Summary
- Completing Pokedex milestones in Pokemon games yields various rewards, ranging from diplomas to practical items.
- The completion process and required effort vary across generations, with later games offering more manageable tasks.
- Some games offer unique rewards, such as the Shiny Charm or Mark Charm, for completing the Pokedex, making it a worthwhile endeavor.
In every Pokemon game, professors implore trainers to complete their Pokedex – a device cataloging Pokemon native to the region and beyond. Such a momentous feat requires the strongest of wills and a great deal of patience. But what rewards are there for investing such a considerable amount of time, and what happens when players complete the Pokedex?
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Every Pokemon game rewards players for meeting various Pokedex milestones, such as capturing every available pocket monster. Such monumental awards provided to trainers vary from entry to entry, however. Early-generation Pokemon games offered negligible prizes while later ones granted something more practical. Those seeking to catch 'em all should review the rewards for achieving such a feat.
Updated September 29, 2024 by Ben Painter: Completing the Pokedex is a daunting task for many in a Pokemon game, as there are sometimes thousands of creatures to collect in a whole host of different ways.
In some of the games in the Pokemon franchise, the reward for completing the 'dex is just completing the Pokedex. There aren't any additional prizes beyond that. This update adds two new entries, including the additional Pokedexes in each part of the DLC in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, The Hidden Treasures of Area Zero, The Teal Mask, and The Indigo Disk.
1 Pokemon Red, Blue, & Yellow
Generation 1
- Regional Pokedex: 151
- National Pokedex: N/A
In Generation 1 Pokemon games, completing the Pokedex was seemingly simple but remarkably difficult. Generation 1 lacked many of the beneficial features utilized to complete the Pokedex. Popular functions such as breeding and online trade were nonexistent during this period. Thus, making the acquirement of particular Pokemon especially challenging, even nearly impossible.
If a trainer manages to capture all 151 Pokemon – minus Mew – they receive an in-game diploma from GAME FREAK. While an unsubstantial award, it does imbue players with a sense of accomplishment. Moreover, owners of Pokemon Yellow and a GameBoy Printer can print the diploma, granting them a physical representation of their success.
How To Complete This Pokedex
To complete the Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow Pokedex, players must utilize one of two methods: trading or glitching. The former requires another Gameboy system and another Generation 1 game – preferably Pokemon Yellow. Upon meeting these requirements, players must trade all exclusive Pokemon they do not possess. The latter utilizes several notorious glitches – Ditto, Mew, and Safari Zone glitches – to acquire particular pocket monsters. Such a method is harmless and will not corrupt one's game. Overall, Red, Blue, and Yellow's negligible number of Pokemon belie the challenge of completing its Pokedex.
2 Pokemon Gold, Silver, & Crystal
Generation 2
- Regional Pokedex: 251
- National Pokedex: N/A
The Generation 2 Pokemon games increased the number of pocket monsters to 251. With one hundred new Pokemon, completing the Pokedex became far more challenging. In conjunction with Generation 1's prevailing limitations, completing the Generation 2 Pokedex proved to be exceedingly difficult.
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If a trainer manages to capture all 251 Pokemon- minus Celebi and Mew – they will receive an in-game diploma from GAME FREAK, similar to that seen in Generation 1. Although still an uninspiring reward, it evokes a feeling of glee from many players. Moreover, players can print the diploma using a GameBoy Printer.
How To Complete This Pokedex
To complete the Pokemon Gold, Silver, and Crystal Pokedex, players will require a great deal of luck and patience – or another GameBoy. Many Pokemon in Generation 2 are inexplicably elusive, such as Chansey, who has a 1% appearance rate and constantly flees. Players will require another GameBoy and Generation 2 game to acquire version-exclusive Pokemon. So, much of the difficulty of Generation 2 revolves around being patient and determined.
3 Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, & Emerald
Generation 3
- Regional Pokedex: 202
- National Pokedex: 386
- Unlocking the National Pokedex: Trade with another Generation 3 game (Ruby & Sapphire); enter the Hall of Fame (Emerald)
Pokemon Generation 3's separation of the Regional and National Dexs was a game-changer. Unfortunately, the requirements for completing Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald's Pokedex will leave many players in dismay. With 135 new Pokemon – many of which are exclusive – such a feat proves to be nearly impossible and possibly costly.
If players manage to capture all 386 Pokemon – minus Deoxys and Jirachi – they will receive two in-game diplomas from GAME FREAK: one for completing the Regional Dex and another for the National Dex. In Pokemon Emerald, however, players will receive a Johto starter Pokemon in addition to the diplomas. Thus, making the completion of the Pokedex far more rewarding.
