The most frequently asked questions about Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon, with short answers and links to our detailed pages.
The game
What is Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon?
A turn-based dungeon-crawling game for the Nintendo 3DS, released in Europe on 19 February 2016. You play a human turned into a Pokémon. See the fact sheet.
How many Pokémon are there?
720, every species known at the time except Volcanion. All of them can be recruited, legendary Pokémon included.
Which Pokémon can you choose at the start?
Twenty: the starters of the first six generations, Pikachu and Riolu. See Starter Pokémon.
Is the personality quiz mandatory?
It is offered, but you can refuse its result and pick any of the twenty Pokémon.
Can you play with other people?
No, the adventure is played solo. Rescue between players goes through Pelipper Island.
Do you need to have played the previous games?
No, the story is standalone. Veterans will spot a few nods, notably on the connection map.
Playing
How long is the story?
It has a prologue, 23 chapters and an epilogue: expect several dozen hours. The first ten chapters, in Serene Village, are slow. See the walkthrough contents.
How do you recruit a Pokémon?
Through the Connection Orb: missions, connections, ranks or encounters in dungeons. See Connection Orb and Recruitment.
Can you have the same Pokémon twice?
No, only one of each species.
When can you evolve your Pokémon?
After the epilogue, with Xerneas and the Tree of Life.
How do you Mega Evolve?
By entering Transcendence mode thanks to an Emera. See Dungeons and Mechanics.
How do you get Hoopa?
With the Magic Lamp. See our original guide Hoopa and the Magic Lamp.
Today
Can you still buy the game?
Only as a boxed copy, second-hand or from remaining stock: the Nintendo 3DS eShop closed in March 2023. Copies already downloaded remain playable.
What happened to CineMeowth?
This video feature of the Meowth Theater was disabled by the update of 30 August 2017.
Can the game be played on Nintendo Switch?
No. The only Mystery Dungeon on Switch is Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, a remake of the first games.
