It’s turn-based, but with a twist – you can fuse your monsters into absolute beasts. It’s like combining Pokémon but with cooler animations and no creepy daycare centers. The story is surprisingly deep, with quirky NPCs and unexpected twists.
It’s an excellent RPG game with a slight blend of chaos and strategy. Don’t let your search for games like Pokémon end here, because even more Pokémon games are waiting for you on the list.
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3. Digimon World: Next Order (Best for Monster-Taming Fans)
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PC, PS4/Vita, Nintendo Switch | 2017 | B.B. Studio |
Pokémon games with more drama and digital chaos? Digimon World: Next Order delivers. The graphics bring the digital world to life, with vibrant environments and detailed Digimon designs, it should be included in the list of the best RPG story games out there. You start as a DigiDestined, managing not one but two Digimon partners. It’s like parenting, except your kids can shoot fireballs and evolve into terrifying beasts.
The gameplay combines training, battles, and resource management. Keeping your Digimon fed, happy, and alive is no small task, but it’s wildly rewarding when they finally evolve into something marvelous – just don’t get attached, because Digimon can, uh, fade away. The story mixes heartfelt moments with plenty of action, perfect for new players exploring the digital world and veterans craving a more challenging monster-raising experience.
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4. Monster Hunter Stories (Best for Lovers of Beast Action)
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4 | 2024 | Capcom, Marvelous |
Monster Hunter Stories shouldn’t just be on the list of games like Pokémon, it should also be added to the list of the best JRPG games of all time. You’re not just catching monsters here – you’re hunting them. The visuals are stunning, with lush environments and creatures so detailed you’ll want to save screenshots and use them as wallpaper. You start as a hunter, someone who tracks and battles massive monsters (no, seriously, they’re huge) to protect the world.
The gameplay is real-time and intense, it feels fast and fresh. You can even customize your gear and weapons to take down the toughest monsters. It’s like playing an action hero but with more strategy and less running around. The story mixes heart-pounding hunts with truly epic battles, and if you’re new, the game throws you into the action without treating you like a rookie. Veterans? Don’t worry – it ramps up quickly enough to keep you on edge.
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5. Chocobo’s Mystery Dungeon EVERY BUDDY! (Best for Dungeon Crawlers)
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PS4, Nintendo Switch | 2019 | Square Enix |
Ever thought that there could be a character on par with Pikachu? In Chocobo’s Mystery Dungeon: EVERY BUDDY!, you start as the cutest feathered hero diving into dungeons filled with danger, puzzles, and loot. The graphics are adorable, with bright, colorful designs that make even the enemies look huggable.
Games like Pokémon level up my nostalgia, and I’m not complaining – this one’s a gem. The gameplay focuses on turn-based dungeon crawling with a unique buddy system. You can recruit monsters or “buddies” to help you in the battle, making it feel like Pokémon with a dash of Final Fantasy chaos. The story is heartwarming and perfect for anyone who likes a mix of adventure and whimsy. New players will love the simple mechanics, while veterans can enjoy mastering more nuanced strategies.
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6. Shin Megami Tensei 5 (Best for Tactical Thinkers)
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Nintendo Switch | 2021 | Atlus |
If you’ve ever wondered what Pokémon games would be like if it got darker, welcome to Shin Megami Tensei V. Instead of catching cute creatures, you’re recruiting demons. Yes, demons. The graphics are stunning, with a post-apocalyptic Tokyo that’s both haunting and beautiful. You start as a high schooler who merges with a powerful being because apparently, that’s what happens when you miss the bus.
The gameplay is turn-based but brutally strategic. You don’t just recruit demons – you negotiate with them, bribe them, or outsmart them. The story is intense, diving into themes of morality and survival. For new players, you might find the gameplay a bit challenging though engaging, but old gamers will love the complexity and high stakes. It’s Pokémon for those who like their battles with a side of existential dread.
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7. Monster Sanctuary (Best for Pixel Art Lovers)
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch | 2020 | Moi Rai Games |
It’s like Pokémon meeting a really good Metroidvania game. The 2D-pixel art graphics are clean and colorful, making exploration a visual treat. You start as a Monster Keeper tasked with protecting a sanctuary, but things quickly escalate into saving the world. Why do video game worlds always need saving? Someone should look into that.
