How should you build a Kanto Tactics team?

Open the Pokémon and Types tabs in the game’s Guide. Note your trainer level, active field slots, eligible matching copies and the next tier of a type you already use. Bench reserves are not active synergy members.

Your trainer level determines your field limit. Buying another Pokémon does not create another slot, and a useful unit left on the bench does not help the current fight. Before spending, name the change you want: evolve an existing unit, replace a weaker one, complete a synergy tier, or raise the field limit.

For the opening loop and the difference between shop, bench and board, use the beginner guide. This page focuses on choosing between upgrades once you understand those controls.

For a dated strength comparison use the tier list; for concrete team cores and item holders use the comps guide.

Three identical copies merge automatically. A different species can instead move a type toward its next active tier. Those purchases have different payoffs: one improves a unit, while the other changes the group bonus if the required tier is reached.

For example, suppose you have two eligible copies of one Pokémon and the shop offers a third. That purchase has a known outcome: a merge. A different unit sharing its type only completes a bonus if it adds a distinct fielded member and reaches the displayed threshold. Compare those actual outcomes, rather than treating every matching type as an immediate bonus. This is a rule example, not a claim that one choice wins every fight.

A merge involving a unit that is fighting waits for planning. With a full bench, fielded copies also stop counting toward the special purchase exception during combat. Check the full-bench buying rules before refreshing away an upgrade.

Most type bonuses apply to your Pokémon of that type. The Guide identifies exceptions: Electric’s Energy effect and Dragon Dance benefit the whole team, while Ghost’s Mean Look weakens the enemy team. Read the description of the particular bonus you are building.

A Flying label is not always a contribution to Flying synergy. The Guide distinguishes a Pokémon’s typing for ability matchups from its synergy eligibility; a faded, crossed-out Flying icon marks the difference. Count the active synergy icons on the cards.

There is also a combat distinction: ordinary basic attacks ignore the type chart, while abilities use it. Version 34 gives Expert Belt an exception: the holder’s basic attacks use its best type and deal 30% extra damage when super effective. A familiar main-series Pokémon matchup does not describe every hit in this autobattler. Look at the opposing abilities and your own card descriptions before replacing a unit just because of its name or type.

A card’s Physical, Special or Mixed label describes its ability scaling. Attack supports basic attacks and physical abilities; Sp. Atk supports special abilities, healing and shields. Mixed abilities show contributions from both stats. Read the actual ability before choosing the holder of a damage item.

Read duplicate-item effects individually. Version 35 makes Focus Sash save each Pokémon only once; extra copies add only stats. Other duplicate effects follow their current tooltip. That does not make doubling an item an automatic recommendation. Consider whether another teammate can use the spare and whether your current holder benefits from its effect. Scope Lens is another common trap: its critical hits apply to basic attacks, and an ability only critically hits if its own description allows it.

If an item is on the wrong holder, use the Magnet instructions to move the loadout without selling that Pokémon. For Eevee, equipment also affects its evolution branch; read the Eevee guide before combining copies.

Refreshing looks for a different shop; buying XP raises your trainer level. The first can help you find matching copies, while the second can create room to field another Pokémon. Compare the displayed cost with the upgrade you can finish now.

The Guide describes multiple PvP approaches, including finding three-star cheap units, leveling quickly and saving for interest. It does not declare one of them a universal best build. Avoid importing a gold target from Campaign into PvP without reading that mode’s economy panel.

Before the next fight, check the field limit, active type tiers and item holders again. If you change several of them together, it becomes harder to tell which change helped. A useful next step is one completed upgrade that you can identify on the board, not a promise of a particular finishing position.

Version 35 raises high-level XP requirements: 6→7 needs 24 XP, 7→8 needs 40 and 8→9 needs 66. Mew adopts your main trait at combat start, except Ghost and Dragon. Recount the active trait after it changes rather than budgeting around an older fixed-Psychic board. Use the planning tips for a short checklist.