Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon (PSMD) starts with the player taking the Pokémon Quiz, which allows them to choose a Pokémon to start with. The player can choose from 20 different Pokémon, including all the starter Pokémon from the main regions up to Generation VI, as well as Pikachu and Riolu. The game will also choose the player's partner Pokémon, but the player can choose another. Players can't choose a Pokémon that is the same type as the player. The game begins with Deoxys outside of the planet's atmosphere noticing that Rayquaza is upset about something. The player takes on the role of one of 20 Pokémon, who is joined by a partner, chosen out of the remaining 19 Pokémon. The player and their partner then journey through procedurally-generated dungeons filled with enemies.