Pokemon X and Y

This section covers the fundamental aspects of Pokemon X and Y, focusing on two core gameplay elements: Collecting and Battling. Understanding these mechanics is crucial for progressing through the Kalos region and becoming a successful Pokemon Trainer.

Collecting

Collecting Pokemon is a primary activity in the game, achieved by catching them in the wild. This involves weakening wild Pokemon to the point of fainting and then using Poke Balls to capture them. While players can store a vast number of Pokemon in their PC, they can only have six Pokemon in their active party at any given time. These six Pokemon are the ones used in battles, and assembling a strong, well-rounded party is a key part of the fun.

Battling

Battling is the heart of the Pokemon experience. In battles, Pokemon use moves to attack each other until one Pokemon faints. There are two main types of battles: Wild battles against wild Pokemon and Trainer battles against other Pokemon Trainers. Wild Pokemon are typically less powerful than those trained by humans, but can still pose a threat.

The basic battle structure involves Pokemon taking turns using moves. Moves can either inflict damage, boost your own Pokemon's stats, lower the opponent's stats, or apply Status Ailments. The Pokemon with the higher Speed stat usually moves first. Battles continue until all Pokemon on one side have fainted, resulting in a winner. Damage-dealing moves have varying Base Damage values and can have secondary effects. Type Match-Ups are critical and can significantly influence battle outcomes.

In addition to attacking, players have other options during battle. They can use an item, which consumes their turn but can provide healing or other benefits. They can also switch their current Pokemon for another from their party, which also costs a turn but allows for strategic advantages. In wild battles, players have an additional option to 'Run' to end the battle immediately, with success depending on the level difference between Pokemon.

Double, Triple, and Rotation Battles

Beyond single battles, Pokemon X and Y feature Double, Triple, and Rotation battles, where multiple Pokemon (two in Double, three in Triple) are on the field simultaneously for each side. These battles introduce additional strategic layers:

• Double Battles: Two Pokemon per side engage in combat. Players choose actions for both their Pokemon before any moves are executed. This allows for using items or switching Pokemon multiple times in a single turn. Targeting becomes important, as moves can affect allies or enemies. Fainted Pokemon are replaced after all actions in a turn are resolved.
• Triple Battles: Three Pokemon per side participate. The key considerations are Range and Pokemon placement. Most moves have a limited range, affecting adjacent Pokemon. Pokemon on the sides of the formation can only target enemies in their immediate vicinity or the center. The middle Pokemon has a wider range, able to target all other Pokemon. 'Long Range' moves can target any Pokemon on the field regardless of position.

Rotation Battles work similarly to Single Battles, but with three Pokemon on the field per side. Only one Pokemon is 'active' on each team, with the others on standby. Each turn, only the active Pokemon acts. The key difference is the ability to rotate your active Pokemon before any moves are used. Neither side knows who the opponent will rotate to, making prediction crucial. Using a diverse range of Pokemon types is advantageous, allowing you to switch to a strong type when the enemy rotates. If you have a Pokemon whose type is strong against all of the opponent's Pokemon types, use it frequently.

To rotate, select the 'Fight' option, then press the rotating arrows on the bottom left and right corners of the bottom screen (HUD (heads-up display — the on-screen icons showing health, ammo and the minimap)) to switch to another Pokemon. After rotating, select a move for the new Pokemon. If an item is used, the currently active Pokemon remains active. If a Pokemon switches with one not on the field, the currently active Pokemon is the one that was switched out.

Triple Battles

In Triple Battles, positioning Pokemon so they are strong against enemy types is important. The middle Pokemon should be hardier and at least type-neutral to all three enemy Pokemon. If its type is strong against them, that's even better.

Triple Battles also allow a 'Moving' action, where a Pokemon can switch with an adjacent teammate instead of using a move or item. When its turn comes, the two Pokemon switch places. Be careful, as if the target is out of range after the switch, the move will miss. If there's no Pokemon to switch with (only two or one Pokemon remaining that haven't fainted), they will move into the empty position.

Type Match-Ups

Pokemon battles are defined by their type system. Each Pokemon has one or two types that logically represent them (e.g., Water-type for a fish Pokemon, Grass-type for a plant Pokemon). This system dictates battle effectiveness: Water-type moves deal more damage to Fire-type Pokemon and less damage to other Water-Type Pokemon. Not all types have strong or weak relationships with all others, but many do. Some types, like Poison-Type moves against Steel-Type Pokemon, cannot even damage certain types. Mastering type match-ups is key to becoming a skilled trainer.

Status Ailments

Status Ailments are special conditions that affect Pokemon in various ways, often caused by moves like Sing. They can be cured by certain moves, items, or at a Pokemon Center. These ailments persist between battles and can be very impairing if not addressed promptly.

The primary ailments are:

• Burn: Deals damage at the end of every turn. Caused by some Fire-type moves. Cured with a Burn Heal.
• Freeze: The Pokemon sometimes cannot move and loses its turn. Caused by some Ice-type moves. Cured with an Ice Heal.
• Paralysis: The Pokemon sometimes cannot move and loses its turn. Caused by some Electric-type moves. Cured with a Parlyz Heal.
• Poison: Deals damage at the end of every turn. Caused by some Poison-type moves. Cured with an Antidote.
• Sleep: The Pokemon cannot perform any action. Caused by various moves. Cured with an Awakening or naturally after a few turns. Upon waking, the Pokemon immediately performs its selected move.

