It all began with a Reddit user whose wild dream of playing through every Pokemon game in one nonstop, back-to-back session turned into a surprising reality, sparking interest across the online community.
As someone who’s attempted a weekend binge of just three titles, I can only imagine the emotional highs and crushing lows of this challenge, but this extraordinary journey felt like an epic adventure worth taking—a digital feat that truly captivated us all.
From the moment they started on that first title to completing the final one, the monumental marathon wasn’t just about finishing—it was about the passion, the grind, and the drive to explore the entire world of Pokémon in a single, unforgettable sweep.
Mastering the Full Pokémon Marathon Experience
Embarking on this massive quest, Reddit user Volman99 set out to play and complete Every Pokemon Game, avoiding repeating any Pokémon across teams—a truly bold challenge for such a seemingly small but exhausting task.
As a longtime player myself, I know how tough it is to manage even one full game, let alone dozens without breaks, and keeping each Game unique made it even more impressive.
This meant choosing a different set of Pokémon for each game, making sure none were repeated across the whole series.
The rules were strict:
- No duplicate Pokémon: Every team had to feature completely new Pokémon not used in earlier games.
- Core titles only: The marathon included only mainline Pokémon games, leaving out all spin-offs.
- No outside trading: All Pokémon had to be caught within the same game, with no help from other versions.
This approach made things more complex, demanding smart planning and deep knowledge of each game’s available Pokémon.
Journey Through the Pokémon Generations
The journey covered many generations, each bringing unique challenges and unforgettable moments.
The First Generation: Red, Blue, and Yellow
Kicking off with the originals, these games set the stage, with a small roster that demanded thoughtful choices to build distinct teams in each version.
The Second Generation: Gold, Silver, and Crystal
With the release of each new Pokémon game and the introduction of the Johto region, the challenge grew tougher. Maintaining team variety while following the no-repeat rule became more difficult than ever.
The Third Generation: Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald
The Hoenn region introduced a new wave of Pokémon titles and gameplay mechanics. Crafting team lineups without repeating Pokémon required thoughtful and precise planning.
The Fourth Generation: Diamond, Pearl and Platinum
As the series evolved, the growing Pokédex provided more choices but also made it harder to build unique teams. Every selection carried long-term consequences for future games.
The Fifth Generation: Black, White, Black 2 and White 2
The Unova region’s vast diversity demanded flexibility. Avoiding repeated Pokémon across all four games in a single generation proved to be a challenging feat.
The Sixth Generation: X and Y
The shift to 3D graphics in the Kalos region brought fresh gameplay dynamics. Yet, the challenge remained, requiring ongoing creativity in team building.
The 7th Generation: Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
The Alola region’s unconventional structure and multiple game versions pushed players’ endurance. Navigating similar storylines with entirely different teams demanded true perseverance.
The Eighth Generation: Sword and Shield
The Galar region introduced the Wild Area and Dynamaxing, bringing fresh depth to the gameplay. Still, sticking to the no-repeat rule remained a core challenge throughout the journey.
Pushing Through Challenges and Burnout
There were periods where the sheer volume of gameplay across regions felt endless, and the repetitive nature of battles began to weigh heavy on my focus and resolve.
This long marathon felt less like a game and more like an undertaking, but the constant support from the Reddit community added a much-needed boost of motivation to keep going.
A particularly notable moment occurred when I randomly discovered a shiny Solosis, a rare and unscripted encounter that brought a surprising touch of serendipity to an otherwise tough stretch.
Despite the fatigue, challenge, and scripted pressure to persevere, the commitment to finish every title—along with catching Pokerus multiple times—made the entire journey an experience worth adding to my personal gaming milestones, even if it wasn’t always fun in the traditional sense.
How the Community Inspired and Motivated the Marathon
I documented my entire journey on Reddit, where a growing threat of trainers quickly formed. They encouraged me to embark on this wild ride, and their support truly sparked my motivation.
Many shared their own accounts, and we compared team compositions and ways of experiencing the games. Some even said my posts inspired them to try similar challenges on their own.
We showcased each team, and a full album was eventually found in the comments. The detailed breakdown of game progress added depth to the series, helping others explore the process with fresh eyes.
Final Thoughts from the Journey
Completing every mainline Pokémon game without repeating a single team was more than just a fun binge—it became a personal testament to dedication and love for the franchise. What started as a new challenge soon turned into a deeply immersive and meaningful experience.
This approach gave me a fresh perspective on each game, pushing me to be more creative with team-building strategy and resourcefulness. Facing all those challenges wasn’t easy, but seeing the community respond with support and enthusiasm truly reinvigorated my passion.
If you’re seeking a unique way to rediscover Pokémon, this method offers a deeply rewarding and unforgettable adventure. It’s not just about the games—it’s about the journey, the lessons learned, and the joy of doing something different with the Game we all grew up with.
FAQs
1: Who started the idea of playing every Pokémon game in one go?
The challenge began with a Reddit user named Volman99, who decided to play every mainline Pokémon game back-to-back, without repeating any Pokémon on their teams.
2: What were the main rules of the marathon?
Three key rules guided the run:
- No repeated Pokémon across any team
- Only core/mainline titles were played (no spin-offs)
- No outside trading between games
3: How hard was it to not repeat Pokémon across games?
Very hard! With limited options in early generations and huge Pokédex choices in later ones, team-building took a lot of strategy and planning to stay fresh every time.
4: How long did the full marathon take?
The exact time isn’t stated, but given the number of games and the depth of play, it likely took weeks, possibly more—especially without skipping story or grinding sessions.
5: What made the experience so memorable?
Besides finishing the challenge, moments like finding a shiny Solosis and getting Pokerus three times added surprise and joy, making the long effort feel worth it.
6: How did the Reddit community react?
The community was incredibly supportive. Many users followed the updates, shared similar goals, and even tried their own versions of the challenge after being inspired.
7: Did every generation bring different challenges?
Yes! Each generation—from Kanto to Galar—had unique mechanics, limitations, and features. Some games tested patience, while others required real creativity in team design.
8: What did the player learn from doing this?
It became more than a gaming feat—it taught dedication, discipline, and gave a fresh perspective on how we engage with games we already know and love.
9: Is this something others can try too?
Definitely! If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy the Pokémon games, this binge-style marathon is challenging, but very rewarding and fun with the right mindset.
10: Where can I see the full list of teams and progress?
The player shared a full album of all teams and progress in their Reddit post. You can scroll through the thread for updates, strategies, and community responses.
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