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Nov 18, 202210 min read

The Regions of Pokémon


For over 25 years, Game Freak has produced multiple Pokémon games, including originals, sequels, and remakes. In all of these games, however, regions serve as the setting from which your adventure takes place. Join me as I highlight the main regions of Pokémon, so beware of spoilers from their respective stories. I will also provide my favorite soundtracks from these regions, including battle, location, and other themes.



 

Kanto


The Kanto region is the first region created, hosting the first generation of games and the first 151 Pokémon. Kanto has since been recreated multiple times in remakes of the original games. It has also served as a post-game location in the Johto games. The Kanto region is based on the real Kantō region of Japan. Further areas of Japan are used for the subsequent regions, which I will review later. The main story of the Kanto games are pretty simple, but they were the first, serving as a model for future games. At the beginning, you will receive your first Pokémon, Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle, from Professor Oak.

Throughout the story, you will travel across Kanto to challenge the eight gyms. Along the way you will defeat the criminal organization of Team Rocket. This evil team desires to take over the world . The team leader, Giovanni, even attempts to genetically create the strongest Pokémon, Mewtwo, to achieve these goals. In the end, you will reach Victory Road and the Elite Four, where you will be able to defeat the reigning Champion who turns out to be your rival. Overall, the Kanto region will always be a favorite for the fans and developers due to the nostalgia and history it has. Though maybe it has a little too much favor in my opinion.


Games - Red, Green, and Blue (1996), Yellow (1998), FireRed and LeafGreen (2004), and Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee (2018)


Other - Blue's Theme


Johto


The Johto region is a connected region to Kanto, hosting the sequel story to the original games and 100 new Pokémon. The region is based on the Kansai region of Japan, located to the west of Kantō just like the games. So far, Johto is the only region I have not been able to experience. Nevertheless, I will try my best to explain this classic location. The mythology of Johto revolves around the legendary Pokémon of Ho-Oh and Lugia. The Bell Tower and Brass Tower were created many years ago in reverence of these beasts. At start your journey, you will receive your first Pokémon,

Chikorita, Cyndaquill,or Totodile, from Professor Elm. Throughout the story, you will once again travel across Johto to challenge the eight gyms. This time, however, Team Rocket attempts to revive themselves as a criminal organization by attempting to find their long-lost leader Giovanni. In the end, after defeating your rival, Giovanni's son, and Team Rocket for a second time, you will be able to defeat the reigning Champion of the Indigo League. This time, you will challenge previous Elite Four member Lance for the title of Champion. Overall, Johto serves as a great sequel to the original games and provides a plethora of post-game content.


Games - Gold and Silver (1999), Crystal (2000), and HeartGold and SoulSilver (2009)


Location - Azela Town and National Park


Hoenn


The Hoenn region is the setting of the third generation of games, introducing a total of 135 new Pokémon. The region is based on the island of Kyushu located in Japan. The mythology of Hoenn revolves around the legendary Pokémon of Groudon and Kyogre. They formed the Hoenn region by raising the land and expanding the sea respectively. To maintain balance, however, Rayquaza intervenes in their control of land and sea. In the events of the game, you will receive your first Pokémon, Treecko, Torchic, or Mudkip, from Professor Birch.

Throughout the game, you will deal with the antics of Team Magma or Team Aqua while

while challenging the eight gyms. These groups seek to reawaken the legendary Pokémon Groudon (Magma) or Kyogre (Aqua). After one of these teams (depending on your version) achieves this goal, it is your job to defeat and capture the ancient beast. In the end, you will make it to Ever Grande City to defeat the Pokémon League, including reigning Champion Steve (or Wallace in Emerald). Overall, Hoenn was the first of many unique regions for Pokémon.


Games - Ruby and Sapphire (2002), Emerald (2004), and Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (2014)


Location - Ever Grande City


Sinnoh


The Sinnoh region is the setting of the fourth generation of games, introducing a total of 107 new Pokémon. The region is based on the islands of Hokkadio located in Japan. The mythology of Sinnoh revolves around the mythical Pokémon of Arceus, the creator of the Pokémon. Arceus created the legendary Pokémon of Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina and gave them the abilities to control time, space, and anti-matter respectively. These three beasts bring balance to the world while also clashing against Giratina. Overtime, Arceus created the Sinnoh region, Pokémon, and the rest of the world. In your adventure, you are granted your first Pokémon, Turtwig,

Chimchar, or Piplup, from Professor Rowan. Through the plot of the game, you will fight against the villainous organization of Team Galactic. This team desires to recreate the entire Pokémon universe through the power of Dialga and Palkia. To prevent this, you must defeat their leader Cyrus and capture the legendary Pokémon before it is too late. Afterward, you will have a chance to fight the Pokémon League and challenge Cynthia, the infamous Champion of Sinnoh. Overall, Sinnoh is a classic game forever known for its world threating story and challenging fights.


