New to Pokkén Tournament DX? This fighting game is easy to pick up, but a few concepts change everything: the two battle phases, the attack triangle, Synergy and Support Pokémon. Here are the essentials for your first hours, and a path to improve.

Pikachu, a Standard fighter and a good choice for beginners.

Basic controls

ActionCommand (Pro Controller or Joy-Con with grip)
AttacksY, X, A, combined with directions
JumpB
GuardR
GrabY + B
Counter AttackX + A (hold to charge it)
Support PokémonL
Synergy Burst, then Burst AttackL + R

Attacks change depending on the battle phase: in Field Phase, ranged attacks dominate; in Duel Phase, it is close combat and combos.

Five rules to remember

  1. The attack triangle: a Normal Attack beats a Grab, a Grab beats a Counter Attack and a Guard, and a Counter Attack beats a Normal Attack.
  2. Don’t guard too much: an attentive opponent will grab you.
  3. Pick up Synergy orbs in Field Phase to fill the gauge faster.
  4. Save your Synergy Burst for a key moment: it strengthens your Pokémon and unlocks the Burst Attack.
  5. Call your Support Pokémon at the right time, for example to interrupt an enemy combo or punish a ranged attack.

All the mechanics are detailed on the Battle Mechanics page.

Which fighter should you pick?

To learn, a Standard fighter is ideal: Pikachu, Lucario or Blaziken offer a good balance between ranged attacks and close combat. Once you have the basics down, try the other categories: Gardevoir for ranged play, Machamp for power. The full list is on the Fighters page.

A path to improve

  1. The tutorial, in Training mode, for the basics.
  2. The Action Dojo, for basic and advanced strategies.
  3. The Green League of the Ferrum League, to chain battles against progressively tougher opponents.
  4. The Combo Dojo with your favorite fighter.
  5. The Daily Challenge, every day, to level up your Pokémon.
  6. Friendly online battles, then ranked ones.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Overusing ranged attacks in Duel Phase, where they are often punished.
  • Triggering Synergy Burst as soon as the gauge is full, without looking for the right moment.
  • Forgetting to set your Support sets and Cheer Skill before the Ferrum League, in My Town.
  • Switching fighters every battle: they level up their skill as you use them.