Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity Best Starter Pair and Early Dungeon Tactics
Compare the five species without assuming there is one mandatory best pair.
Edition covered
Original Nintendo 3DS adventure (2012 Japan, 2013 western release). Base-game systems; optional purchased DLC is identified separately.
Select directly from five species
Gates to Infinity does not use a personality quiz to force the opening choice. Pick the player and partner from Pikachu, Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott and Axew; the pair cannot use the same species.
| Pokémon | Type | Pairing consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Pikachu | Electric | Bring an answer to Ground opponents |
| Snivy | Grass | Pairs naturally with Fire or Water coverage |
| Tepig | Fire | Keep a response to Water and Ground |
| Oshawott | Water | Grass or Electric enemies need care |
| Axew | Dragon | Physical attacking option with different weaknesses |
Use type coverage as one part of the choice
A partner covering a weakness is helpful, but position and move range still decide whether it can act. Keep an attack that reaches past the leader when the species’ available moves allow it.
| Habit | Use when | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Wait for approach | Enemy is outside adjacent range | First safe attack |
| Check the move range | Partner is behind you | Avoid ineffective commands |
| Spend a disabling item | Several enemies threaten the party | Create recovery time |
| Restore PP before a boss | Key move is almost empty | Keep reliable damage available |
Let the corridor organize the fight
Face one enemy at a time in narrow passages and avoid charging into an unexplored room while HP is low. Items can create breathing room even when the current type matchup is unfavorable.
Review moves after level-ups
A newly learned attack may have a different range or PP budget. Update enabled partner moves and the leader’s shortcuts so the team actually uses the tools you selected.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Nintendo quick guide | www.nintendo.com |
| Official Pokémon overview | www.pokemon.com |
| Game systems | www.serebii.net |