PokeWilds is a fan-made survival game that blends Pokémon exploration with open-world mechanics. Set in a nostalgic Game Boy Color aesthetic, it draws inspiration from Gen 2 Pokémon titles while introducing sandbox-style features like crafting, building, and taming wild Pokémon. One of the most exciting aspects for fans is the Pokémon roster included in the game.
If you’ve ever wondered which creatures roam the vast, wild regions of PokeWilds, you’re not alone. From familiar starters to rare encounters, the variety adds depth and discovery to every step you take. But the big question many new players ask is: What Pokémon are actually in PokeWilds?
Gen 2 Pokémon Foundation
Focus on Johto Region Creatures
The foundation of PokeWilds is based on Generation 2 Pokémon, including creatures from the Johto region. This includes fan favorites like Cyndaquil, Totodile, and Chikorita. These Pokémon set the tone for the visual style and gameplay mechanics, offering nostalgic charm while staying rooted in classic designs.
Visuals Styled After Gen 2 Graphics
PokeWilds uses the 8-bit Game Boy Color style, bringing back pixel-perfect sprites from Gen 2 games like Gold, Silver, and Crystal. This art style not only defines how Pokémon appear but also enhances immersion in the game’s survival setting. Players experience battles, wild encounters, and map exploration through this familiar visual lens.
Starter Pokémon Availability
At the beginning of the game, players can encounter Johto starters in wild form. Unlike traditional Pokémon games, there isn’t a formal starter selection. Instead, the open-world nature of PokeWilds means you must search for and tame your first team member in the wild.
Regional Variety and Biomes
Pokémon by Environment Type
Different Pokémon spawn depending on the biome you explore. Forests house Bug and Grass types, mountains favor Rock and Ground types, and swamps bring Poison and Water types. Each area rewards exploration with new species, encouraging players to venture into unknown terrain.
Seasonal and Time-Based Encounters
Some Pokémon in PokeWilds are linked to the in-game time or seasons. Nocturnal Pokémon like Hoothoot or Murkrow appear at night, while others are more common during the day. This mechanic mimics the original Gen 2 time-based system, increasing the game’s dynamic feel.
Biome-Specific Lists
- Forests: Caterpie, Oddish, Spinarak
- Caves: Zubat, Geodude, Onix
- Swamps: Wooper, Grimer, Croagunk
Rare and Special Pokémon
Legendary Pokémon Sightings
Though the game is in active development, plans and mods include rare sightings of Legendaries like Entei, Raikou, or Suicune. These Pokémon aren’t easily found, making them valuable targets for experienced players.
Uncommon Wild Encounters
Pokémon like Heracross, Misdreavus, or Sneasel may appear in specific biomes or through special spawn conditions. These are not typically visible early on, making them feel like genuine rewards for deep exploration and long-term play.
Event-Triggered Pokémon
Some Pokémon only appear after certain crafting goals or habitat developments. For instance, planting berry trees or building habitats can draw specific species into your camp, offering progression-based discovery.
Taming and Team Building
No Pokéballs Required
Unlike mainline games, PokeWilds doesn’t use Pokéballs for capturing. Instead, you befriend and tame Pokémon through feeding and environment-building. This mechanic encourages crafting and resource gathering to form a functional team.
Team Management Through Survival
Your Pokémon not only battle but also help in survival tasks. Water-types can fish, Flying-types assist with scouting, and strong Pokémon help clear trees or rocks. Your team becomes a survival asset, not just a battle lineup.
Role-Based Pokémon Choice
- Builders: Machop, Graveler
- Scouts: Pidgey, Noctowl
- Gatherers: Bellsprout, Wooper
Expanding the Pokédex
Ongoing Development Brings More Pokémon
While the current focus is on Gen 2, PokeWilds is constantly being updated. Some custom builds or community mods introduce Pokémon from Gen 1 and Gen 3 as well. This expands your options and adds fresh dynamics to each new playthrough.
Fan-Made Mod Support
The community has created mods that add new Pokémon and improve spawn logic. These mods allow players to see Pokémon like Bulbasaur or Torchic in-game, giving new life to old maps and gameplay routes.
Future Update Teasers
- Planned support for Gen 3 and 4 sprites
- Expansion of biomes with new matching Pokémon
- Potential evolution systems beyond Gen 2 methods
Exploration and Pokémon Discovery
Wilds Are Full of Surprises
Every time you step into a new biome or cross a river, you’re likely to encounter a Pokémon you haven’t seen before. This makes exploration rewarding, not just for resources but for expanding your team with new Pokémon.
Unique Animations and Behavior
Pokémon in PokeWilds behave like real wild animals. Some roam in herds, others scatter when approached, and a few even interact with your base setup. These animations enhance immersion and set the game apart from traditional Pokémon experiences.
Discovery Drives Replayability
- Find new Pokémon in each world generation
- Encounter rare spawns in hidden areas
- Build unique teams each playthrough
Conclusion
PokeWilds offers a fresh and immersive Pokémon experience focused on survival and exploration. The Pokémon included are primarily from Gen 2, but new additions and mods bring variety and excitement. With its biome-based spawns, taming mechanics, and growing Pokédex, PokeWilds delivers a wild, evolving world that rewards both discovery and strategy. Every journey into the wild feels different with new Pokémon awaiting across every path.