# Sources & methodology

> Where the reference comes from, what we verify, and what the numbers do not prove.

Canonical HTML: https://pokebonk.lorepond.com/sources

Publisher: PokéBonk Guide (https://pokebonk.lorepond.com), an independent unofficial fan guide. Original game: https://pokebonk.com/.

Methodology last updated: 2026-11-01. Version-specific evidence is described below.

This independent guide uses separately dated sources for reference records, gameplay instructions, Lab costs and editorial rankings. A current release check does not automatically revalidate every older dataset.

**November 1, 2026 release check:** The [v0.8.84–v0.8.86 announcements](https://pokebonk.com/assets/defineProperty-BQTKr92T-mvwwqlzz.js) cover leaderboard display, account-backed saves, co-op and app 1.3.0. The current [English UI dictionary](https://pokebonk.com/assets/en-FDGTsDWC-mvwwqlzz.js) still contains an older same-device warning. We did not verify cross-device recovery, install the app or run multiplayer; older data snapshots retain their own versions.

**October 31, 2026 release check:** the [v0.8.79–v0.8.83 patch history](https://pokebonk.com/assets/defineProperty-BxMOs4Fe-mvv70wso.js), [app download configuration](https://pokebonk.com/assets/main-BjTkSgLV-mvv70wso.js) and [current UI](https://pokebonk.com/assets/en-C4endaUq-mvv70wso.js) establish the official Windows/Linux app, ready-room timer, saved Archive and top-record review changes. The official app release page returned HTTP 200; its GitHub API metadata request was rate-limited, so package availability is attributed to the game configuration. [News article 19](https://api.pokebonk.com/news?lang=en) announces v0.9 for November 4 without a launch hour/time zone. These are source checks, not app installation, device tests or a v0.9 playtest.

**October 29, 2026 release check:** [v0.8.63–v0.8.78 official announcements](https://pokebonk.com/assets/defineProperty-Cs0Whehj-mvtnhtpk.js) add resumable solo runs, Team Survival, public matchmaking, team pause and revised legendary recruitment/shiny rules. Focused [v0.8.78 client checks](https://pokebonk.com/assets/main-Dbep_ltT-mvtnhtpk.js) confirm saving restrictions, legendary recruitment and the three published builds’ named passives and signature-fusion identities/categories. The [UI](https://pokebonk.com/assets/en-BV7r3uTf-mvtnhtpk.js) limits a suspended run to its saving device. This is not a new full combat, shared-offer, Lab or challenge snapshot, nor a completed playtest.

**October 28, 2026 release check:** The [v0.8.60–v0.8.62 official patch announcements](https://pokebonk.com/assets/defineProperty-CGpGi5J6-mvr5gbc0.js) describe Daily Mutation, its rewards and the co-op Looks and Bag changes. We read the published client as inert source; these announcements do not revalidate the older Lab, League or tier-list snapshots, and we did not complete co-op or Daily Mutation playtests.

**October 27, 2026 update:** The official version file and [v0.8.59 configuration and patch history](https://pokebonk.com/assets/defineProperty-BNcQZwcm-mvpt1dlr.js), together with the [English UI dictionary](https://pokebonk.com/assets/en-QJw8pPEo-mvpt1dlr.js), were read as inert source. All 24 Lab caps and 111 prices, the 59 purchasable item keys, Archive calculation and Lickitung’s 15-member / 7,000-HP challenge were checked. Only that League challenge received a newer correction; the other 78 retain v0.8.18. Client definitions and release statements are not completed playtests.

