Black and White tell the same story, in the same region. But more than in previous generations, the two versions flaunt their differences: a dragon, an entire city, a Gym Leader and the look of several places change. Here is everything that sets them apart.

☯️The differences at a glance

Black VersionWhite Version
Dragon on the coverReshiram, the TruthZekrom, the Ideals
N’s dragonZekromReshiram
Roaming Forces of NatureTornadusThundurus
Postgame cityBlack City, a metropolis of Trainers with a rare item shopWhite Forest, home to Pokémon from other regions
Opelucid Gym LeaderDrayden, the mayorIris, his niece
Look of Opelucid CityModern and high-tech, the city of the futureAncient, the city of the past
Mistralton City and Abundant ShrineSurrounded by greenhousesSurrounded by fields
Battle InstituteRotation BattlesTriple Battles
Unova exclusivesCottonee, Gothita, Vullaby and their evolutionsPetilil, Solosis, Rufflet and their evolutions

🐾The exclusive Pokémon

The complete list, calculated from catch locations, is on our Version exclusives page. The main ones to remember:

  • Black: Whimsicott, an annoying Grass attacker thanks to Prankster; Gothitelle, a sturdy Psychic-type; Mandibuzz, a very defensive Dark-type.
  • White: Lilligant, a Grass-type that hits hard; Reuniclus, a Psychic-type that is almost impossible to wear down; Braviary, a Normal and Flying physical attacker.
  • In White, White Forest adds about thirty Pokémon from other regions, from Pidgey to Shinx, including Togepi and Bagon.

🤔Our advice

To go further, our Premium guide The best Pokémon by version shows which recruits to favor in each version, and where to find them.