Credits to Amethyst for how to make an account. Original answer Here.
This answer assumes a desktop view. None of the steps change for mobile, but button placements might. A step-by-step gallery is available at the bottom of this answer if you'd prefer a visual aid.
Visit play.pokemonshowdown.com.
In the top right of your screen, select the "Choose name" button.
Enter a username. You might have to try several—if the popup "The name you chose is registered" appears, you will have to choose a different name.
Click the Settings button (the gear icon) in the top right of your screen once "Choose name" is replaced by your chosen username.
Click the "Register" button. This will prompt you to create a password for your new account. Once you've created a password, the account is registered and no one else can take your username.
If you ever get logged out of your account, follow steps 1-3. When "The name you chose is registered" pops up, input your password to log into your account.
Happy battling!
After you make an account it really just depends on what format you want. If you want to do VGC read Here. If you want to play Smogon games then this would be a better place to start.
I would also recommend reading the Smogon starter guide as it covers quite a lot of very useful information.
I recommend understanding what makes up a Pokémon’s stats. For example:
- EVs are basically just stat boosting values that are extremely customizable.
- IVs stand for Individual values, for the most part you want these all to be maxed out except for speed or attack in specific circumstances.
- Natures boost one stat and lower one stat by 10% each. For example Adamant, the most common nature people use, it raises the Attack stat by 10% and lowers Special Attack by 10%. This applies to all stats and what stats depends on the nature. Chart.
- Abilities are (sometimes) unique to the Pokémon and are very powerful. Showdown shows a brief description about the ability you want.
The showdown teambuilder is very easy to understand and easily customizable. If you want additional help the Smogon Forums is a great place to start.
