Ask anyone around the block, and you’ll know that Pokemon is one of the biggest series and is only getting bigger. While the franchise itself is spread across a plethora of platforms, that hasn’t stopped other games from taking inspiration from it. With so many games like Pokemon out there, it can be difficult to sort through the fray. Well, if you’re a gamer looking for similar games, this one’s for you. So with that, let’s begin checking out the best games like Pokemon right here.
1. Palworld
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S
Our first choice is the popular indie survival game Palworld, which took the entire community by storm in January. Palworld is an open-world survival game set in a universe populated by creatures called Pals. As you would expect, the game involves a lot of creature catching.
Your task is to capture Pals, employ their help to improve your base production and stop enemy factions and stronger Pals around the island. Palworld is currently in early access. So you can expect more content and Pals soon. Even now, the current game gives you a solid experience that mimics Pokemon in a fun way but is still distinct from the Nintendo experience.
2. Temtem
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
One of the first well-known Pokemon-inspired games is Temtem, an indie monster-catching MMO that positively mimics Pokemon games. It takes place in an airborne archipelago, where you capture Tames, train them, fight other tames, and explore a dynamic open world.
While interest has piped down over the years, you’ll still find a dedicated player base that enjoys Temtem regularly. If you’re bored of playing Pokemon, this is one game that is a great change of pace.
3. Bugsnax
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Possibly, one of the most surprising launches from 2020 is one of our list’s comfiest entries. In Bugsnax, you explore a mysterious island called Snaketooth, where you hunt and capture Bugsnax, weird monsters that look like fast food.
Yes, you heard that correctly. With over a hundred Bugsnax to find, the game is about exploring and employing creative ways to catch these snack monsters.
4. Shin Megami Tensei 5
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch. PC, PlayStation, and Xbox Versions are coming out this June.
Shin Megami Tensei might not have gotten itself the widespread love and appreciation that Persona 5 enjoyed. However, these games are well-written JRPGs that walked so Persona could run. The latest entry, Shin Megami Tensei 5, elevates and makes the game accessible to newcomers while retaining the features that differentiate Shin Megami Tensei from Persona.
You play as Nahobino, a half-demon, as he travels between Tokyo and the Netherworld, battling demons and capturing them to fight stronger demons and save the world. Shin Megami Tensei V features various demons with different elemental attacks that you can capture. It is a must-play if you love JRPG and monster-catching.
5. Cassette Beasts
- Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS.
Cassette Beasts is an indie open-world RPG where you manifest monsters by using retro cassette tapes. You explore New Wirral and record various monsters. Later, you train them and fight other monsters by transforming into one yourself.
Cassette Beasts have a charming art style that will enamor anyone who’s grown up playing the fourth and fifth generation of Pokemon games.
6. Slime Rancher
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Slime Rancher is an open-world, first-person game. Set on a distant planet, players become ranchers tasked with capturing and caring for adorable, gelatinous creatures known as slimes. With exploration, resource management, and slime breeding mechanics, it offers a delightful blend of relaxation and challenge, making it a must-play for fans of adventures.
Furthermore, the Slime capturing portion is reminiscent of the Pokemon capturing system. Regardless, try this out if you want a cute game miming the popular monster-capturing gameplay.
7. Digimon World: Next Order
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
I think any 90s kid will know what Digimons are. They were Bandai’s answer to Nintendo’s Pokemon. While this series isn’t as big as Nintendo’s Pokemon, it still has some well-known animes and video games. Digimon World: Next Order is one of those experiences.
Digimon World: Next Order takes you to the Digital World, embarking on a thrilling adventure as a Digital Tamer. Tasked with saving the world from destruction, you must raise and train Digimon companions while exploring an open world. Next Order offers a nostalgic experience for fans of the beloved Digimon franchise, featuring intense fights and Digivolution.
8. Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS
Years ago, Koei Tecmo made a game called Monster Rancher, where you collect monsters from music CDs. That is right, you inserted your favorite Linkin Park disc, and it generated a monster in-game. Of course, you had in-game monsters, but that was the charm of the games. In the current year, with the trend of CDs going smaller, Koei Tecmo re-introduced the first two games through Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX.
Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX revives the beloved classics for a new generation. Players dive into a world where they raise and train monsters for battles and competitions. With revamped graphics and enhanced features, including the ability to generate monsters from CDs, this DX edition brings nostalgia and innovation together. You can still generate monsters from a pre-listed list of music CDs in-game, so you can technically experience the game.
9. Ooblets
- Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Ooblets is a comfy indie adventure game that blends farming, creature collecting, and dancing. Set in Oob, players embark on a charming journey to farm, befriend creatures called Ooblets, and participate in dance-offs.
Ooblets includes an adorable art style, quirky humor, and endless activities. It also offers a relaxing experience, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in its whimsical world. If Pokemon games are too intense for your liking, Ooblets should be a good change.
10. Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
The final game on this list is a spin-off of the popular action-adventure monster-hunting series Monster Hunter by Capcom. Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a story-driven RPG adventure that invites players to explore a vibrant world filled with majestic monsters.
You play as a young Monster Rider and embark on a quest to uncover the mystery behind the Wings of Ruin. It features turn-based battles; you capture monsters by collecting and raising eggs. While not everyone’s slice of cake, Hunter Stories 2 is still a good game like Pokemon you can try out.
11. Monster Sanctuary
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Monster Sanctuary is a turn-based RPG adventure where you play as a novice Monster Keeper and explore a sprawling world filled with enthralling creatures to befriend and train. With its visually stunning pixel art, in-depth skill tree progression, and dynamic combat system, this game offers a refreshing twist on the genre, inviting players to dive into an immersive world filled with secrets and challenges.
12. Coromon
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS
Coromon is another monster-taming RPG, paying homage to titles like the fourth and fifth-generation Pokemon games. However, it innovates with the game through modern gameplay elements. Players go on an epic journey to become Coromon Masters, capturing and training creatures known by the same name.
With its captivating pixel art style, strategic turn-based battles, and immersive storyline, this game provides a nostalgic experience for fans of the genre, producing countless hours of fun.
These are the best games, like Pokemon, where you capture monsters, train them, and fight others to progress to victory. Have more choices for us? Drop your suggestions in the comments below!
