The 10 best games like Pokemon for the discerning trainer

The best games like Pokemon can capture the sense of adventure and companionship that has made Nintendo's RPG series so beloved. And let's be honest, having Pokemon alternatives is always welcomed, especially if you don't have a Switch 2 yet.

Nintendo's new system is set to receive a brand new entry to Game Freak's creature collector with Pokemon Winds and Waves, and now with Pokemon Pokopia also out, the itch to befriend and battle cute monsters is at an all-time high. However, Nintendo is pricey, and sometimes you just don't have enough coins on hand to purchase the latest Poke Balls. Thankfully, we've rounded up all the games that really replicate the feeling of playing the best Pokemon games as well. From creature collecting to turn-based battles, and a satisfying sense of progression, you'll find something in this ranking to fill the Game Freak void today.

Below, we've brought together a variety of options across all platforms, from creative spins on the creature-collecting aspect to adventures with similar features that just might click with you.

The best games like Pokemon to play today, starting with...

10. Monster Sanctuary

Developer: moi rai games
Available on: PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox One

Starting its life as a Kickstarter project, Monster Sanctuary has come a long way and is definitely worth your time. Like Pokemon, you create teams of monsters to take on wild monsters, and like Pokemon Yellow back in the day (or the more recent Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee titles), you can have one of your party follow on behind you.

These followers though, embody the traversal elements originally captured by the HMs in the Pokemon series. It's not quite the same, but it does add an interesting distinction for Monster Sanctuary. It's also a beautiful, side-scrolling 2D pixel art adventure, which helps offer something a little different for Pokemon fans.

9.  Digimon Story: Time Stranger

Developer: Media.Vision
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2

Digimon Story: Time Stranger is hands down the best Digimon game currently out right now and is the perfect alternative for Pokemon fans looking to pick up a new game that isn't part of the Legends moniker. Just like in Pokemon, this game has you building up a team of cute helpers who will jump into battles for you as you progress through a colorful story.

A feature that we love about this title is that your Digimon follow you around, just like Pokémon did in Let's Go, Eevee! and Let's Go, Pikachu! Battles are also more strategic and intense here, and the story is captivating on top of all that as well. In our Digimon Story: Time Stranger review, we said how the game "feels like an excellent evolution that stands alongside greats like Pokemon, Persona, and Final Fantasy." It's a must-play for any fans of the creature collector genre for sure.

8.  Chocobo's Mystery Dungeon: Every Buddy! 

Developer: h.a.n.d
Available on: PS4, Switch

The latest in the Mystery Dungeon series, you play as a Chocobo and his pal Cid who are treasure hunters journeying through dungeons in order to help the town of Lostime. The townspeople have lost their memories thanks to the Bell of Oblivion that causes them to forget every time it rings. As the lovable Final Fantasy bird and his buddy, you have to recover their memories and restore what was once lost.

The dungeons and battles aren't too dissimilar to those you find in Pokemon RPGs. As you traverse through the dungeons you’ll encounter various monsters who you can befriend using the buddy system. The monsters will then fight with you in the dungeons and help ease your way through some tough battles. Pokemon has already popped up in this long-running series - you can read about the latest spin-off in our Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX review.

7. Slime Rancher

Developer: Monomi Park
Available on: PC, Xbox One, PS4, Switch

In Slime Rancher, you've still gotta catch 'em all, it's just a bit more... well, slimy. As rancher Beatrix LeBeau, you explore the lands with your trusty vacpack. The objective is to capture different kinds of cute slimes you can find bouncing around the lands by sucking them up. There's a whole variety of different slimes that each have their own Plorts (slime droppings that act as the game's currency) worth different values.

Slimes will also evolve and grow, so if a pink slime eats a different kind of slime's plort, they'll evolve and turn into a unique slime. If you think about it, it works in a similar way to exposing, say, Eevee, to a certain type of evolution stone. Slime Rancher 2 is also a great sequel to check out after this one if you get fully into all the cute, gooey critters here.