Games - Diamond and Pearl (2006), Platinum (2008), and Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (2021)


Location - Route 216 and Sunnyshore City


Hisui


The Hisui region is the setting of a spin-off game during the eight generation of games, introducing 7 new Pokémon and a few regional forms. Hisui is the previous name of Sinnoh region as the story take place many years before the events of the Sinnoh region. In the events of the story, the region is occupied by the Diamond Clan and Pearl Clan. These clans often have conflict with each other as they disagree on the identify of "almighty Sinnoh." Outsiders, however, have begun to settle and explore the Hisui region through the form of the Galaxy Team. This is quite a challenge as Pokémon are seen as dangerous beasts who can only be

tamed with the new invention of the Poké Ball. One day, a rift opens above the region and you mysteriously fall through it and arrive in Hisui. Though you are an outsider, the Galaxy

Team recruits you to explore the Hisui region and create the first Hisuian Pokédex. To achieve this goal, you will recieve your first Pokémon, Rowlet, Cyndaquil, or Oshawott, from Professor Laventon. Along the way, you will battle Noble Pokémon to bring peace to the region and between people groups. After you defeat the last one, however, the rift expands and turns the sky to an ominous hue. This causes most of the Galaxy Team to distrust you, forcing you to stop this disaster and defeat the powerful Pokémon emerging from the rift. Overall, the Hisui region provided an unique Pokémon experience and story which should be adapted for all other regions. If you are interested, I recommend you check out this blog post highlighting aspects of Hisui.


Game - Legends Arceus (2022)


Other - Ending


Unova


The Unova region is the setting of the fifth generation of games, introducing a total of 156 new Pokémon. The region is based on the entire state of New York although it is geographically based on the shape of New York City. The mythology of Unova originates from the history of twin heroes who used to rule the region. These brothers used a single dragon Pokémon which split as the twins conflicted with each other over beliefs. This split created the legendary Pokémon Reshiram, the legendary of truth, and Zekrom, the legendary of ideals. Kyurem also was created as a remains of this single dragon. During your adventure, you will receive your first Pokémon, Snivy, Tepig, or

Oshawott, from Professor Juniper. In your first quest to defeat the gyms of Unova, you will encounter organization of Team Plasma. The original goal of the team was to liberate all Pokémon. However, Ghetsis, the leader, was using the group as an attempt to rule Unova. In the sequels, Team Plasma once again attempts to control Unova, but this time by freezing it through the power of Kyurem. At the end of both journeys, you can attempt to challenge the Pokémon League and either battle Champion Alder (originals) or Champion Iris (sequels). Overall, the Unova games served as a great reboot to Pokémon and provided the only direct sequel games for a single region.


Games - Black and White (2010), Black 2 and White 2 (2012)


Location - Nimbasa City and Accumla Town (RIP Furret for those who know)


Kalos


The Kalos region is setting of the sixth generation of games, introducing a total of 72 new Pokémon. The region is based on the country of France. Also, Kalos is first region to introduce a new battling gimmick. This generation introduced Mega Evolution, which allows certain Pokémon to temporally gain an additional evolution. The mythology of Kalos is based on the legendary Pokémon of Xerneas and Yveltal. Thousands of years ago, a war broke out in the Kalos region. AZ, the previous king of Kalos, lost his beloved Pokémon in the war. In grief, he creates the ultimate weapon to restore the Pokémon's life, but ends up using it to destroy both sides of the conflict, ending

the war. In the present day, you will receive your first Pokémon, Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie, from Professor Sycamore. During your journey, you will encounter Team Flare. This organization seeks to create a new world through the use of the ultimate weapon. Since it is powered by Xerneas and Yveltal, it becomes your reasonability to defeat the legendary Pokémon before their energy is used to fire the weapon. Afterward, you will be able to face the Pokémon League and challenged Champion Diantha. Overall, the Kalos region attempted new ideas for the Pokémon games but was unable to succeed after its sequel/remake, Pokémon Z, was cancelled.


