View source for History of the Pokémon world

{{protect|of continuous counter-productive edit-warring that has been going on for nearly a year}}
{{Move|History of the Pokémon world (game)}}
{{fan speculation}}
:''If you were looking for the character ages, see [[List of character ages]].''

This is the history of the '''[[Pokémon world]]''' in the {{pkmn|games}}, and the order which events occurred, or, for events which happened outside the games, where they happened in relation to the games.

==In the core series games==
===Timeline===
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align: center; background-color:#e6e6ff; border: 3px solid #88a; white-space:nowrap" cellpadding=5px
|-
| class="blacklinks" style="width: 80px; background-color: #{{Legends Arceus color light}}; {{roundyleft|7px}}" rowspan=2 | {{gameabbrev8|LA}}
| style="width: 100px" rowspan=2 | many years<br>→
| class="blacklinks" style="width: 80px; background-color: #{{Kanto color light}}" | {{gameabbrev1|RGBY}}/{{gameabbrev3|FRLG}}
| style="width: 100px" rowspan=2 | 3 years<br>→
| class="blacklinks" style="width: 80px; background-color: #{{Johto color light}}" | {{gameabbrev2|GSC}}/{{gameabbrev4|HGSS}}
| style="width: 100px" rowspan=2 | →
| class="blacklinks" style="width: 80px; background-color: #{{Unova color light}}" rowspan=2 | {{gameabbrev5|BW}}
| style="width: 100px" rowspan=2 | 2 years<br>→
| class="blacklinks" style="width: 80px; background-color: #{{Unova color light}}" | {{gameabbrev5|B2W2}}
| style="width: 100px" rowspan=2 | 2 years<br>→
| class="blacklinks" style="width: 80px; background-color: #{{Alola color light}}" rowspan=2 | {{gameabbrev7|SMUSUM}}
| style="width: 100px" rowspan=2 | →
| class="blacklinks" style="width: 80px; background-color: #{{Galar color light}}" rowspan=2 | {{gameabbrev8|SwSh}}
| style="width: 100px" rowspan=2 | →
| class="blacklinks" style="width: 80px; background-color: #{{Paldea color light}}; {{roundyright|7px}}" rowspan=2 | {{gameabbrev9|SV}}
|-
| class="blacklinks" style="background-color: #{{Hoenn color light}}" | {{gameabbrev3|RSE}}/{{gameabbrev6|ORAS}}
| class="blacklinks" style="background-color: #{{Sinnoh color light}}" | {{gameabbrev4|DPPt}}/{{gameabbrev8|BDSP}}
| class="blacklinks" style="background-color: #{{Kalos color light}}" | {{gameabbrev6|XY}}
|}

Several occurrences in the [[core series]] Pokémon games depend on the games being connected to each other in a timeline, but a complete timeline cannot be drawn from the games themselves. Series producer [[Junichi Masuda]], in an interview with GameInformer on October 24, 2019, stated that [[Game Freak]] does not apply a timeline to the [[Pokémon world]] rigorously.<ref group="note">[https://www.gameinformer.com/interview/2019/10/24/game-freak-talks-sword-and-shields-champion-wild-area-interactions-and-more Game Freak Talks Sword And Shield's Champion, Wild Area Interactions, And More] by Brian Shea<br>'''Masuda:''' ''It starts to get a little complicated if you pay too much attention to timelines. Like, there might be a professor that appears and it wouldn’t make sense at all if we applied that kind of timeline logic. So we try not to apply it too rigorously. Maybe one hint is that if a character is appearing with Professor Oak, they’re living in the same era. Rather than some series where it makes sense to have the timeline progress as you go and the story evolve, the approach that Pokémon takes is expanding the world, like what the regions are, and making it richer as we go. Rather than a timeline, it’s more of a physical space thing.''</ref>

On May 7, 2014, Game Freak employee [[Toshinobu Matsumiya]]'s Twitter account posted a timeline of the core series Pokémon games up to that point.<ref name="Matsumiya">[https://archive.is/D9iPz Matsumiya tweet] (archived from [https://twitter.com/matsumiyan/status/464052839870787584 Twitter])</ref> However, the tweet was subsequently deleted.

The plots of {{game3|Red and Green|Pokémon Red, Green|s}}, {{pkmn|Blue Version (Japanese)|Blue}}, {{v2|Yellow}}, {{game3|FireRed and LeafGreen|FireRed, and LeafGreen|s}} and {{game3|Ruby and Sapphire|Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire|s}}, {{pkmn|Emerald Version|Emerald}}, [[Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire|Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire]] are contemporaneous, as revealed in Matsumiya's tweet. They are then followed by the plots of {{game3|Gold and Silver|Pokémon Gold, Silver|s}}, {{pkmn|Crystal Version|Crystal}}, {{game3|HeartGold and SoulSilver|HeartGold, and SoulSilver|s}} and {{game3|Diamond and Pearl|Pokémon Diamond, Pearl|s}}, {{pkmn|Platinum Version|Platinum}}, [[Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl|Brilliant Diamond, and Shining Pearl]] three years later; although Matsumiya's tweet suggests that they are also contemporaneous, dialogue from [[Jasmine]] and [[Cynthia]] provides conflicting evidence on which games occur first.<ref name="Jasmine" group="note">'''Jasmine''': "I'm thinking maybe I should participate in this Contest in Sinnoh to try and be more vibrant."<br>'''[[Erika]]''': "How did it go?"<br>'''Jasmine''': "I couldn't bring myself to go to the Contest."</ref><ref name="Cynthia" group="note">'''Cynthia in HeartGold and SoulSilver''': "This is the pattern that represents Giratina, the ruler of the world that is on the opposite side of ours, the world of antimatter..."<br>'''Cynthia in Platinum''': "No...! I'm so sorry I took so long. I think I finally found the answer from studying the myths. When this world was made, Dialga and Palkia appeared. Apparently, there was one more Pokémon that appeared at the same time. A Pokémon with as much power as Dialga and Palkia... But also one whose name was never to be spoken--Giratina! It's said to lurk in another world... A world on the opposite side of ours... That's what the shadow was. It must have been Giratina."</ref> {{game|Black and White|s}} are set some time after this, as evidenced by [[Caitlin]] having visibly aged, as well as Cynthia and the {{tc|Team Rocket Grunt}} who stole the [[Machine Part]] referencing previous events. [[Pokémon Black and White Versions 2|Pokémon Black 2 and White 2]] are set two years after {{game|Black and White|s}}, and are contemporaneous with {{g|X and Y}}, also revealed by Matsumiya's tweet. [[Pokémon Sun and Moon|Pokémon Sun, Moon]], [[Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon]] take place two years after the events of Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, as revealed by concept art of [[Grimsley]].<ref>Pokémon Sun and Moon Grimsley [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/settei settei]</ref> {{g|Sword and Shield}}'s placement is more vague, with little direct connection to other games, though the [[Pokédex]] entry for {{p|Type: Null}} in Sword mentions that stolen research notes led to the creation of more Type: Null,<ref group="note">'''Pokédex from Sword:''' ''Rumor has it that the theft of top-secret research notes led to a new instance of this Pokémon being created in the [[Galar]] region.''</ref> which could imply that they take place after the events of Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon, as only three Type: Null exist in those games. {{g|Scarlet and Violet}} take place after the events of Pokémon Sword and Shield, as revealed by the presence of a copy of [[Sonia's Book|Galar: A History]], which was published during the events of Sword and Shield, at [[Naranja Academy]]{{sup/9|S}}/[[Uva Academy]]{{sup/9|V}}. [[Pokémon Legends: Arceus]] is established to be set long before all other games in the series, taking place in [[Sinnoh]]'s [[Hisui|distant past]], which culturally [[Pokémon world in relation to the real world#Sinnoh|corresponds to the Early Meiji period]] that began in 1868 in the real world.

