Timeline of events in Pokémon the Series
This is a chronological list of significant events in Pokémon the Series and the episodes which they occurred in, or, for events which happened outside the series, where they happened in relation to the episodes.
Passage of time
It is worth noting that, while there are events that may mark the passage of time during the main storyline of the animated series, most characters show little sign of aging. This is most striking for the young characters who are generally the main characters. Flashbacks often show characters when they are younger. In Pokémon the Series, Ash is identified as 10 years old from the first episode[1] to the end of the 25th season.[2]
While this issue is largely unexplained, the Pokémon.com mailbag did address Ash's age in September 2002.
Ash Ketchum was indeed ten years old when he started, but he is ageless – since the beginning of the show until now, Ash has become an icon, a legend, like Mickey Mouse. But Mickey Mouse doesn’t look 75 years old (although he is), and the same goes for Ash.
Timeline
Pre-series
The order of many of these events is approximated and debatable.
| Time | Details |
|---|---|
| The beginning of time | |
| 4,600,000,000 years prior |
|
| 2,000,000 years prior | |
| Thousands of years prior |
|
| 2,000 years prior | |
| 1,000 years prior |
|
| 500 years prior |
|
| 400 years prior |
|
| 300 years prior |
|
| 300 years prior to JN |
|
| 200 years prior | |
| 200 years prior to XY |
|
| 100 years prior |
|
| 100 years prior to XY |
|
| 55 years prior to SM | |
| 50 years prior |
|
| 40 years prior |
|
| 30 years prior |
|
| 20 years prior to DP |
|
| 20 years prior to SM |
|
| ??? |
|
| ??? | |
| 10 years prior to XY |
|
| 5 years prior | |
| 4 years prior to SM | |
| 4 years prior to JN | |
| 3 years prior to JN |
|
| 2 years prior to JN |
|
| ??? |
|
| 1 year prior to DP |
|
| 1 year prior to JN |
|
| Less than 1 year prior | |
| Less than 1 year prior to DP | |
| Less than 1 year prior to XY | |
| Less than 1 year prior to SM |
|
Pokémon the Series: The Beginning
- Main article: Timeline of events in Pokémon the Series: The Beginning
Pokémon the Series: The Beginning marks the start of Ash's quest to become a Pokémon Master as he sets off in the Kanto region. Beginning in Pallet Town with his first partner Pokémon, Pikachu, he faces numerous challenges and captures new Pokémon. Throughout his journey, he battles the Gym Leaders to earn eight badges, starting with his first at the Pewter Gym, while frequently thwarting Team Rocket's nefarious schemes. Ash's first adventure culminates at the Indigo Plateau Conference, where he demonstrates his growth as a Trainer, after ultimately earning his final Badge and qualifying for the regional Pokémon League.
Following the league, Ash briefly returns to Pallet Town, where Professor Oak assigns him the task of visiting the Orange Islands to retrieve the mysterious GS Ball on his behalf. While traveling through the archipelago, Ash adds Snorlax and Lapras to his party and meets Professor Ivy. After getting the GS Ball from her, Ash and Misty decide to continue exploring the islands, while Brock stays behind as Professor Ivy's assistant. They soon encounter Tracey Sketchit, a Pokémon Watcher, who joins the group as Ash sets his sights on taking on the Orange League.
Pokémon the Series: Gold and Silver
In Pokémon the Series: Gold and Silver, Ash continues his quest to become a Pokémon Master as he travels through Johto with his Pikachu, along with Misty and Brock as his traveling companions again. Starting from New Bark Town, he decides to collect all eight Johto Gym Badges and sets his eyes on the Silver Conference. He faces off against Gym Leaders Falkner, Bugsy, Whitney, Morty, Chuck, Jasmine, Pryce, and Clair.
On his journey, he makes new friends, catches Heracross, Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile, Noctowl, and receives a Pokémon Egg from a kind elderly couple. The trio encounters Legendary Pokémon such as Suicune, Entei, and a duo of Lugia, and they participate in events like the Whirl Cup. Ash also reunites with old friends and rivals, including Gary. At the Silver Conference, he manages to defeat Gary and confronts Harrison in the quarterfinals. After the tournament, Ash bids a touching farewell to Misty, the new Cerulean Gym Leader, and Brock, and returns to Pallet Town. After a short break, he reaffirms his passion for learning about new Pokémon and makes up his mind to travel with Pikachu to a new place.
Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire
In Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire, Ash embarks on a new journey to the Hoenn region, accompanied by Pikachu and joined by new friends May and Max, as well as the returning Brock. Beginning his Hoenn journey in Littleroot Town, Ash sets out to compete in the Hoenn League, while May initially plans to follow her father's footsteps, but later decides to pursue the goal of becoming a top Pokémon Coordinator. Along the way, Ash adds Treecko to his party, Brock finds a Mudkip to join him, and May chooses Torchic as her first partner Pokémon. The group encounters Team Aqua and Team Magma, Hoenn's villainous teams, as well as Legendary Pokémon such as Groudon and Kyogre. As Ash challenges the region's Gym Leaders to earn his eight Gym Badges, May begins competing in Pokémon Contests, earning Ribbons as she develops her skills as a Coordinator. She competes in the Hoenn Grand Festival, advancing through the rounds but facing her skilled rival Drew in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Ash's efforts culminate at the Ever Grande Conference, where he faces strong rivals like Tyson and Morrison. After the League, he learns about the Battle Frontier and decides to take on this new challenge, while May continues to pursue her goals in Pokémon Contests across Kanto.
The group returns to Pallet Town, reuniting with familiar faces like Misty and Professor Oak, before setting off on their next adventure through the Battle Frontier. Ash challenges the Frontier Brains for their Symbols. His new quest's first stop is the Battle Factory, where he reunites with Charizard and battles Factory Head Noland and his fearsome Articuno, earning his first Symbol. Alongside May, Max, and Brock, Ash travels across Kanto, facing other Frontier Brains like Greta, Tucker, and Lucy, earning symbols through intense battles. During this time, May continues to hone her skills as a Pokémon Coordinator, earning Contest Ribbons throughout Kanto as she works toward competing in the Kanto Grand Festival. As Ash approaches the final stages of his Battle Frontier challenge, he faces Pyramid King Brandon but loses. After multiple attempts, he earns the Brave Symbol, securing his place in the Battle Frontier Hall of Fame and is offered the chance to become a Frontier Brain. Both May and Ash compete in the Terracotta Contest, leading to a tie between them in the final round. Afterward, Ash and his friends part ways, with May heading to Johto to continue her journey as a top Coordinator. Back in his hometown, Gary challenges Ash with a new Pokémon from the Sinnoh region. This discovery excites Ash, leading him to prepare for his next adventure in Sinnoh with Pikachu and his stowaway, Aipom.
Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl
In Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, Ash arrives at the Sinnoh region, accompanied by his Pikachu and, initially unbeknownst to him, Aipom. He is soon joined by a novice Pokémon Trainer Dawn from Twinleaf Town, and later, his long-time friend Brock. Aiming to follow in her mother Johanna's footsteps as an aspiring Pokémon Coordinator, Dawn begins her journey with Piplup after rescuing the Penguin Pokémon from an Ariados. Ash also meets Paul, a Trainer from Veilstone City whose harsh training methods with his Chimchar create tension between him and Ash throughout the series. As part of his personal growth, Ash adds new Pokémon to his team, such as Starly and Turtwig, while Dawn captures Buneary and Buizel, gradually working on her skills as a Trainer and a Coordinator. Throughout their travels, the group encounters various challenges, including battling Gym Leaders, participating in Pokémon Contests, and facing off against formidable rivals.
As their journey progresses, Ash, Dawn, and Brock confront the sinister plans of Team Galactic, who seek to control the Legendary Pokémon Dialga and Palkia. With the help of their Pokémon and allies like Professor Rowan and Cynthia, the trio works to counter Team Galactic's efforts, ultimately liberating the lake guardians Mesprit, Azelf, and Uxie. Meanwhile, Dawn competes in numerous Contests, steadily earning Contest Ribbons and overcoming personal challenges. She breaks her losing streak at the Wallace Cup, after defeating May, Ash and Brock's former traveling companion. Dawn makes it to the Sinnoh Grand Festival with her fellow Coordinator friends and rivals, such as Kenny, Zoey, Nando, and Ursula. While Ash earns all eight Sinnoh League Gym Badges and participates in the Lily of the Valley Conference, he faces formidable opponents like Paul, Barry, Conway, and Nando. His rivalry with Paul culminates in a three-episode quarterfinal battle, where Ash's Infernape proves its strength and growth, leading Paul to realize his own shortcomings and respect Ash. They both promise to battle again in the future.
