What is PokeClicker and How to Play It

As Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s release date nears, you might be desperate to get a taste of a little Pokémon action. But with Twitter and Reddit absolutely inundated with leaks, you might not feel safe in some of the best Pokémon communities available.

But if you want something classic, something easy, then PokeClicker might be the site for you.

What is PokeClicker?

This site premiered in 2016, but it’s seen a sudden resurgence in popularity in the past few weeks. And that’s no surprise. This game is a blast from the past as it starts you off in Kanto, the very first region, and gives you the option to start with either Charmander, Bulbasaur, or Squirtle.

You’ll then progress through routes with your starter and a growing army of Pokémon until all 8 Gyms fall before your team’s might. It’s an easy enough process. PokeClicker, as the title implies, is a clicker game, or a sub-genre of idle games. By clicking on an opponent, you’ll do a certain amount of damage to your opponent (like a Pidgey) in combination with your Pokémon’s base power.

Related: How to Get Shadow Mewtwo in Pokemon Go

Eventually, your Pokémon will become so strong that you won’t have to click at all, and your team will easily handle any opponent they face, assuming you grind long enough. Grinding occurs naturally through the passage of time, and as I write this, my Charmeleon has defeated about 50 Oddish and is set to become a Charizard. To progress through routes, you merely click it.

If it sounds a little silly, I’d suggest you try it. It’s one of those wonderful things to have running in the background while you work, and it’s fantastic to complete a project (or article) and see how far your Polemon has progressed in that time. Beyond that, PokeClicker is a game that, at first glance, seems shallow. But as you dig into it, there’s ample hidden depth.

By defeating the Elite 4 in the Kanto Region and capturing all 151 Pokémon, you’re able to progress to Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, and the Alola region. But not all 151 Pokémon are easy to catch. There are also ample quests, shiny Pokémon, a hardcore mode, dungeons, and methods for increasing your Pokémon’s strength beyond idle grinding.

PokeClicker is a game that ultimately is as challenging as you want it to be, which makes it a one-size-fit all sorts of idle game. And it’s the perfect way to get a little of that Pokémon flavor into your day-to-day life as we count down the days to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s release.