{{p|Porygon}}'s Pokédex entries in Pokémon Sun, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon state that it was created 20 years ago.<ref name="Porygon" group="note">'''Pokédex from Sun:''' ''Roughly 20 years ago, it was artificially created, utilizing the latest technology of the time''. Pokédex from Ultra Sun: ''This Pokémon was created using the cutting-edge science of 20 years ago, so many parts of it have since become obsolete''. Pokédex from Ultra Moon: ''It was built 20 years ago by scientists who dreamed of exploring space. Their dreams have yet to come true''.</ref> [[Pocket Monsters Encyclopedia]] states that Porygon was created in 1995, as well as stating that 150 species of Pokémon have been discovered as of 1996, alluding to the {{player}} having completed their [[Pokédex]] in Pokémon Red and Green,<ref group="note">'''[[Pocket Monsters Encyclopedia]]''': ''As of 1996, thanks to the investigative and research efforts of [[Professor Oak|Prof. Oak]], 150 species of Pokémon have been discovered''.<br>''#118. Porygon: In 1995, [[Silph Co.]], which undertakes R&D into Pokémon and related products, successfully applied state-of-the-art technology to create this man-made Pokémon''.</ref> thus implying that Pokémon Red and Green take place in either 1995 or 1996. This would mean that Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon take place 19-20 years after Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow; from this information and the time lengths between other games in the series, it can be calculated that the time period between [[Generation II]]/{{gen|IV}} and Pokémon Black and White is 12-13 years long. However, the length of this time gap has never been explicitly confirmed in any official material, with Toshinobu Matsumiya having described it as "secret" on Twitter.<ref>"''Elapsed time is secret. Imagine freely!''" - Toshinobu Matsumiya. May 10, 2014. [https://twitter.com/matsumiyan/status/465154051173130240 Twitter]</ref>

Although [[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!]] are remakes of Pokémon Yellow, {{ga|Red}} and {{ga|Blue}} are known to have already finished their journeys years ago, and [[Mina]]'s age mentioned in her concept art would suggest that the games are set a maximum of six years before Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon,<ref>Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! [[Mina]] [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/settei settei]</ref><ref group="note">'''[[Mallow/Quotes#Pokémon Sun and Moon|Mallow]]''': "I mean, we have to move on from being [[Trial Captain|captains]] when we turn 20 anyway". ([[Pokémon Sun and Moon|Pokémon Moon]])</ref> implying that they take place later than the original game. However, this is contradicted by [[Sabrina]] having a vision of meeting a special Trainer in three years, referencing the protagonist of Generation II, suggesting these games may not necessarily adhere to the timeline of the rest of the core series.

Although Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are remakes of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, they contain some references to features from the original games as having been present about a decade ago,<ref group="note">'''A {{tc|Bug Catcher}} in [[Rustboro City]]'s [[Pokémon Center]]''': I heard that Pokémon Centers had two stories up until around 10 years ago! And they used to have a special area called a “Pokémon Cable Club”!"<br>'''A {{tc|Battle Girl}} in [[Dewford Gym]]''': "A long time ago at Dewford Gym, it was always dark inside. We trained our minds by practicing in the dark!"<br>'''An old man in [[Fallabor Town]]'s [[Contest Hall]]''': I just love making [[Pokéblock]]s! In the old days it used to take four of us to make a Pokéblock with this machine. A machine that was used to mix {{Berries}} in this region long ago."<br>'''A man on [[Mt. Pyre]]''': "This used to be a desolate place. The ground had holes here and there, and I used to fall in!"<br>'''{{ho|Mom}}''': "The [[Litleonids]], hmm? I remember going to see them with your dad 11 years ago when they last passed by!" (12 in the Japanese and Korean versions)<br>'''[[Norman]]''': "Hmm? Is that an [[Eon Ticket]] you have there? Hm...it’s been a good 11 years since I last saw a ticket like this..."</ref> while others have not yet come about, such as the {{gdis|Battle Frontier|III}}, which is under construction. Despite this, the remakes are implied to happen at the same point in the timeline as the original games, as the [[Royal Unova]] and a device to visually reproduce the dreams of Pokémon having not yet been created reveals them to take place before Pokémon Black and White<ref group="note">([[Oceanic Museum]]) '''“The Royal Unova”''' ''“A model of the sunset cruiser currently being built in the Unova region. It’s scheduled to be complete in — years.” The number is too faint to be read.''</ref><ref group="note">'''[[Devon Corporation|Devon]]'s scientist''': "I'm trying to develop a device that visually reproduces the dreams of Pokémon... And I’ve heard that my [[Fennel|rival]], who lives [[Unova|far away]], is doing the same research! I can't lose this race."</ref> and [[Mr. Bonding]] gaining [[O-Power]]s reveals them to take place before Pokémon X and Y.<ref group="note">'''Mr. Bonding''': "HEY! This...this power! This power is incredible! I feel tied to these [[Old guys|old men]] with such strong bonds now! I feel like a totally different man!"</ref>

The specific years of events are not mentioned in the games themselves, but Pocket Monsters Encyclopedia implies that Pokémon Red and Green take place in 1995 or 1996, the latter being the year in which they were released; this year is also referenced in Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon on Red's shirt, which features a symbol resembling the number "96". Pokémon Gold and Silver are known to occur three years later, also aligning with their release in 1999. Similarly, Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 are set two years after Pokémon Black and White, which was also the amount of time that passed between the releases of the games. References to the passage of time in real life also appear in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, in which the player's [[Mom (Hoenn)|mother]] states that she saw the [[Litleonids]] when they last occurred 12 (in the Japanese and Korean versions) or 11 (in the English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish versions) years ago, referencing the time between the release of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire and their remakes, and [[Norman]] mentions having seen the [[Eon Ticket]] 11 years ago, referencing how long had passed from the item's original distribution in 2003 to the release of the games. Similarly, in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Brilliant Diamond, and Shining Pearl, the description of the [[Member Card]] mentions that the last date marked on it was 50 years ago; the date shown on the card's official artwork (1958.12.1) is exactly 50 years prior to its first distribution.

Furthermore, the existence of {{pkmn|multiverse|multiple alternate universes}} is alluded to or stated in some of the games.

===Beginning of the [[Pokémon universe]]===
[[File:Kyogre Groudon legend.png|thumb|250px|The clash between Groudon and Kyogre as depicted in ancient paintings]]
This information is based primarily on [[Sinnoh myths|the mythology]] of both the [[Hoenn]] and [[Sinnoh]] regions.

* In a vortex of complete chaos and nothingness, a single {{pkmn|Egg}} comes into being, which then hatches into {{p|Arceus}}, the first being in existence. Arceus then creates {{p|Dialga|time}}, {{p|Palkia|space}}, and {{p|Giratina|anti-matter}}. Giratina, as punishment for its destructive nature, is sent by Arceus to live in the [[Distortion World]]. Dialga and Palkia then succeed in creating the universe and [[Pokémon world]] and retreat into their own [[dimensions]] afterwards, with a point of access being at the ancient [[Spear Pillar]] in Sinnoh.

* Arceus then creates {{p|Uxie}}, {{p|Mesprit}}, and {{p|Azelf}}, giving knowledge, emotion, and willpower to all living things that come into existence in the Pokémon world. The three dive into caves at the bottom of [[Lake Verity]], [[Lake Valor]], and [[Lake Acuity]] in Sinnoh, giving them the name "[[lake guardians]]".

* {{p|Kyogre}} is formed by the pressure in the deep sea trenches, {{p|Groudon}} is formed deep inside the Earth, likely from hardened magma and earth, and {{p|Rayquaza}} is formed by the minerals of the ozone layer. Rayquaza proceeds to fly around in the ozone layer, occasionally coming to rest at [[Sky Pillar]].

* Kyogre and Groudon then proceed to fill the sea and create land, respectively. A chance meeting turns the two into rivals, and a conflict for dominance over the Pokémon world begins. This battle continues until Rayquaza quells it, causing Kyogre and Groudon to retreat to special caverns, where they rest until the events of [[Generation III]] many years later. The [[Red Orb|Red]] and [[Blue Orb]]s are created to prevent the reawakening of Kyogre and Groudon, and are left at [[Mt. Pyre]] for safekeeping. At this time, {{p|Mew}} may have been plentiful and lived in large numbers.

