The difference between Pokemon Fire Red and Leaf Green is which Pokemon you can catch. Each version has its own set of exclusive species that do not appear in the other, while the story, map, gyms, starters and legendary Pokemon are the same. So the choice comes down to which exclusives you want on your team.
Both games were re-released on the Nintendo Switch eShop in February 2026, which is why so many people are asking again. Here are both exclusive lists and a simple way to decide.
Pokemon Fire Red vs Leaf Green Version Exclusives Side by Side
| Only in Fire Red | Only in Leaf Green |
|---|---|
| Ekans, Arbok | Sandshrew, Sandslash |
| Oddish, Gloom, Vileplume, Bellossom | Bellsprout, Weepinbell, Victreebel |
| Psyduck, Golduck | Slowpoke, Slowbro, Slowking |
| Growlithe, Arcanine | Vulpix, Ninetales |
| Shellder, Cloyster | Staryu, Starmie |
| Scyther, Scizor | Pinsir |
| Electabuzz, Elekid | Magmar, Magby |
| Wooper, Quagsire | Marill, Azumarill, Azurill |
| Murkrow | Misdreavus |
| Qwilfish | Remoraid, Octillery |
| Delibird | Sneasel |
| Skarmory | Mantine |
| Deoxys in Attack Forme | Deoxys in Defense Forme |
The Kanto exclusives can be found during the main story. The Johto species, such as Skarmory, Sneasel, Misdreavus and Murkrow, only appear on the Sevii Islands, most of them after you have beaten the Elite Four. Bulbapedia’s page on FireRed and LeafGreen has the complete encounter details.
What Is Exactly the Same in Fire Red and Leaf Green
- The story and the map. Kanto, the eight gyms, Team Rocket and the Elite Four play out identically.
- The starters. Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle are offered in both, whatever is on the box.
- Legendary Pokemon. Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres and Mewtwo are in both games.
- The roaming legendary beast. Whether you get Raikou, Entei or Suicune depends on your starter, not your version.
- The Sevii Islands and all post-game content.
- Gym leaders, items, TMs and difficulty.
The visible differences are cosmetic: Charizard is on the Fire Red box and title screen, Venusaur is on Leaf Green’s.
Which Version Has the Better Exclusive Pokemon?
Neither is stronger overall, but the pairs are not equal for every team.
Reasons to choose Fire Red
- Arcanine is one of the best Fire types in the game and the standout exclusive for many players, especially if you did not pick Charmander.
- Scyther and Scizor are fan favourites, although Scizor needs a trade to evolve.
- Cloyster has huge Defense and learns strong Ice moves, useful against the Dragon-type Elite Four member.
- Electabuzz gives you a fast Electric type well before Zapdos.
- Skarmory is an excellent defensive Pokemon in the post-game.
Reasons to choose Leaf Green
- Starmie is fast, hits hard with Surf, Thunderbolt, Ice Beam and Psychic, and is arguably the strongest exclusive in either game.
- Slowbro is a sturdy Water and Psychic type that needs no trade.
- Ninetales is the Fire type alternative to Arcanine.
- Victreebel is a strong Grass type if you did not start with Bulbasaur.
- Magmar, Pinsir, Sneasel and Misdreavus round out the list.
How to Choose Between Fire Red and Leaf Green in One Minute
- Look for a must-have. If one Pokemon in the table is non-negotiable for you, buy the version that has it.
- Think about your starter. Picking Charmander makes Arcanine and Ninetales less important. Picking Squirtle does the same for Cloyster, Starmie and Slowbro.
- Ask what your friends have. If someone you can trade with owns one version, get the other. Between you, you can fill both Pokedexes.
- Still undecided? Pick the box art you prefer. You will not miss out on any part of the story.
Can You Complete the Pokedex With Just One Version?
No. That is the point of version exclusives. Finishing the Kanto Pokedex requires trading with the other version, and a few Pokemon also evolve only when traded, including Alakazam, Machamp, Golem and Gengar. Completing the National Pokedex goes further, since many species originally came from Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald.
If you are playing the Switch re-release, check the game’s eShop listing for the trading features it supports before you plan a full Pokedex.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Red and Leaf Green
Is Fire Red harder than Leaf Green?
No. Trainers, levels and gym leaders are identical in both.
Can you get Charizard in Leaf Green?
Yes. Charmander is a starter option in both versions, so Charizard is available in either game.
Which version is more popular?
Fire Red has traditionally been the more common pick, largely because of Charizard on the cover. That also means Leaf Green exclusives can be harder to find among friends, which is a small argument for choosing it.
Are Fire Red and Leaf Green remakes?
Yes. They are 2004 Game Boy Advance remakes of the original Pokemon Red and Green, with updated graphics, the Sevii Islands and compatibility with the third-generation games.
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