Pokémon Pokopia isn’t just 2026’s highest-rated game so far – it is now the best-reviewed Pokémon game of all time.
Pokopia currently has an average critic score of 89 on Metacritic, surpassing this year’s heavy hitters like Mewgenics and Resident Evil Requiem.
It has already surpassed the previous Pokémon franchise records. For over a decade, the highest score was 87, shared by Pokémon X/Y, Black/White, Sun/Moon, and HeartGold/SoulSilver.
TL;DR — Pokémon Pokopia Review Scores
- Pokémon Pokopia currently holds an 89 Metacritic score.
- It is now the best-reviewed Pokémon game ever.
- The previous record was 87, shared by several mainline titles.
- Critics praise its cozy life-sim gameplay and genre blending.
- The game is also currently the highest-rated release of 2026.
Table of Contents
Why Pokopia Has Such a High Score
The game’s success stems from its departure from the standard “defeat gym leaders” formula. Instead, it’s offering a cozy life-sim experience. Critics are describing it as a polished blend of several genres:
- Ginfinity – Masterfully blends the creative freedom of Minecraft with the cozy charm of Animal Crossing.
- Pocket Tactics – It takes the best bits from iconic games like Animal Crossing and Dragon Quest Builders and makes them its own.
Reviewers are specifically praising the game’s originality, noting that while the inspirations are clear, Game Freak and Omega Force managed to make it feel entirely fresh.
Review Roundup
The reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with top-tier scores from major outlets:
| Outlet | Score |
|---|---|
| GAMINGbible | 10/10 |
| TechRadar Gaming | 10/10 |
| GamesRadar | 4.5 / 5 |
GamesRadar described the game this way:
“Pokemon Pokopia is like a brilliantly bizarre blend of Pokemon, Animal Crossing, Dragon Quest Builders, and Viva Piñata, and despite its many influences, manages to be a unique spin-off for the Pokemon series that’s also an accomplished life sim.”
At the time of writing, Pokémon Pokopia only has two mixed reviews, with TheGamer’s 6/10 and Gamekult’s 7/10.
A Rare Critical Peak for Pokémon Spin-Offs
Historically, mainline Pokémon games have reviewed well, but rarely pushed into high-90 territory.
Spin-offs have had an even tougher time, often struggling to match the critical performance of core entries. This makes Pokémon Pokopia’s 89 score especially significant, as it not only succeeds as a side game but also outperforms the franchise’s best entries.
For a spin-off to reach the top of the franchise’s review rankings is extremely rare.
What Comes Next?
The Metacritic score may fluctuate as more reviews are added. Still, its early positioning at the top of 2026’s charts raises an interesting question: can it maintain its lead as the year’s biggest releases arrive?
For now, Pokémon Pokopia looks like an early (and unexpected) contender for Game of the Year.
Whether it keeps the crown or not, Pokopia has already secured a unique place in Pokémon history.