The Pokemon franchise is one of the true giants in gaming. In fact, it is the best-selling video game series of all time across various platforms. Game Freak has launched various Pokemon titles ever since its inception in 1996. Pokemon games have surely come a long way from the pixel graphics of Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow to the open-world exploration of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. However, there is only so much you can do after you clear the post-game content.
Whether you have played every Pokemon game or are just looking for something fresh yet familiar, there are plenty of Pokemon-like games that capture the magic of monster collection. From open-world RPGs to card-based battles, these games provide exciting alternatives to the Pokemon formula.
Let’s dive into some of the best games like Pokemon that you should definitely check out.
| Game Title | Developer / Publisher | Release Date | Unique Twist |
| Cassette Beasts | Bytten Studio / Raw Fury | April 26, 2023 (Mobile: 2025) | Transform into monsters; combine creatures to create new forms |
| Temtem | Crema / Humble Games | September 6, 2022 | Persistent online world with ranked matchmaking |
| Nexomon: Extinction | VEWO Interactive Inc. / PQube | August 28, 2020 | Higher difficulty level; vast open world with varied environments |
| Palworld | Pocketpair | 2024 (macOS: 2025) | Real-time combat with guns and swords; Pals assist in tasks like farming and base building |
| Bugsnax | Young Horses | November 12, 2020 | Unique monster-catching mechanics with emotional storytelling |
| Coromon | TRAGsoft / Freedom Games | March 31, 2022 | Built-in Nuzlocke mode; extensive customization options |
| Monster Hunter Stories | Capcom | October 8, 2016 (Japan); September 8, 2017 (Worldwide) | Deep storytelling with vibrant visuals |
| Digimon World: Next Order | B.B. Studio / Bandai Namco | January 31, 2017 | Evolving relationship with trainers affecting evolutionary paths |
| Monster Sanctuary | Moi Rai Games / Team 17 | December 8, 2020 | Each monster has special abilities aiding in world traversal |
| Ooblets | Glumberland | September 1, 2022 | Blend of farming, life simulation, and monster collecting |
| Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince | Tose / Square Enix | December 1, 2023 (Switch); September 11, 2024 (Others) | Non-linear monster growth and abilities; vast open world with dungeons and side quests |
| EvoCreo | Ilmfinity | July 15, 2015 | Expansive open world with tactical combat system |
| Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom | Level-5 / Bandai Namco | March 23, 2018 (Windows, PS4); September 17, 2021 (Switch) | Studio Ghibli-inspired visuals and storytelling |
| World of Final Fantasy | Tose, Square Enix Business Division 3 / Square Enix | October 25, 2016 | Fusion mechanics with engaging story paying tribute to classic Final Fantasy titles |
| Yo-Kai Watch 3 | Level-5 / Nintendo | February 8, 2019 | Two protagonists with separate storylines set in different regions |
| Suikoden | Konami | March 6, 2025 | Mature narrative with battle system similar to Pokémon |
| Chocobo’s Mystery Dungeon: Every Buddy! | Square Enix / Rocket Studio | March 20, 2019 | Creatures fight alongside players in dungeons |
| Slime Rancher | Monomi Park | August 1, 2017 | First-person perspective with focus on raising creatures |
| Ark: Survival Evolved | Studio Wildcard | August 29, 2017 | Open-world action-adventure with split-screen co-op on certain platforms |
| Monster Crown | Studio Aurum / Soedesco | October 12, 2021 | Mature, dark narrative with breeding mechanics |
Here are some of the best similar games like Pokemon that you should definitely try if you are a fan of monster collection games.
Cassette Beasts is a fresh take on the monster-catching genre, allowing players to record monsters onto cassette tapes and then transform into them during battles. With its pixel-art visuals and unique fusion mechanics, this game offers a nostalgic yet innovative experience.
Unlike traditional Pokemon games, Cassette Beasts focuses on combining different monsters to create new forms, making battles dynamic and unpredictable. Not only that, but the game also features an open-world exploration system where you can solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and engage in turn-based combat. If you are looking for a Pokemon game like Pokemon Rogue, Cassette Beats should be the top pick.
Temtem is often called the closest thing to a true Pokemon MMO. It features an expansive world, an online co-op, and strategic battles. With over 160 creatures to catch and a story-driven campaign, this Pokemon-like game delivers a deep and engaging experience.
The game offers a persistent online world, allowing players to interact with other players, trade, and play co-operatively in real time. Moreover, Temtem also includes a ranked matchmaking system for competitive trainers who are looking for a challenge.
The second iteration in the Nexomon franchise, Nexomon: Extinction, is a spiritual successor to Pokemon. The sequel brings over 300 Nexomon to catch, train, and battle. It has a compelling story, a stunning hand-drawn art style, and a robust battling system that keeps players hooked.
Nexomon is a treat for competitive Pokémon fans who want a challenge. The difficulty is higher compared to Pokémon games, requiring players to strategize more during battles. Plus, the game features a vast open world with varied environments like deserts, frozen tundras, swamps, rainforests, and more. As one of the most polished Pokémon fan games out there, Nexomon: Extinction is the best pick if you’re looking for an uninterrupted game like Pokémon with a similar experience.