In the climax of the Sinnoh League, Ash battles Tobias, a powerful Trainer who uses Legendary Pokémon like Darkrai and Latios, ultimately placing in the Top 4. Following the league, Dawn decides to remain in Sinnoh to focus on her growth as a Coordinator, while Brock is inspired to pursue a career as a Pokémon Doctor. Ash and Brock return to their home region of Kanto, with Ash reflecting on his growth and achievements in Sinnoh. The series concludes with Ash setting the stage for future challenges and adventures. Team Rocket also undergoes promotions and receives new directives, hinting at ongoing conflicts, while Ash’s experiences in Sinnoh reinforce his determination to become a Pokémon Master.
Pokémon the Series: Black & White
- Main article: Timeline of events in Pokémon the Series: Black & White
In Pokémon the Series: Black and White, Ash Ketchum takes a flight to the Unova region, accompanied by his ever-loyal Pikachu. He is joined by an aspiring Dragon Master and adventurous young Trainer named Iris from the Village of Dragons, as well as a passionate Pokémon Connoisseur and then-Gym Leader from Striaton City, Cilan. Upon arriving in the new region, Ash learns that Unova primarily features entirely new Pokémon not found in any of the regions he previously visited. Aiming to challenge the Unova League by defeating a new set of Gym Leaders, he finds another rival in Trip. In the Unova region, Ash captures all three of the region's first partner Pokémon: Oshawott, Tepig, and Snivy. Iris begins her journey with Ash using her Axew and Excadrill, while Cilan has a Pansage. Their team dynamic evolves as they navigate through various trials, leading to Ash earning his first Unova League Badge at the Striaton Gym by taking on Cilan and his two brothers, Cress and Chili. As the journey unfolds, Ash and his friends confront the more organized schemes of Team Rocket, who aim to harness the powers of the three Forces of Nature and Meloetta. Alongside capturing new Pokémon, Ash participates in the Pokémon World Tournament Junior Cup, along with a familiar face, Dawn, and a new rival, Cameron. The series' first overarching arc culminates with the Vertress Conference, where Ash faces formidable opponents and engages in a challenging battle against Cameron in the quarterfinals.
Back in Nuvema Town, upon the league's conclusion, the stage is set for further adventures when Professor Juniper informs Ash of a new Gym in Aspertia City. En route to the White Ruins, Ash and his friends meet the enigmatic N, who shares a unique bond with Pokémon, doesn't like Pokémon battles as he views them as forced fights, and is later revealed to have a complex history with the villainous Team Plasma. Together with Ash and co., they confront Team Plasma's scientist Colress, who is developing technology to manipulate Pokémon. Ash further strengthens his party, when Charizard rejoins his team and assists in battles against Team Plasma. As Team Plasma's ambitions escalate, our heroes finally arrive at the White Ruins, where Ghetsis plans to revive Reshiram using the Light Stone. With the help of Looker, Anthea and Concordia, the gang thwart Team Plasma's plan, freeing the controlled Pokémon and leading to Ghetsis, Colress, Aldith and Barret's arrests. With Team Plasma disbanded, N departs with Anthea and Concordia with his vision of harmony between humans and Pokémon. Meanwhile, Ash shares with Professor Juniper that he wants to return to his hometown, Iris confesses that she wants to learn more about Dragon-types from other regions, and Cilan express a hope to continue his adventures to be a top class Pokémon Connoisseur.
Ash, Iris, and Cilan journey through the Decolore Islands as they make their way back to Kanto from the Unova region. Along the way, they meet Alexa, a journalist from Lumiose City in the Kalos region who introduces them to her Helioptile and Gogoat, two Pokémon native to her homeland. Ash participates in the Scalchop King Competition with his Oshawott, a tournament for Trainers who raise male Oshawott and Dewott. The group also encounters old acquaintances like Clair, the Blackthorn City Gym Leader, providing Iris an opportunity to further her goal of becoming a Dragon Master by battling and learning from her. As they reach Kanto, Iris and Cilan decide to part ways to pursue their own ambitions—Iris heads to the Johto region to train with Clair, while Cilan goes to hone his skills as a Pokémon Connoisseur. Ash returns to Pallet Town with Alexa, reunites with his mother and Pokémon. After learning about the Kalos League from Alexa, and the fact that her sister is one of the Gym Leaders, he makes up his mind to embark on a new journey, setting the stage for his next adventure in Pokémon the Series: XY.
