Are you starting Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Let’s Go, Eevee!? This game works differently from the other entries in the series. Here are the essentials to get off to a good start: choosing your version, catching, your partner, Candies and the connection with Pokémon GO.

Pikachu or Eevee?

The version determines your partner: Pikachu or Eevee. The partner cannot evolve, but it learns exclusive moves. Pikachu gets Zippy Zap, Splishy Splash and Floaty Fall; Eevee gets one move for each type of its evolutions (Bouncy Bubble, Buzzy Buzz, Sizzly Slide, Glitzy Glow, Baddy Bad, Sappy Seed, Freezy Frost, Sparkly Swirl). Several wild Pokémon also change depending on the version: see Version exclusives.

Pikachu, partner in Let’s Go, Pikachu!.
Eevee, partner in Let’s Go, Eevee!.

Catching without battling

Wild Pokémon are visible on the map. By touching them, you start a catching phase: aim at the shrinking circle and throw your Ball at the right moment. The smaller the circle, the easier the catch. Berries, given to the Pokémon before the throw, make catching easier or increase the Candies you get: see Getting and using Berries.

  • Catch Combos of the same Pokémon increase the experience gained, the chances of meeting a Shiny Pokémon and rarer Pokémon (Catch Combo).
  • Exp. Share is always on: the whole team gains experience with every catch.
  • Pokémon surrounded by a colored aura are exceptionally large or small: catch them, they give more experience.

Candies to strengthen your Pokémon

Every catch gives you Candies. They are used to raise your Pokémon’s stats: Health, Mighty, Tough, Smart, Courage and Quick Candies, as well as species-specific Candies. By transferring Pokémon to Professor Oak, you get more of them. See How to boost stats and Pokémon Candies.

Secret Techniques

Sky Dash lets you travel quickly between cities.

HMs are replaced by five Secret Techniques performed by your partner: Chop Down to cut down shrubs, Rock Smash to push boulders, Sea Skim to cross water, Light Up the Darkness to light up dark caves and Sky Dash to travel between cities. See Secret Techniques.

Pokémon GO and the Poké Ball Plus

At the GO Park in Fuchsia City, you can receive the Kanto Pokémon caught in Pokémon GO; you then have to catch them again in the park. It is also the only way to obtain Meltan. The Poké Ball Plus, an accessory sold separately, works as a controller and contains Mew.

Six tips for the adventure

  1. Catch a Grass or Water Pokémon before Pewter City: it is the requirement to enter Brock’s Gym, and it is essential with Pikachu, whose moves are ineffective against his Ground Pokémon.
  2. Chain catches of the same Pokémon when you are looking for a rare species.
  3. Raise your team above level 15 before Cerulean City: it is the requirement to challenge Misty.
  4. Register 50 Pokémon before Fuchsia City to be able to challenge Koga.
  5. Use Candies on your main Pokémon rather than spreading them out.
  6. Play together: a second player can help you at any time by taking a Joy-Con.

For what comes next, the complete walkthrough guides you chapter by chapter.