FIELD MANUAL / SURVIVAL / 001
PokéSurvivor Beginner Guide
Controls, leveling, bonds and items — everything you need for your first run.
Last updated: 2026-10-12
TL;DR — 30 SECOND ANSWER
You only move — your Pokémon attacks automatically. Max 2–3 moves instead of taking everything, never skip a Bond, and keep moving.
How PokéSurvivor works
PokéSurvivor flips the usual Pokémon formula: you only move. Your partner Pokémon attacks automatically. Wild Pokémon swarm you in waves that get more dangerous over time. You level up during each run, pick new moves and upgrades, and try to survive as long as possible. Think "Vampire Survivors, but Pokémon" — because that is exactly the genre.
Controls
| Platform | Input |
|---|---|
| PC | WASD or arrow keys to move · 1–4 to pick rewards/moves · Q/E to cycle moves · Esc to pause |
| Mobile | Drag your finger to move · tap a move to switch |
Everything else — attacking, aiming, ability timing — is automatic.
Choosing your partner
You can start with the starters from every region, plus two more friends. With 966 playable Pokémon across all 9 regions, more partners are unlocked as you play. Each Pokémon has its own upgrades that only count when you play with it, so every partner levels up individually.
Leveling up during a run
When you level up you choose one of several rewards with the 1/2/3 keys (or taps). Moves you take can evolve when maxed out, so committing to a move and maxing it is usually stronger than spreading picks thin. See Evolution & Moves for details.
The Bond system
Bonded moves fire at the same time and take a single slot. Bonding compatible moves is one of the strongest ways to increase your damage without filling your move bar — watch for Bond offers when leveling.
Held items
You will find items during runs — but you can only hold one. Pick the item that fits your current build, and don't be afraid to leave a mediocre item behind for a better one later.
What you'll meet in the wild
- Enemy personalities: healers, shielders, exploders and summoners — exploders and healers change how you should path through a wave
- Mysterious rifts: 18 type-themed arenas, each guarded by its own legendary
- World events: weather events, altars, springs and locked chests appear on the map
- Shinies: wild shiny Pokémon appear at a 1/4096 (wild) rate
Between runs
- Missions: daily and weekly missions reward tickets
- Achievements: 127 achievements to chase
- Region gacha: spend earned tickets — no real money, ever
- Leaderboards & profiles: create a free account to save across devices (guest mode saves only in your browser)
First-run checklist
- Play a few runs in guest mode at the official site to learn enemy patterns
- Commit to 2–3 moves and max them instead of taking everything
- Grab Bonds whenever compatible moves are offered
- Keep moving — standing still is how runs end
- Read our Tips & Tricks once you reach mid-run waves