With the success of Pokemon Go, a whole new type of fan is experiencing the franchise for the first time. Compared to the simplistic mechanics of Pokemon Go, the main series Pokemon games can be daunting. But no matter where you start, there are a ton of tips that apply to every game in the main series, no matter which one you begin with.

We’ve put together 10 tips to help new trainers get the most out of their Pokémon experience. Before you jump into a full walkthrough or try a specific Pokémon team, we recommend that you consult these tips first and try to make the best choice you can. After all, one of the most appealing aspects of Pokémon is that you get to build your own team, which will be a little different than someone else’s.

If you’re just getting started with the Pokemon franchise, you’ve probably heard the term “gen” used to describe the games. “Gen” is short for “generation,” and refers to the period in which a specific game was released. Here’s a handy guide to the previous generations of mainline Pokemon titles:

Each generation brought new features, new Pokémon, and added new ways for Pokémon to battle and for you to develop your relationships with them. Which one is best to start with? We’ll cover that in the next tip, which is very important if you’re just starting out.