* Landmasses such as [[Mt. Coronet]] are created, and {{p|Regigigas}} moves the continents, forming the regions, and creates the three giants, {{p|Regirock}}, {{p|Regice}}, and {{p|Registeel}}, out of clay, ice, and magma, respectively.

* The [[Sinnoh]] region is created around Mt. Coronet. During this violent procedure, [[Stark Mountain]] is created due to shifts in the crust of the world, and {{p|Heatran}} is formed in a pool of lava. Arceus creates the [[Adamant Orb|Adamant]], [[Lustrous Orb|Lustrous]], and [[Griseous Orb]]s before falling into a deep slumber.

===Prehistory===
This information is based primarily on the study of [[Fossil]]s and other archaeological remains. Some of this information is also based on scientific research.

'''Millions of years before [[Generation I]]:'''
* The earliest known [[Fossil|prehistoric Pokémon]] existed at this time. It is possible that the Mew population may have decreased at this stage, as they slowly gave way to other Pokémon species.

* 300 million years ago: An ancient version of {{p|Genesect}} was born. {{p|Kabuto}} and {{p|Kabutops}} lived in the sea.
** Team Plasma later used {{p|Genesect}}'s DNA to create an infinitely stronger version of it with cybernetic technology.

* An unspecified hundreds of millions of years ago: {{p|Carbink}} begins its undisturbed underground sleep after its birth. It was born from deep underground temperatures and pressures.

* 100 million years ago: Species such as {{p|Aerodactyl}}, {{p|Lileep}}, {{p|Cranidos}}, {{p|Shieldon}}, {{p|Tirtouga}}, {{p|Archen}}, {{p|Tyrantrum}} and {{p|Amaura}} were supposedly widespread. They all ultimately went extinct, but not before Archen gave rise to bird Pokémon and Tirtouga gave rise to turtle Pokémon.
** A [[Root Fossil|Fossil]] is found millions of years later in Hoenn and revived scientifically by the [[Devon Corporation]].
** {{p|Shellder}} is known to be the prey of {{p|Omastar}}.
** {{p|Carracosta}} and {{p|Archeops}} preyed on {{p|Omanyte}}. Only Carracosta is known to have eaten {{p|Omastar}}.

* {{p|Relicanth}} is said to have remained unchanged for over 100 million years.

* {{p|Anorith}} is stated to have existed in primordial seas, with its eight legs at some point developing into its known eight wings.

* 1,000,000 years ago: The Great Crater of [[Paldea]] is created.

* 20,000 years ago:
** A meteorite containing {{p|Eternatus}} fell in the [[Galar]] region.
** The first {{p|Claydol}} was brought to life from a clay doll.

* 10,000 years ago:
** During the last Ice Age, the {{p|Mamoswine}} population flourished, then decreased when the Ice Age ended.
** Oldest known mural depictions of {{p|Cyclizar}} being ridden by humans.

* At some point in the distant past, the {{p|Magikarp}} population mutates due to unknown reasons and becomes weaker.

* At some point after the Iron Age, Regigigas is sealed away in the Snowpoint Temple, and Regirock, Regice, and Registeel are sealed away at various points across the [[Hoenn]] region after years of human worship.

* 5,000 years ago: {{p|Gogoat}} is domesticated & humans begin using them for transport.

'''3,000 years before [[Generation V]]:'''
* The {{cat|Relic items}} are created.

'''3,000 years before [[Generation VI]]:'''
[[File:Ultimate Weapon.png|thumb|250px|AZ and the ultimate weapon]]
* The Kalos war occurred, the [[ultimate weapon]] was created underneath [[Geosenge Town]], and [[AZ]] was given eternal life.

'''3,000 years before [[Generation VIII]]:'''
* A black storm called the [[Darkest Day]] occurred and was stopped by {{p|Zacian}} and {{p|Zamazenta}}.
* {{p|Melmetal}} is worshipped by ancient humans for its ability to create metal from nothing.

'''2,500 years before [[Generation V]]:'''
* The [[Relic Castle]] is built.
** The [[Dragonspiral Tower]] is known as Unova's oldest structure, though its age is unstated.

'''2,000 years before [[Generation V]]:'''
* {{p|Conkeldurr}} is said to have taught humans how to make concrete using centrifugal force.

'''2,000 years before {{pkmn|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}:'''
* [[Hoenn]] is plagued by meteor showers. A meteor turns the homeplace of the [[Draconid people]] into [[Meteor Falls]].
* The world overflowed with natural energy which {{p|Groudon}} and {{p|Kyogre}}, in their [[Primal Reversion|primal]] forms, fought over. They ravaged the earth and were only calmed by {{p|Rayquaza}} after the Draconid people summoned it using a wish on a meteor at Meteor Falls. The people of Hoenn begin to revere Rayquaza as a savior.

'''2,000 years before [[Generation IX]]:'''
*The Paldean Empire began to rule Paldea.
* The emperor of Paldea ushers in the Great Age of Exploration by sending expeditions into The Great Crater of Paldea to find the treasure rumored to lie inside.

'''1,500 years before [[Generation I]]:'''
* The earliest known system for writing is developed and used at the [[Ruins of Alph]], [[Tanoby Ruins]], and [[Solaceon Ruins]]. Archaeologists are currently unsure whether the nearly identical {{p|Unown}} preceded or succeeded the writing system, but it is assumed they share some sort of connection.
* The {{p|Farfetch'd}} population decreases due to overhunting.

'''c. 1,000-2,000 years before {{g|Legends: Arceus}} (c. 1,300-2,300 years before [[Generation IV]]):'''
* An ancient society called the Celestica people lived in the Sinnoh region. They worshiped {{p|Arceus}} and built many structures which can still be found as ruins in the region in modern times, such as [[Solaceon Ruins]], [[Snowpoint Temple]], and [[Spear Pillar]].

'''1,000 years before {{pkmn|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}:'''
* A thousand years after the events at Meteor Falls, a meteor struck Hoenn, creating Sootopolis City. {{p|Groudon}} and {{p|Kyogre}} reawakened to fight over the wellspring of primal energy which came from it. The people of Hoenn wished on {{p|Rayquaza}} to save them, and using the meteor, Rayquaza performed the world's first [[Mega Evolution]] and calmed the two. [[Sky Pillar]] was built in Rayquaza's honor, and the [[Draconid people]] promised to pass down the prophecy that in 1,000 years the meteor would return - causing the events of the [[Delta Episode]].

'''805 years before [[Generation IX]]:'''
* [[Naranja Academy]]{{sup/9|S}}/[[Uva Academy]]{{sup/9|V}} is founded in [[Mesagoza]].

'''800 years before {{pkmn|X and Y}}:'''
* {{p|Xerneas}} released life energy throughout the Kalos region and fled to a forest, where it went to sleep in the form of a tree.
* {{p|Yveltal}} absorbed life energy throughout the Kalos region and fled to the mountains, where it went to sleep in the form of a cocoon.

===Recent history===
This information is based on historic records.
[[File:Ecruteak City Landscape.png|thumb|250px|Ecruteak City]]

'''Hundreds of years before [[Generation II]]:'''
* The [[Sinjoh Ruins]] are built by two groups of people, from Sinnoh and Johto's [[Ruins of Alph]]. The site's architecture expresses a fusion of the two group's ideas and mythology.

'''Hundreds of years before [[Generation IV]]:'''
* [[Poké Ball]]s are invented.
* The [[Diamond Clan]] and [[Pearl Clan]] lived in the Hisui region. They share a deity called almighty Sinnoh, but argue whether it {{p|Palkia|created space}} or {{p|Dialga|created time}}.
* The [[Galaxy Expedition Team]] comprised of people from many regions arrived in Hisui to explore the land, document the Pokémon, and settle the region.
* The events of {{g|Legends: Arceus}} occur.

'''c. 700 years before [[Generation II]]:'''
* [[Bell Tower]] and [[Burned Tower|Brass Tower]] are constructed in [[Ecruteak City]], and {{p|Lugia}} and {{p|Ho-Oh}} perch at their tops.

'''c. 500 years before [[Generation II]]:'''
* The {{DL|Cianwood City|Cianwood City Pharmacy}} is built.

