Getting Started with Pokémon
Your complete guide to beginning your Pokémon journey
Welcome, New Trainer!
Staring at the starter select screen while your friends are already showing off their first badge? Modern Pokémon games drop you into type charts, items, and open routes quicker than most new trainers expect.
This guide strips the overwhelm away by covering the handful of skills that matter on day one: choosing a starter, catching reliably, reading matchups, and preparing for the first Gym challenge.
Follow the steps in order and you'll finish with a checklist for what to catch next, how to train it, and when to push the story forward.
Understanding the Basics
🎯 What are Pokémon?
Pokémon are fantastic creatures with unique abilities, personalities, and elemental types. Each Pokémon has specific stats (Attack, Defense, Speed, etc.) that determine their effectiveness in different situations.
⚔️ Types Matter
Every Pokémon belongs to one or two types (like Fire, Water, Grass). These types have strengths and weaknesses against each other, similar to rock-paper-scissors but with 18 different types!
📈 Growth & Evolution
Most Pokémon can evolve into stronger forms as they gain experience. Evolution typically increases all stats and may change their typing, unlocking new strategies and abilities.
Your First Steps
Choose Your First Pokémon
Traditionally, new trainers start with one of three types: Fire, Water, or Grass. Each has different strengths:
- Fire: High attack power, effective against Grass and Bug types
- Water: Balanced stats, effective against Fire and Ground types
- Grass: Good defense, effective against Water and Rock types
Build a Balanced Team
A good team covers each other's weaknesses. Aim for:
- • Different types to handle various opponents
- • A mix of physical and special attackers
- • At least one Pokémon with good defense
- • Consider including a fast Pokémon for quick strikes
Learn Type Effectiveness
Understanding which types are effective against others is crucial. Fire beats Grass, Water beats Fire, Grass beats Water - but there are 18 types total with complex interactions. Check our type effectiveness guide to learn the basics!
Essential Tips for New Trainers
💡 Tip: Don't be afraid to experiment! Try different Pokémon combinations and see what works for your playstyle.
💡 Tip: Focus on having fun rather than optimal strategies at first. You can always learn advanced tactics later.
💡 Tip: Every Pokémon can be viable with the right strategy. Your favorites can often surprise you!
What's Next?
Now that you understand the basics, you're ready to dive deeper into the world of Pokémon. Consider exploring these topics next:
Frequently Asked Questions
Which starter Pokémon should I choose?
Choose based on your playstyle: Fire starters have high attack power and are effective against Grass and Bug types. Water starters offer balanced stats and work well against Fire and Ground types. Grass starters provide good defense and excel against Water and Rock types. All three are viable, so pick the one that matches your preferred strategy!
How many Pokémon should I have in my team?
You can carry up to 6 Pokémon in your active team. A balanced team typically includes 4-6 different types to cover various battle situations. Start with 3-4 Pokémon initially and expand as you progress through the game.
What does 'Super Effective' mean?
Super Effective means your attack does 2x (double) damage because of type advantage. For example, Water moves are super effective against Fire-type Pokémon. Knowing these matchups is crucial for winning battles efficiently.
When should I evolve my Pokémon?
Most Pokémon evolve automatically when they reach a specific level. Some require special items or conditions. It's generally recommended to let them evolve naturally, as evolved forms have better stats. However, some Pokémon learn moves earlier in their pre-evolved form.
How do I catch Pokémon effectively?
Weaken the wild Pokémon first by reducing its HP (ideally to yellow or red), then throw a Poké Ball. Using status conditions like Sleep or Paralysis significantly increases catch rates. Better Poké Balls (Great Ball, Ultra Ball) also improve your chances.
Journey Recap
Starter choices, early-game goals, and pacing tips are now in place, giving you a roadmap from your first Poké Ball to your initial badge climbs.
Keep growing with PokeVerse—we curate daily challenges, beginner-friendly team ideas, and quick reference tools so you can learn at your own speed and stay excited for every new route.