Pokemon — 5 Hardest and Easiest Games 2024

No matter what kind of Pokemon Trainer you are—whether you’re the kind who dives headfirst into battle or one who prefers a laid-back journey through the tall grass—every Pokemon game brings its own flavor of challenge and fun. In 2024, the Pokemon universe has expanded even more, with new games and remastered classics offering everything from brutally tough battles to easygoing adventures.

But which games will truly test your mettle, and which ones will let you breeze through? Here, we’re ranking the 5 hardest and 5 easiest Pokemon games you can play in 2024. So grab your Pokeballs, trainers, and let’s find out where your favorites stand!

Quick List of Games

Hardest:

1. Pokemon Emerald Kaizo: A fan-made ROM hack with brutal difficulty.
2. Pokemon Platinum: Known for its strategic depth and challenging Elite Four.
3. Pokemon Black and White 2: Featuring the toughest AI and post-game content.
4. Pokemon Colosseum: A unique challenge with double battles and limited healing.
5. Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon: The hardest mainline game with difficult bosses and powerful AI.

Easiest:

1. Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee: Simplified mechanics and friendly gameplay.
2. Pokemon Sword and Shield: Modern quality-of-life features make it accessible.
3. Pokemon X and Y: Generous EXP share and straightforward progression.
4. Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl: Remakes that tone down the difficulty.
5. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: Open-world exploration with a more forgiving difficulty curve.

5 Hardest Pokemon Games in 2024

1. Pokemon Emerald Kaizo

Basic Game Details: Pokemon Emerald Kaizo is a ROM hack of the original Pokemon Emerald game for the Game Boy Advance. Developed by SinisterHoodedFigure, this mod is designed to be exceptionally difficult, requiring precise strategies and knowledge of the game’s mechanics.

• Why It’s Hard: Pokemon Emerald Kaizo isn’t just a game; it’s a gauntlet designed to break even the most experienced trainers. Forget about cruising through gyms—this fan-made ROM hack turns every route into a battlefield. With tougher trainers, smarter AI, and limited healing options, this game demands the very best strategies and a lot of patience.
• What to Expect: Every step you take could lead to an unexpected challenge, every battle could be your last. Only the strongest and most strategic will conquer this version of the Hoenn region.

2. Pokemon Platinum

Pokemon Platinum is an enhanced version of Pokemon Diamond and Pearl for the Nintendo DS, released in 2008. It is set in the Sinnoh region and includes additional features such as the Distortion World and the Battle Frontier.

• Why It’s Hard: You thought Cynthia in Pokemon Platinum was tough? Well, you’re right! This game doesn’t hold back with its strategic battles, high-level trainers, and a more challenging Elite Four. The revamped difficulty of the post-game content, including the Battle Frontier, is just the icing on the cake.
• What to Expect: Bring your A-game and be prepared for a serious challenge that demands deep knowledge of Pokemon types, movesets, and strategic planning.

3. Pokemon Black and White 2

Pokemon Black and White 2 are sequels to Pokemon Black and White, released for the Nintendo DS in 2012. Set in the Unova region, they feature new areas, additional storylines, and numerous gameplay improvements.

• Why It’s Hard: Think you’ve seen it all? Pokemon Black and White 2 will prove you wrong! With smarter AI, tougher Gym Leaders, and unique post-game content like the Black Tower and White Treehollow, this game pushes you to your limits.
• What to Expect: From start to finish, this game will test your ability to adapt, strategize, and outthink some of the most challenging AI the series has ever seen.

4. Pokemon Colosseum

Pokemon Colosseum is a 3D role-playing game for the Nintendo GameCube, released in 2004. It departs from the traditional formula by focusing on double battles and “Snagging” Shadow Pokemon from other trainers.

• Why It’s Hard: This isn’t your typical Pokemon adventure. Pokemon Colosseum focuses on double battles, which require a completely different strategy than the usual single battles. With no wild Pokemon to catch and limited healing options, this game forces you to think on your feet and use every move to its fullest potential.
• What to Expect: A fresh take on the Pokemon formula that requires mastery of double battle tactics and careful planning.

5. Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are enhanced versions of Pokemon Sun and Moon, released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2017. These games offer an expanded story, additional Pokemon, and new Ultra Beasts.

• Why It’s Hard: Looking for a real challenge in the mainline series? Look no further than Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. These games are known for their tough Totem Pokemon, challenging trials, and Ultra Necrozma—one of the hardest battles in any Pokemon game.
• What to Expect: Expect to grind, strategize, and adapt to some of the toughest AI and battles the series has ever produced.

5 Easiest Pokemon Games in 2024

Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee are Nintendo Switch games released in 2018, designed as remakes of Pokemon Yellow. They incorporate simplified mechanics and integration with Pokemon Go.

• Why It’s Easy: Perfect for new players or those looking for a nostalgic, laid-back experience. With simplified mechanics and a focus on catching rather than battling, these games are all about enjoying the journey.
• What to Expect: Fun, casual gameplay with adorable graphics and easy-to-understand mechanics. Great for relaxing after a long day!

2. Pokemon Sword and Shield

Pokemon Sword and Shield are the first mainline Pokemon games released on the Nintendo Switch, debuting in 2019. Set in the Galar region, they introduced the Wild Area, Dynamaxing, and Gigantamaxing.

• Why It’s Easy: With features designed to streamline your adventure, like the Wild Area, Max Raid Battles, and an easy-to-use EXP Share, Pokemon Sword and Shield are among the most accessible games in the series.
• What to Expect: A visually stunning journey through the Galar region with lots of Pokemon to catch and plenty of ways to level up quickly.

3. Pokemon X and Y

Released in 2013 for the Nintendo 3DS, Pokemon X and Y are the first games in the series to feature 3D graphics. Set in the Kalos region, they introduced Mega Evolutions and the Fairy type.

• Why It’s Easy: Pokemon X and Y offer generous experience points through the EXP Share and feature Gym Leaders that won’t leave you sweating. The Kalos region is a beautiful place to explore, and the game’s straightforward progression ensures you’ll never feel stuck.
• What to Expect: A pleasant adventure that lets you enjoy the world of Pokemon without too much stress or difficulty.

4. Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

These are remakes of the original Pokemon Diamond and Pearl games, released for the Nintendo Switch in 2021. They bring back the Sinnoh region with updated graphics and quality-of-life improvements.

• Why It’s Easy: The remakes of Diamond and Pearl keep the charm but dial down the difficulty. With accessible TMs and a more generous leveling system, these games let you experience the Sinnoh region at your own pace.
• What to Expect: A classic Pokemon adventure with modern conveniences that make it easier to enjoy.

5. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Released in 2022 for the Nintendo Switch, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are the first open-world Pokemon games, offering a new region to explore and new mechanics like Terastal Phenomena.

• Why It’s Easy: Pokemon Scarlet and Violet introduce an open-world format that allows players to explore at their own pace, tackling challenges whenever they feel ready. With many opportunities to level up and find powerful Pokemon, these games are forgiving and flexible.
• What to Expect: Freedom to explore and play the way you want, with challenges that scale to your experience level.

Play Both — Hardest and Easiest Pokemon Games

Whether you’re looking for a game that will push your limits or something you can enjoy while relaxing, there’s a Pokemon game for you in 2024. From the hardcore battles of Pokemon Emerald Kaizo to the laid-back fun of Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee, the Pokemon world has never been more diverse. 

So, what kind of adventure? Comment Below.