Are You Supposed to Catch All Pokémon? A Deep Dive into Completionism

The short answer is: it depends on your personal goals and play style. The Pokémon franchise, in its sprawling glory, has always offered multiple paths to enjoyment. While the slogan “Gotta Catch ‘Em All!” is iconic, it doesn’t dictate a mandatory play experience. Whether you strive for 100% completion or prefer focusing on battling, breeding, or simply exploring the world, the choice is entirely yours. The game rewards both completionists and those with more selective tastes, providing different incentives and challenges.

The Allure of a Complete Pokédex

The desire to complete the Pokédex is a powerful driver for many players. It provides a clear and measurable goal within the vast Pokémon universe. The satisfaction of filling every entry, tracking down elusive creatures, and mastering the game’s mechanics is undeniably rewarding.

Rewards for Completion

So, what tangible benefits do you gain from this monumental task?

• In-Game Diplomas: Many main series games reward you with diplomas from GAME FREAK for completing the Regional and/or National Pokédex. These are primarily symbolic, a testament to your dedication.
• Shiny Charm: This coveted item significantly increases the odds of encountering Shiny Pokémon, making the hunt for rare color variations far more manageable. This reward alone is often enough to motivate players to complete their Dex.
• Special Stamps & Recognition: Some games offer unique stamps on your in-game passport or other forms of recognition, showcasing your achievement to other players (especially online).
• Access to Exclusive Content: In some titles, particularly those in the Legends series, completing the Pokédex (or at least making substantial progress) is a prerequisite for unlocking the final story elements and battling Arceus.

The Completionist Mindset

For some, the joy lies in the journey itself. The process of researching Pokémon locations, strategizing capture methods, and trading with other players becomes a compelling gameplay loop. It’s about mastering the game’s systems and showcasing your knowledge of the Pokémon world. Consider exploring resources at educational sites like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) that look at how games can promote this type of learning.

The Case for Selective Catching

Not everyone is driven by completion. There are valid and enjoyable ways to experience Pokémon without feeling pressured to catch every single creature.

Focusing on Battles

Many players prioritize training a powerful team for competitive battles. This involves selectively catching Pokémon with advantageous stats (IVs and EVs), breeding for optimal natures, and mastering combat strategies. Catching every Pokémon becomes secondary to building the perfect team.

Enjoying the Story and Exploration

The Pokémon games offer rich narratives and immersive worlds to explore. Some players prefer to focus on experiencing the story, interacting with characters, and discovering hidden areas, rather than getting bogged down in the minutiae of Pokédex completion.

Casual Play and Collection

For some, Pokémon is a relaxing hobby. They might enjoy catching their favorite Pokémon, collecting cards, or simply engaging with the franchise in a casual and stress-free way. This approach emphasizes enjoyment over strict completion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Catching All Pokémon

1. What happens if you catch all the Pokémon in a game?

You typically receive in-game diplomas, a Shiny Charm (in many games), and potentially unlock access to exclusive content or battles. The specific rewards vary depending on the game.

2. Should I catch every new Pokémon I see?

It depends on your goal! If you’re aiming for a complete Pokédex, yes. Otherwise, focus on Pokémon that interest you or contribute to your team. Games often reward you for catching multiple Pokémon, which can encourage this behavior.

3. Should I keep one of every Pokémon?

For a Pokédex completionist, yes. However, in games like Pokémon GO, keeping one of each Pokémon is primarily for posterity. There’s no strict in-game requirement, although some players enjoy the collection aspect.

4. Is it good to catch multiple of the same Pokémon?

Yes! Catching the same species of Pokémon consecutively builds up your Catch Combo, which increases the chances of finding Pokémon with better stats and earning more candies for powering up your team.

5. Do I need to catch all the Unown Pokémon?

In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you need to catch all 28 Unown to unlock certain post-game content and increase the chances of finding Shiny Unown.

6. What Pokémon do I not need to complete the Pokédex?

Mythical Pokémon such as Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, Deoxys, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Diancie, Hoopa, and Volcanion are often excluded from the Pokédex completion requirement in most games.

7. Should I transfer all duplicate Pokémon?

Generally, you should transfer duplicate Pokémon with lower stats (Combat Points (CP) in Pokémon GO) to free up space and earn candies.

8. What do you get for a 7-day Pokémon catch streak?

In Pokémon GO, a 7-day catch streak earns you a bonus of 2500 XP and 3000 Stardust.

9. Should I transfer bad Shiny Pokémon?

NEVER transfer a Shiny Pokémon unless you absolutely have to! They are extremely rare and have significant trade value.

10. Should I transfer Pokémon with no stars (low appraisal)?

In Pokémon GO, 0-star Pokémon are often better to transfer, especially during events that double the Candy from Transfers.

11. Why are there always two versions of Pokémon games?

The two versions encourage trading and cooperation between players, making it impossible to complete the Pokédex in a single game without interacting with others.

12. Should I get both versions of a Pokémon game?

It depends. Getting both allows you to catch version-exclusive Pokémon without trading and experience both sides of the game.

13. What is the easiest Pokédex to complete?

Pokémon Sun and Moon are often considered to have one of the easiest Pokédex to complete due to the abundance of Pokémon available in each game and the ease of trading.

14. What is the hardest Pokédex to complete in Pokémon?

Older generations, like Gen 3, are generally considered the hardest due to limited trading options and the need for multiple games and accessories to obtain certain Pokémon.

15. Should you ever purify Shadow Pokémon?

Purifying a Shadow Pokémon will improve their appraisal and reduce the cost to Power Up, Evolve, or learn new attacks. It also gives them the exclusive move Return.

Conclusion: Play Your Way

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to catch all Pokémon rests on your individual preferences. The Pokémon games offer a diverse range of experiences, and there’s no “right” way to play. Whether you’re driven by completion, competition, or casual enjoyment, the Pokémon world has something to offer everyone. So, grab your Poké Balls, set your goals, and embark on your own unique Pokémon adventure!