Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon starts slowly, then opens up to five continents, hundreds of missions and 720 Pokémon to recruit. These tips will help you pick your team well, survive the dungeons and make the most of the Connection Orb as soon as you get it.

The quiz and choosing your Pokémon

The game begins with a personality quiz that suggests a Pokémon. Nothing is forced on you: if you don’t like the suggestion, you can pick from the twenty starter Pokémon. You then choose your partner, following a type rule: a Grass-type hero cannot take a Grass-type partner, for example. The full list and these rules are on our Starter Pokémon page.

The basic rules of dungeons

  • Every action is a turn: moving, attacking or using an item lets enemies act. There is no rush: take time to think.
  • Keep an eye on hunger. It is back in every dungeon. When the gauge is empty, your HP drops with every step. Always carry Apples.
  • Use all four moves, not just the strongest. PP run out quickly in long dungeons, and some items restore them.
  • Push allies that block a corridor: it makes them step back one square, but drains part of their hunger gauge.
  • Save in dungeons: you can do so on any floor. It is very useful before a boss.

New features to master

Link Moves

They combine the moves of team members into a single, very powerful action that ignores the enemy’s resistances. The sheriffs of Serene Village introduce them during a school trip. Save them for bosses and rooms full of enemies.

Looplets and Emeras

Emeras are gems that appear on the ground with a countdown. You have to pick them up before they implode. You then place them in a Looplet, which can hold up to eight for the duration of the dungeon. Their effects stack: accuracy, protection against status conditions or increased damage. One of them triggers Transcendence mode, which makes Pokémon that can Mega Evolve do so. See Dungeons and Mechanics.

Branches

These items are thrown like seeds, but hit the target even if it is not lined up with you. They are valuable against a dangerous enemy that is closing in.

The Connection Orb

In Lively Town, Ampharos gives you your Connection Orb and lets you join the Expedition Society. From then on, every Pokémon you help or meet is added to the connection map. Their own connections make new missions appear. Check the orb regularly: exclamation marks show available missions, and searching by name or type helps you find a specific Pokémon. The details are on our Connection Orb and Recruitment page.

Moving up in rank

Missions earn exploration points. By accumulating them, you move up in rank with the Expedition Society: you have to return to HQ and consult the central orb. Each rank unlocks recruits, dungeons, bag space and saved teams. This lets you recall a lineup in an instant. Our original guide Moving Up in Rank details the thresholds.

Building your team

The team has at most four Pokémon, hero and partner included; guests can join it. Mix types to cover the weaknesses of the main duo. Some lineups suggested by the game at the end of the day give an experience or stat bonus the first time you take them out: make the most of it.