How To Complete This Pokedex
To complete the Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald Pokedex, players must utilize every Generation 3 game. Many Pokemon needed to complete the National Dex belong solely to one version. Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald divide Generation 3 Pokemon among each version. In addition, Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen possess every Generation 1 Pokemon, many of which are exclusive. Overall, completing the Generation 3 National Dex is a lengthy and expensive endeavor.
4 Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen
Generation 3
- Regional Pokedex: 151
- National Pokedex: 386
- Unlocking the National Pokedex: Own 60 or more Pokémon and enter the Hall of Fame
Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen return to the Kanto region, now with noticeable improvements. The most notable enhancement is the implementation of a Regional Dex and National Dex featuring a total of 386 Pokemon. Although seemingly simple to complete, Pokemon Firered and LeafGreen suffer the same difficulties as other Generation 3 games.
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If players manage to capture all 386 Pokemon, they will receive two in-game diplomas from GAME FREAK: one for completing the Regional Dex and another for the National Dex. Unfortunately, these are the only rewards players receive for such a considerable feat. Thus, making the gratification of completing the Pokedex the most significant prize.
How To Complete This Pokedex
Similar to the non-remakes, completing the Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen Pokedex entails using every Generation 3 game. Players must obtain Pokemon exclusive to particular games. Before doing so, one must deliver two precious gems in Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen – a Ruby and a Sapphire. Upon acquiring these jewels, players must give them to Celio at the Pokemon Network Center on One Island. Doing so grants the ability to trade with Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. Therefore, making this a much more lengthy endeavor to undertake.
5 Pokemon Diamond & Pearl
Generation 4
- Regional Pokedex: 151
- National Pokedex: 493
- Unlocking the National Pokedex: See the first 151 Pokemon in the Sinnoh Dex
Pokemon Diamond and Pearl introduce 107 new Pokemon, making the total number of available pocket monsters 493. While updates make the Pokedex's completion easier, the process is not without numerous complications. Players need to capture certain Pokemon that are either exceptionally rare or exceedingly difficult to obtain. Thus, making the process very tedious and possibly expensive.
If players manage to capture all 493 Pokemon – minus event-exclusive ones – they will receive two in-game diplomas from GAME FREAK: one for completing the Regional Dex and another for the National Dex. Unfortunately, these are the only Pokedex rewards players receive for such a considerable feat. Thus, making the gratification of completing the Pokedex the most significant prize.
How To Complete This Pokedex
To complete the Pokemon Diamond and Pearl Pokedex, players must rely heavily on other Generation 4 games. There are many version-exclusive Pokemon required to complete the National Pokedex. So, access to every Generation 4 game is of the utmost importance. After a couple of trades, playthroughs, and captures, players will be able to complete the Pokemon Diamond and Pearl Pokedex. Although a lengthy and challenging process, it will grant much satisfaction.
6 Pokemon Platinum
Generation 4
- Regional Pokedex: 210
- National Pokedex: 493
- Unlocking the National Pokedex: See the first 210 Pokemon in the Sinnoh Dex
Pokemon Platinum is the third installment of Generation 4, boasting many improvements and changes. Such alterations make the completion of the Pokedex somewhat easier. However, version-exclusive Pokemon poses innumerable hardships to players. Therefore, requiring access to other Generation 4 games to complete the Pokedex.
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Platinum's rewards for completing the Pokedex are the same as Diamond and Pearl. While lackluster, these diplomas signify players' accomplishments and imbue one with a sense of gratification.
How To Complete This Pokedex
To complete the Pokemon Platinum Pokedex, players must utilize every Generation 4 game. As is common with older Pokemon games, obtaining version-exclusive Pokemon is challenging. Thus, completing the National Pokedex will take considerable time and effort. However, doing so will grant one an overwhelming feeling of success.
7 Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver
Generation 4
- Regional Pokedex: 256
- National Pokedex: 493
- Unlocking the National Pokedex: Enter the Hall of Fame
The Generation 2 remakes – Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver – revamped the revered Johto-era classics. In addition to numerous quality-of-life updates, these remakes received 242 new Pokemon from Generation 4. Thus, making the completion of the Pokedex a much more strenuous endeavor than before. One that requires a great deal of time, effort, and previous Pokemon games.
If players succeed in capturing all 493 Pokemon in the remakes – excluding event Pokemon as usual – they will earn two diplomas, one for the Regional Dex and the other for the National Dex. In addition, players receive a star on their trainer card, further gratifying their achievement. Beyond that, players gain nothing else for such an exceptional accomplishment.
