How to Play Pokemon: The Video Game

Since its debut in 1996, the world of Pokemon has thrilled and delighted fans of all ages worldwide. From its humble beginnings on Nintendo’s flagship handheld console, the Game Boy, to super popular trading card games and beyond, Pokemon has become one of Nintendo’s most successful franchises ever. But how do you play Pokemon?

Get your starter Pokemon!

Every game begins the same way: you have to choose your starter Pokemon! Even though there are hundreds and hundreds of Pokemon to discover, every journey begins with just one. At the beginning of each core game, players are asked to choose one of three starters to start their adventure.

These starters are always grass, fire, and water types, which are basic and easy to learn for new players. Choosing a starter is a special event and is often considered one of the most critical moments in any game.

Train them in the wild!

So now you’ve got your starter (Squirtle is the GOAT), and it’s time to head off into the world! Your team can only become more potent if they train in battle against other Pokemon. Many trainers around the world are eager to battle players. However, most of your team’s training will come from facing danger in the wild. Wild Pokémon are ready to help players get their teams into top shape, whether in local fields, forests, or deep caves.

Challenge the Gym Leaders!

The mark of any true Poke-Master is their collection of Gym Badges or proof that they were powerful enough to defeat specially recognized Poke-Trainers. Pokemon Gyms’ headquarters are located throughout each region and are run by the best of the best. To establish themselves as a true Poke-Master, trainers must battle their way to the top of the gym leader ranks until they are ready to take on the Elite Four!

Keep your Pokemon healthy!

Battling other trainers and wild Pokemon can be exciting but can leave your closest allies tired and weak. Taking care of your team is essential to any adventure; luckily, it’s one of the easiest things to do. You can easily keep your team in excellent condition. Buy different kinds of Potions to restore HP, or visit a Pokémon Center. You can heal your entire team and revive them to total health.

Failure to do so will result in a total party wipe, having to resume your adventure from the last Poke-Center you visited. It’s not as bad as other RPGs, but the sting of defeat can bring down even the most stalwart of Trainers. But dust yourself off, grab some Potions, and Ethers can return to it!

Defeat the Elite Four!

As we mentioned earlier, the climax of every Trainer’s journey is a showdown with the Elite Four. As their name implies, the Elite Four are the land’s most significant and challenging Trainers. They’re not bad guys, but just super strict and unwavering Trainers who ensure that only the best of the best can claim the title Poke-Master.

The Elite Four vary from region to region, but each member of the Elite Four specializes in a different Poke-Type. Ensuring that your team is composed of many types, such as Fire, Water, Psychic, and Fighting, is the best way to survive against the region’s most battle-hardened Trainers. Bring your A-Game and give it your all!

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Fill up your Pokedex!

If battling alone isn’t the main draw of venturing into the world of Pokemon, then simply discovering every type is what many other Trainers love to do. The Pokedex is a handy and essential tool that catalogs and explains every Pokemon a trainer encounters. It’s the most critical tool for trainers seeking to find and catch every Pokemon. Only the most astute and dedicated Trainer can say they’ve completed their Pokedex 100%.

Why should I learn how to play Pokemon?

Playing Pokemon is essential to fully understanding how to enjoy the core games. While many different spin-off titles exist, the core games have unique gameplay. RPGs maintain a certain number of genre staples (random battles, turn-based combat, gaining experience points and levels), but they also have quite a few unique elements that make them all their own.

Walking into one of the core games without understanding the basics can lead to frustration. You need to build a team and ensure a varied team composition. It’s also essential to learn how to maximize Moves and Evolutions.

Additionally, knowing how to approach each Gym is crucial for success. These games have always been relatively easy (Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon aside). They are designed for even the youngest players to enjoy, but a firm grasp of the essentials will improve your gameplay experience.

Do you have a favorite Pokemon game? Did you start with the very first Game Boy titles? Please let us know in the comments below! We would love to hear about your Poke-Adventures!