Good day for Pokémon fans. The Pokémon Company has quietly released Pokémon Friends, a charming puzzle game now available on iOS and Android. Announced and launched on the same day, the game invites players to solve daily brainteasers and collect yarn to craft adorable Poké Plushies—knitted versions of fan-favorite Pokémon like Pikachu and Mr. Mime.
Designed for casual, daily play, Pokémon Friends features over 1,200 puzzles ranging from quick challenges to more complex conundrums. Players earn yarn by solving these puzzles, which can then be used to create plushies and decorate their virtual home. The game also includes a daily stamp system, encouraging short, consistent play sessions rather than marathon puzzle-solving.
Unlike traditional Pokémon games, Pokémon Friends focuses on relaxation and creativity. Instead of catching real Pokémon, players collect yarn and build plush versions, which can be displayed alongside furniture and wallpaper in a customizable space. The game’s aesthetic and mechanics have drawn comparisons to cozy titles like Animal Crossing and Build-a-Bear Workshop, offering a fresh take on the franchise’s expansive universe.
Pokémon Friends is free-to-play with optional in-app purchases. It’s available now on the App Store for iOS and Google Play for Android, and early impressions suggest it’s a hit among fans of both Pokémon and puzzle games.