'''c. 500 years before [[Generation IV]]:'''
* A {{p|Spiritomb}} is bound to a fissure in an [[Odd Keystone]] as punishment for misdeeds.

'''c. 500 years before [[Generation VII]]:'''
* {{p|Magearna}} is created by a scientist who used the life energy of other Pokémon to create its {{a|Soul-Heart}}, and is presented to a king's daughter.

'''c. 400 years before [[Generation I]]:'''
* The Pokémon move {{m|Toxic}} is invented.<ref>'''[[Koga/Quotes|Koga]]:''' ''TM06 contains Toxic! It is a secret technique over 400 years old!''</ref>

'''c. 400 years before [[Generation II]]:'''
* [[Azalea Town]] in [[Johto]] is struck by long-term drought. After bringing the rain back once again by {{m|yawn}}ing, {{p|Slowpoke}} gains an honorable position in that town.

'''c. 400 years before [[Generation VIII]]:'''
* {{p|Rolycoly}} is first discovered in a coal mine.

'''c. 300 years before {{pkmn|X and Y}}:'''
* [[Parfum Palace]] is built.

'''c. 200 years before [[Generation V]]:'''
* [[Village Bridge]] is constructed by a man and his {{p|Gurdurr}} after the river flooded the area.
* The island that would become [[Liberty Garden]] is bought by an ultra-rich family and {{p|Victini}} is hidden in a backroom.

'''c. 150 years before [[Generation II]]:'''
* [[Burned Tower|Brass Tower]] burns to the ground, killing three Pokémon inside. Lugia flees to the [[Whirl Islands]] while Ho-Oh resurrects the three as the [[Legendary beasts]] and flies off in search of a {{player|pure-hearted Trainer}}.

'''c. 100 years before [[Generation V]]:'''
* The warehouses of [[Nacrene City]] are constructed.
* {{p|Klink}} begin to appear in [[Chargestone Cave]].
* {{p|Roggenrola}} is discovered in an earthquake fissure.

'''1925'''
* Modern [[Poké Ball]]s are developed from the research of [[Professor Westwood V|Professor Westwood]] of [[Celadon University]].

'''c. 50 years before [[Generation V]]:'''
* {{p|Elgyem}} is seen for the first time when it appeared from far in the {{DL|Desert|In Unova|desert}}.

'''c. 50 years before [[Generation VIII]]:'''
* [[Mustard]] defeats [[Opal]] and becomes {{pkmn|Champion}} of Galar.

'''c. 40 years before [[Generation III]]:'''
* {{p|Lunatone}} is seen for the first time in a crater.

'''c. 32 years before [[Generation VIII]]:'''
* Mustard is dethroned as Champion of the [[Galar League]] after an 18-year long victory streak, and retires soon after.

'''Several decades before {{pkmn|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}:'''
* [[Sea Mauville]] is decommissioned after the closure of [[New Mauville]].

'''1969:'''
* {{wp|Apollo 11|Humans land on the Moon for the first time}}.<ref>'''Old Man:''' ''"July 20, 1969! Humankind first set foot on the moon that day. I bought a color TV just so I could watch that news."''</ref>

'''11 years before [[Generation III]]:'''
* The [[Litleonids|Litleonid meteor shower]] passes by [[Hoenn]] for the last time prior to {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}.
* [[Hoenn TV|TV Mauville]] is founded.

'''10 years before {{pkmn|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}:'''
* [[Pokémon Center]]s in [[Hoenn]] are remodeled, removing the second floor and the Pokémon Cable Club.

'''1995'''
* The first Pokémon created by scientific engineering, {{p|Porygon}}, is created.<ref>According to the [[Pocket Monsters Encyclopedia]], Porygon was created in 1995.</ref>

'''Less than 10 years before [[Generation I]]:'''
* The ferry [[S.S. Tidal]] is constructed.
* A {{p|Rotom}} inhabits an [[Old Chateau|abandoned mansion]] in Sinnoh.

'''Some years prior to [[Generation I]]:'''
* A team of scientists discover a new Pokémon (at the time) deep in a jungle in [[Guyana]], South America on July 5. They name the Pokémon {{p|Mew}} on July 10. {{p|Mewtwo}}, a clone of Mew, is born on February 6. Mewtwo escapes from and destroys [[Cinnabar Island]]'s {{ka|Pokémon Mansion}} on September 1 and then goes to [[Cerulean Cave]].
* [[Saffron Gym|Sabrina's Gym]] is declared the official Gym of Saffron City after a Pokémon battle between [[Sabrina]] and the leader of the [[Fighting Dojo]].
* Giratina returns to the Pokémon world.
* The [[Battle Resort]] opens in [[Hoenn]].
* [[Goldenrod Radio Tower]] is torn down due to being old and creaky. During the process, the Radio Tower Director comes across the [[Clear Bell]], which he keeps for the time being. A new Goldenrod Radio Tower is built in its place.
* Construction of the [[Royal Unova]] begins.

'''Ten years prior to [[Generation IX]]'''
* [[Professor Sada]]{{sup/9|S}}/[[Professor Turo]]{{sup/9|V}} invents a time machine that brings [[Paradox Pokémon]] into the present, and is later killed by a second {{p|Koraidon}}{{sup/9|S}}/{{p|Miraidon}}{{sup/9|V}}.

'''A year and a half prior to [[Generation IX]]'''
* [[Clavell]] becomes the director of [[Naranja Academy]]{{sup/9|S}}/[[Uva Academy]]{{sup/9|V}}.
* [[Nemona]] becomes the youngest Champion-class Trainer in Paldea.
* [[Team Star]] is formed.

'''One year prior to [[Generation I]]:'''
* [[Professor Rowan]] goes to [[Kanto]] to study [[Pokédex]] systems with [[Professor Oak]].

===Contemporary history===
From the [[Pokémon games]]:

'''[[Generation I]]/{{gen|III}}:'''
* The events of {{game|Red and Blue|s|Red, Blue}}, {{v2|Yellow}}, {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s|FireRed, LeafGreen}}, {{3v2|Ruby|Sapphire|Emerald}}:
** {{ga|Red}} leaves [[Pallet Town]] on his Pokémon journey after his rival, [[Professor Oak]]'s grandson, {{ga|Blue}}. After getting the eight [[Badge]]s of [[Kanto]], and defeating [[Team Rocket]] along the way, he then challenges Kanto's [[Elite Four]] and its current Champion, none other than Blue himself. After defeating Blue, Red becomes the {{pkmn|Champion}}, then ventures to the [[Sevii Islands]] to eradicate Team Rocket and help [[Celio]] to connect his [[Pokémon Network Center]] to the [[Hoenn]] region.
** {{ga|Brendan}}/{{ga|May}} leaves [[Littleroot Town]] on a Pokémon journey shortly after moving to the Hoenn region from [[Olivine City]] in [[Johto]] by saving the local [[Pokémon Professor]] from an attacking [[wild Pokémon]]. At first, there is a deep-seated rivalry with [[Professor Birch]]'s daughter/son; however, later on, the rivalry is with [[Wally]] instead. After defeating Hoenn's eight [[Gym Leader]]s and calming {{p|Groudon}} or {{p|Kyogre}}, released from their banishment by [[Team Magma]] and [[Team Aqua]], respectively, they challenge and defeat Hoenn's Elite Four and current Champion, becoming the Champion themself, much to the astonishment of Birch's child.

'''{{gameabbrev7|PE}}:'''
* The events of [[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!]]:
** {{ga|Chase}}/{{ga|Elaine}} leaves [[Pallet Town]] on their Pokémon journey after their rival, {{ga|Trace}}. After getting the eight [[Badge]]s of [[Kanto]], and defeating [[Team Rocket]] with the help of {{ga|Blue}} and Trace, along the way, they then challenge Kanto's [[Elite Four]] and compete for the title of Champion in one final battle with Trace. After defeating Trace, Chase/Elaine becomes the {{pkmn|Champion}}. From there, they capture {{p|Mewtwo}} and meet {{ga|Green}}, a Trainer who had hoped to capture Mewtwo for herself. They also confront [[Archer]], an {{tc|Executive|admin}} of the remnants of Team Rocket, who challenges them to one last battle before swearing that he will avenge his boss, [[Giovanni]].

