Pokémon Black & White: Complete Guide
Black & White Pokédex →Pokémon Black and White are the fifth-generation games, released for the Nintendo DS in 2010. They moved to Unova, a region modeled on a large American city, and made a bold choice: until the story is complete, only brand-new Pokémon appear in the wild, so the world feels unfamiliar.
With 156 new Pokémon, animated sprites in battle, and a story that asks whether trainers and their partners should be separate, the games felt like a fresh start for the series. Seasons change the look of the world every month, and new battle formats make fights less predictable.
They suit players who like a story with something to say, and anyone who wants to approach Pokémon with no preconceptions.
Black & White quick facts
| Release date | September 18, 2010 |
|---|---|
| Platform | Nintendo DS |
| Region | Unova |
| Generation | Generation V |
| Versions | Pokémon Black and Pokémon White |
| New Pokémon | 156 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 is spoiler-free and avoids naming the major reveals.
Two friends and a childhood neighbor receive their first Pokémon from Professor Juniper in Nuvema Town. You set off to challenge eight Gyms and fill the Unova Pokédex.
Along the way, you meet a mysterious trainer who talks about freeing Pokémon from their trainers, and a group called Team Plasma follows his words. The story is built on this question, and the answer is not always simple.
Gyms and the Pokémon League
Eight Gyms spread across Unova lead to a League with four trainers and a Champion. One of the Gyms has the three leaders of Striaton City, and the first fight depends on which starter you chose.
A legendary dragon
A legendary dragon appears on each cover, Reshiram on Black and Zekrom on White. They are central to the story and to the ending.
After the credits, previously unavailable Pokémon from earlier generations start appearing in the wild.
New mechanics explained
The four seasons
The game's calendar changes the season each month. Routes look different, and some areas and Pokémon are available only in certain seasons.
Tip: If an area is blocked, try again in another season. Snow, vines and water levels can open new paths.
Triple and rotation battles
In addition to singles and doubles, the games added triple battles with three Pokémon per side, and rotation battles where you rotate between three Pokémon.
Tip: In triple battles, only the Pokémon in the center can reach every opponent, so place your sturdiest teammate there.
An all-new Pokédex
Until you complete the story, only new species appear in the wild, so Unova's Pokédex is its own collection.
Tip: Since you cannot rely on familiar Pokémon, scout each route's wild Pokémon before choosing your team.
Starter Pokémon
Professor Juniper's three starters evolve twice, at levels 17 and 36. Your choice also changes the first Gym Leader you face.
| 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 playthrough, we recommend Oshawott. It has the most flexibility and no trouble with the early Gyms. Tepig suits players who want raw power, and Snivy rewards patience.
Version differences
Black and White share a story and map, with a few differences.
- Black features Reshiram and White features Zekrom.
- Black has a post-game city and White has a forest in its place, each with different trainers and items.
- A handful of wild Pokémon differ between the two.
The sequels, Black 2 and White 2, build on the same region two years later.
Keep exploring
Tips for new players
- Scout each route before choosing your team, because the Pokémon are unfamiliar.
- Check the season. Some areas are only reachable in certain months.
- Learn the new battle formats. Triple and rotation battles reward different strategies.
- Take time to talk to people in cities. Many of them offer items and Pokémon.
- Keep a team of mixed types, as the Gym lineup is varied.
- Visit the Pokémon Center before every Gym, because the leaders hit hard.
- Save before the final League battle.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Black and White?
They share the same story and map. Black features Reshiram and White features Zekrom, and each has its own post-game area and a few exclusive Pokémon.
Why are there no old Pokémon in Black and White?
Until the story is complete, only the 156 new Unova Pokémon appear, so the region feels fresh. Older Pokémon appear afterwards.
How many Pokémon did Black and White add?
They added 156 new Pokémon, bringing the total to 649.
Are there sequels to Black and White?
Yes. Black 2 and White 2 are direct sequels set two years later.