How to Play Pokémon Xenoverse — Beginner's Guide

New to Xenoverse? Start with these five things: use the Windows download, keep the extracted game folder together, learn the confirm/cancel keys, save manually, and choose the starter whose type combination you want to build around.

Before you start

Pokémon Xenoverse: Per Aspera ad Astra is a free fan-made Windows RPG built with RPG Maker XP and Pokémon Essentials. It is a PC game, not a GBA ROM. Use our download and Windows installation guide for the verified developer archive and executable names. Android is an unofficial compatibility route; keep that setup in the dedicated Android/JoiPlay guide.

1. Extract the entire archive before launching anything.
2. Open the Xenoverse-Source-main/Xenoverse folder.
3. Start Game_n.exe for the included newer MKXP-Z runtime; Game.exe is the classic alternative.
4. Choose English from the game’s Language menu if needed.
5. Leave Audio, Data, Fonts and Graphics beside the executable.

Controls and saving

The game uses the familiar Pokémon Essentials keyboard pattern. Arrow keys move; Z or Enter confirms/interacts; X or Escape cancels and opens the menu. Check the game’s own Options/control screen for the mapping on your build or controller.

Saving is manual. Open the in-game menu and use Save, especially before closing the game, a difficult battle or changing game folders. Back up an existing save before replacing game files. If inputs, fonts or the executable fail, use the troubleshooting guide rather than changing unrelated files.

Choosing your first partner

Opening starter	Verified type	What that means for team building
Shyleon	Grass / Fairy	Build around two verified types and add teammates for the matchups it cannot cover.
Trishout	Fire / Sound	Introduces Xenoverse’s Sound type immediately; do not apply an unverified main-series matchup chart to it.
Shulong	Water / Dragon	Gives a Water/Dragon core; add coverage based on opponents you actually meet.

These are the three opening choices. The structured dataset also tags later starter groups and family members, so the starter-family directory contains more than three records. No opening choice is presented as objectively best; the team guide explains safe, availability-aware ways to build around each.

Your first hour

Your story begins around Nova Ranch and Route 1. After the prologue, the useful progression target is Hadwarf City and the first Gym. Talk to characters, check side paths, and keep a varied team rather than over-leveling one partner. The walkthrough’s opening chapters give the next destination without forcing late-story revelations on you.

Use the site alongside the game:

• Search the Pokédex by name, number, type or Pokédex group.
• Open the World directory for verified location connections and encounters.
• Use Troubleshooting for launcher, font, display or JoiPlay problems.

Systems that work differently

X Species and Xenolith

X Species are counterparts associated with the Xenoverse and recorded in the separate Xenodex. Xenolith is a game-specific evolution item used by certain Pokémon. Exact item availability can depend on progression, so check a Pokémon’s verified evolution/acquisition record rather than assuming every X Species uses it.

PokéWES

The PokéWES is the game’s exploration/database tool. It brings together the Eldiw Pokédex, Xenodex and later Vintagedex functions and supports field progression without the old “HM slot” burden. You receive it through early story progress around Hadwarf.

Starter forms

Shyleon, Trishout and Shulong have special form systems tied to later story milestones. You do not need to manage these in the opening hour. The mechanics guide keeps the explanation separate so this guide avoids late-story spoilers.

PokéWES, X Species and the wider game

Xenoverse also includes Vintage Pokémon, Mega Evolution, post-game Furious Battles and the Apollo Tournament. Learn them when they become relevant rather than planning the opening team around endgame systems. See the mechanics reference for the verified overview.

Where to go next