You Don’t Know These Pokémon-Like Games: Top 20 Monster Taming Titles

Palworld (2024)

What happens when you mash up monster taming with survival crafting and then sprinkle in… assault rifles? You get Palworld, a game that somehow manages to be both cozy and chaotic at the same time. Instead of just catching adorable creatures, you’re also putting them to work – whether it’s farming, building, or yes, even fighting alongside you in intense battles. The sheer variety of Pals makes exploration feel fresh, and the mix of cute-animal aesthetics with darker themes has made it one of the most talked-about “Pokémon-like” titles in recent years. Fans either call it Pokémon with guns or Minecraft with monsters, but the truth is it’s carving out its own bizarre niche. Whether you’re here for the memes, the combat, or the endless base-building, Palworld proves you don’t need to follow the Pokémon formula too closely to create a global sensation. | © Pocketpair

Anode Heart (2024)

This indie gem takes the monster-taming genre in a different direction, focusing less on big-budget spectacle and more on storytelling and charm. Anode Heart introduces a post-apocalyptic setting where humanity relies on mechanical creatures known as Anodes. Instead of capturing beasts with balls, you’re forging bonds with these digital companions in a world that’s equal parts cozy and melancholic. What sets it apart is its hand-drawn aesthetic, heartfelt dialogue, and the way it treats its creatures as more than just combat tools. Players have praised the balance between exploration, puzzle-solving, and a genuinely touching narrative. It might not have the marketing budget of Pokémon or even the meme power of Palworld, but it’s the kind of sleeper hit that lingers with you long after you turn it off. If you’re tired of cookie-cutter monster games, Anode Heart feels like a much-needed breath of fresh air. | © Nano Park

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Dark Prince (2023)

There’s no escaping it – Dragon Quest Monsters is the original “Pokémon-like,” and The Dark Prince continues that proud tradition with all the JRPG flair you’d expect. Instead of capturing slimes and drackys with Pokéballs, you’re recruiting them through combat and breeding them into stronger forms. Yes, breeding – something Pokémon has only recently embraced, Dragon Quest has been perfecting for decades. The Dark Prince offers a story-driven adventure that ties directly into the mainline Dragon Quest lore, which gives it a leg up over many of its competitors in narrative depth. Longtime fans will appreciate the nods to the franchise’s history, while newcomers will be drawn in by the addictive cycle of battling, fusing, and raising ever-stronger monsters. If you’re hunting for a monster RPG with true JRPG roots, this one is as authentic as it gets. | © Square Enix

Moonstone Island (2023)

Imagine a monster-taming adventure where you can also farm, decorate, and build relationships with villagers – sounds familiar, right? But Moonstone Island does it with a floaty twist: literally. The game takes place across hundreds of sky islands, each hiding secrets, dungeons, and elemental spirits to collect. Instead of just grinding battles, you’re also planting crops, brewing potions, and customizing your home, giving it that Stardew Valley flavor blended with monster-catching mechanics. The art style is warm and colorful, making the experience feel equal parts relaxing and adventurous. It’s not trying to reinvent the genre, but rather expand it into cozier territory where taming creatures feels as natural as harvesting your garden. For players who want their monster game with a side of slice-of-life charm, Moonstone Island delivers in spades. | © Studio Supersoft

Cassette Beasts (2023)

Now here’s a wild concept: instead of capturing monsters, you become them. Cassette Beasts takes its inspiration from the analog age, where players record monsters onto cassette tapes and then transform into them during battle. It’s a brilliant twist on the classic formula, making combat more strategic and personal. Pair that with a gorgeous pixel-art world and a soundtrack dripping with retro vibes, and you’ve got something that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The game leans heavily into exploration, with open-world design that rewards curiosity and experimentation. And then there’s fusion – combine two creatures, and you get a completely new hybrid with unique abilities. It’s the kind of mechanic that Pokémon fans have been begging for, and here it’s executed beautifully. Simply put, this is one of the most inventive monster RPGs to come out in years. | © Bytten Studio / Raw Fury

Coromon (2022)

This is the monster-taming game for purists – the one that says, “Remember why you fell in love with Pokémon in the first place?” Coromon embraces that nostalgia, delivering a clean, turn-based RPG with pixel graphics and modern polish. The world is full of quirky NPCs, gyms – uhm, “Titans” – to defeat, and dozens of unique creatures that feel familiar yet distinct. What players especially love is the attention to difficulty settings and accessibility, letting you tailor the challenge to your liking. It’s both approachable for newcomers and rewarding for veterans craving an old-school vibe. Add in puzzles, environmental hazards, and a surprisingly deep story, and Coromon proves that sticking close to the genre’s roots isn’t a weakness – it’s a strength. It doesn’t just borrow Pokémon’s formula; it celebrates it. | © TRAGsoft / Freedom Games

Temtem (2022)

