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 Ketchum'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 many Pokémon. Throughout his journey, he battles the Gym Leaders of Kanto to earn eight Badges, all the while dealing with the Team Rocket trio's nefarious antics as they restlessly pursue his Pikachu. Along the way, he gains new traveling companions from Brock, an aspiring Pokémon Breeder from Pewter City, and Misty, a tomboyish Water-type Trainer from the Cerulean Gym. After ultimately earning his final Badge and qualifying for the regional Pokémon League, Ash's first adventure culminates at the Indigo Plateau Conference, where he demonstrates his growth as a Trainer.
Following the Indigo Plateau Conference, 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 temporarily joins the group in Brock's place as Ash sets his sights on taking on the Orange League and winning himself the coveted Winner's Trophy.
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 League Badges from the region's eight Gym Leaders and sets his eyes on the Silver Conference.
On his journey, he makes many new friends, catches new Pokémon, and hatches some Pokémon Eggs. The trio of friends also encounters Legendary Pokémon such as Suicune, Entei, and a duo of Lugia, and participate in events like the Whirl Cup. Ash also reunites with old friends and rivals, such as Ritchie and Gary. At the Silver Conference, Ash finally defeats Gary in a climactic Full Battle, but his dreams of victory are ultimately thwarted by Harrison, a Trainer from the distant Hoenn region. Seeing the new, unknown Pokémon used by Harrison, Ash is inspired to visit this new land and tearfully parts ways with Brock and Misty before setting sail across the sea.
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 an indecisive May ultimately decides to become Pokémon Coordinator. Ash's journey is once again filled with him and his friends meeting and catching new Pokémon, including the three Hoenn first partner Pokémon. The group encounters Team Aqua and Team Magma, Hoenn's villainous teams, which have their eyes on the Legendary Pokémon 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 being ultimately bested by 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 Frontier Brains' power forces Ash to use everything he's learned so far to overcome these new powerful opponents, relying on his older Pokémon such as Charizard and Snorlax to earn the seven Frontier Symbols. Meanwhile, May continues earning Ribbons across Kanto, eventually culminating in her competing in the Kanto Grand Festival, where she succeeds in finally besting Drew, but is still unable to realize her dream of becoming a Top Coordinator. Simultaneously, Ash's own quest through the Battle Frontier reaches its climax as he clashes against Brandon, the strongest Frontier Brain, several times before ultimately beating him and entering the Battle Frontier Hall of Fame. Following Ash and May's participation and clash in the unofficial Terracotta Town Pokémon Contest, Ash and his friends part ways once more to follow their respective dreamsm
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, his 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 their person growth, both Ash and Dawn add new Pokémon friends you their respective teams while Ash betters himself as a Trainer and Dawn gradually works 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 Looker, Professor Rowan, and Cynthia, the trio works to counter Team Galactic's efforts, ultimatel liberating the lake guardians Mesprit, Azelf, and Uxie from their control. Meanwhile, Dawn competes in numerous Contests, steadily earning Contest Ribbons and overcoming personal challenges. She enters a depressing losing streak, but manages to break it following a showdown against Ash's previous Coordinator friend, May, in the finals of the Wallace Cup. 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. Although Ash's run in the League is ultimately thwarted by a powerful Trainer named Tobias, his dream of becoming a Pokémon Master burns as strong as ever, so he parts ways with Brock and Dawn to allow each of them to pursue their respective dreams.
Pokémon the Series: Black & White
- Main article: Timeline of events in Pokémon the Series: Black & White
In Pokémon the Series: Black & 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 Unova first partner Pokémon, while Iris and Cilan also make additions to their respective Pokémon teams. Their team dynamic evolves as they navigate through various trials, leading to Ash earning new Badges one by one. As the journey unfolds, Ash and his friends confront the more organized schemes of Team Rocket, who aim to control the Unova region by capturing the forces of nature. Alongside capturing new Pokémon, Ash reunites with Cynthia and Dawn as he travels to east Unova, which is populated by Pokémon from regions outside of Unova. The series' first overarching arc culminates with the Vertress Conference, where Ash faces his Unova rivals in climactic, high stakes battles.
Back in Nuvema Town, upon the League's conclusion, the stage is set for further adventures when Professor Juniper informs Ash of the White Ruins connected to the Legendary Pokémon Reshiram and a new Gym in Aspertia City. En route to the 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 his friends, they confront Team Plasma's scientist Colress, who is developing technology to manipulate Pokémon, and receive help from Looker. Ash further strengthens his party when Charizard rejoins him 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 heroes thwart Team Plasma's plan, freeing the controlled Pokémon and leading to Ghetsis, Colress, and their underlings being arrested. With Team Plasma disbanded, N departs with Anthea and Concordia, alongside his vision of harmony between humans and Pokémon.
Following Team Plasma's downfall, Ash decides to head back to his hometown, with Iris and Cilan choosing to continue tagging along with him as they head to Kanto while passing through the Decolore Islands. Along the way, the group encounters people like Viola, a reporter from the faraway Kalos region, and Clair from Blackthorn City. Upon the group's arrival to Kanto, Iris and Cilan choose yo resume their own journeys, while Ash decides to accompany Viola to her home region in order to challenge a brand new Pokémon League.
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 the 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 tells them about a phenomenon known as Mega Evolution. During his journey, Ash catches many new Pokémon (including a Froakie that eventually evolves into a very unique Greninja) and challenges various Gym Leaders, including Clemont in a passionate battle between friends at the Lumiose Gym. 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 mysterious Pokémon 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 his rival 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 Kalos League 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 Alola's 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 many new Pokémon, who grow stronger as they tackle various challenges and become like family to him. The Team Rocket trio also makes their presence known in Alola, establishing a base in the den of a smothering and motherly Bewear, butting heads with Alola's local group of thugs in Team Skull, and gaining a Z-Ring of their own.
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 interdimensional 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 Pokémon evolve and he gains new rivals in people such as Gladion and the Masked Royal.
The climax of the series 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 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 classmates each resume pursuing their own respective goals, while Ash chooses to start traveling the world and departs from the Alola region, bidding a tearful goodbye to his Alolan family and friends.
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 in order 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 new Pokémon partners and equips himself with all the battle techniques he has access to: Z-Moves, Dynamax, and Mega Evolution. While Goh continues to become a better Trainer, with his Cinderace and numerous other Pokémon by his side. They are occasionally accompanied by Professor Cerise's daughter Chloe, who, with her newly caught Eevee, is trying to figure out her own path in life and encounter many extraordinary 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), Gary, and Paul, who all help push Ash forward on their own way. 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, with Ash continuing 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; together, they embark on new adventures that pay homage to significant moments from his past. Along the way, they encounter familiar Pokémon, such as Ash's Lapras and the Squirtle Squad. 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 by himself and reflects on his extensive journey. Following reunions with his family and old friends, he reaffirms his aspiration to become a Pokémon Master. With renewed determination, a deeper understanding of his bond with Pokémon, and understanding what becoming a Pokémon Master truly means to him, Ash sets off once again into the world, embracing whatever new adventures await him and Pikachu.
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. |