Pokémon Is Finally Returning To Johto For An Expanded New Adventure

It’s hard to pick a favorite Pokémon region. Many players tend to rank their favorite games and regions separately, but sometimes they’re inexorably intertwined. Due in part to nostalgia, the first few Generations of Pokémon have that impact on people.

When it comes to Pokémon Gold and Silver, Gen 2 and Johto are often up there on many fan lists. There’s something magical about them, and thanks to a new X post from fan game creator Eric Lostie, we now know that Johto is coming back in a big way.

Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver Are Getting An Unofficial Remake

Bring It On

Designed by Eric Lostie and Oscar Brock, a new Johto fan game called Pokémon Ocre is in development and is said to be a “definitive” version of Generation 2. The former is the creator of Pokémon Z, Pokémon Añil, and Pokémon Opal (among a few other games), while the latter crafted Joen Adventures. The project has begun in earnest as Eric Lostie has just wrapped production of Pokémon Z, which contains over 40 hours of story content (100 hours if you include all the side quests) and takes place in the Kalos region.

Mega Evolutions are in, as are various regional forms, and later-generation Pokémon are anticipated to return. The game’s visuals will also be redesigned, and plenty of secrets and extras will be added. Right now, the release date is up in the air, but it’s expected to launch sometime in 2026.

Johto Remains One Of Pokémon’s Best Regions

It’s Still Beloved

The first two generations of Pokémon are among the franchise’s most popular to date. Statistically, the first Generation is the highest-selling in the franchise, but the second generation is also ranked fourth overall. There’s something about the first two regions that really resonated with people, among the other elements that swept everyone up with Poké Fever in those early years.

There’s also a generational age gap to consider. For any given Pokémon mega-fan, their favorite region is often where they first picked up the series. As these Generations continue to age and more people become fans, there will be more fan games taking place in regions like Paldea and the like.

Plus, we don’t even know the finalized regional nomenclature for Generation 10, which could end up being a fan favorite. With potential elements from Hoenn and Alola mixed in, it could be a winning combo that brings even more people into the franchise.

There’s a reason why so many Pokemon fan projects tend to go back to classic regions. Heck, even Alola is “classic” at this point, now that we’re looking at Generation 10 around the bend.

Created by

Satoshi Taijiri, Ken Sugimori, Junichi Masuda

Latest Film

Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle

First Episode Air Date

April 1, 1997

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Pokémon