# Pokémon Mainline Games Ranked

> Pokémon games ranked from worst to best in franchise history.
- Title: Pokémon Mainline Games Ranked · CBR | Shortify
- Summary: Pokémon games ranked from worst to best in franchise history. Pokémon Scarlet & Violet are the worst mainline games, followed by Ultra Sun & Moon, Sun &…
- Keywords: pokemon, pokemon games, pokemon red blue, pokemon sword shield, pokemon ultra sun moon, pokemon scarlet violet, pokemon sun moon, pokemon ruby sapphire, entertainment, culture, Pokémon, Mainline
- Source: CBR — https://cbr.com/pokemon-mainline-games-ranked
- Author: Scott Baird
- Published: 2026-10-22T01:46:14+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pokemon, pokemon games, pokemon red blue, pokemon sword shield, pokemon ultra sun moon, pokemon scarlet violet, pokemon sun moon, pokemon ruby sapphire, entertainment, culture
## Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Are The Worst
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet launched with severe technical issues and bugs, making them the worst mainline entries in franchise history.

> It’s shocking that Pokémon Scarlet & Violet launched in the way they did, being the most technically inept and buggy titles since the Gen 1 days
## Pokémon Ultra Sun & Moon Wasted A Great Storyline
Pokémon Ultra Sun & Moon stripped the Team Rainbow Rocket storyline, ruining a genuinely great character dynamic.

> Pokémon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon stripped that story out, turning Lusamine into a sympathetic character
## Pokémon Sun & Moon Is Terrified Of Branching Paths
Pokémon Sun & Moon had linear maps with little variety, making towns and dungeons feel repetitive.

> It’s strange to think that Final Fantasy 13 took a ton of abuse for its linear maps, yet Pokémon Sun & Moon never received anywhere near as much hate
## Pokémon Sword & Shield Was Too Flawed
Pokémon Sword & Shield had primitive graphics and lost the National Pokédex, but gained the Dynamax/Gigantamax mechanic.

> Pokémon Sword & Shield had a rough launch, with the press fixated on the loss of the National Pokédx
## Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire Were An Uncertain Step
Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire introduced weather effects and double battles, becoming a cornerstone of competitive play.

> The introduction of weather effects, abilities, and double battles in Gen 3 would go on to form the cornerstone of the competitive scene
## Pokémon Red & Blue Kicked Everything Off
Pokémon Red & Blue started the franchise with Pikachu’s iconic story and retro charm.

> Pokémon Red & Blue are the reason this list exists. If it weren’t for Red leaving Pallet Town to become a Pokémon Master
## Pokémon Black & White Finally Left Japan
Pokémon Black & White introduced the Unova region based on New York City, expanding the franchise globally.

> The first four Pokémon generations were based on locations in Japan. It wasn’t until Pokémon Black & White that the series tried something new
## Pokémon X & Y Was The Much-Needed Jump
Pokémon X & Y brought full 3D graphics and Mega Evolutions, a major technical leap for the franchise.

> Pokémon X & Y introduced Mega Evolutions, easily the best battle mechanic added to the franchise
## Key takeaway

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet are the worst mainline games, followed by Ultra Sun & Moon, Sun & Moon, Sword & Shield, Ruby & Sapphire, and Red & Blue as the best.