'''Between {{gen|I}}/{{gen|III}} and {{gen|II}}/{{gen|IV}}:'''
* [[Anabel]] enters an [[Ultra Wormhole]] and is found by [[Nanu]] and [[Looker]] in [[Alola]].
* Eruption of the volcano on [[Cinnabar Island]] causes destruction of the island's settlement, except for the [[Pokémon Center]]. As a result, [[Blaine]], the [[Cinnabar Gym]] Leader, relocates the gym to the nearby [[Seafoam Islands]].
* {{ga|Blue}} takes the position of Gym Leader in the now empty [[Viridian Gym]], succeeding the former Team Rocket leader [[Giovanni]].
* {{ga|Red}} retreats to [[Mt. Silver]], training day and night, leaving [[Lance]] to act as Champion, while [[Lorelei]] returns to her home in {{OBP|Four Island|town}}, and [[Agatha]] retires from her position as a member of the [[Kanto]] [[Elite Four]]. This leaves three vacancies on the roster for Elite Four.
** Two of these vacancies are filled by [[Karen]] and [[Will]]. The other is filled by [[Koga]], who abdicates his position as [[Fuchsia City]] [[Fuchsia Gym|Gym]] Leader to his daughter, [[Janine]].
* Extensive research confirms the existence of {{t|Steel}} and {{t|Dark}} types in the region of Kanto.
<!-- The events of FireRed and LeafGreen retroactively negate this discovery and say that they had always been known, as Generation III and I are considered to take place contemporaneously. This is backed up by HeartGold and SoulSilver when Jasmine's pre-battle speech was changed from the subject that the Steel-type was recently discovered. -->
<!-- Not 100% sure on taking the above tidbit out... -->
* [[Baoba]] leaves [[Kanto]] when his {{safari|Kanto}} is closed and begins planning to open a {{safari|Johto|new Safari Zone}} in [[Johto]], as a replacement.
* The [[Pokémon Tower]] is converted into a Radio Tower.
* A [[Pal Park]] is opened in place of the Kanto Safari Zone.
* {{p|Groudon}} and {{p|Kyogre}} retreat to the region of [[Fiore]] to rest after their battle.
* Giratina returns to the [[Distortion World]].
* A new {{gdis|Battle Frontier|IV}} is built in [[Sinnoh]] and [[Johto]].
* [[Professor Rowan]] returns to [[Sinnoh]] after four years, having invented a new [[Pokédex]] while working with [[Professor Oak]].

'''Three years after [[Generation I]]/[[Generation III]]/{{gameabbrev6|ORAS}} ([[Generation II]]/[[Generation IV]]/{{gameabbrev8|BDSP}}):'''
* The events of {{game|Gold and Silver|s|Gold, Silver}}, {{v2|Crystal}}, {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s|Diamond, Pearl}}, {{v2|Platinum}}, {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s|HeartGold, SoulSilver}}, {{pkmn|Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl|Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl}}:
** {{ga|Ethan}}/{{ga|Kris}}/{{ga|Lyra}} leaves [[New Bark Town]] on an errand for [[Professor Elm]], bonding with their [[starter Pokémon]] on the way. A {{ga|Silver|red-haired boy}} steals one of Elm's three Pokémon and challenges them as Ethan/Kris/Lyra's journey across Johto continues. A revived Team Rocket, using plans formulated three years prior, enrages many {{p|Gyarados}}, including a [[Red Gyarados|red one]], at the [[Lake of Rage]] as they proceed to take over the [[Goldenrod Radio Tower]] in a desperate attempt to contact Giovanni, their former leader. They are defeated, and the new leader vows to never again re-form Team Rocket, and Ethan/Kris/Lyra continues to gather Johto's Badges, eventually gaining all eight and traveling to the [[Pokémon League]] at [[Indigo Plateau]] in Kanto. After defeating the Elite Four and their Champion, Lance, Ethan/Kris/Lyra then heads to the Kanto region to challenge its eight Gyms, which have changed from three years prior. After gaining all eight of their Badges, for a total of sixteen, [[Professor Oak]] declares them ready to travel to Mt. Silver, where they meet and challenges {{ga|Red}}.
** {{ga|Lucas}}/{{ga|Dawn}} and {{ga|Barry}} leave [[Twinleaf Town]] in an attempt to see a Pokémon like the recently reported red Gyarados in the nearest of [[Sinnoh]]'s lakes, [[Lake Verity]]. After being attacked by a wild {{p|Starly}} at the lake, and using one of [[Professor Rowan]]'s Pokémon to fend off the attacker, <!-- (apart from in Platinum canon, where they receive their starter Pokémon before actually reaching the lake) --><!-- Same here... --> their journey begins in earnest, and both Lucas/Dawn and Barry challenge the Sinnoh region's eight Gyms to gain the Badges necessary to challenge the {{si|Pokémon League}}. Along the way, however, Lucas/Dawn is brought into many conflicts with [[Team Galactic]], whose leader, [[Cyrus]], wishes to remake the entire universe in his image with the powers of the [[Legendary Pokémon]] {{p|Dialga}} and {{p|Palkia}}. Defeating the team and calming {{p|Dialga}}/{{p|Palkia}}/{{p|Giratina}}, Lucas/Dawn challenges Sinnoh's Elite Four and Champion, [[Cynthia]], and becomes Champion themself.
* [[Hayley]], a friend of [[Bebe]], opens up a [[My Pokémon Ranch|Pokémon Ranch]].

'''Between {{pkmn|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}} and [[Generation V]]:'''
* Construction of the [[Royal Unova]] is completed.

'''Between [[Generation II]]/{{Gen|IV}} and [[Generation V]]:'''
* The {{tc|Team Rocket Grunt}} who stole the Machine Part in Kanto returns to [[Unova]], intending to reform Team Rocket there despite its second defeat, as he {{game3|HeartGold and SoulSilver|previously stated|s}}. He later falls in love and has a son, moving to [[Icirrus City]].
* [[Caitlin]] leaves the [[Sinnoh]]/[[Johto]] {{gdis|Battle Frontier|IV}} and returns to [[Unova]], becoming an [[Elite Four]] member.
* {{tc|Scientist}} Dudley, a member of [[Team Plasma]], creates {{p|Genesect}} in an attempt to create the strongest Pokémon in existence by altering an ancient insect Pokémon with cybernetic upgrades.
* Team Plasma steals [[Hugh's sister]]'s {{p|Purrloin}}, and [[Hugh]] swears to one day get it back.

'''A few years after [[Generation II]]/[[Generation IV]] ([[Generation V]]):'''
[[File:N {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time:i}} mod 2}}|0=Zekrom|1=Reshiram}}.jpg|thumb|250px|N and {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time:i}} mod 2}}|0=Zekrom|1=Reshiram}}]]
* The events of {{2v2|Black|White}}:
** {{ga|Hilbert}}/{{ga|Hilda}} along with their friends [[Cheren]] and [[Bianca]] receive their very first Pokémon in the bedroom of {{ga|Hilbert}}/{{ga|Hilda}}'s house in [[Nuvema Town]] from [[Professor Juniper]]. The three decide to leave Nuvema Town and go on a journey across their region of [[Unova]], with Cheren wanting to learn as much about every kind of Pokémon possible and Bianca going against the wishes of her dad. Upon arriving in [[Accumula Town]] they encounter the nefarious [[Team Plasma]] who announce their plans for Pokémon liberation to separate Pokémon from humans. Hilbert/Hilda then battle Team Plasma's leader, a mysterious man known only as [[N]] who claims Pokémon are his friends. Hilbert/Hilda make a journey across the land of Unova challenging all eight Gyms and earning all eight Badges. After earning the eighth Badge, they travel to the {{un|Pokémon League}} where they defeat the Elite Four. Upon defeating the Elite Four, they discover that N has already defeated the Champion [[Alder]] and promptly summons his castle, destroying the Pokémon League Castle. [[Ghetsis]], one of the members of the [[Seven Sages]] reveals that he had the plan to separate people and Pokémon so that he could be the only person in the whole world with Pokémon. After defeating N and Ghetsis with {{p|Reshiram}}/{{p|Zekrom}} N becomes sorry for all his wrongdoing and flies off to distant lands on his dragon of legend. Hilbert/Hilda, Cheren, and Bianca continue their journey in Unova and get recruited by an undercover officer codenamed [[Looker]] to discover and arrest the remaining six of the Seven Sages. After the arrest of all six, Hilbert/Hilda returns to the Pokémon League, re-defeats the Elite Four, then challenges and defeats Alder, becoming Champion of Unova.

