Pokémon Black 2 & White 2: Complete Guide
Black 2 & White 2 Pokédex →Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 are the first direct sequels in the main series, released for the Nintendo DS in 2012. They are set two years after Black and White, in a Unova that has changed in subtle and obvious ways.
They bring more than a new story. The Pokédex is reorganized so that older Pokémon appear earlier, new areas replace familiar ones, and optional difficulty settings let you tune how hard the game is. A tournament hosted by a world-famous trainer and a streetside minigame add variety.
They suit players who enjoyed Black and White and want more of Unova, as well as players who like to adjust a game's difficulty.
Black 2 & White 2 quick facts
| Release date | June 23, 2012 |
|---|---|
| Platform | Nintendo DS |
| Region | Unova |
| Generation | Generation V |
| Versions | Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2 |
| New Pokémon | None (no new species) |
| Starters | Snivy, Tepig and Oshawott |
| Legendary and Mythical | Cobalion, Terrakion, Virizion, Tornadus, Thundurus, Landorus, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem and Victini |
Story and structure
This section avoids spoilers and focuses on the shape of the adventure.
A new trainer receives a first partner in Aspertia City and sets out on the Gym circuit, with a friend and a rival nearby. Unova has changed since the events of the first games, and the changes become clear as you travel.
Team Plasma is back in a different form, and the region's legends return with a twist. Rather than retelling the first story, the sequels use its events as a backdrop.
Gyms and the Pokémon League
The eight Gyms follow a different route from the first games, and some leaders are new. The League and its Champion wait at the end.
A legendary fusion
The cover legendaries are Kyurem in two new forms. Each form is created by merging it with a dragon from the first games.
The post-game offers more battling than any earlier Unova release.
New mechanics explained
The Pokémon World Tournament
A tournament hosted in a large stadium lets you face Gym Leaders and Champions from other regions. It has several formats and rewards you for winning.
Tip: Use it to practice against well-known trainers, as many of them use signature teams.
Challenge and Easy modes
After beating the game you can unlock a Challenge Mode that raises enemy levels, and an Easy Mode that lowers them. You can switch at any time.
Tip: Try Challenge Mode on a second run, as it forces you to build a stronger team.
Join Avenue
A street of shops that you build by meeting other players. It offers items, services and mini-events.
Tip: Visit it regularly to see which shops have opened. Some of them sell rare items.
Starter Pokémon
The sequels give you the three starters from the first games, and each evolves twice at levels 17 and 36.
| Starter | Final form | Final typing | Evolves at |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snivy | Serperior | Grass | Levels 17 and 36 |
| Tepig | Emboar | FireFighting | Levels 17 and 36 |
| Oshawott | Samurott | Water | Levels 17 and 36 |
Snivy line
Tepig line
Oshawott line
Our recommendation
For a first run, we recommend Oshawott for its flexibility. Tepig is the choice for power, and Snivy suits players who like to take their time.
Version differences
Black 2 and White 2 share a story and map, with differences in a post-game tower and the wild Pokémon.
- Black 2 has the Black Tower and White 2 has the White Treehollow, each a post-game facility with its own challenges.
- A number of wild Pokémon differ between the two.
- Black 2 features Black Kyurem on its cover and White 2 features White Kyurem.
If you only want one, the story is the same. Choose the post-game facility you prefer.
Keep exploring
Tips for new players
- Try the Pokémon World Tournament once you have a strong team.
- Use Challenge Mode on a second playthrough to test your team.
- Visit new areas and cities, as the region has been rearranged since the first games.
- Mix old and new Pokémon, because the sequels bring back many familiar species early.
- Build up Join Avenue by meeting other players.
- Save before the final League battle.
- Try the Hidden Grotto for items and rare Pokémon.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to play Black and White first?
No, but playing them first helps you understand the references. The sequels are set two years after the originals.
What is Challenge Mode?
A difficulty option that raises the levels of opposing trainers. It is unlocked after you finish the story.
What is the Pokémon World Tournament?
A tournament where you face Gym Leaders and Champions from previous games and regions.
How many new Pokémon are in Black 2 and White 2?
None. They use the 649 Pokémon from the first Unova games, plus new forms.