Chapter route and partner progression
Follow the Crystal Star journey and revisit Rogueport with new partner abilities.
Spoiler notice: This guide discusses story progression or late-game content.
Original GameCube release; the Switch remake has changes not covered here.
Use Rogueport as the hub
Return to the Thousand-Year Door with each Crystal Star when the story directs you there. Rogueport and its sewers contain routes that become usable through later abilities. Keep a note of cracked walls, narrow gaps and inaccessible ledges instead of trying every existing partner at every obstacle.
The first three chapters
Chapter 1 leads toward Petalburg and Hooktail Castle, Chapter 2 to the Boggly Woods and Great Tree, and Chapter 3 to Glitzville. The Glitz Pit has battle conditions: read each condition before fighting, since defeating opponents alone may not count as a successful ranking match.
Twilight Town through Poshley Heights
Chapter 4 centres on Twilight Town and Creepy Steeple, Chapter 5 on Keelhaul Key and Pirate’s Grotto, and Chapter 6 on the Excess Express and Poshley Heights. Investigations and story triggers matter here; an inaccessible exit may require talking to the right character rather than winning another battle.
The final Crystal Star and the door
Chapter 7 involves Fahr Outpost and the X-Naut Fortress before the final door opens. Save and restock before Chapter 8. Upgrade the partners you actively use and check your badge loadout for sustained fights instead of arriving with a setup intended only for weak field enemies.
Revisit optional services
Merluvlee can help when you need a hint, and the Trouble Center offers side tasks. New movement abilities also reveal Star Pieces and badges in familiar areas. Group these errands into visits between chapters so you avoid repeatedly crossing the same hub for one small pickup.
Check the edition note above before following a route. Suggested preparation and tactics are editorial recommendations; alternative teams and routes can also work.