7 games like Pokemon Scarlet and Violet for more monster battling RPGs (2024)

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Pokemon is the biggest media franchise in the world, and one of, if not the most iconic series in gaming. But after decades of games, you might find yourself getting a bit tired of them and looking for something a little different. That’s why we’ve put together a list of games like Pokemon for you to check out. Whether you love battling, collecting, or even just love the designs, we’re sure there’s something in here you’ll want to check out.

If you love Pokemon but feel like it’s growing a bit stale, 2023 indie Cassette Beasts is the perfect remedy. The basis is the same – capture monsters and battle others – but Cassette Beasts improves on the formula to make it something unique and genuinely challenging. There are new types and type matchups, and more importantly, you can fuse your monsters to power them up, adding an extra element of strategy that elevates the game to a new level.

Combine all that with a great, character-driven story, some lovely graphics and a banging soundtrack, and this is definitely a game that all Pokemon fans should be checking out.

Shin Megami Tensei is an RPG from the developers of Persona, and while the setting seems a bit more realistic than Pokemon, it’s about capturing and battling demons, so the premise is basically the same. Unlike Pokemon, however, these games are infamous for their difficulty. Battle mechanics aside, they’re also incredible RPGs in their own right.

If you’re finding Pokemon too easy and want a game to really sink your teeth into, Shin Megami Tensei 5 has just hit the Nintendo Switch, so it’s the perfect time to dive into the series.

Slime Rancher is for players who enjoy the collection aspect of Pokemon more than the battling. You’ll play as a rancher who collects and raises slimes on your farm, building up your ranch over time and progressing through the game’s genuinely heartfelt story – it’s almost like a combination of Pokemon and farming games like Stardew Valley.

Plus, Slime Rancher 2 is currently out in early access, so once you’re finished with the first one you can make your way straight into the sequel too.

Once again, we’ve got a game where you collect monsters and use them to battle, but what sets Monster Sanctuary apart is its world and how you explore it. It’s a metroidvania with a pretty big world to explore, and plenty of platforming to challenge you outside of battle. The monsters you capture will also each have a unique ability to help you traverse the world, so you’re encouraged to capture as many as you can to make things easier.

It’s got a beautiful 2D pixel art style and a lovely soundtrack, so if you’re someone who loves the battling of Pokemon and the exploration of Hollow Knight, this is the perfect game for you to check out.

Bugsnax is a cutesy little game where you hunt and collect Bugsnax, a kind of bug-like creature, as you explore Snaktooth Island to find what happened to missing explorer Elizabert Megafig. Despite how adorable it looks, it’s got a surprisingly dark undertone to it, so don’t be fooled as there’s a lot more going on underneath the surface.

It’s a goofy game with a genuinely great story, and all the enjoyable catching and collection that you get out of any Pokemon game. Definitely one to keep an eye out for.

Temtem is a bit of an outlier when it comes to Pokemon-likes. Gameplay-wise, it’s basically just Pokemon, having you catch and battle monsters. What sets it apart however is that it’s an MMORPG with a huge world so you can explore it with your friends. Add to that the fact that it’s got a more mature story than Pokemon, so it’s a bit more enjoyable for older players, and it’s a wholly unique experience.

If you’ve always wanted to explore the world of Pokemon with friends, this is probably the closest you’re going to get for the time being.

You knew this was coming. Palworld is infamous for its ‘Pokemon with guns’ reputation, and we can’t say that it isn’t deserved. A survival game, you’ll capture Pals to battle with, many of which look perhaps a bit too similar to some actual Pokemon. Beyond battling, you can also set your Pals to work, collecting resources and manufacturing items for you. You can even eat them!

The game is in early access and major content updates are still making their way to the game, so if you’ve ever wanted a Pokemon game that’s also an FPS, you aren’t going to get better than this.