X and Y are among the most welcoming entries in the series: you gain experience fast, you receive two starter Pokémon and a Mega Evolution before the fourth badge. Here is how to choose well and make the most of your first hours in Kalos.

🌱Chespin, Fennekin or Froakie?

Chespin, Grass

It evolves into Quilladin at level 16, then into Chesnaught at level 36, Grass and Fighting. Very sturdy physically, but it takes quadruple damage from Flying, and it struggles against the first Gym, which is Bug type.

Fennekin, Fire

It evolves into Braixen at level 16, then into Delphox at level 36, Fire and Psychic. A fast special attacker, which easily beats the first Gym and the Grass-type one.

Froakie, Water

It evolves into Frogadier at level 16, then into Greninja at level 36, Water and Dark. Very fast and versatile, it is the players’ favorite. It dominates the Rock-type Gym.

🔥The second starter Pokémon

In Lumiose City, after a battle against Professor Sycamore, you choose Bulbasaur, Charmander or Squirtle, along with its Mega Stone. Pick the one that covers the weakness of your first choice: Charmander with Chespin, Squirtle with Fennekin, Bulbasaur with Froakie. It will only be able to Mega Evolve once you obtain the Mega Ring, in Shalour City.

📈The Exp. Share

After the first badge, Alexa, Viola’s sister, gives you the Exp. Share. Once turned on, it shares experience with the whole team, even Pokémon that didn’t battle. Very handy for keeping a balanced team, it also makes the game easier: you will often be above your opponents’ level. For more of a challenge, turn it off from the Bag.

🐾The first catches not to miss

  • Fletchling (Route 2): it will become Talonflame, Fire and Flying, one of the best birds in the series.
  • Pikachu and Flabébé (Santalune Forest, Route 4): an Electric attacker and a future Florges, a very sturdy Fairy type.
  • Ralts (Route 4): it will become Gardevoir or Gallade.
  • Pancham and Furfrou (Route 5), Honedge (Route 6), Bagon and Absol (Route 8).
  • The fossil in the Glittering Cave, and Lucario, given to you in Shalour City.

💡Five tips for your first hours

  • Customize your character: change outfits and hairstyles in the shops. See Fashion and Customization.
  • Use Horde Encounters to fill your Pokédex fast: a spread move takes care of them.
  • Pet your Pokémon in Pokémon-Amie: an affectionate Pokémon dodges more often, sometimes survives a fatal hit and lands more critical hits. See Pokémon-Amie and Super Training.
  • Talk to everyone: Kalos is full of gifts, TMs and quizzes.
  • Save inside a building in Lumiose City if your game isn’t up to date: version 1.0 had a save bug on the boulevards.

Ready? Start with the complete walkthrough, step 1.