Ah, the wonder of free Pokémon games. Anything that's free in the gaming world is a bit of a win, but premium Pokémon games are expensive, and they come out somewhat frequently, which can cost you a pretty penny. No matter how fun these adventures are, it's nice to do something that's free, so let's look at what's available for you. We have options for MOBA fans and those of you who want to run a cute little café with some poképals.
For more Poké-action, check out our picks for the best Pokémon games out there, as well as the latest Pokémon Unite codes and Pokémon Go codes for you to bag some freebies.
Here's the list of free Pokémon games:
1. Pokémon Go
Portable platforms: iOS and Android
Of course, Pokémon Go secures the top spot in this list - was there any other choice? It's arguably one of the best mobile games ever, and we all remember that first, glorious summer when everyone you knew, from neighbor kids to the parents in the school pick-up lines were busy trying to catch an evasive Eevee or a mocking Mr. Mime. It remains to be one of the best Pokémon games of all time, and is still completely free-to-play with plenty of events like Pokémon Go raids to enjoy while you fill out your Pokédex.
We've got tons of great coverage for all of your Go needs, like the best normal Pokémon in Pokémon Go.
2. Pokémon TCG Pocket
Portable platforms: iOS and Android
One of the biggest mobile games in the last year with over ten million downloads on the Play Store alone, Pokémon TCG Pocket is a new staple for the franchise. Open packs with satisfying visuals, 1v1 your pals in card battles, and wonder pick your way to collecting full sets in this fantastic mobile version of the classic trading card game. It's fun for all ages, and can be extremely competitive and extremely cordial, thanks to the 'thanks' button you can send opponents to virtually shake hands. GG.
For all your TCG Pocket needs, we have Pokémon TCG Pocket codes, as well as a Pokemon TCG Pocket tier list for your perusal.
3. Pokémon Quest
Portable platforms: iOS, Nintendo Switch, and Android
Pokémon Quest is set on the mysterious land of Tumblecube Island, where cuboid Pokémon roam free. Take a team of cubey critters on expeditions and gather treasure, then build up your base and forge friendships with Pokémon from Red and Blue.
4. Pokémon Café ReMix
Portable Platforms: Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android
Café ReMix has a simple gameplay premise where you link together similar Pokémon icons to clear levels and earn goodies to improve your café.
You can recruit Pokémon to work there - who doesn't want a Minccino serving their cappuccino? They each have unique skills to use during the puzzle parts to add a boost and bring your score up.
5. Pokémon Unite
Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android
Take to the field in a four vs. four team game - Pokémon Unite lets you control a singular creature of your choice as you aim to score goals and get more points than your opponents. Beware, though, they can attack you, just as you can attack them.
Unite requires an active internet connection for multiplayer games but it does have an offline mode, too. It also has a constantly updated roster of available Pokémon to use, plus plenty of Pokémon Unite codes for some extra resources, so there's plenty to do in this free game.
6. Pokémon Masters EX
Portable platforms: iOS and Android
Set on the island of Pasio, where Pokémon and trainers form sync pairs, is a new world where Pokémon Masters EX takes place. It's a free-to-play game on mobile and has a roster of iconic Pokémon trainers for you to recruit.
Collect badges and challenge the Pokémon Masters League to become its champion. The gameplay involves a three vs three match of your Pokémon against another trainer.
7. Pokémon Shuffle Mobile
Portable platforms: iOS and Android
Originally a 3DS title, Pokémon Shuffle Mobile is the newer version on iOS and Android devices. Similar to Café ReMix, the aim is to connect similar tiles to eliminate them from the board. Doing so defeats the wild Pokémon in each level and allows you to catch them.
There are support Pokémon that you can bring in to assist, too, adding handy skills to your roster to clear boards in record time.
8. Pokémon Magikarp Jump
Portable platforms: iOS and Android
Listen, we know Magikarp isn't everyone's favorite Pokémon. It's pretty useless, and pretty pathetic, but is somehow still one of the most iconic 'mon of all time. Who says being bad at everything doesn't get you noticed? Well, now you can embody this sorry creature in Pokémon Magikarp Jump, a free-to-play game that lets you train by simply jumping. All in a day's work.
Not only can you get the classic orange fish, but you can get a shiny gold and even a pink-hued Magikarp, which we personally think is absolutely worth grinding for.