6. Cassette Beasts 

Developer: Bytten Studio
Available on: PC, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

Cassette Beasts is sure to make any Pokemon fan's heart soar. Alongside its charming pixelated art style that feels like a throwback to the classic handheld Pokemon games, it also features turn-based battles and plenty of creatures to collect. While there are similarities, Cassette Beasts stands out in its own unique way thanks to its fun, musically-infused concept that sees you record beasts to cassette tapes and combine the powers of beasts to transform them.

It's also one of the cheaper Pokemon alternatives on our list. So if Nintendo is a bit too pricey or if you want something that won't break the bank, this is a great choice. It also runs great on a handheld if you happen to own a Steam Deck as well.

5. Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin

Developer: Capcom
Available on: PC, Switch, Xbox One, PS4

The second instalment in the Monster Hunter Stories series is a great adventure to step into if you're looking for something to play after Pokemon. After setting out from your home of Hakolo Island to become a Rider, you find yourself swept up in a journey that sees you bond with friendly monsters known as Monsties.

The monsters you befriend will become your loyal companions that join your party not unlike Pokemon, and many different kinds of Monsties can be found throughout the world. You can hatch Monsties from eggs that can be found in dens and raise them to join your adventures. While the first game is a great place to start on the 3DS, the follow-up is easy to get into if you haven't played its predecessor. It's also a great time to play this game ahead of its upcoming follow-up, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection.

4.  World of Final Fantasy Maxima

Developer: Square Enix
Available on: PC, Xbox One, PS4, Switch

World of Final Fantasy has a lot of similarities to the classic Pokemon RPGs we know and love. You follow the journey of twins Lann and Reynn, who are suffering from amnesia and don’t remember anything about their past. They are greeted by a mysterious woman who tells them they are Mirage keepers in the land of Gymoire. Mirages are monsters not unlike Pokemon who the twins can capture and train to fight for them.

Originally released in 2016, World of Final Fantasy got a bit of an update and re-release with Maxima in 2018. The upgraded version adds even more Mirages to encounter, and more well-known Final Fantasy characters to meet, including Noctis, Lightening, and Yuna.

3. Ooblets

Developer: Glumberland
Available on: Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC, Switch

Ooblets is a little game where you grow and collect tiny, adorable creatures called Ooblets. These little beasts will tag along behind you as you explore the world of Oob, and can be used in dance battles against other Ooblet collectors. With farming elements, Animal Crossing-esque home designing, a whole host of characters to befriend, and help, Ooblets has a little bit of everything.

Just like in Pokemon, your Ooblets also have a turn-based battling system (mentioned above). Only this time, your critters have cards and will have to dance their way to victory instead of knocking each other out. It's a fun twist for Pokemon players to experience a creature collector that has deck-building mechanics. So, yeah, it's a refreshing twist but still scratches that Pokemon itch for sure.

2. Palworld

Developer: Pocketpair
Available on: PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5

It's all too easy to compare Palworld to Pokemon. The open-world survival game from developer Pocketpair shares similarities with some of the later Pokemon games, only you can wield various weapons in combat, and have the creatures known as Pals not only fight alongside you, they can also lend you a hand in various ways. From helping you craft structures to providing resources, you can also put them to work tending to your farm or factory.

It should be noted that this is a lot darker than Pokemon, though...I mean, eating Pals is pretty harrowing as a feature, and so is enslaving them as permanent labourers. So, although it's still very cute, don't be shocked if it isn't the Nintendo family brand tone you are used to. The game is a great option for those after the best multiplayer games with a Pokemon twist, but don't worry, it can also be enjoyed solo if that is more your bag as well. Check out our Palworld review for more details!

1. Temtem

Developer: Crema
Available on: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Switch

Temtem is basically Pokemon, the MMO. It's now out of Early Access, and there's more than enough to get us hooked to our new life exploring Omninesia's floating islands, catching Temtems, and battling other players. Like Pokemon it's all about trapping, training, and competing with your team of adorable creatures, ultimately taking on the Archipelago's eight tough dojo trainers.

It's a chance for PC players to catch the creature-collecting bug and another outlet for anyone who has already mastered Pokemon, with the addition of real people running around the world for extra combat opportunities.

Looking to discover more great games? Why not check out our pick of the best RPGs you can play right now. Or look ahead with our list of all the new games still coming our way.