What's Worth Playing in Pokémon After Gen 6?

You should definitely try Pokémon Scarlet or Violet! Even if you don’t end up loving them, they give you a glimpse of what the future of Pokémon could look like. Plus, they have some interesting mechanics.

It really depends on your play style and how much time you have. If you’re looking for something less dialogue-heavy, I’d steer you away from Gen 7. Although they’re good games, the story can feel a bit excessive. You might also want to skip Let’s Go since they’ll bore you with the catching mechanics.

Gen 8 (Sword and Shield) gets some flak for its story but honestly, most Pokémon games don’t focus heavily on that anyway! The real fun is in the battling which is solid. If you’re set to play Legends: Arceus, just know it’s great but can be a bit grindy, focusing on catching Pokémon instead of trainer battles.

Also, if you’re nostalgic for the originals, the Diamond and Pearl remakes are worth a look, although some fans are pretty divided on them. Lastly, keep an eye on the new Legends game set in Kalos that’s coming soon – that could be exciting for you!

Honestly, the Pokémon games from Gen 6 to 9 have a different vibe. You might find them too easy or childish if you prefer the earlier ones. They introduced gimmicks more frequently, which might not appeal to everyone. However, I still suggest trying X & Y, Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon, Sword/Shield, and Scarlet/Violet—they all have their own unique aspects that could surprise you!