Calling all expert Pokemon trainers! Get ready to catch ‘em all in this special Pokemon edition of the classic property-trading board game Monopoly.
Making a new version of a classic board game is always a risk, but in this case, it definitely pays off; with loads of extra features and fun quirks – such as Pokemon Power Doubles – this is Monopoly like you’ve never played it before.
Bargain, trade, and fight with other trainers as you travel from gym to gym across the colorful game board, building a team of Pokemons that will no doubt be the envy of other players.
Whether you’re totally new to the concept of Pokemon (in which case, where have you been for the past ten years?!) or you consider yourself somewhat of an expert player, there’s plenty to love about Pokemon Monopoly.
In this Pokemon Monopoly board game guide, I will provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to become a winning trainer. Ready to start collecting little monsters? Then let’s begin!
Pokemon Monopoly: an Overview
- Players – 2-6
- Recommended age – 8+
- Playing time – 60-120 minutes
Pokemon Monopoly was first released in 1999 by both Hasbro and the Parker Brothers. Today, it’s also sold by USAOpoly, one of the biggest board game manufacturers in the industry.
The game is set in Kanto, which is the first region in the Pokemon universe. It is named after the Kanto region of Japan, which contains one of the country’s most popular (and famous) cities, Tokyo.
In the Pokemon universe, the Kanto region is followed by Johto, Sinnoh, Unova, Hoenn, Kalos, Galar, and Alola.
The structure of Monopoly – a classic game that is based on the idea of buying and selling properties – suits Pokemon well. The crossover feels very natural, which is something that can’t be said for every board game adaptation.
The board itself remains true to the original Monopoly styling, but rather than traveling to different properties, in Pokemon Monopoly, players move around the board from one gym to the next and are presented with the opportunity to buy (or more accurately collect) Pokemon characters as they go.
Traditional houses and hotels are replaced by Pokemarts and Pokemon Centers.
The Aim of the Game
The aim is to be the final player left once all your opponents have gone bankrupt. You achieve this by buying Pokemons and charging other players when they land on them.
Collect groups of Pokemon to increase the amount other players have to pay you. Then you can start building Poke Marts and Pokemon Centers.
How to Play
Playing Pokemon Monopoly is the same as playing regular Monopoly, with just a few small differences to be aware of:
- The design of the board has been changed to reflect the Pokemon Kanto region
- There are 6 collectible metal tokens: Pikachu, Squirtle, Charmander, Eevee, Jigglypuff, and Bulbasaur
- Houses and hotels are replaced by Pokemarts and Pokemon Centers
- Railway stations are replaced by the four original types of Poke Balls (Poke Ball, Great Ball, Ultra Ball, Master Ball)
- The Electric Company and Water Works are replaced by Zapdos and Articuno
- Income Tax and Luxury Tax spaces are replaced by Blue Attacks and Team Rocket Attacks
- Chance and Community Chest are replaced by Professor Oak and Trainer Battle
- Power Cards are added to the game
- Money is replaced by Pokemon Dollars
- Instead of buying properties, you buy Pokemons
Setup
- Shuffle the Trainer Battle cards and place them face down in the correct position on the board.
- Shuffle the Professor Oak cards and place them face down in the correct place on the board.
- Select a player to be the banker.
- Choose a Pokemon token and place it on “Go.”
- Hand out the correct amount of money to each player.
The Bank
- Holds all the money and Pokemon cards
- Pays salaries and bonuses to players
- Collects taxes and fines
- Sells and auctions Pokemons
- Sells Poke Marts and Pokemon Centers
- Loans money to players
Pokemon Dollars
Each player needs:
- 2x $500
- 4x $100
- 1x $50
- 1x $20
- 2x $10
- 1x $5
- 5x $1
Starting the Game
Each player rolls two dice; the person who rolls the highest total number goes first.
Taking a Turn
- Roll both dice.
- Move your token clockwise according to the total number you roll.
- Take action depending on where you land.
- Collect $200 each time you pass go.
- If you roll a double, you get another turn. However, roll three doubles, and you have to go to jail.
- Play continues to the left.
Where You Could Land
An Unowned Property
Unowned property – which could be a Pokemon, Zapdos, Articuno, or a Poke Ball – can be bought when you land on it. Pay the bank and take the relevant card.
If you don’t want to pay the listed price, the property goes up for auction. You should aim to acquire property groups which will earn you more money in the long run.
Property Owned by Another Player
Unfortunately, landing on another player’s property means that you have to pay the rent as shown on the relevant property card. However, the player has to ask you for rent; you don’t have to pay if they forget to ask.
- Pokemon – rent is doubled if a player owns all Pokemons in the color group. Rent is much higher if the Pokemon has been improved with a Poke Mart or Pokemon Center.
- Poke Balls – rent is dependent on how many Poke Balls the player owns
- Zapdos & Articuno – roll the dice and multiply the number by four; this is how much you pay. If both are owned, multiply by ten
Professor Oak or Trainer Battle
Take the top card from the relevant pile and follow the instructions before placing it at the bottom of the pile. If it’s a get out of jail free card, you can keep it until needed.
Blue Attacks/Team Rocket Attacks
Pay the bank the amount shown.
Go to Jail
Move your token to the jail space. Do not collect $200 if you pass go.
Actions You Can Take
You can do these things even when it isn’t your turn and also if you’re in jail.
Collect Rent
Do this if another player lands on your unmortgaged properties.
Auction
The banker holds an auction when…
- A player lands on an unowned property and decides not to buy it for the listed price.
- A player goes bankrupt
- There is a Poke Mart/Pokemon Center shortage
Build
You can do this when you own all the Pokemons in a color group. Then, purchase Poke Marts or Pokemon Centers from the bank.
