Pokémon Dex Completion: A Personal Journey Through Game Mastering

Avid players of the Pokémon franchise know that completing a region#8217;s Pokédex is a monumental achievement. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of completing numerous Pokédexes in various games, each with its own unique challenges and memories. In this article, I will recount my experiences with completing the Hoenn Pokedex in Omega Ruby, the overall Pokedex in Let's Go Pikachu, and some of my other adventures in the world of Pokémon.

The Hoenn Pokedex: Omega Ruby

My first major accomplishment in completing a Pokédex was the Hoenn region in Omega Ruby. I managed to catch all but Juracio, a Pokémon that eluded me despite my best efforts. The process was not without its challenges. One of the hardest parts was the Feebas, which took a considerable amount of patience and strategy to catch. However, despite not catching every single Pokémon, the game still rewarded me with a Diploma upon completion, a testament to the dedication required to cover such a large region.

Overall Pokedex: Let's Go Pikachu

My next endeavor was a more ambitious one: completing the overall Pokedex in Let's Go Pikachu. This game, which features a younger version of Pikachu, presents a unique experience. While I did manage to catch all 150 Pokémon, Mew and Meltan were not within the scope of the game. I played Let's Go Pikachu without the Mew glitch, as I have never played Pokemon GO, making catching Mew a nonstarter for me. The game still provided me with a Diplomatic award, which is an honor indeed.

Multiple Federal Completes: HeartGold, SoulSilver, and Others

I have completed the Pokémon Dex multiple times, across various games including HeartGold, SoulSilver, Red, Blue, Gold, and Pearl. Each time, the experience was different, with some being easier and others more challenging. For instance, Pearl was one of the most difficult, requiring a significant amount of time and strategy, particularly in the Safari Zone. Despite the difficulties, I have managed to catch over six hundred shinies across these games, a testament to my dedication to the franchise.

First Completed Dex: Red and Blue

My very first completion of a Pokémon Dex was a long time ago, in the late 1990s, when Red and Blue were my only options. Back then, the Mew glitch was not known, and there were no event giveaways. The nearest GameStop to my area opened in the 2000s. Despite the challenges, I was able to complete the Pokedex with 150/151, which was close enough for me. The last Pokémon I caught was a Tauros, which was a daunting task given the layout of the Safari Zone.

Original Gameboy Cartridges and Childhood Memories

My original Gameboy cartridges, particularly those for Red and Blue, hold a special place in my heart. My friend Adam and I spent countless hours playing these games, often in secret to avoid the judgment of peers. Our gaming adventures were the stuff of legend, especially when we traded our Pokémon up, using Gameboy cables to connect our systems. Unfortunately, these cartridges were lost over the years, except for my precious Gold and Blue ones. These are now kept as nostalgic keep-sakes, a reminder of simpler times.

Modern Times and Personal Reflection

As I age, I find myself longing for the days of trading Pokémon across Gameboy cables. Now, I can only look back and appreciate the memories they provide. While I haven't managed to replicate the same level of completions with my more recent DS versions, I take solace in the fact that I had the original cartridges, which means I still have a piece of history.

Final Notes

For Pokémon enthusiasts, completing a region's Pokédex is not just a game—it's an adventure. It's a journey filled with moments of excitement, challenges, and memories that last a lifetime. Through my experiences, I have learned the importance of dedication, patience, and perseverance, and I encourage all Pokémon fans to embark on their own Dex completion journey. It's an experience that transcends the game and becomes a part of who we are as enthusiasts.

That's the end of my journey. Thanks for reading!