Becoming Pokemon World Champion

A primary goal in Pokemon X and Y is to become the Pokemon World Champion. This is achieved by defeating the Elite Four, who are four extremely talented trainers. To challenge them, you must first defeat the eight Gym Leaders located throughout the Unova region. Each Gym Leader is found in a different city. Defeating a Gym Leader earns you a Gym Badge. Possessing all eight Gym Badges grants you the right to face the Elite Four. This task requires many hours and progresses naturally alongside the main storyline.

Walkthrough

The adventure begins in Vaniville Town. After selecting your gender, appearance, and name, you start in your bedroom. You can explore the room and interact with objects. When ready, use the mirror to change clothes. You can now hold 'B' to run. Head downstairs to be greeted by your mum. You have just moved into town, similar to R/S/E. Head outside to be greeted by Serena and another person who introduces themselves.

You're playing as Calem (if you're playing as the guy) or Calem (if you're playing as the girl) and Shauna. They'll say to meet the Pokemon professor in the next town to get Pokemon! They'll head out the town gates. Well, may as well follow. Feel free to explore the town first, but there's nothing of real note to do here. Once you're ready, head on out!

Route 1 - Vaniville Pathway

Honestly, there's nothing noteworthy here. Head north straight to the next town.

Aquacorde Town

Water and civilization in harmony

Upon entering Aquacorde, someone to your left will yell out. Head over to the table with people sitting around it. You'll sit down ('sit'?! ohmygod, how new!) and speak with what appears to be 'the gang'. You'll immediately be asked to choose a nickname for yourself. Go ahead and choose one of the three they suggested, or something completely different. Once you've chosen and confirmed, they'll mention that you can choose your starter Pokemon now! How non-chalant of them. And here they are:

The Grass-type Pokemon

Chespin

The Fire-type Pokemon

Fennekin

The Water-type Pokemon

Froakie

Once you've chosen, you'll be offered to nickname your Pokemon. Do so if you want. After you choose your Pokemon, your rival and Shauna from earlier will grab the two that you didn't choose. And then you'll get your Pokedex! Awesomeness! You can use that to record information about the Pokemon you meet on your travels. You'll also get given Prof's Letter. It needs delivering to your mother. After that, the two guys will wander off. Turns out you need to get permission from your mother first before you go on an adventure. Pokemon logic is slowly becoming more like real logic!

May as well try and head back to your mother now. Start heading south and you'll get stopped by Shauna as you're leaving. Throwback to Gen I, it's time for a starting Pokemon battle!

Trainer Battle: Pokemon Trainer Shauna

[If Chespin was your starter]

[If Fennekin was your starter]

[If Froakie was your starter]

It's an easy enough battle, just spam the enemy with your strongest Pokemon move. They're at a type disadvantage to you, so use the move that's of the same type as your Pokemon and they'll quickly die. Once you've taken her out, she'll heal up your Pokemon. Head back to Vaniville Town, back to your house. Speak with your mum once you're inside and she'll practically start pushing you out the door telling you to start your adventure. Back to Pokemon logic! She'll give you a Town Map though. That should come in handy! If you don't know how to use it, say so and get given the tutorial on it. Otherwise, head on outside. Your mum's Rhyhorn will come over and say a goodbye and your mum will send you off. I guess it's time to go. Head back to Aquacorde Town.

Once you're back, it's time to start exploring the place. Head north and down the set of stairs. At the bottom you'll see a person wandering about. Talk to him and he'll give you a free Potion, how nice. In this area you'll find the Pokemon Center off to your right, as well as the Potion Pokemart. To your left you'll find the Poke Ball Pokemart. The shop lists are as below:

Aquacorde Town Potion Pokemart - 0 & 1 Badge

Aquacorde Town Pokeball Pokemart - 0 & 1 Badge

There's no one else of consequence to talk to here, so feel free to visit the Pokemon Center (although your Pokemon's currently fine). Don't worry about buying any Poke Ball s, you'll get plenty given to you when you head out so you can catch Pokemon. From there, you should head on out! Head north over the bridge. You'll momentarily be stopped by the hiker there, warning you that Pokemon live in tall grass and explaining that your Pokemon will protect. Once he's done, continue on into Route 2.

Route 2 - Avance Trail

Head north and start walking through that tall grass. You'll probably end up having your first wild Pokemon battle here. Enjoy. Feel free to catch any Pokemon you see in the area, once you get Poke Ball s. To do so, you need to get them to low health without making them faint then throw a Poke Ball at them. If you're lucky, you should catch them! Once you head past the first patch of grass, you'll run into Shauna and your rival. They'll actually show you how to catch Pokemon. Once you're done watching the tutorial, your rival will give you ten Poke Ball s. Wowee! feel free to stroll around a bit catching Pokemon. If your Pokemon ever get too hurt, just head back into town and heal.

Once you're ready, continue heading north until you reach the entrance to a forest. A person's standing in front of it. If you move in front of him, he'll want to battle, so be ready. Once you're good to go, start the battle!

Trainer Battle: Youngster Austin

Once defeated, it's time to head into Santalune Forest. Awesome.

Santalune Forest