⚔ gauntlet - A Pokémon battle adventure for you

Download Gauntlet for Windows

Gauntlet brings a full Pokémon experience to your computer. You play as the trainer, and the system acts as your guide and referee. You build teams, face challenges, and explore the Kanto region through a text-based interface. The program pulls official data for every Pokémon, move, and stat to ensure matches remain fair and accurate.

🛠 Prerequisites

Your computer needs specific software to run Gauntlet. Most users do not have this installed by default, so follow these steps to prepare your system.

1. Download Node.js: Go to the official Node.js website.
2. Select the LTS (Long Term Support) version for Windows.
3. Run the installer. Keep all settings at their default values.
4. Restart your computer after the installation completes.

📥 Installation Steps

You can get the software by visiting the download page.

Download Gauntlet for Windows

1. Visit the link above.
2. Look for the green button marked "Code" on the right side of the screen.
3. Choose "Download ZIP" from the menu.
4. Locate the folder in your Downloads directory.
5. Right-click the folder and select "Extract All".
6. Open the newly extracted folder.

🎮 How to Play

The game offers two primary modes of play.

Endless Draft Mode

This mode focuses on combat strategy. You draft a team from a random selection of Pokémon. You then face waves of opponents that increase in difficulty. Every win grants you tools to improve your roster. This mode follows a loop: draft, battle, survive, and repeat.

Campaign Mode

This mode provides a narrated story. You travel across the Kanto region. You catch wild Pokémon, challenge gyms, and manage your inventory. The program saves your progress to your hard drive so you can return to your adventure later.

⚙ Using the Terminal

Gauntlet runs through your Windows command prompt. Follow these steps to start the game after installation:

1. Open the folder where you extracted the Gauntlet files.
2. Click the empty space in the file path bar at the top of the window.
3. Type cmd and press Enter. A black window will appear.
4. Type npm install and press Enter. This prepares the game files.
5. Type npm start to launch the game.

📋 System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11.
• Memory: At least 4 Gigabytes of RAM.
• Processor: Any modern dual-core processor.
• Storage: 500 Megabytes of available disk space.
• Internet Connection: Required for fetching real-time data from the PokeAPI.

🤝 Support and Community

If the program closes unexpectedly, check that your internet connection remains active. The game requires a live link to the database to function. If you encounter issues with game data, ensure your Node.js installation is up to date.

🛡 Frequently Asked Questions

Does the game save my progress? Yes. Both your campaign data and your current draft streak save to a local file within your installation folder.

Do I need a paid account to play? No. Gauntlet is free software. It does not require subscriptions or account creation.

Can I play offline? The game requires an internet connection to pull accurate stats and sprites. Offline play is not supported at this time.

What happens if the game stops? Reopen the command prompt in the game folder and type npm start again. Your progress stays safe in your save files.

How do I update the game? Download the new ZIP folder from the link provided and replace your existing files. Your save files are separate and will remain intact.

📖 Glossary of Terms

• Node.js: The background engine that allows the game to communicate with your computer.
• Command Prompt: The text interface window where you control the game.
• PokeAPI: The live database that provides all Pokémon statistics, moves, and descriptions.
• Draft: The process of choosing your team from a shifting pool of available Pokémon.
• Kanto: The region where your campaign adventure happens.
• Streak: The current number of battles you have won in the endless draft mode.
• Sprite: The image representation of a Pokémon seen during combat sequences.

🚀 Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Window closes instantly: Ensure you installed Node.js correctly. Open a separate Command Prompt window and type node -v to check that your computer recognizes the software.
• Data missing: Verify your internet connection. If the connection works, wait a moment and try restarting the game.
• Slow performance: Close other programs running in the background. Node.js works best when your computer has available memory.
• Character encoding issues: If the text looks strange, ensure your Windows region settings use UTF-8 formatting.
• File location errors: Keep the game folder in a location where your user account has read and write permissions, such as your Documents or Desktop folder. Avoid placing the game in system folders like Program Files.

🌟 Tips for New Trainers

Focus on type advantages during your draft. Water types hold strong against Fire, and Grass types resist Electric moves. Pay attention to the descriptions in the terminal, as they offer clues about your current environment. Save your game frequently in Campaign Mode by using the save command provided in the game menu.

Draft Mode requires patience. Select Pokémon that cover different roles, such as defense, speed, and attack power. Do not rush your selection. You have time to consider each move before submitting your choice to the referee.

In the Campaign Mode, explore every route. You might find rare Pokémon hidden in the tall grass. Keep your team healthy at the local centers to ensure you can reach the next gym. The game acts as your Game Master, so read the output carefully to follow the story thread.

Gauntlet is built for simplicity. It avoids visual clutter and lets you focus on the mechanics of battle. Enjoy your journey through Kanto and your performance in the endless draft.