'''Between {{2v2|Black|White}} and {{2v2|Black|White|2}}/{{pkmn|X and Y}}''':
* Hilbert/Hilda leaves Unova with their Dragon to look for N.
* Bianca officially becomes Professor Juniper's assistant.
* The Pokémon distribution of Unova changes drastically.
* [[Cilan]], [[Chili]], [[Cress]], [[Lenora]], and [[Brycen]] retire as Gym Leaders to train.
* Cheren, [[Roxie]], and [[Marlon]] become Gym Leaders.
* Alder retires as the Champion, and [[Iris]] takes his place.
* Five of the Seven Sages leave Team Plasma, and Ghetsis and [[Zinzolin]] form a new Team Plasma solely dedicated to conquering Unova.
* A landslide seals off {{rt|10|Unova}} and a majority of {{OBP|Victory Road|Black and White}}, forcing another {{OBP|Victory Road|Black 2 and White 2}} to be built. Another landslide seals off [[Challenger's Cave]].
* Significant construction occurs in Unova:
** The [[Cold Storage]] in the south of [[Driftveil City]] is replaced by the [[Pokémon World Tournament]].
** A section of the mountain near [[Undella Town]] is constructed into a new town called [[Lentimas Town]]
** {{tc|The Riches}} house in Undella Town is demolished, with new villas built in the town.
** The [[Marine Tube]] is built between Undella Town and [[Humilau City]], connecting the two.
** The [[Castelia Sewers]] are made accessible on Thumb Pier, which leads to Castelia's park, or when flooded, to Castelia's back alley.
* {{ga|Calem}}/{{ga|Serena}} moves to [[Vaniville Town]] in [[Kalos]] with their mother.

'''Two years after {{2v2|Black|White}} ([[Generation VI]])''':
[[File:{{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time:i}} mod 2}}|0=Xerneas|1=Yveltal}} Encounter.png|thumb|250px|Encountering {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time:i}} mod 2}}|0=Xerneas|1=Yveltal}}]]
* The events of {{2v2|Black|White|2}} and {{pkmn|X and Y}}:
** {{ga|Nate}}/{{ga|Rosa}} receives their first Pokémon from Bianca in their hometown of [[Aspertia City]]. Together with [[Hugh]], who hopes to take back his sister's Purrloin from Team Plasma, the duo takes on the new lineup of Gyms in the Unova region. After earning their seventh badge from [[Drayden]], Team Plasma attacks [[Opelucid City]], covering the city in unbreakable ice. The [[Shadow Triad]] takes the opportunity to steal the [[DNA Splicers]] from [[Opelucid Gym]]. Nate/Rosa and Hugh chase Team Plasma to [[Humilau City]], where after earning their final badge, they confront [[Zinzolin]], [[Colress]], and the Shadow Triad at the [[Giant Chasm]]. After the Triad releases Hugh's sister's Purrloin, now a {{p|Liepard}}, Hugh tells Nate/Rosa to go ahead and confront Team Plasma's leader, Ghetsis. Just before Ghetsis freezes Nate/Rosa alive with {{p|Kyurem}}'s {{m|Glaciate}}, [[N]] flies in on {{p|Reshiram}}/{{p|Zekrom}}, saving them. However, Ghetsis uses Kyurem's power to turn Reshiram/Zekrom back into an orb, then uses the DNA Splicers to turn Kyurem into {{form|Kyurem|Black/White Kyurem}}. Nate/Rosa knocks out Kyurem, causing the two Dragon Pokémon to separate, then defeats an enraged Ghetsis. Thankful, N suggests that Nate/Rosa proceed to the Pokémon League. Heeding his words, Nate/Rosa ascend Victory Road, defeats the Elite Four, and emerges victorious in battle with the new Champion, Iris. After returning home, Hugh's sister thanks to the player for helping her big brother, and tells Nate/Rosa that she has been dreaming of a {{p|Zoroark}} calling Nate/Rosa's name. At Hugh's suggestion, Nate/Rosa returns to Victory Road, finding a Zoroark that leads them to the ruins of [[N's Castle]], where N and Reshiram/Zekrom challenge them to battle. After being defeated, N says goodbye to his dragon and releases it by asking it to turn back into an orb to give to Nate/Rosa. Nate/Rosa climbs to the top of [[Dragonspiral Tower]], and faces {{p|Reshiram}}/{{p|Zekrom}} again, this time, in an attempt to capture it.
**{{ga|Calem}}/{{ga|Serena}} leave their home in [[Vaniville Town]] meeting [[Shauna]] and {{tt|{{ga|Serena}}/{{ga|Calem}}|The player character not chosen.}} who invite them to join them for a meeting in [[Aquacorde Town]]. {{ga|Calem}}, {{ga|Serena}} and [[Shauna]] receive their first Pokémon from [[Tierno]] and a Pokédex from [[Trevor]] on behalf of [[Professor Sycamore]]. After delivering a letter to their {{kal|Grace|Mom}} from Professor Sycamore, they head on an adventure traveling across [[Kalos]] challenging eight Gyms in order to earn eight Badges to then challenge the {{kal|Pokémon League}}. Along their journey, they come into contact with [[Team Flare]], an organization whose goal is to create a "beautiful and better" world while making money. They try to do this by stealing [[fossil]]s from [[Glittering Cave]], siphoning electricity from the [[Kalos Power Plant]], stealing the Poké Balls from the [[Poké Ball Factory]] in [[Laverre City]], and attempting to agitate and capture an {{p|Abomasnow}}. Calem/Serena also encounters a mysterious giant called [[AZ]] on several occasions, the first being on [[Kalos Route 13]]. After earning their seventh badge from [[Olympia]], Calem/Serena are contacted by [[Lysandre]], a man introduced by Professor Sycamore, who reveals himself to be the leader of Team Flare and his intention to use the [[ultimate weapon]] to eliminate all life in the world. Calem/Serena battle Lysandre first in [[Lysandre Labs]] and again in the [[Team Flare Secret HQ]], before making their way down to the basement where they find {{p|Xerneas}}{{sup/6|X}}/{{p|Yveltal}}{{sup/6|Y}} and battle them, before battling against Lysandre once more. Even though Lysandre is defeated, and Calem/Serena and their friends reason with him, he still fires the ultimate weapon. The blast the weapon emits destroys it and buries Lysandre and the HQ, ultimately disbanding Team Flare. Calem/Serena then heads to the Pokémon League where they defeat the [[Elite Four]] and [[Diantha]], becoming {{pkmn|Champion}} of [[Kalos]]. After becoming Champion, Looker contacts {{ga|Calem}}/{{ga|Serena}} to help him fight crime in Lumiose City.

'''Between {{2v2|Black|White|2}}/{{pkmn|X and Y}} and [[Generation VII]]''':
* [[Sina]] and [[Dexio]] are sent to [[Alola]] by [[Professor Sycamore]] to follow {{p|Zygarde}}.
* {{ga|Red}} and {{ga|Blue}} come to [[Alola]] to act as the bosses of the [[Battle Tree]].
* [[Grimsley]] and [[Colress]] come to [[Alola]].