However, you have to build evenly; you can’t build a second Poke Mart on a Pokemon until you have built one on each of its color group.
You can have four Poke Marts on a single Pokemon at most. Four can be exchanged for a Pokemon Center; you can only have one of these on a Pokemon.
Sell
You can sell Poke Marts and Pokemon Centers back to the bank for half of the amount they were purchased for. They must be sold evenly in the same way they were bought.
Mortgage Properties
Mortgage your unimproved properties when you’re low on cash. To do this, turn its deed card face down and collect the listed value from the bank. You must pay the listed value plus 10% to repay a mortgage.
Do a Deal
You can bargain and make deals with other players to purchase an unimproved property.
Property can be traded for any amount of cash, other property cards, or get out of jail cards.
Winning the Game
It’s important to remember that you’re not just trying to get rich; you’re making your opponents go bankrupt. Play continues until one winning player remains.
Who is Pokemon Monopoly for?
Pokemon Monopoly is for two to six players aged eight years and over. It’s certainly possible to play and enjoy the game even if you’re completely unfamiliar with the Pokemon universe. Still, if this is the case, you might be better off trying the original Monopoly, which is somewhat of a classic.
In fact, there are now so many different versions of Monopoly available that it’s worth shopping around first to check that this is the edition you’ll enjoy the most. For example, there’s even an Animal Crossing version of the game!
How Nany Pieces are there in Pokemon Monopoly?
The game contains the following pieces:
- Game board
- 6x Pokemon tokens
- 28x Title Deed cards
- 16x Professor Oak cards
- 16x Trainer Battle Cards
- Pokemon money
- 32x custom Poke Marts
- 12x custom Pokemon Centers
- 2x dice
Alternatives to Pokemon Monopoly
I’d recommend some other board games, including a few versions of Monopoly.
Avengers Monopoly
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is brought to life in this action-packed Avengers edition of Monopoly. Fans of the Avengers will be thrilled to draft their heroes as they travel around the board, attempting to build a powerful team to save the world as we know it.
If that brief description has caught your attention, you can read more about the game in our Avengers Monopoly Guide.
- Players – 2-6
- Recommended age – 8+
- Playing time – 60-120 minutes
Animal Crossing Monopoly
This is one of those crossovers that nobody expected, but Animal Crossing Monopoly is actually one of the best versions of the game, in my opinion. All your favorite animal friends from the original video game feature in this lighthearted board game.
Find out everything you need to know and more in our complete Animal Crossing Monopoly Guide.
- Players – 2-6
- Recommended age – 8+
- Playing time – 60-120 minutes
Pokemon Battle Academy
Pokemon Battle Academy includes everything you need to get started on your Pokemon journey. It’s less of a board game and more of a card deck kit, but it’s a must-have for all avid Pokemon fans.
- Players – 2
- Recommended age – 6+
- Playing time – 30 minutes
Pokemon Labyrinth
Looking for a Pokemon-themed board game that’s suitable for the whole family? If so, Pokemon Labyrinth is for you! It’s easy to learn and easy to play, with clear instructions and a high-quality design featuring many popular Pokemons.
- Players – 2-4
- Recommended age – 7+
- Playing time – 20-30 minutes
Frequently Asked Question
Question: What is Pokemon?
Answer: Pokemon is actually an abbreviation of pocket monsters. These are creatures of all shapes and sizes who live alongside their trainers. Pokemon have the potential to grow and become more experienced, sometimes evolving into stronger creatures.
The Pokemon franchise began as a series of role-playing video games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokemon Company. The first release, Pocket Monsters Red and Green, came out in 1996 in Japan.
The most recognizable character of the Pokemon universe is arguably Pikachu, a yellow monster with a zig-zag tail. In fact, Pikachu.
Question: How Do You Get Out of Jail?
Answer: You have three options:
1- Pay $50 at the start of your next turn
2- Use a get out of jail free card
3- Wait three turns
Question: Why Does Monopoly Always Last so Long?
Answer: Monopoly has developed a bit of a negative reputation for dragging on too long, but this only happens if you play by your own set of family rules (which often happens). So, to speed up the game, stick to the rules set out in the instruction booklet.
Question: Where Can I Buy Pokemon Monopoly?
Answer: You can get Pokemon Monopoly on Amazon here.
Question: Can You Play Pokemon Monopoly Solo?
Answer: As with the original version of Monopoly, you can’t play the game on your own. However, we do have a guide that will help you find the best solo board games.
Question: Is Pokemon Monopoly a Family Game?
Answer: For sure! It’s a great game to play as a family – in fact, I’d say it’s even better than the original Monopoly because it’s a little more lighthearted and child-friendly.
Check out our guide to the best family board games for more inspiration!
Recommended reads:
Pokemon Monopoly – is it Worth Buying?
Whether you consider yourself a fan of Pokemon, Monopoly, or a fan of both, this game is definitely one you should have in your collection! Like the original property-trading board game, Pokemon Monopoly provides endless fun thanks to the vast array of possibilities it offers to players.
It’s one of those rare games that can keep families and friends entertained no matter how many times it is played. The best part is that there’s no need to have an existing knowledge of the Pokemon universe.
The Pokemon edition follows essentially the same structure and rules as the original Monopoly. While this is a strength in some ways, it might also be seen as a weakness, given that there’s no real motivation for someone who isn’t interested in Pokemon to buy the game. Instead, they could just buy the original, which is more widely appealing.
Nevertheless, I do think Pokemon Monopoly has the potential to introduce some newcomers to the world of pocket monsters, making them lifelong fans. To that end, I would certainly recommend this game.
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