Games - X and Y (2013)


Location - Lumiose City


Alola


The Alola region is the setting of the seventh generation of games, introducing a total of 88 new Pokémon and the idea of regional forms. The region is based on the state of Hawaii, with each of Alola's islands representing one of the Hawaiian islands. The gimmick of these games is Z-Moves, which allow you to unleash a single superpowered move on the opponent. The mythology of Alola involves the legendary Pokémon of Solgaleo and Lunala. These beasts have the ability to travel Ultra Space, where extradimensional Pokémon called Ultra Beasts preside. Necromza, a legendary who desires to devour the light of all worlds, also lives in Ultra Space. At the beginning of your journey,

you will be given your first Pokémon, Rowlet, Litten, or Popplio, from Professor Kukui. In Alola, there are no gyms. Instead, you will participate in the island challenge, where you will complete multiple island trials. Along the way, you will meet the Aether Foundation, an organization who seeks to cure hurt Pokémon. However, Lusamine, the president, is obsessed with Ultra Beasts and utilizes the organization to achieve her goals. At the end of your journey, you will still challenge a Pokémon League, but has only recently been established. This results in you becoming the first champion of Alola. Overall, Alola presented a unique story and many new inventive Pokémon.


Games - Sun and Moon (2016) and Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (2017)


Location - Hau'oli City


Galar


The Galar region is the setting of the eight generation of games, introducing 89 new Pokémon and multiple regional forms. The region is based on Great Britain, including the areas introduce in the Expansion Pass. The gimmick of these games is Dynamax, which allows Pokémon to temporally increase in size, increasing their power and health. Some special Pokémon are able to Gigantmax, changing their appearance and grant access to special moves. The mythology of Galar revolves around the legendary Pokémon of Zacian and Zamazenta. These beasts come together to stop the Darkest Day. This disaster, which creates the Dyanamax phenomenon, is caused by Eternatus, who is defeated by the legendaries. During your adventure, you will be given your first Pokémon, Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble, from Leon, the Champion of Galar. As you visit the gym stadiums of Galar, you will encounter Macro Cosmos, a

megacorporation based in the region. In secret, Rose, the president, awakens Eternatus as an attempt to create unlimited energy for Galar. After your gym challenge is completed, you will then fight in the Champion. After defeating all competitors, you can get your chance to challenge Champion Leon. Overall, Galar was a controversial region but provided many good changes to Pokémon.


Games - Sword and Shield (2019) + Expansion Pass (2020)


Location - Wyndon


Paldea


The Paldea region is the setting of the ninth generation of games which introduced 111 new Pokémon and forms. The region is based on the real world location of the Iberian Peninsula, a region containing the countries of Spain and Portugal. The gimmick of these games is the Terastal Phenomenon, which allows Pokémon to temporarily to alter their type to their Tera Type. The mythology of Paldea explores the history of the region by looking to into the future or the past. During your adventure, will receive the aid of the legendary Pokémon Koraidon (Scarlet) or Miraidon (Violet) as you explore the Paldea region. You will also receive your first Pokémon, Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly, from your neighbor and rival Nemona. With these beasts and Pokemon, you will be able to experience

three different stories. Through Victory Road, you will defeat the gyms of the Paldea and attempt to become one of the region's champion with your rival Nemona. In the Path of

Legends, you will seek out mystical herbs by battling powerful Titan Pokémon with your classmate Arven. Then, Starfall Street allows you to challenge and defeat Team Star, a group of rebellious students, with your mysterious classmate Penny. When these quests are completed, a fourth story will explore the mysteries of Area Zero and discover powerful Pokémon from the past or future. This will lead you to Professor Sada (Scarlet) or Professor Turo (Violet), where you discover only a corrupt AI recreation remains to defend the time machine which has brought those Paradox Pokémon to the present. Overall, Paldea introduced an open world experience to Pokémon which will be expanded on through the upcoming DLC.


Games - Scarlet and Violet (2022) + The Hidden Treasure Of Area Zero (2023)


Location - Area Zero


 

I hope you enjoy learning more about the vibrant regions found across the Pokémon world! As time goes on, we will continue to experience brand new regions and revisit some older ones. We will have to wait to see how these future stories unfold. While we wait, however, you enjoy my Pokémon Mix playlist, which highlights soundtracks from all regions so far on the UCL Teens' Spotify account. You can also use the embedded playlist attached below as well!



 

So, next time you are traveling in one of these regions, just remember all the great

adventures you have enjoyed and will experience. As the Pokémon world is full of mystery and adventure, so too is our world filled with unknowns and potential!



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