The Basics:
Pokémon Online is a multiplatform, multilingual Pokémon battle simulator which can currently emulate 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th generation battles. PO is available in English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Finnish, Swedish, Hebrew, Korean, and Chinese. Current releases include Windows, OSX, and Linux. First things first! Download the simulator if you have not done so already, the latest version can be downloaded here. Next, unless you only plan on playing Challenge Cup, you'll need to build a team to use, and even if you only want to play CC you will need a trainer name.
Navigate to the Teambuilder to begin.
The next step is of vital importance. Type a name to use on Pokémon Online. Without a Trainer Name, you will not be able to sign on to any server. On this tab, you may also select a trainer sprite avatar, default tier, name color, trainer info, winning message, and losing message. Of course, this is no good without a solid team of Pokémon for battle.
If you click the Team button, you will be able to construct your team in its entirety. Nicknames, Items, Moves, Nature, EVs, and so forth are readily available. There is no training or exploration on Pokemong Online, you select your team and get down to battling. The "advanced" button allows you to fine-tune IVs for Hidden Power, and select Ability, form, Happiness, Level, Gender and shininess. If you want to switch the positions of party members, don't worry - simply click and drag the Pokemon to where you want it to be. While you're here, you may also select the Generation for your team. Most servers can auto-detect your team's metagame. If you wish to play VGC, 1v1, and similar metagames, just leave blank slots as Missingno.
You may also import your teams from Shoddy Battle, NetBattle Supremacy and Pokemon Online. The import from text feature is under File -> Import from text, or it's own button in the bottom left of the team tab. Use the other simulator's "Export to text" function, copy the text, paste it into Pokémon Online Import team function, press "Done" and your team will be ready for battle!
Once finished with your team, remember to save it! Choose a location that you'll remember and will not interfere with ACP conflicts if using Windows Vista or 7. Once you're finished, click the "Close" button in the lower-right hand corner. Changes to your team will not be applied until you close it, and you may not change teams mid battle.
Once you're ready, it's time to join a server! Click Go Online and the registry list for servers will pop up. Simply double click on a server name to join!
Upon joining a server, you have the option to set a password for your name to assure nobody else can use it and/or pose as you. While this is not necessary, it is advised if you care about your ladder score or intend to be active on a server. For your security, you should avoid using your normal password on PO servers. If you opt not to register on entry, you can choose to set a password any time using the "Register" button on the bottom.
If you're itching to battle, try using the Find Battle button instead of asking for battles in the main chat. You'll usually get a battle faster and the mods are less likely to shout at you. You can choose if the battle will be rated/unrated, the same tier, double battles, and ladder point differences of opponents. There are usually tons of players online, so you won't have trouble finding a match for most tiers.
You may also talk with other players in the main chat. To challenge a specific user, right click their name and select "Challenge". You may also right click a user's name and select "Watch Battle" to spectate. If you do not wish to accept challenges for a while, simply right click your name and "Go Away" or select Options -> Idle.
Once in battle, move selection is a breeze. Simply click a move to choose it. If you have changed your mind before your opponent has selected, you may cancel and select a new one. Hover your cursor over either Pokémon to view its stats, afflictions, and modifiers. Hover over Poke Balls to see the names of revealed Pokemon.
Switching selection works similarly - select the appropriate tab to switch or attack. Bear in mind that usually there is a 5 minute timer, so don't spend too long choosing your move or it will run out and you will lose. Making a selection will add 30 seconds back to the clock.
Running your own server:
Assuming you already know what you're doing, Pokémon Online includes a scripting module that uses Javascript. Click here for a brief introduction.
