In the fashion of every Pokémon game before them, Black and White are two sides of the same coin. Fundamentally the same a number of key differences mean you’ll need to interact with other copies of the game to get every last Pokémon, however the differences run a little deeper this time.

View Full-size

Left: Zekrom (Pokemon White). Right: Reshiram (Pokemon Black).

Exclusive Pokémon¶

Main story

Pokémon Black
Cottonee, Whimsicott, Gothita, Gothorita, Gothitelle, Vullaby, Mandibuzz, Tornadus, Reshiram

Pokémon White
Petilil, Lilligant, Solosis, Duosion, Reuniclus, Rufflet, Braviary, Thundurus, Zekrom

Postgame

Pokémon Black
Weedle, Kakuna, Beedrill, Murkrow, Houndour, Houndoom, Shroomish, Breloom, Plusle, Volbeat, Honchkrow

Pokémon White
Caterpie, Metapod, Butterfree, Paras, Parasect, Misdreavus, Poochyena, Mightyena, Minun, Illumise, Mismagius

Exclusive Battles¶

The Eighth Gym Leader will also change depending on you version. Black owners will fight the angular bearded Drayden while White players will tackle, and defeat, a small child named Iris . The final fight will also change on account of your opponent using the legendary Pokémon that doesn’t appear on your version’s box art.

Exclusive Locations¶

View Full-size

White Forest/Black City are only available during the postgame.

Black City (Pokémon Black)

This is a smog covered location specifically for the more technically advanced version of the game. It features no wild Pokémon, but far more battles.

White Forest (Pokémon White)

A veritable paradise for cute critters, the white forest is home to some exclusive Pokémon, but there are less trainers to scrap with.

Opelucid City

Opelucid will change its look to match your version. In Pokémon Black it resembles Tron, while in Pokémon White it’s a much more rustic locale.