Part 3

Learn about Rotation Battles, Triple Battles, Type Match-Ups, and Status Ailments in Pokemon X and Y. Understand how to use these mechanics to your advantage.

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.