The player starts out as a human who turned into a Pokémon, which can be one of sixteen Pokémon from the series' first three generations. (Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Pikachu, Meowth, Psyduck, Machop, Cubone, Eevee, Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile, Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip, Skitty). The Pokémon that the player begins as is determined by a personality quiz taken at the beginning of the game.[2] The player chooses a partner Pokémon from the same list, excluding Pokémon of the same type as the player. The game is mission-based with many jobs, which can be found on the bulletin board, requested by mail, or initiated through story events, and include rescuing Pokémon, delivering items, and escorting clients. If the player successfully completes a job, they receive a reward and Rescue Points, which increase a team's rank.
These jobs take place in dungeons, the layout of which are randomized. The objective is to either finish a job or go through all the floors to find the exit. In the dungeon, there are wild Pokémon that battle with the player's team. These battles are turn-based, and take place in the dungeon map. Pokémon fight using the four moves they know, or using projectiles and other items. While going through the dungeon, the player gets hungry and has to eat food, either found in the dungeon or bought in advance. Pokémon can join the player's team during dungeons and can either permanently join their team or be dismissed after the dungeon. Completing missions can also allow a Pokémon to join the player's team.
Unlike the original games, being defeated in a dungeon will only make the player control the next Pokémon in their team, until all three main Pokémon are defeated. Players are able to encounter shiny Pokémon during the game, which only appear as "strong foes."
