Pokémon X & Y: Complete Guide
X & Y Pokédex →Pokémon X and Y are the sixth-generation games, released worldwide on the Nintendo 3DS in October 2013. They were the first main-series games in full 3D, and they moved the action to Kalos, a region inspired by France with grand cities, wide gardens and a strong sense of style.
Their headline additions were Mega Evolution, a temporary battle transformation for certain fully evolved Pokémon, and the Fairy type, the first new type since the second generation. With 72 new Pokémon and a worldwide release on the same day, they felt like a new beginning for the series.
They suit players who like a bright, polished world and a battle system with extra depth, as well as anyone who wants to try the first fully 3D Pokémon adventure.
X & Y quick facts
Story and structure
This section describes the structure of the story without spoilers.
You live in a small town in Kalos and set out on a journey with four friends, each with their own goals. The adventure leads through forests, cities and a historic capital, and it is paced like a classic road trip.
A group called Team Flare, led by a cultured and ambitious man, is pursuing a secret that involves an ancient power and a legendary Pokémon. The story connects the region's history to the present.
Gyms and the Pokémon League
Eight Gym Leaders guard the badges. Each of them uses a distinct type, and the League at the end is among the most visually impressive in the series.
Legendary Pokémon
Xerneas on X and Yveltal on Y are tied to life and destruction. Another legendary, Zygarde, connects to the region's ecosystem.
Afterwards, a mysterious new area opens in Lumiose City, and the post-game continues with extra story chapters.
New mechanics explained
Mega Evolution
Some fully evolved Pokémon can hold a Mega Stone and transform during battle, gaining new stats, abilities and sometimes types. You can Mega Evolve once per battle, and the effect lasts until the fight ends.
Tip: Plan your Mega Evolution before the battle. Only one Pokémon per team can do it at a time, so pick the one that benefits most.
The Fairy type
The new Fairy type is strong against Fighting, Dragon and Dark, and weak to Poison and Steel. It also resists Bug, Fighting and Dark, and it is immune to Dragon attacks.
Tip: A Fairy-type move is one of the best ways to handle Dragon opponents, which are usually dangerous in the late game.
Pokémon-Amie and Super Training
Pokémon-Amie lets you pet and play with your Pokémon to raise their affection, which gives battle bonuses. Super Training is a minigame that lets you raise stats without battling.
Tip: Spend a few minutes each session in Pokémon-Amie. The bonuses are small but add up.
Starter Pokémon
Professor Sycamore's three starters evolve twice, at levels 16 and 36, and each of them gets a second type at the end.
| Starter | Final form | Final typing | Evolves at |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chespin | Chesnaught | GrassFighting | Levels 16 and 36 |
| Fennekin | Delphox | FirePsychic | Levels 16 and 36 |
| Froakie | Greninja | WaterDark | Levels 16 and 36 |
Chespin line
Chespin becomes Chesnaught, a sturdy Grass and Fighting Pokémon with good defenses.
Watch out: It is slow, and it is weak to Flying, Fire, Ice and Poison attacks.
Fennekin line
Froakie line
Our recommendation
For a first playthrough, we recommend Froakie. Greninja is fast and covers many matchups. Chespin is the sturdy choice, and Fennekin is for players who like special attackers.
Version differences
X and Y share the same story and region, and differ in the cover legendary and some wild Pokémon.
- X features Xerneas and Y features Yveltal.
- Some Mega Stones and wild Pokémon appear in only one of the two versions.
You can trade between the two to fill the Pokédex, and a Pokémon bank service let you store Pokémon across games.
Keep exploring
Tips for new players
- Plan around Mega Evolution. Find a Mega Stone and decide which Pokémon will use it.
- Use Pokémon-Amie to boost your team's affection before long battles.
- Explore Lumiose City carefully, as it is a large hub with many hidden shops.
- Pick up an Exp. Share early, because it levels your whole team during the story.
- Look for Fairy-type moves, as they help against Dragon and Dark opponents.
- Save before the final battle in the Pokémon League.
- Use the Player Search System to trade and battle with others.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Pokémon X and Y?
They share the same story and map. X features Xerneas and Y features Yveltal, and each has a few exclusive Pokémon and Mega Stones.
What is Mega Evolution?
A temporary transformation in battle for certain Pokémon holding a Mega Stone, which boosts their stats and sometimes changes their type or ability.
How many Pokémon did X and Y add?
They added 72 new Pokémon, bringing the total to 721.
Are there remakes related to X and Y?
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set in Kalos and returns to Lumiose City.