What is Mystery Dungeon?

This is an information page on what a Mystery Dungeon is. It is the main content and all other elements of Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX for Nintendo Switch stem from Mystery Dungeons. Read on to find more about Mystery Dungeons.

What is Mystery Dungeon?

The Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Series is a spin-off from the main Pokemon Series that started with Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team and Red Rescue Team in the year 2005. Contrary to the main series games, in which there is heavy emphasis on exploring an overworld setting using a trainer as the main protagonist, the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Series' goal is to raid countless of unique dungeons using a Pokemon as a protagonist.

It is also considered to be under the 'Roguelike' category of games. Rougelike is a subgenre of RPGs that are similar to the 1980 classic, Rogue. Some of the main characteristics of a Roguelike game are the top-down view, turn-based combat, and raiding of randomly-generated dungeons.

Basics of the Mystery Dungeon Series

Explore the Deepest of Dungeons!

The main objective of the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Series is to explore the deepest of dungeons. Each dungeon is composed of a specific number of floors and you have to make your way to either the deepest and darkest of dungeons or the highest and dreamiest of cloud castles.

Be warned, though—various traps, countless wild enemy pokemon and even other rescue teams will try and stop you from reaching your goal!

Hunger, HP and other Stats

The Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Series features the familiar stats from the main series games like PP, HP, Attack, and so on. It also features new stats such as Hunger, Rescue Team Rank, and more.

Hunger, measured by a Pokemon's Belly meter, is a feature that forces you to craftily manage your resources. Every action you do in dungeons costs some Belly points, similar to how Pokemon consume PP when using Moves. When a Pokemon's Belly runs out, it will take damage until it faints or eats something.

Do not fret as dungeons are usually filled with items that can fill your Belly bar up. You can also bring your own items before going into the dungeons. Some of the items that count as food even have other effects such as being teleported to a safe place or deal damage to the Pokemon in front of you!

Turn-Based Combat

Main Series Pokemon fans will not be a complete stranger when first playing Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX as it features a similar combat system. Your band of Pokemon take turns trading moves with the hostile Pokemon in the dungeons you are exploring. Each step you take in the dungeon also count as a turn so your enemies can harm you from afar as you try and escape them.

The best way to explain it to someone familiar with the main series games is that it is similar to a Triples Battle where positioning is important, but you can also move around the while simultaneously battling other pokemon. Use positioning to your advantage!

Mechanics of a Mystery Dungeon

Dungeons are Randomly Generated

Each dungeon instance is unique. This means that the Pokemon, the Stairs, traps, and other elements are placed randomly. You can never memorize how a dungeon is built, so your ability to explore and fight through dungeons is tested every time.

Dungeon Traps

In the harder dungeons, you may find yourself accidentally stepping on invisible traps that hinder you and your team. You might get damaged, teleported, and have your stats lowered.

There are items and abilities that let you avoid these traps. You can even use traps against your enemies!

Monster Houses

You may find yourself in a Monster House at times. Monster Houses contain a large number of hostile enemy Pokemon. You can either run from them or take them all down for a good chunk of EXP!

Scattered Items Throughout the Dungeons

Dungeons are filled with items that can aid you with your exploration. Collect items from easier dungeons so you can raid the harder dungeons with ease!

Difficulty in the Deeper Parts of a Dungeon

The difficulty of the dungeon goes up as you go deeper into the dungeons. If you find yourself breezing easily through the early floors of a dungeon, don't be complacent as there are more obstacles that await your curious Pokemon Explorers.

Limited Number of Turns in a Floor

In addition to Hunger, you can only execute a certain number of turns in a floor. This ramps up the pace of your game and discourages you from camping for EXP from each of the floors. This creates the feeling of urgency. After all, you are in the dungeon to rescue Pokemon in need!

Features of the Mystery Dungeon Series

Recruit Pokemon to your Rescue Team!

After defeating the hostile Pokemon, there is a chance that they will want to join your rescue team! Gone are the days of trying to Catch 'em All! Now we have to Befriend 'em All!

Control the Whole Team!

You can control your whole team as you explore the dungeons. If you need to execute more complex strategies, it is recommended to do this. In other cases, you can just let the AI control your companion Pokemon. They are designed to aid whatever you are doing.

The Dungeon Exploration Fails if the Partner Pokemon Faints

If either the Hero or the Partner Pokemon dies, the dungeon ends. However, if another ally faints, you won't be sent out of the dungeon. The fainted Pokemon will just retreat back to base, after which you can invite them along for the next dungeon instance.

Use Trickery to Defeat Enemy Pokemon!

In addition to your Rescue Team's Moves, you can use various items to defeat hostile Pokemon. You can also lead them to traps, use moves like Roar to push them into lava or evade them by going to places only Pokemon with a specific type can go to!

The dungeon may be dangerous and scary, but you can use this to your advantage.

Linked Moves

As in the original game, Linked Moves allow Pokemon to perform multiple moves in a single turn. However, this will come with additional costs to a Pokemon's PP and Hunger. Use it wisely! Go to Gulpin in the Pokemon Square to link your Pokemon's Moves!

Continuing Failed Dungeon Raids

If you fail raiding a dungeon, you can continue from where you fainted, unlike the previous Mystery Dungeon games. However, all money and items you are carrying wll be lost.

Mega Evolution and Other Additions!

Now that Mega Evolution has been introduced to the Pokemon world, it now can be achieved in Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX. Stay tuned for more information on how this feature will come into play!

How to Mega Evolve Pokemon

Related Links

Gameplay Basics
What is Mystery Dungeon?	How to Choose Your Starter and Partner	How to Use Felicity Bank
How to Raise Your Rank and Rewards	What Happens On Game Over? How to Get Rescued	Leveling Up at Makuhita Dojo
How to Leave a Dungeon	What is Move Growth?	Shiny Pokemon and How to Get Them
Strong Foes and Rewards	Unrepeatable One-time Events	What is a Mystery House?
How to Farm Stat Boost Items	Best Items to Sell	What Items to Bring to Dungeons
Kangaskhan Storage	How to Use Friend Rescue	-
Best Gameplay Strategies
How to Level Up Fast	How to Get Money Fast	Dungeon Crawling Guide
How to Grow Moves Fast	How to Recruit Pokemon Easily	How to Clear Monster Houses
Recommended Settings and Controls	Best Linked Moves	How to Steal from Kecleon
How Much Money Should I Carry Into Dungeons?	What to Buy from Kecleon Shops	How to Save Money Using Wigglytuff Orb and Bargain
How to Clear Dungeons Fast	How to Beat Moltres and Articuno	-
Tier Lists
Best Starter Pokemon	Best Partner Pokemon	Best Partner for Each Starter
Starter Tier List	Best Friend Pokemon for the Story	Best Moves Tier List
Best Items for Boss Battles	Best Equipment Ranking	Best Rare Qualities

All Beginner's Tips Articles