Best Ways to Earn Gold

Unification Stage: Plan your party's movements on the map of Japan. Each character has one action per turn (one month). A maximum of six characters can be stationed in a castle. For large armies, AI can manage actions with commands, but the protagonist always requires manual attention.

Building Links: Increase character compatibility with Pokémon by visiting castle towns or fighting wild Pokémon. Tame wild Pokémon in a mini-game sequence to obtain multiple Links. Compatibility is shown as bronze, silver, or gold medals; 'X' means no Link is possible. Each character has a 'Best Link Pokémon' for 100% linkage.

Pokémon Evolution & Character Forms: Pokémon evolve, and some use Evolutionary Stones. Characters can also change appearance based on their Link percentage with their Pokémon partner. The protagonist has three forms based on strength, and Warlords have evolved forms.

Battle Stage: Battles occur on specialized battlefields with a 2D square grid. Up to six generals/Pokémon per side can fight. Use 'Warrior Skills' (once per battle) to aid Pokémon. Equipment can be purchased or found for supplementary assistance.

Battle Mechanics: Pokémon special abilities and elemental weaknesses from the main series apply. Group attacks can hit allies and enemies. Utilize stage gimmicks, treasures, and bonuses to gain an advantage.

Energy Management: A Pokémon's Energy level (willpower) is indicated by colored arrows. Bright red-orange means best performance; dark blue means tired. Low energy can be restored by resting or eating ponigiri.