For years, people joked about wanting a “Pokémon MMO.” Well, Temtem actually went and did it. Built from the ground up as a massively multiplayer online creature collector, it drops you into a persistent world where you see other tamers exploring, battling, and trading in real time. That social layer changes everything – you’re not just fighting NPCs but engaging with actual players across the globe. The combat system is also refreshingly different, focusing on stamina management rather than endless PP counters. It encourages strategy, synergy between your Temtem, and cooperation in doubles battles. While some critics called it “too similar” to Pokémon, fans quickly realized the online infrastructure makes it a wholly new experience. It’s the kind of game that scratches the itch for competitive monster battling while also giving you that sense of community Pokémon has always lacked. | © Crema / Humble Games

Shin Megami Tensei V (2021)

If you think monster games are all sunshine and friendship, Shin Megami Tensei V is here to remind you that sometimes your “monsters” are literal demons. This RPG doesn’t shy away from dark themes, heavy choices, and an apocalyptic Tokyo setting that drips with atmosphere. Instead of catching cute critters, you’re negotiating with devils – convincing them to join your side with bribes, threats, or clever dialogue. Once recruited, demons can be fused into stronger forms, creating an endless loop of experimentation. The difficulty is notorious, but so is the satisfaction of surviving its brutal battles. While Pokémon is all about friendship and teamwork, SMT is about survival and power, which makes it a fascinating contrast for fans of the genre. If you want your monster collecting with a side of existential dread, look no further. | © Atlus / Sega

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin (2021)

Capcom took the Monster Hunter formula and gave it a monster-taming spin with Stories 2. Instead of hunting monsters to craft armor, you’re hatching eggs, raising “Monsties,” and taking them into turn-based battles. The story centers on a Rider (you) forming bonds with creatures that the mainline series usually treats as prey, creating a refreshing twist on a familiar universe. With gorgeous visuals and a heartfelt narrative, it became one of the best spin-offs Capcom has ever made. There’s also a strong emphasis on customization, with gene-inheriting systems that allow you to tailor your Monsties’ abilities to your playstyle. It strikes a fine balance between approachable JRPG and deep monster management, making it a great entry point for newcomers while still satisfying hardcore fans. | © Capcom

Nexomon: Extinction (2020)

This game wears its Pokémon inspiration proudly on its sleeve but adds a cheeky, self-aware twist. Nexomon: Extinction knows exactly what it is – a classic monster-taming RPG – and plays with the tropes in a way that feels both familiar and fresh. The writing is sharp, often poking fun at the genre while still delivering an engaging story full of apocalyptic stakes. The sheer variety of creatures (over 300!) makes team-building endlessly fun, and the art style nails that Saturday morning cartoon vibe. Unlike some imitators, it doesn’t just rely on nostalgia; it actually delivers a polished, challenging adventure that can stand on its own. Whether you’re laughing at the witty dialogue or grinding through tough battles, Nexomon: Extinction makes you realize there’s room for more than one big name in this space. | © VEWO Interactive

Ooblets (2020)

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Pokémon, Animal Crossing, and a dance battle simulator had a love child, Ooblets is the answer. This quirky life-sim lets you collect adorable little creatures called Ooblets, grow them on your farm, and then have them face off in the most wholesome way possible: competitive dance-offs. No violence here, just groovy moves and sparkles flying everywhere. The cozy aesthetic and cheeky humor make it impossible not to smile, and the farming mechanics give it surprising depth. It’s equal parts monster-collecting and life-sim management, which makes it stand out in a sea of similar titles. With ongoing updates from its indie creators, it’s also one of those games that keeps evolving alongside its community. If “weird but cute” is your vibe, you’ll feel right at home. | © Glumberland

Siralim Ultimate (2020)

Forget flashy graphics – sometimes depth trumps looks, and Siralim Ultimate is living proof. This old-school pixel RPG boasts over a thousand creatures to collect, fuse, and battle with, making it one of the most expansive monster RPGs ever made. Its roguelike dungeon exploration means no two runs are ever the same, and the sheer number of team-building options will keep theorycrafters busy for months. Don’t expect a hand-holding story mode here – this game is unapologetically about the grind, the systems, and the strategy. It’s not trying to charm you with cuteness; it’s here to flex its depth and challenge your inner min-maxer. Fans of hardcore RPG mechanics absolutely adore it for that reason. If you want a monster game that’s all brains and no fluff, Siralim Ultimate delivers in spades. | © Thylacine Studios

Bugsnax (2020)

You might remember the viral song “It’s Bugsnax!” that broke the internet during the PS5 reveal, but the game itself is way more than a meme. In Bugsnax, you’re exploring an island filled with creatures that are part-bug, part-snack – think flying strawberries or walking burgers – and catching them is just half the fun. The real hook is how these food-like critters change the villagers who eat them, transforming their bodies in hilarious and sometimes unsettling ways. It’s cute, it’s bizarre, and it leans hard into its whimsical identity. Beyond the goofiness, though, is a surprisingly heartfelt story about friendship, obsession, and community. It’s a monster game unlike any other, blending puzzle mechanics with an offbeat sense of humor that sticks with you. Don’t be fooled by its silliness – Bugsnax is secretly brilliant. | © Young Horses