The gameplay blends monster battles with exploration. You’re not just battling – you’re solving puzzles, unlocking abilities, and discovering hidden areas. The story is engaging but never overwhelming, perfect for players who like their lore to blend in rather than dumped on them. New players will appreciate the straightforward mechanics, while veterans can dive into team-building and advanced strategies. It’s a satisfying mix of adventure and nostalgia that never gets old.
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8. Bugsnax (Best for Whimsical Explorers)
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series X, Nintendo Switch, iOS (iPhone/iPad) | 2020 | Young Horses |
As the name suggests, it’s bug snacks. When I first heard about it, I wasn’t quite sure if I’d like it, but here I am, mentioning it in the top 10 best games like Pokémon. The graphics are bright and cartoony, like a strange dream that somehow makes sense. You play as a journalist investigating Snaktooth Island, a place where food comes to life and everyone’s way too chill about eating sentient strawberries. If you like your games bizarre with a side of mystery, this one’s for you.
It’s part an engaging puzzle game, part creature-catching. It’s oddly satisfying to lure a burger with ketchup just to trap it in a net. The story dives deeper than you’d expect, exploring themes of identity and acceptance beneath all the snack chaos. New players will find it easy to pick up, while veterans can enjoy the creative strategies for catching Bugsnax. After playing, maybe you won’t look at snacks the same way ever again.
9. Coromon (Best for Nostalgia Seekers)
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS (iPhone/iPad) | 2022 | TRAGsoft |
If you’ve ever wanted “Pokémon games, but harder,” then Coromon is your answer. The graphics mix retro pixel art with a modern polish, making it feel like a classic game that’s had a glow-up. You start as a young researcher who quickly gets dragged into saving the world (of course). The Coromon? They’re like Pokémon but with cooler designs and moves that make battles feel like real challenges.
Gameplay leans into strategy, especially with stamina-based mechanics that make you think before spamming attacks. The story is engaging, with plenty of twists and a sense of humor that keeps things light. For newcomers, it’s an easy jump from Pokémon, while veterans will appreciate the tougher battles and customizable difficulty settings.
What Makes Games Like Pokémon Stand Out?
Alright, let’s talk about what makes these games unique. First off, games like Pokémon make you think. These games mix in strategy, choice, and a whole lot of “wait, I have to do what now?”
- In Cassette Beasts, you don’t just catch creatures – you’re literally making music with them. Seriously, who thought turning your monsters into mixtapes would be so fun?
- Monster Hunter Stories throws the “cute and cuddly” out the window. The battles feel like something out of a Dragon Quest game, with more intensity and a lot more “hold up, that’s a giant dragon” moments.
You really have to really pay attention to your monster’s moods. Pokémon never made me worry about my Pikachu being angry, but hey, Monster Hunter makes me wish I paid more attention to my creatures’ feelings.
The Pokémon series sure is fun, but after a while, it feels like I’ve been playing the same game over and over. These other titles? They take the monster-catching concept, put it through a blender, and somehow manage to make it fresh. So, if you’re tired of the same old Pokémon routine, maybe it’s time to get your hands on something that keeps you on your toes.
FAQs
Is Digimon better than Pokémon?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Digimon has a more intricate storyline and creature evolution system, while Pokémon focuses on exploration, collecting, and battling. If you enjoy a deeper narrative and complex creature development, Digimon might be more up your alley.
Which is better, Pokémon or Dragon Ball?
It really depends on your preference. Pokémon is great for fans of strategy, exploration, and creature collection, while Dragon Ball is perfect for those who enjoy high-energy, action-packed battles. Both are iconic but cater to different types of gaming experiences.
Is Palworld copying Pokémon?
Palworld definitely takes a lot of cues from Pokémon as far as creature collection and battles go but it goes way further. Instead of just catching them, you’re also crafting, surviving, and even using guns to fight. It’s like Pokémon, but with a twist that makes it way darker and more chaotic.
Is Temtem similar to Pokémon?
Yes, Temtem is pretty much Pokémon but with an MMO twist. It’s got that same vibe, but with a deeper focus on online interaction and a more traditional RPG feel. If you love Pokémon, you’ll probably dig it, but it’s definitely got its own identity.
Is Yu-Gi-Oh more popular than Pokémon?
No, Pokémon is way more popular than Yu-Gi-Oh! in terms of overall sales, cultural impact, and player base. While Yu-Gi-Oh! dominates in the trading card game scene, Pokémon crushes it with games, merchandise, and global recognition.