Pokémon the Series: XY
- Main article: Timeline of events in Pokémon the Series: XY
In Pokémon the Series: XY, Ash arrives in the Kalos region, where he meets Clemont, an inventor and former Gym Leader of Lumiose City, and his younger sister Bonnie. Soon after, Ash reunites with his childhood friend Serena, whom he first met at a summer camp in Pallet Town. She joins him on his journey and aims to become a Pokémon Performer. Together, they travel across Kalos and meet Professor Sycamore, who specializes in Evolution and Mega Evolution. Ash catches new Pokémon like Froakie, which eventually evolves into Greninja, forming a unique bond known as "Ash-Greninja" that enhances their battling abilities. During his journey, Ash challenges various Gym Leaders, including an intense Gym battle against Clemont in Lumiose City, where he earns the Voltage Badge. Serena pursues her dream of becoming the Kalos Queen by participating in Pokémon Showcases, competing against rivals like Shauna, Nini, and Miette.
The group becomes involved with the mysterious phenomenon surrounding Squishy, a Zygarde Core that Bonnie befriends. They also repeatedly cross paths with Alain, a Trainer working for Lysandre of Team Flare, who is researching Mega Evolution and collecting Mega Evolution energy. Ash and Alain develop a rivalry, with Ash striving to master his Greninja's unique transformation. During the Lumiose Conference, Ash battles his way to the finals by defeating Sawyer in the penultimate match. Facing off against Alain in the final battle, he ultimately finishes as runner-up. Shortly after, Team Flare launches an attack on Lumiose City, aiming to control Zygarde and reshape the world according to Lysandre's vision. This prompts Ash and his friends, along with Alain, the Kalos Gym Leaders, and Champion Diantha, to work together to stop Team Flare's plans. In the climactic battle, Bonnie's companion "Squishy" reveals itself as a Zygarde Core, combining with another Core to transform into Zygarde's Complete Forme and successfully thwart Team Flare's ambitions.
With peace restored in Kalos, Serena decides to become a Pokémon Coordinator and pursue Pokémon Contests in the Hoenn region, accepting a new path for her performances. Clemont returns to his Gym in Lumiose City with Bonnie, who aspires to become a Trainer like her brother some day. Ash bids farewell to his friends and heads back to Pallet Town, concluding his adventures in the Kalos region.
Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon
- Main article: Timeline of events in Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon
Venturing into the tropical paradise of the Alola region in Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon, Ash arrives with his mother Delia and Mimey, eager to experience new adventures. Immersed in a world of exotic Pokémon and unique customs, he enrolls in the Pokémon School, where he befriends classmates Lana, Lillie, Mallow, Sophocles, and Kiawe. Gifted a Z-Ring by the guardian deity Tapu Koko, Ash embarks on the island challenge, aiming to master powerful Z-Moves and overcome the grand trials of each island. Alongside his new friends, he discovers the wonders of Ride Pokémon, encounters regional variants, and catches Pokémon like Rowlet, Rockruff, and Litten, who grow stronger as they tackle various challenges. The group faces rivals such as Gladion and contends with the mischief of Team Skull, while Team Rocket trio make their presence known in Alola, encountering unique Pokémon and acquiring their own Z-Crystal.
As their journey unfolds, Ash and his companions become entangled in the mysteries surrounding the Aether Foundation and the emergence of Ultra Beasts threatening the region. Befriending a Cosmog nicknamed Nebby, which eventually evolves into the Legendary Solgaleo, the group forms the Ultra Guardians to protect Alola from inter-dimensional threats. Together, they confront the formidable Necrozma, striving to restore light to Poipole’s darkened homeworld. Ash's bond with his Pokémon deepens as his Rockruff evolves into a rare Dusk Form Lycanroc, and Litten evolves into Torracat during an exhilarating Battle Royal with the Masked Royal.
