From its humble beginnings as a video game for the Game Boy in the 1990s, Pokémon has evolved into a multi-media franchise that encompasses video games, trading card games, animated TV series, movies, merchandise, fan-made online video games, and more. Although online Pokémon communities seem incredibly niche, they have been present for a while now. With online battle simulators like Pokémon Showdown running since 2011, these online Pokémon games have grown into immersive experiences for an individual to dive into. Here are a few you can get into easily.

Pokémon Planet

Pokémon Planet is a free-to-play browser-based MMO (massively multiplayer online) Pokémon game where players can catch and train Pokémon, and battle with trainers, players, gym leaders, and Elite-4 members, and many more. The game combines all the regions from the previous Pokémon games up to generation 5. On top of an immersive player-versus-environment combat system, Pokémon Planet also has a well-designed player-versus-player system where players can compete with each other in competitive tournaments, battle queues, and clan wars. Pokémon spawn in various areas like the original video games. Players can also catch legendary Pokémon that spawn in exclusive areas or during in-game events. 

The game has a unique chat option where people can post about trading, have conversations, or run commands. The chat option is unlocked after defeating the third gym leader, Misty, to prevent spammers. 

You start your journey by creating an account on Pokémon-planet.com, which will lead you to the forums. 

Pokémon Showdown

Pokémon Showdown is the most accessible online Pokémon battle simulator. Playing competitive Pokémon in Pokémon Showdown is as easy as going to the website: play.Pokémonshowdown.com, The game allows the players to compete in different formats. Compared to other platforms, Pokémon Showdown updates its website the earliest, which lets the players compete with the latest Pokémon, movesets, and items offered by the current flagship Nintendo game. 

The default setting of the battle simulator is the latest generation's "Random Battle" option. In a Random Battle format, two players match against each other with balanced teams of random six Pokémon with competitive movesets, abilities, and items. In Pokémon Showdown, players can compete in formats other than the randomised metagames as long as they have a team.

Read more

Why previous generation Pokémon games are still relevant

Pokémon Showdown has many resources to help you build a competitive team for the genre you want to dive into. But to play competitively, a solid idea of the fundamentals is necessary. For example, Evs (effort values), Ivs (Individual values), abilities, items, and move sets are things you need to build an idea on to be competitive on this platform. To play with your friends on the platform, all you need to do is click the "Find User" button on your home screen and write your friend's username. Your friend's profile will pop up on your screen, and you can challenge them to a battle. 

Pokémon Revolution online 

Pokémon Revolution is another Pokémon MMO that you can enjoy with your friends. Pokémon Revolution Online has the first four regions from the base games and eight hundred and ninety Pokémon from the national Pokedex. Pokémon Revolution is among the easiest to dive into, in terms of exploration and competitive gameplay, with guild wars, tournaments, quests, gym battles, and many more. 

To play Pokémon Revolution, visit their website Pokémonrevolution.net/home and create an account. After that, download the client for your device and start your adventure. To host battles with your friends, get your starter Pokémon from Professor Oak's lab and then add your friend from the social tab. You can then send them a battle request. 

As you proceed further into the game, you'll be able to compete against your friends, similar to a real-life Pokémon journey, as you explore, catch more Pokémon, level up, and grow as a trainer.