'''Two years after {{2v2|Black|White|2}}/{{pkmn|X and Y}} ([[Generation VII]])''':
[[File:Lillie and {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time:i}} mod 2}}|0=Solgaleo|1=Lunala}}.png|thumb|x175px|Lillie and Nebby as a {{#switch: {{#expr: {{#time:i}} mod 2}}|0=Solgaleo|1=Lunala}}]]
* [[Gladion]] flees [[Aether Paradise]] with a {{TP|Gladion|Type: Null}}
** During this time, he joins [[Team Skull]].
* 3 months prior to the events of Generation VII, [[Lillie]] flees [[Aether Paradise]] with a {{p|Cosmog}}, [[nickname]]d [[Nebby]] and is found by [[Professor Burnet]].
* The events of {{pkmn|Sun and Moon}}:
** {{ga|Elio}}/{{ga|Selene}} leaves their home on {{rt|1|Alola}} on a Pokémon journey three months after moving to the [[Alola]] region from Kanto. They receive their starter Pokémon from [[Hala]] and meet [[Lillie]] and [[Hau]]. Elio/Selene receives a [[Z-Ring]] at the festival inaugurating their [[island challenge]], consisting of seven trials and four grand trials in order to become the island challenge champion. Along the journey, they encounter a group called [[Team Skull]], whose members are misfits who failed the island challenge and aim to cause trouble, as well as another group called the [[Aether Foundation]], whose goal is to cure hurt Pokémon. After defeating the leader of Team Skull, [[Guzma]], at the [[Shady House]], Elio/Selene travel to [[Aether Paradise]], where they battle [[Lusamine]], the president of the Aether Foundation. Lusamine opens [[Ultra Wormhole]]s across Alola and enters one with Guzma. Elio/Selene and Lillie evolve [[Nebby]] into {{p|Solgaleo}}{{sup/7|S}}/{{p|Lunala}}{{sup/7|M}} at the [[Altar of the Sunne]]{{sup/7|S}}/[[Altar of the Moone]]{{sup/7|M}} and travel into [[Ultra Space]], where Elio/Selene battles Lusamine again and bring her and Guzma back to Alola. Elio/Selene catches Solgaleo{{sup/7|S}}/Lunala{{sup/7|M}} after Lillie tells it that she isn't a Trainer. Elio/Selene climbs [[Mount Lanakila]] to its summit, the newly opened {{al|Pokémon League}}, where they defeat the [[Elite Four]] and [[Professor Kukui]], becoming the first {{pkmn|Champion}} of Alola. A festival is held in [[Iki Town]], and Lillie brings Elio/Selene to the [[Ruins of Conflict]] to battle {{p|Tapu Koko}}. The next day, Lillie leaves for Kanto to help her mother. The International Police contact Elio/Selene to investigate and catch the [[Ultra Beast]]s unleashed across Alola.
* The events of {{pkmn|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}}:
** Events proceed similarly to the above, but Lusamine now seeks to aid the [[Ultra Recon Squad]] in stopping {{P|Necrozma}}. When Elio/Selene and Lillie reach the [[Altar of the Sunne]]{{sup/7|US}}/[[Altar of the Moone]]{{sup/7|UM}}, they discover that Lusamine and Guzma have been defeated and Necrozma fuses with Nebby to become Dusk Mane Necrozma{{sup/7|US}}Dawn Wings Necrozma{{sup/7|UM}}. It is repelled, and Elio/Selene pursues it into [[Ultra Megalopolis]], where they find it has become Ultra Necrozma. Despite its incredible power, Ultra Necrozma is defeated and Nebby is freed from Necrozma's influence. Sometime after Elio/Selene becomes the Champion, the Aether Foundation is attacked by [[Team Rainbow Rocket]], which seeks to use the Aether Foundation's research to further their goals of multiversal conquest.

'''Some time before [[Generation VIII]]''':
* Research notes of {{p|Type: Null}} are stolen.<ref>Pokédex from Sword: ''Rumor has it that the theft of top-secret research notes led to a new instance of this Pokémon being created in the [[Galar]] region.''</ref>

'''[[Generation VIII]]''':
* The events of {{pkmn|Sword and Shield}} and its {{pkmn|Sword and Shield Expansion Pass|Expansion Pass}}:
** {{ga|Victor}}/{{ga|Gloria}} and [[Hop]] receive their [[starter Pokémon]] from [[Leon]], the undefeated {{pkmn|Champion}}, and meet a mysterious {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} in the [[Slumbering Weald]]. The two receive [[Pokédex]]es from [[Sonia]], [[Dynamax Band]]s from [[Professor Magnolia]], and [[endorsement]]s from Leon to enter the [[Galar League|Gym Challenge]]. They head on an adventure traveling across Galar challenging [[Gym]]s in order to earn eight [[Badge]]s to enter the Champion Cup. Over the course of their {{pkmn|journey}}, they encounter a group called [[Team Yell]], whose members support [[Marnie]] in the Gym Challenge. They also encounter another group called [[Macro Cosmos]], a conglomerate led by [[Rose]], who has endorsed his ward [[Bede]] in the Gym Challenge. During the Champion Cup in [[Wyndon Stadium]], Rose interrupts the Championship Match by reawakening {{p|Eternatus}} and bringing about the [[Darkest Day]] in an attempt to provide energy for the Galar region in 1,000 years. Victor/Gloria and Hop find a [[Rusted Sword]] and [[Rusted Shield]] and head to the [[Energy Plant]] in [[Hammerlocke]], where they battle Rose and summon {{p|Zacian}} and {{p|Zamazenta}}. After defeating it, Victor/Gloria manages to catch Eternatus and returns to [[Wyndon]] to defeat Leon in the Championship Match, becoming the new Champion of Galar.
** Sometime during their journey, Victor/Gloria travels to the [[Isle of Armor]], where they meet a new rival, [[Klara]]{{sup/8|Sw}}/[[Avery]]{{sup/8|Sh}}, and are taken under the wing of former Champion [[Mustard]] as a student of [[Master Dojo|his dojo]]. Victor/Gloria competes in a series of trials with their new rival, eventually defeating them in a final battle, earning them the right to inheirit the Dojo's "secret armor", the [[Legendary Pokémon]] {{p|Kubfu}}. After [[Friendship|bonding]] with each other, Victor/Gloria and Kubfu challenge one of the [[Towers of Two Fists]], culminating in a battle against Mustard and his own Kubfu. Victor/Gloria is successful, and Kubfu learns the secret of the tower, allowing it to [[Evolution|evolve]] into {{form|Urshifu|Single Strike Style or Rapid Strike Style}} {{p|Urshifu}}.
** Sometime during their journey, Victor/Gloria travels to the [[Crown Tundra]], where they meet the retired [[Gym Leader]] [[Peony]], who recruits them as the leader of his exploration team, and tasks them with investigating three mysteries surrounding the tundra. In the [[Legendary Clue 1|first mystery]], Victor/Gloria meets {{p|Calyrex}}, the former king of the Crown Tundra, and helps it reunite with its steed, {{p|Glastrier}} or {{p|Spectrier}}. In the [[Legendary Clue 2|second mystery]], they investigate ruins scattered around the tundra, encountering and {{pkmn2|caught|catching}} the [[Legendary giants]]. In the [[Legendary Clue 3|third mystery]], Victor/Gloria pursues and catches the {{rf|Galarian}} [[Legendary birds]] across Galar. Upon solving these mysteries, Victor/Gloria finds a note describing a [[Legendary Clue?|fourth mystery]] that Peony does not recall writing. Upon bringing it to the [[Max Lair]], Victor/Gloria learns about [[Ultra Beast]]s and {{p|Necrozma}}, and is eventually able to catch Necrozma in a [[Dynamax Adventure]].
** After becoming Champion, Victor/Gloria and Hop stop the plans of [[Sordward]] and [[Shielbert]], who cause chaos around the region in their misguided attempt to restore the Galarian monarchy. In the process, Victor/Gloria catches one of the two Legendary Pokémon of Galar, and Hop sets out to be a [[Pokémon Professor]].
** After resolving the incident with Sordward and Shielbert, Victor/Gloria returns to the Master Dojo, where they find Hop conducting research on [[Sonia]]'s behalf. Mustard tells them that Urshifu hates the taste of {{DL|Master Dojo|Max Soup}}, so, in order for it to unlock its [[Gigantamax]] potential, a special ingredient is needed to make it drink the Max Soup. He doesn't reveal what this ingredient is, though, and leaves it to the duo to figure it out on their own. After a few bad guesses, Victor/Gloria and Hop travel to [[Honeycalm Island]], where Victor/Gloria gets thrust into a [[Max Raid Battle]] against a [[Dynamax]] {{p|Vespiquen}}. After defeating it, they find the missing ingredient: [[Max Honey]]. Upon returning to the dojo, Mustard informs Victor/Gloria that he wants to battle them in a no-holds-barred battle, where he uses his full power. In the battle, Mustard uses his own Gigantamax Urshifu. After being defeated, Mustard declares that he has nothing more to teach Victor/Gloria.
** After the events of the incident with Sordward and Shielbert, [[The Isle of Armor]], and [[The Crown Tundra]], Victor/Gloria receives a call on their [[Rotom Phone]] from Leon, who invites them and many other strong [[Pokémon Trainer]]s from Galar to a new type of competition called the [[Galarian Star Tournament]] (in which Trainers form duos and compete in [[Multi Battle]]s) at [[Wyndon Stadium]]. Victor/Gloria partners with [[Hop]] or [[Marnie]] in the inaugural tournament, and emerges victorious after defeating Leon and [[Raihan]] (if their partner is Hop) or Raihan and [[Piers]] (if their partner is Marnie) in the finals, after which Leon announces that further Galarian Star Tournaments will occur.