Monster Sanctuary (2019)

Ever thought, “What if monster collecting was mixed with Metroidvania exploration?” That’s exactly the question Monster Sanctuary answers. Instead of being a passive trainer, you actually join your monsters in battle, making every fight feel active and strategic. The side-scrolling pixel world is filled with hidden paths, puzzles, and areas that can only be accessed by using your monsters’ unique abilities. It’s a genius blend of RPG and platformer, keeping exploration and combat equally engaging. The skill trees for each creature add even more depth, making team synergy a key part of progression. Fans of both Castlevania-style exploration and Pokémon-style collection find it a match made in heaven. It’s one of those games that surprises you with how well its hybrid formula works. | © Moi Rai Games / Team17

Disc Creatures (2019)

This one wears its Game Boy inspiration proudly, and honestly, that’s the charm. Disc Creatures is a love letter to retro monster RPGs, right down to its chunky pixel art and old-school UI. Instead of Pokéballs, you’re capturing monsters with special discs, and there are over 200 of them to recruit. The battles are snappy, the dialogue quirky, and the nostalgia factor sky-high. But don’t mistake it for a shallow throwback – it’s packed with clever design choices that modernize the formula without losing that 8-bit soul. For players who grew up with early handheld RPGs, this feels like revisiting childhood, but with enough new ideas to keep it fresh. It’s retro done right, and it’s clear the developer poured a lot of heart into it. | © Picorinne Soft / DANGEN Entertainment

WORLD OF FINAL FANTASY (2016)

When Final Fantasy decides to try monster collecting, you know it’s going to be big. World of Final Fantasy takes the iconic creatures of the franchise – Tonberries, Cactuars, Chocobos – and lets you stack them on your head like a living totem pole. Yes, really. The stacking mechanic isn’t just for laughs either; it’s a central gameplay system that mixes strategy with cuteness. The chibi art style is a huge departure from typical Final Fantasy grit, making it one of the most approachable entries in the series. But under the cute coat of paint lies a surprisingly deep RPG that ties into the greater Final Fantasy lore. For fans of both monster collecting and Square Enix’s legacy, it’s a delightful hybrid that proves experimentation can pay off. | © Square Enix

Yo-Kai Watch (2013)

For a brief moment, Yo-Kai Watch was seen as the “Pokémon killer” in Japan – and for good reason. Instead of pocket monsters, you’re befriending mischievous spirits inspired by Japanese folklore, each with quirky personalities and powers. The battles use a unique wheel system that feels completely different from turn-based RPGs, giving the series its own flavor. Beyond gameplay, the anime and toys turned it into a massive multimedia phenomenon, especially among kids. While it didn’t dethrone Pokémon worldwide, it carved out its own cultural space, particularly in Japan where Yo-Kai became household names. The charm, humor, and supernatural spin make it one of the most distinctive entries in the monster-taming genre. | © Level-5

My Singing Monsters (2012)

Instead of fighting, what if your monsters just… sang? That’s the delightful twist behind My Singing Monsters, a mobile game where each creature adds a new musical element to a growing symphony. From bassy thumps to melodic chirps, your island becomes a living, breathing orchestra of monster sounds. Collecting creatures here isn’t about power levels, but about building harmonies and unlocking new musical compositions. The quirky art style and addictive collection loop made it a viral hit, and it continues to thrive with updates and spin-offs years later. It’s proof that monster collecting doesn’t always need battles – sometimes it just needs rhythm. Few games manage to be this charmingly weird, and that’s exactly why it’s beloved. | © Big Blue Bubble

Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch (2011)

Studio Ghibli’s fingerprints are all over Ni No Kuni, making it one of the most visually stunning monster RPGs ever made. With gorgeous animation, heartfelt storytelling, and a sweeping soundtrack, it feels like playing through an interactive anime movie. But beyond its looks, the game introduces Familiars – creatures you can capture, train, and battle with in a system that feels both familiar and fresh. The blend of real-time and turn-based combat adds complexity, while the narrative tugs at your emotions in true Ghibli fashion. It’s not just another monster game – it’s a cinematic experience that elevates the genre. For players who want beauty and depth in equal measure, this is a must-play classic. | © Level-5 / Studio Ghibli

Monster Rancher (1997)

Before Pokémon dominated the scene, Monster Rancher was already experimenting with unique ways to collect creatures. Its genius gimmick? You could generate monsters by inserting CDs into your console, creating a sense of mystery and discovery every time. The franchise leaned heavily on raising and training your beasts, focusing on care and management rather than just battles. This made it feel closer to a pet simulator with RPG elements, and fans adored the novelty. Over the years, it spawned sequels and even an anime, carving out a dedicated following. While its fame never reached Pokémon levels, its creativity left a lasting impact on the genre. Even today, fans remember the thrill of sliding in random discs just to see what monster would appear. | © Tecmo