best pokemon mystery dungeon game

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For those unfamiliar, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon is a dungeon-crawling RPG where Pokémon speak human language, form teams, and explore randomly generated dungeons. Unlike the mainline Pokémon games, there are no humans—just Pokémon and their adventures.

These games are known for their deep stories, engaging turn-based battles, and emotional narratives. Among Pokémon spin-offs, Mystery Dungeon is widely regarded as one of the best.

Today, we’re ranking all four main Mystery Dungeon games from worst to best, based on:
 

 Story & Characters
 Gameplay & Mechanics
 Challenge & Replayability
 How Well They Have Aged

Let’s jump right in and see which Mystery Dungeon game takes the #1 spot!

 Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity (2013, 3DS)

A Step Back for the Series

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity was released in 2013 for the Nintendo 3DS, but unfortunately, it’s often regarded as the weakest entry in the series.

  Story & Premise

Like previous Mystery Dungeon games, you wake up as a Pokémon after a strange dream. You meet a partner Pokémon who wants to build a Pokémon Paradise near a town called Post Town.

While the premise is familiar, the story lacks depth compared to previous entries. The characters don’t feel as engaging, and by the time the game ended, I didn’t feel much emotional connection.

  Gameplay & Mechanics
The gameplay retains the dungeon-crawling formula but feels overly simplified compared to previous games:

  • Fewer Pokémon to recruit
  • Dungeons are easier & less engaging
  • Less challenge overall

The game doesn’t get difficult until the very end or post-game, making the journey feel too easy and repetitive.

  Visuals & Presentation

  • The first Mystery Dungeon game in 3D
  • Pokémon look great and animate well
  • Solid frame rate & textures

While the game is visually appealing, the gameplay falls flat. It’s still a decent game, but compared to other Mystery Dungeon games, it’s the least enjoyable.

  An okay entry, but not as challenging or engaging as its predecessors.

  Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon (2015, 3DS)

A Return to Form

Released in 2015 for the Nintendo 3DS, Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon improved on Gates to Infinity and brought back the challenge that fans missed.

 Story & Premise

As usual, you wake up as a Pokémon with no memory of your human past. You enroll in a Pokémon school, where you meet your partner, who dreams of joining the Expedition Society.

The story is surprisingly engaging and better written than Gates to Infinity, featuring:
   A strong emotional core
   Interesting character development
   Humorous moments

While not as iconic as the best games in the series, it’s definitely an improvement.

 Gameplay & Mechanics

  • Dungeon variety & design are much improved
  • ALL 720 Pokémon are included (a first for the series!)
  • More customization & strategic depth

The combat still isn’t super complex, but it feels more engaging than Gates to Infinity. The game also offers more challenge, preventing the autopilot feeling of the previous game.

 Presentation & Music

  • Great visuals for the 3DS
  • Smooth performance
  • Soundtrack is solid

This game isn’t perfect, but it’s a fun return to form for the series.

    A solid Mystery Dungeon game, but not quite at the top.

 Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX (2020, Switch)

The Definitive Way to Play the Original

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a remake of the original Red & Blue Rescue Team from the Game Boy Advance & DS era. It’s the best way to experience the classic game today.

    Story & Premise
This game introduced the now-iconic Mystery Dungeon formula:

  • You wake up as a Pokémon with no memory of your human life
  • You form a rescue team to help Pokémon in need
  • You embark on a journey of self-discovery

The story is charming, and while not as deep as later entries, it set the foundation for what the series would become.

  Gameplay & Mechanics

  • Classic dungeon-crawling with modern updates
  • More quality-of-life improvements (Auto-save, UI updates)
  • Mega Evolutions & newer Pokémon mechanics

This version retains the original’s charm while making it more accessible for new players.

  Presentation & Music

  • Gorgeous watercolor-inspired art style
  • Enhanced character animations & visuals
  • A phenomenal soundtrack

The art style alone makes this game a must-play for Pokémon fans.

    A fantastic remake & a great introduction to the series.

 Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky (2009, DS)

The Best Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Game Ever

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky is the definitive version of Explorers of Time & Darkness, and it is widely regarded as the best Pokémon spin-off ever made.

Story & Characters

While the setup is similar to previous games, the story quickly expands into something unforgettable:
    A deep, emotional narrative
    Incredible character development
    Heart-wrenching moments & shocking plot twists

This game has the best Pokémon story ever written—even rivaling some of the best RPGs of all time.

 Gameplay & Mechanics

  • 16 different starter Pokémon to choose from
  • More strategic dungeon gameplay
  • Improved challenge & depth

Unlike Gates to Infinity, this game doesn’t hold your hand—offering genuine challenge & rewarding exploration.

 Presentation & Music

  • Classic DS pixel art & animations
  • One of the best Pokémon soundtracks ever
  • Smooth & immersive gameplay

Despite being a DS game, the art, story, and gameplay hold up perfectly today.

The ultimate Pokémon Mystery Dungeon experience.

Final Rankings: Worst to Best Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Games

4 – Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity (2013, 3DS)
3 – Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon (2015, 3DS)
2 – Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX (2020, Switch)
1 – Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky (2009, DS)

Conclusion: Which Mystery Dungeon Game Is Your Favorite?

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon is a legendary spin-off series that has stood the test of time. While some entries missed the mark, others remain among the best Pokémon games ever made.

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