Pokémon Mystery Dungeon is a unique spin-off series that reimagines the Pokémon world in a completely different way. Instead of training Pokémon, you become a Pokémon. After waking up in a mysterious land with no memory of your human life, you team up with other Pokémon, explore randomly generated dungeons, and rescue Pokémon in trouble.

The series blends emotional storytelling, turn-based dungeon crawling, and strategic team management, making it one of the most beloved Pokémon spin-offs.

How to Play Pokémon Mystery Dungeon

Become a Pokémon

At the start, you take a personality test that decides which Pokémon you’ll become (such as Pikachu, Charmander, Squirtle, or Treecko). You then choose a partner Pokémon to explore the world with you.

Explore Mystery Dungeons

Each dungeon is randomly generated every time you enter. Floors are filled with wild Pokémon, traps, items, and stairs leading deeper underground. If you faint, you may lose items, so careful planning is essential.

Turn-Based Combat

Battles happen directly inside dungeons using a turn-based system. Every movement or attack counts as a turn, so positioning and move selection are crucial for survival.

Rescue and Recruit Pokémon

Complete rescue missions to save trapped Pokémon. After battles, defeated Pokémon may ask to join your team, allowing you to build a powerful rescue squad.

Level Up and Evolve

Your Pokémon gain experience, learn new moves, and eventually evolve. Evolution becomes available later in the story and adds a strong sense of progression.

Popular Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Games

• Red Rescue Team & Blue Rescue Team
• Explorers of Time, Darkness & Sky
• Gates to Infinity
• Super Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
• Rescue Team DX (Nintendo Switch remake)

Key Features of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon

• Play as a Pokémon instead of a Trainer
• Randomly generated dungeons
• Emotional, story-driven gameplay
• Deep team-building and strategy
• Replayable missions and post-game challenges

Game Details (Series Overview)

First Release: 2005
Developer: Spike Chunsoft
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms: GBA, Nintendo DS, 3DS, Nintendo Switch
Genre: RPG / Dungeon Crawler

Controls (General)

• D-Pad / Analog Stick – Move
• A Button – Attack / Interact
• B Button – Cancel
• Start – Menu
• L / R – Move diagonally or manage moves

FAQ

Is Pokémon Mystery Dungeon part of the main Pokémon story?
No, it is a spin-off series with its own unique world and storyline.

Can Pokémon faint permanently?
No, but fainting can cause you to lose items and fail missions.

Which Mystery Dungeon game is the best?
Many fans consider Explorers of Sky the best due to its deep story and rich post-game content.