Version Differences

Version Differences

While Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! offer largely identical core gameplay experiences, there are several key distinctions that might influence your choice of version or impact your strategy. These differences primarily revolve around exclusive Pokémon, partner Pokémon abilities, and minor aesthetic variations.

Exclusive Pokémon

The most significant difference between the two versions lies in their exclusive Pokémon. To complete your Pokédex, you will need to trade with a player who owns the opposite version. Below is a detailed breakdown of which Pokémon appear in each game:

• Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! Exclusives:
  • Sandshrew / Sandslash: Found commonly in areas like Route 3 and Route 4. Sandshrew evolves into Sandslash at Level 28.
  • Oddish / Gloom / Vileplume: Encountered in Viridian Forest and Route 24. Oddish evolves into Gloom at Level 21, and Gloom evolves into Vileplume with a Leaf Stone (obtainable from Celadon Department Store or as a hidden item in various routes).
  • Mankey / Primeape: Frequently seen on Route 3 and Route 4. Mankey evolves into Primeape at Level 28.
  • Growlithe / Arcanine: A rare encounter on Route 5, Route 6, Route 7, and Route 8. Growlithe evolves into Arcanine with a Fire Stone (found in Celadon Department Store or hidden in the Pokémon Mansion).
  • Grimer / Muk: Can be found in the Pokémon Mansion on Cinnabar Island. Grimer evolves into Muk at Level 38.
  • Scyther: A rare spawn in the Safari Zone (now Fuchsia City's GO Park Complex) and Route 15.
• Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! Exclusives:
  • Vulpix / Ninetales: Found in areas like Route 5, Route 6, Route 7, and Route 8. Vulpix evolves into Ninetales with a Fire Stone.
  • Meowth / Persian: Commonly encountered on Route 24 and Route 25. Meowth evolves into Persian at Level 28.
  • Bellsprout / Weepinbell / Victreebel: Encountered in Viridian Forest and Route 24. Bellsprout evolves into Weepinbell at Level 21, and Weepinbell evolves into Victreebel with a Leaf Stone.
  • Psyduck / Golduck: Frequently seen on Route 6, Route 10, and Cerulean Cave. Psyduck evolves into Golduck at Level 33.
  • Koffing / Weezing: Can be found in the Pokémon Mansion on Cinnabar Island. Koffing evolves into Weezing at Level 35.
  • Pinsir: A rare spawn in the Safari Zone (Fuchsia City's GO Park Complex) and Route 15.

Actionable Tip: Before embarking on your journey, consider which exclusive Pokémon you prefer for your team. If you have a friend playing the opposite version, coordinate early trading opportunities to fill out your Pokédex efficiently. Remember, you can also transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to the GO Park Complex in Fuchsia City to obtain some of these exclusives if you don't have a trading partner.

Partner Pokémon Differences

Your chosen partner Pokémon, Pikachu or Eevee, is more than just a mascot; it has unique abilities and interactions that differ between versions.

Partner Pikachu

• Exclusive Moves:
  • Pika Papow: A powerful Electric-type special attack that increases in power with your bond with Pikachu.
  • Splishy Splash: A Water-type special attack that has a high chance to paralyze the opponent. This move is incredibly useful for covering Pikachu's weakness to Ground-type Pokémon.
  • Zippy Zap: An Electric-type physical attack with increased critical hit ratio and always goes first.
• Field Abilities: Pikachu can learn the Secret Technique "Sky Dash" (Fly) and "Strong Push" (Strength), allowing you to traverse the Kanto region and move heavy boulders.
• Customization: You can dress your Partner Pikachu in various outfits obtained throughout the game, such as the Team Rocket Uniform from Jessie and James after defeating them in Celadon City.

Partner Eevee

• Exclusive Moves:
  • Veevee Volley: A powerful Normal-type physical attack that increases in power with your bond with Eevee.
  • Bouncy Bubble: A Water-type special attack that heals Eevee for half the damage dealt. Excellent for sustain.
  • Buzzy Buzz: An Electric-type special attack that always paralyzes the opponent.
  • Sizzly Slide: A Fire-type physical attack that always burns the opponent.
  • Glitzy Glow: A Psychic-type special attack that lowers the opponent's Special Attack.
• Field Abilities: Eevee can also learn the Secret Technique "Sky Dash" (Fly) and "Strong Push" (Strength).
• Customization: Similar to Pikachu, your Partner Eevee can be dressed in several outfits.

Strategic Insight: Partner Eevee's diverse move pool makes it incredibly versatile, allowing it to cover multiple types and provide utility like healing or status conditions. Partner Pikachu, while having fewer unique moves, offers a strong offensive presence with priority and paralysis. Consider your preferred playstyle: do you want a more adaptable partner (Eevee) or a hard-hitting, fast attacker (Pikachu)?

Aesthetic and Minor Differences

Beyond Pokémon and moves, there are a few subtle differences:

• NPC Pokémon: Certain non-player characters (NPCs) will have either Pikachu or Eevee as their partner, depending on your version. For example, the rival character will have the opposite partner Pokémon to yours.
• Game Title Screen: The title screen will, of course, feature your respective partner Pokémon.
• Exclusive Trainer Outfits: While both versions offer a wide array of clothing options for your player character, some specific outfits might be themed slightly differently to align with Pikachu or Eevee.

Final Recommendation: Ultimately, the choice between Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! comes down to personal preference for the exclusive Pokémon and the unique abilities of your partner. Both games offer the same core adventure through the Kanto region, so you can't go wrong with either choice!