How To Complete This Pokedex
To complete the Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver Pokedex, players must utilize previous titles, specifically those from Generation 3 and Generation 4. Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald will provide players with Pokemon only obtainable in the Hoenn region. Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum will grant players access to Pokemon only available in the Sinnoh region. Moreover, people will have to replay games to acquire every starter Pokemon. Completing the Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver Pokedex proves to be a challenging feat, although one that would grant much satisfaction upon its completion.
8 Pokemon Black & White
Generation 5
- Regional Pokedex: 156
- National Pokedex: 649
- Unlocking the National Pokedex: Defeat Ghetsis at N's Castle
Pokemon Black and White adds 156 new Pokemon for players to admire and enjoy. With a total of 649 Pokemon for players to capture, completing the Pokedex proves to be an unfavorable undertaking. Fortunately, Black and White includes a myriad of features to make this process easier. If players complete the Black and White National Dex, completing Black and White 2's Pokedex will be much easier.
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If players capture all 649 Pokemon – minus event ones – they will once again receive two in-game diplomas from GAME FREAK for completing the Regional and National Dexs. As with Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver, players also earn a star on their trainer card, signifying the importance of their accomplishment.
How To Complete This Pokedex
To complete the Pokemon Black and White Pokedex, players must utilize previous games. Namely, Pokemon titles of Generation 3 and Generation 4. Such games are required to obtain version-exclusive Pokemon that are, otherwise, unobtainable. Pokemon needed to complete the Regional Dex are, fortunately, much easier to capture. While the rewards for completing this Pokedex are uninspiring, doing so contributes to the completion of Pokemon Black and White 2's Pokedex.
9 Pokemon Black & White 2
Generation 5
- Regional Pokedex: 300
- National Pokedex: 649
- Unlocking the National Pokedex: Enter the Hall of Fame
Pokemon Black and White 2 introduces a multitude of quality-of-life updates alongside other notable additions. A noteworthy change is the increased number of Pokemon in the Regional Dex. Being a sequel of sorts to Pokemon Black and White offers a significant advantage in overseeing the completion of the National Dex. If players completed the previous game's Pokedex, they must simply exchange Pokemon. If players manage to capture all 649 non-event Pokemon, they will receive numerous rewards fitting for such an endeavor.
To see every Unova Pokemon, players will earn a permit to the Nature Preserve where they can find a Shiny Haxorus. Capturing every Unova Pokemon rewards players with an Oval Stone, an item that increases the appearance rate of eggs in the Pokemon Daycare. As is customary, players are granted two in-game diplomas from GAME FREAK: one for completing the Regional Dex and another for the National Dex. In addition, they are given a Shiny Charm, an item that increases the appearance rate of Shiny Pokemon. For once, the awards for completing the Pokedex are more than suitable for such an undertaking.
How To Complete This Pokedex
Completing the Pokemon Black and White 2 Pokedex requires utilizing previous games, although Black and White should be sufficient on their own. Past titles are required to obtain an absent version-exclusive Pokemon; fortunately, that number is not too bad in Black and White 2. If players have completed Pokemon Black and White's Pokedex, they can effortlessly exchange Pokemon with the sequels. Regardless, fulfilling such a monotonous endeavor is far more rewarding.
10 Pokemon X & Y
Generation 6
- Regional Pokedex: 457
- National Pokedex: 721
- Unlocking the National Pokedex: Enter the Hall of Fame
Pokemon X and Y add 72 new Pokemon, a small amount by comparison to some other generations. That said, it does make completing the Pokedex far more manageable. In addition, Pokemon X and Y' s Pokedex can be completed without the need for games of previous generations, making it a much less strenuous process. If players capture all 721 available Pokemon, they will be showered with rewards similar to Black and White 2.
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For seeing every Kalos Pokemon, players will earn an Oval Stone, thus, increasing the appearance rate for finding an egg in the Pokemon Daycare. Maintaining the trend, they will also receive two in-game diplomas from GAME FREAK: one for completing the Regional Dex and another for the National Dex. Additionally, players will be granted a Shiny Charm, making the challenging quest for Shiny Pokemon somewhat easier. Therefore, making the completion of the Pokedex well worth one's time and effort.
How To Complete This Pokedex
To complete the Pokemon X and Y Pokedex, players must utilize Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Every Pokemon unavailable in X and Y can be found in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire through varying means. With a considerable amount of care, completing the Pokemon X and Y Pokedex will be hard but not as difficult as previous games. Thus, making its completion more than worthy of the time and effort.