'''Some time after [[Generation VIII]] ([[Generation IX]])''':
* The events of {{pkmn|Scarlet and Violet}}:.
** The protagonists join the Naranja Academy{{sup/9|S}}/Uva Academy{{sup/9|V}} after recently moving to the region of Paldea. Director Clavell visits their house to give their mum some documents, then tells them to go to their neighbour's house, where they meet Nemona, a Champion-ranked trainer and their new rival. They then get to choose their starter Pokémon,Sprigatito, Fuecoco, or Quaxly. They battle Nemona, and are then told to go to the lighthouse at the top of Poco Path. When they find Nemona again, they hear a sudden roar, and go down to investigate. 
** It is a powerful Legendary Pokémon, called Koraidon/Miraidon, and they give it the sandwich their mum gave them at the beginning of their adventure. It then changes form and indicates for them to follow it in Inlet Grotto, where it shows them how powerful it really is. After they exit the Grotto, they find a boy named Arven, who is the owner of Koraidon/Miraidon. He challenges them to a battle, and then gives them the Pokémon's Poké Ball. They then travel to Mesagoza, where they are introduced to the school and the three paths they must follow by talking to Nemona, Arven and a mysterious person called Cassiopeia: to complete the gym challenge, defeat the 5 titans and take the Herba Mystica from their dens and defeat the 5 Team Star bosses in Operation Starfall. They also meet Professor Sada/Turo.
** They find out throughout their adventure that Arven has a sick Mabosstiff, which is why he needs the Herba Mystica.
** They also meet a person called Clive, who is also part of Operation Starfall.
** After they complete all of these paths, Professor Sada/Turo orders them to gather allies if needed and head to Area Zero, which is where the professor is. When they get there, they are told that they need to go to the four research stations to unlock the four locks holding the professor in their lab.
** Once this is completed, they go to the Zero Lab, and discover that Professor Sada/Turo is an AI, created by the actual professor, who was killed by another Koraidon/Miraidon.
** The protagonist then is told that they must battle the AI to stop the time machine that the real professor created, to stop the Pokémon of the past/future from ruling the current region of Paldea.
** After this, the Paradise Protection Protocol overrides the AI professor, making them send out the other Miraidon/Koraidon. The protagonist eventually sends out their Koraidon/Miraidon who changes into its battle form and defeats the AI. The AI says to them that it must travel to the past/future to learn more and does so.
** Then the director congratulates them, and Nemona wants to start a tournament where the most powerful trainer in the academy is determined, and staff can join in too.
**After these events, the protagonist is told by Jacq to go to the school and that they have been chosen to go to a region called Kitakami.

==In the side series games==
===Pokémon Colosseum===
[[Pokémon Colosseum]] shares the same continuity as the [[core series]] games. The events of this game occur between {{gen|I}}/{{gen|III}} and {{gen|II}}/{{gen|IV}} core series games.
* In the [[Orre]] region, a young man named [[Wes]] betrays [[Team Snagem]], destroying [[Snagem Hideout|their base]] and stealing their only portable [[Snag Machine]], a device that allows one to steal Pokémon already owned by other {{pkmn|Trainer}}s. He subsequently rescues a girl named [[Rui]], who has the ability to see the dark auras produced by [[Shadow Pokémon]], Pokémon turned into heartless fighting machines by the criminal syndicate [[Cipher]]. Wes and Rui set out to [[Snagging|snag]] all of the Shadow Pokémon across Orre in order to thwart Cipher's plans and [[Purification|purify]] the corrupted Pokémon back to their original states. In doing so, Wes repeatedly defeats Cipher's four {{tc|Cipher Admin|Admins}}, ultimately confronting and defeating their boss [[Evice]] at the organization's base at [[Realgam Tower]]. Evice is arrested, and with Wes capturing and purifying the few remaining Shadow Pokémon, Orre returns to a state of peace.

===Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness===
[[Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness]] shares the same continuity as the [[core series]] games. The events of this game occur approximately two years after [[Generation II]]/[[Generation IV]].
* Five years after [[Wes]] and [[Rui]]'s heroic tale, [[Cipher]] resurfaces in [[Orre]] with a new army of [[Shadow Pokémon]]. In Wes's absence, a boy named [[Michael]], armed with a new [[Snag Machine]] and the new [[purification]] system known as the [[Purify Chamber]] created by [[Professor Krane]], sets out to take down Cipher once more. In the process, he also encounters the former {{tc|Cipher Admin}} and a current small-time criminal [[Miror B.]], who's likewise after any strong Shadow Pokémon he can find. After stopping Cipher's takeover of the [[ONBS]] news station, thwarting their plans to impersonate the citizens of [[Phenac City]], getting his Snag Machine stolen by and retrieving it from [[Team Snagem]], and destroying Cipher's [[Cipher Key Lair|Shadow Pokémon factory]], Michael uses the [[Robo Kyogre]] built by the eccentric inventor [[Dr. Kaminko]] to make his way to Cipher's base on [[Citadark Isle]]. Defeating an army of {{tc|Cipher Peon}}s and all the new Cipher Admins along the way, he finally confronts Cipher's Grand Master [[Greevil]] and his ultimate Shadow Pokémon, the supposedly unpurifiable [[Shadow Lugia]]. With Greevil and Lugia eventually bested, Cipher is defeated once more. Convinced by one of his sons, [[Eldes]], to atone for his wrongdoings, Greevil turns himself in. Michael then proceeds to purify Shadow Lugia with the Purify Chamber and snag the last remaining Shadow Pokémon from Miror B., ending the second "Shadow incident" and restoring peace to Orre once more.

==In the spin-off games==
===Pokémon Ranger series===
The [[Pokémon Ranger series]] shares the same continuity as the [[core series]] games.

The events of {{OBP|Pokémon Ranger|video game}} occur between {{gen|I}}/{{gen|III}} and {{gen|II}}/{{gen|IV}} core series games. The events of {{g|Ranger: Shadows of Almia}}, and {{g|Ranger: Guardian Signs}} occur at the same time as {{gen|II}}/{{gen|IV}} core series games.

In {{g|Ranger: Guardian Signs}}, there are legends about events from hundreds of years before [[Generation I]].
{{sectionstub}}

==In the anime==
{{main|History of the Pokémon world (anime)}}

==In the manga==
===Pokémon Adventures===
{{main|History of the Pokémon world (Adventures)}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Notes==
<references group="note" />

==See also==

{{Pokémon world}}

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{{Project Games notice}}

[[Category:Pokémon world]]

[[de:Geschichte der Pokémon-Welt]]
[[es:Historia del mundo Pokémon]]
[[it:Storia del mondo dei Pokémon]]
[[ja:ポケットモンスターの歴史]]
[[zh:宝可梦世界史]]