The climax arrives with the inaugural Alola League at the Manalo Conference, where Ash battles through intense matches against skilled Trainers, including his rival Gladion. Emerging victorious, he becomes Alola's first-ever Champion. However, the celebrations are interrupted by the appearance of multiple menacing Guzzlord, prompting a united effort to protect the region once more to send them back to Ultra Space. Following this, Ash engages in an epic Full Battle in an exhibition match against Professor Kukui, with Tapu Koko joining as Kukui's final Pokémon, culminating in a spectacular Z-Move clash. With the conclusion of the Alola League, Ash's friends pursue their own dreams: Sophocles aims to visit the Mossdeep Space Center with Molayne, Lana seeks the mythical Manaphy in the ocean depths with her father, Mallow aspires to expand to Aina's Kitchen into a restaurant, and Lillie, after restoring Mohn's Magearna, sets off with Gladion and Lusamine to search for Mohn with Magearna's help. Bidding a heartfelt farewell to his Alolan family, Ash returns to Pallet Town, his journey leaving an indelible mark as he looks forward to new horizons. Professor Burnet and Kukui are revealed to be expecting.
Pokémon Journeys: The Series
- Main article: Timeline of events in Pokémon Journeys: The Series
In Pokémon Journeys: The Series, Ash embarks on his as-of-now last adventure as a research fellow under Professor Cerise at the Cerise Laboratory in Vermilion City, teaming up with his new friend Goh. Together, they travel across various regions to learn more about Pokémon and their natural habitats. Goh, driven by a childhood encounter with the Mythical Pokémon Mew, aims to catch every Pokémon species, including Mew itself. Meanwhile, Ash enters the prestigious World Coronation Series to challenge the world's strongest Trainers and ultimately defeat the reigning Monarch, Leon, and get one step closer to his dream of becoming a Pokémon Master. Their journey takes them to places like the Galar region, where they witness the Dynamax phenomenon and become involved in the Darkest Day crisis concerning the Legendary Pokémon Eternatus, Zacian, and Zamazenta.
Ash expands his team with powerful partners like Pikachu, Dragonite, Gengar, Sirfetch'd, Lucario, and Dracovish, mastering battle mechanics including Dynamax, Gigantamax, Z-Moves, and Mega Evolution. While Goh continues to become a better Trainer, with his Cinderace and Inteleon by his side, along with several new additions. They also befriend Chloe and her Eevee, and encounter Legendary Pokémon such as Mewtwo, Suicune, and Ho-Oh. As he climbs the ranks of the World Coronation Series, Ash reunites with old friends and rivals, including Iris, now the Unova Champion, and Gary. Notably, his former rival Paul returns, and helps Ash train for the Masters Eight Tournament by engaging him in a challenging practice battle, which helps Ash refine his strategies. In the climactic Masters Eight Tournament, Ash faces off against some of the world's most formidable Trainers, such as Cynthia, Steven Stone, and ultimately Leon. With support from his friends, including Goh and Chloe, and the experience gained from his extensive travels, Ash defeats Leon in an epic showdown, becoming the new Monarch. Concurrently, Goh's participation in Project Mew leads him to a significant encounter with Mew on Faraway Island. Recognizing their individual aspirations, Ash and Goh amicably part ways to pursue their respective goals—Ash continues his journey toward becoming a Pokémon Master, while Goh sets off to explore more of the Pokémon world.
Continuing his journey alone, Ash reunites with his longtime friends Misty and Brock, and together they embark on new adventures that pay homage to significant moments from his past. Along the way, they encounter familiar Pokémon, such as his Lapras, and his Squirtle, now leading the Squirtle Squad as an esteemed firefighting team. They also cross paths with the Legendary Pokémon Latias and Latios; Ash aids Latios in escaping from a persistent Pokémon hunter, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to protecting all Pokémon. Eventually, Ash returns to Pallet Town, where he reflects on his extensive journey. Reunited with his family and old friends, he reaffirms his aspiration to become a Pokémon Master. With renewed determination and a deeper understanding of his bond with Pokémon, Ash sets off once again into the world, embracing whatever new adventures await him.
References
- ↑ Pokémon – I Choose You! [FULL EPISODE] | Pokémon: Indigo League Episode 1 - YouTube: "And now that I'm ten, I can finally get my Pokémon license."
- ↑ Ash's character profile (in Japanese) mentions that he is 10 years old as of Pokémon Journeys: The Series.
Related articles
- Timeline of events in Pokémon Horizons: The Series
- List of animated series episodes
- List of character ages
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This article is part of Project Anime, a Bulbapedia project that covers all aspects of Pokémon animation. |
