Recruitment

Recruitment is the method of obtaining new Pokémon in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon and its sequel. After defeating an enemy in a dungeon, it will occasionally offer to join the player's team. In the first game, offers will only be made if there is space in the current party but the sequel removed this requirement and had excess members simply warp out of the dungeon.

Recruitment-affecting items

The games contain items that increase the chance of Pokémon asking to be recruited. These are important as the base recruit rate of certain Pokémon, most notably Kecleon, is below zero.

In the Red and Blue versions, the only such item is the Friend Bow. When held by the leading Pokémon, it raises the recruitment rate by 10%. The bow is located behind a door needing a key to open on floor 29 of Mt. Faraway. Further friend bows can be purchased from Kecleon shops in Joyous Tower.

In the Time and Darkness versions, the Friend Bow is supplimented with a number of other items. The Amber Tear and Golden Mask maximally raises the user's recruitment rate. The Amber Tear is found on floor B20 of Zero Isle West while the Golden Mask is found on floor B75 of Zero Isle North. Additionally, the Seven Treasures each raise the recruitment rate by 10% for Pokémon of one particular type.