== Some Basics == '''I haven't played pokemon since the first couple generations (or never). Can I still hop in, and what game should I get?'''[[BR]] It's not too late! Don't freak out about the hundreds of new creatures; the original 151 were new to you once too! The latest versions (currently available in the US) are Platinum, HeartGold, and SoulSilver, and you should probably start with one of those three. HG and SS are remakes of the Generation II games, but still have all of the new monsters and features, so they make a great choice for someone that wants to "ease back in." Also, some great nostalgia! If you want to dive right into the newest creatures, go with Platinum, or wait for Black and White to be released in your region. '''Generation II? "Early Generations?" huh?'''[[BR]] With each major addition of monsters and change in gameplay, the pokemon games are considered to be of a new generation. {{{ | Generation | Games | System |:-----------|:-------------------------|:------------ | I | Red/Blue/Yellow | GB | II | Gold/Silver/Crystal | GB | III | Emerald/Ruby/Sapphire | GBA | III | *FireRed/LeafGreen* | GBA | IV | Diamond/Pearl/Platinum | DS | IV | *HeartGold/SoulSilver* | DS | V | Black/White | DS *remakes* }}} '''What are good websites for resources about what moves a pokemon can learn and at what level it evolves?'''[[BR]] Bulbapedia and Serebii.net are the two resources you'll see referenced most commonly around here! They both have tons of information, so try not to let it become your TVTropes! '''What are these Shiny Pokemon I keep hearing about? Why do people want them so much?'''[[BR]] Shinies are pokemon that have sprites that are a different color, such as the Red Gyrados you find in the Lake of Rage in Gold/Silver. The difference can be huge (red instead of blue), or hardly noticeable (slightly different shades of green). Each pokemon has one alternate sprite color scheme. In the newer games, they also (literally) sparkle in battle.[[BR]] People get excited about shinies because they're rare. The natural odds of finding a shiny are exactly 1/8192! If you breed with a pokemon from another country, the odds get better (1/2048). There are also tools to help you figure out how to hatch one based on the numbers and stats of the pokemon you are finding, and techniques such as Chaining. '''What does GTS mean?'''[[BR]] Global Trade Station. Using WiFi, you can trade Pokemon with strangers! This is useful when you can't find a friend that has what you're looking for. Don't be surprised though when you see a 12 year old asking for a level 100 legendary in exchange for his Mankey, though. You often have to dig through some crap to find a good deal. '''Sounds lame. Can I trade with you guys instead?'''[[BR]] Sure! Head on over to /r/pokemontrades! '''Can I battle you too?'''[[BR]] Yep! There's a /r/pokemonbattles too! This is actually the best way/place to ask about what reddit thinks of your team. Speaking of battling... == More Advanced Stuff == '''I'm ready to get really good at this team building thing. What are IVs?'''[[BR]] They're sort of like genes for pokemon, called Individual Values. They're the reason that when two charmanders fight each other with the same moveset at the same level, one may be a clear winner over the other. Within a species's base stats, there is some play whereby some are simply naturally better than others. If you want an awesome team, you have to start with some awesome IVs. Bulbapedia article on IVs and Serebii IV Calculator '''Well then, what is EV training?'''[[BR]] Effort Values mean that when your Pokemon gains experience by defeating another, which Pokemon you just defeated can have an effect on your Pokemon's stat boost. Defeating nothing but Machokes, for example, your Pokemon will get a bigger attack boost than if it had defeated 100 Magikarps. This is useful because if you're training something specifically to be a powerhouse, or specifically to be fast, you can seek your battles to cater to your new team. Bulbapedia article on Effort Values and Serebii article on EV Training '''Wow. That's a lot of complicated mess. I just wanted to be decent in battles.'''[[BR]] That's okay. IVs and EVs aren't necessary unless you're going up against some really competitive PvP. You can build a great team without them. Certainly don't let it bother you until you've finished having fun with the single player. '''So where do I find the Hardcore training strategies?'''[[BR]] Most likely Smogon University is the place to go. They have TONS of specific strategies and movesets for each individual species.