If you are an active member of the Monster Collection gaming community, Palworld needs no introduction. It is a mix of Pokemon and Ark, combining monster collection with survival, exploration, and even labor. With crafting, farming, and multiplayer features, Palworld focuses on open-world action gameplay where players can engage in real-time combat with guns, swords, and their Pal companions.
Pals can also assist with different tasks like farming, mining, and base building, making them useful beyond just battles.
However, some Pals are an exact rip-off of Pokemon. Anubis looks like an Egyptian Lucario, Robinquil is a weak Decideuye, and Eikthyrdeer is a non-legendary Xerneas. The resemblance is uncanny, which led to some people dropping this game. But, overall, Palworld is a fairly decent game with unique mechanics and a vast open world to explore and secrets to uncover.
In Bugsnax, you explore a whimsical island filled with creatures that are part bug, part snack. Sounds weird, Right? While not a traditional game like Pokemon, its unique monster-catching mechanics and quirky charm make it a fun alternative for players looking for something fresh. The gameplay revolves around solving puzzles and using various traps and tools to capture different Bugsnax.
The game features a deep story with unexpected emotional depth, following a journalist investigating the mysterious disappearance of an explorer on Snaktooth Island. Besides the main quest, players can also complete side missions, explore the island, and interact with quirky NPCs. Overall, if you want a fresh and a little different experience than traditional Pokemon games, you should try Bugsnax
If you love classic Pokemon games, Coromon is perfect for you. With turn-based battles, a rich story, and a variety of creatures to collect, it feels like a nostalgic trip back to the Game Boy Advance era. Unlike Pokemon, Coromon introduces a stamina-based battle system where each move consumes stamina, adding an extra layer of strategy.
The game also features multiple difficulty modes, including a built-in Nuzlocke mode for those who enjoy extra challenges. Additionally, the game includes extensive customization options for both trainers and Coromon, as well as online battles for competitive play.
A spin-off of the Monster Hunter franchise, Monster Hunter Stories replaces the traditional hunting mechanics with a Pokemon-style monster-taming system. You can hatch, train, and battle monsters in turn-based combat.
Unlike the main Monster Hunter games, this Pokemon alternative focuses on deep storytelling and character-driven quests. The visuals are vibrant, making it an appealing experience for all ages.
While Digimon and Pokemon are rival franchises, their games are quite similar. In Digital World: Next Order, players raise two Digimon simultaneously, train them, and explore an open world filled with challenges.
It mixes classic Digimon RPG elements with modern gameplay features, making it a fresh experience for Pokémon trainers. Unlike Pokémon, Digimon have an evolving relationship with their trainers, leading to different evolutionary paths based on care, training, and interactions. If you’re into games like Pokémon Go, this offers a unique twist with deeper evolution mechanics and character bonding.
If you are searching for a game like Pokemon and happen to love Digimon, do try out Digimon: Next Order.
It combines traditional turn-based combat with side-scrolling exploration, adding a unique twist to the game. Players catch and build a team of monsters to take on other monster tamers. Just like Pokemon, you can pick one monster to follow you in the overworld. However, unlike Pokemon, each following monster has a special ability to help traverse the game world, adding a layer of depth to exploration.
Ooblets is a cozy and charming game that allows players to collect adorable creatures and engage in dance battles instead of traditional combat. It blends elements of farming, life simulation, and monster collecting for a relaxing experience.
The art style is reminiscent of the latest Pokemon games with a lot more colors, which will appeal to some players. The animations are seamless, and while there are not a lot of Ooblets in the game, those that can be found are incredibly well-designed.
If you are looking for a hidden gem in the monster-taming genre, Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince lets players step into the shoes of a young protagonist who must capture, train, and fuse classic Dragon Quest monsters. Unlike games like Pokemon, where evolution is more linear, this game gives players more control over their monsters’ growth and abilities.
The turn-based combat is similar to Pokemon games with a variety of strategic elements that require careful planning. The game features a vast open world, filled with dungeons, rare creatures, and side quests. If you love both Pokemon and Dragon Quest, this game is a fantastic blend of the two franchises.
If you are a mobile gamer looking for a game like Pokemon, check out EvoCreo. It offers an expansive open world with over 170 creatures to capture, battle, and evolve. Unlike Pokemon, EvoCreo incorporates real-time PvP battles, allowing players to test their skills against others globally. The game features a strong storyline, taking players on an adventure filled with challenges, puzzles, and rival battles.
The combat system is similar to Pokemon yet unique, offering a variety of tactical options that make each battle dynamic. If you want a mobile alternative with deep gameplay and strategy, EvoCreo is a solid choice.
Ni No Kuni II is the perfect Pokemon-like game for players who prefer a rich narrative and engaging storyline. Unlike Pokemon, which focuses solely on turn-based battles, Ni No Kuni II introduces real-time combat, allowing for fluid and fast-paced engagement. The game also lets players recruit and train creatures known as Higgledies to aid them in battle.
Players can explore vast open-world environments, engage in kingdom management, and participate in large-scale battles. The visuals and storytelling are inspired by Studio Ghibli, making this game a beautiful and unforgettable experience.
By blending classic Final Fantasy elements with monster-catching mechanics, World of Final Fantasy allows players to capture, train, and battle with iconic creatures from the franchise. The stacking battle mechanic adds a unique strategic layer, where different monsters can be combined to enhance abilities.
Besides fast-paced combat and unique fusion mechanics, the Pokemon-like game also features an engaging story that pays tribute to classic Final Fantasy titles, making it a nostalgic yet fresh experience for fans.
Featuring a unique battle system and a vast world filled with supernatural creatures, Yo-kai Watch 3 is a quirky and engaging RPG that blends humor, heart, and adventure. Instead of capturing monsters, you befriend Yo-kai, mischievous spirits with different personalities and abilities.
The battle system is a mix of real-time and turn-based mechanics, requiring quick decision-making and strategy. Yo-kai 3 features two protagonists, each with their own storyline set in different regions. Overall, if you are craving a game like Pokemon with a variety of side quests and mini-games, you should play Yo-Kai Watch 3.
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Released: March 6, 2025
While Suikoden does not feature monsters, the inherent gameplay and mechanics remain the same. The first installment in the series had over 100 party members to collect, way back in 1995.
Though the theme and narrative of the game are on the darker side, the battle system is quite similar to Pokemon. It is an excellent JRPG for older Pokemon fans who are looking for a more mature experience.
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Rocket Studio
Platforms: PS4, Nintendo Switch
Released: March 20, 2019
While the Mystery Dungeon series is recognized as a Pokémon spinoff, it was released way before that. Chocobo’s Mystery Dungeon series was launched way back in 1997 and has had many new installments since then.
Chocobo’s Mystery Dungeon: Every Buddy! is the latest game in the series, launched in 2019. It does not follow the traditional monster-catching mechanic of Pokemon games, but players can befriend creatures using the buddy system and use them in battle. Creatures will fight alongside the player as they progress through the game’s dungeons.
Developer: Monomi Park
Publisher: Monomi Park
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Released: August 1, 2017
At first glance, Slime Rancher looks like a mutated blend of a life simulation and first-person shooter. However, once you dive deep, you understand that it is much more than it looks. Similar to Pokemon games, you can catch creatures (slimes), raise, and breed them.
While the game does not offer any combat and there is not a wide variety of slimes to catch, it is still a great option for players who like games where you have to raise monsters.
Developer: Studio Wildcard
Publisher: Studio Wildcard
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Linux, macOS, Google Stadia, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
Released: August 29, 2017
Ark: Survival Evolved is similar to Palworld in terms of narrative and story- it does not have a traditional narrative! Instead of pocket monsters, players have to tame humongous dinosaurs, train them, and even ride them into battle.
While the game had a lackluster launch, it has since grown into a solid alternative for players looking for a monster-catching and action-adventure hybrid. One of the best features of Ark is the split-screen co-op on certain platforms, allowing players to enjoy the game with their friends.
Developer: Studio Aurum
Publisher: Soedesco, Thomas Stone
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android
Released: October 12, 2021
Monster Crown follows a retro style that is reminiscent of the Game Boy Color Pokemon games. However, the game still features excellent gameplay mechanics and over 200 monsters for players to collect. Besides that, the battle system is pretty similar to the Pokemon games, making it a great alternative for fans of the Game Freak franchise.
While the gameplay and battle system are quite similar, the game truly shines with its mature, dark narrative that grips the player to their screens. If you are looking for a mature-themed game like Pokemon, you should definitely try out Monster Crown.
If you are looking for similar games like Pokemon, this list offers something for every type of player. Whether you prefer open-world adventures, turn-based combat, or monster fusion mechanics, these games like Pokemon will satisfy your craving for creature-collecting excitement. Besides these, there are several other Pokemon fan games that also offer unique features and new storylines, regions, and Pokemon forms that will satisfy your monster-collection cravings.
Ans. Some of the best Pokemon-like games include Temtem, Nexomon: Extinction, Cassette Beasts, Palworld, Coromon, Monster Sanctuary, and Digimon World: Next Order.
Ans. Yes, Cassette Beasts and Monster Sanctuary offer roguelike elements combined with monster-catching mechanics, making them great alternatives to Pokemon Rogue.
Ans. Popular Pokemon-like mobile games include Nexomon: Extinction, Coromon, and EvoCreo. These games feature monster collecting, battling, and adventure mechanics similar to the Pokemon series.
Ans. Yes, Palworld offers an open-world experience with survival and crafting mechanics, while Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom features an expansive world with monster companions.
Ans. Yes, games like Monster Crown and Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel offers card-based battles similar to the Pokemon Trading Card Game. Additionally, some monster-catching games include card-based mechanics in their combat system.