## What was checked, and when?

| Content | Evidence edition | Coverage |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pokémon and move reference | October 22, 2026 capture | 151 Kanto records and their connected reference data. |
| Starter profiles, League challenges and fusion-tool inputs | v0.8.18, October 22 | Three starters, 79 League challenge definitions, 106 fusion definitions and 687 eligible input records. |
| Lab guide and budget planner | v0.8.59, October 27 | 24 caps, 111 prices and Archive capacity; no changes from v0.8.55. |
| League tier list | v0.8.25, reviewed October 23 | Editorial solo-progression ranks for all 79 partners, supported by their combat records. |
| Current release announcements | v0.8.86, November 1 | v0.8.84–v0.8.86 announcements; older checks retain their dates. |
| Practical-guide base paths | v0.8.46, October 25 | The originally traced controls, saves, modes and combat paths; later announced changes are dated within affected guides. |

The limited October 25 fusion recheck confirms all 79 signature pairs and English names, 106-result composition, matching priority and level-8 readiness. It is not a new validation of every fusion coefficient, ordinary-move input architecture, cap or damage outcome.

## Primary data

The reference is normalized from public files served by [pokebonk.com](https://pokebonk.com/):

-   [Pokémon records](https://pokebonk.com/data/pokemon.json): base stats, types, family and evolution fields.
-   [Level-up tables](https://pokebonk.com/data/learnsets.json): move IDs paired with source learning levels.
-   [Move records](https://pokebonk.com/data/moves.json): type, category, power, accuracy and effects.
-   [Ability records](https://pokebonk.com/data/abilities.json) and [item records](https://pokebonk.com/data/items.json).
-   [English localization](https://pokebonk.com/data/i18n/en.json): names and available English descriptions.

## Scope and validation

The public Pokémon and learning files include 1,025 entries, while the game's introduction describes Kanto. This release uses IDs 1 through 151 as an explicit reference scope. Their learning tables reference 381 moves and 114 regular or hidden abilities. The item source contains 151 records.

We check that move references resolve, that base totals equal the six individual stats, and that each published sprite exists locally. Dataset presence is not treated as proof of a playable character, a hidden-ability mechanic or an obtainable item.

## Values and interpretation

Base stats are reference values. Height is converted from decimetres to metres, and weight from hectograms to kilograms. Move power, PP, accuracy and effect fields retain the source meaning. This site does not assert that they are the game's final survivor values.

Evolution-family relationships are shown without treating mainline trade, item or level triggers as confirmed PokéBonk instructions. Type coverage in the planner means the selected moves’ types, not calculated damage or a validated effectiveness multiplier.

## Releases, regions and current instructions

The original reference capture on October 22, 2026 matched **v0.8.18 / mvjge531**. Its region array had four entries. English region labels in that reference are editorial translations; the original Spanish names remain available on the region page.

The separate **October 26, 2026** release check matched the official HTML entry to **v0.8.55 / mvob1c8t**. We read nine newer patches, v0.8.47–0.8.55, and the public status. Sources are the [official entry](https://pokebonk.com/), [current client](https://pokebonk.com/assets/main-D2_otW26-mvob1c8t.js), [patch/configuration bundle](https://pokebonk.com/assets/news-DnHpGMlq-mvob1c8t.js), [English UI dictionary](https://pokebonk.com/assets/en-Cm4sRSxF-mvob1c8t.js), [public news](https://api.pokebonk.com/news?lang=en) and [status](https://api.pokebonk.com/status). The repository records source URLs, hashes and capture times. Practical-guide base-path checks retain v0.8.46; dated follow-up paragraphs identify the newer announced changes. The current check did not replay those paths or update the older tier/combat coefficients.

New controls, mobile, account/save, mode, Season 2, Lavender Tower, co-op and combat guides trace the particular definitions and call paths they describe. A server status response establishes what it reported at capture time; it is not a completed run, registration, reward claim or compatibility test. Each article identifies its own limits. Starter build recommendations also use the older separately reviewed profiles where stated.

[Release summaries](https://pokebonk.lorepond.com/updates) are selected editorial paraphrases, not a complete or continuously synchronized changelog. Read the game's own news panel for full patch notes and its live counters for availability. No scheduled monitoring is enabled by this website build.

## Historical starter, unlock and fusion snapshot

The three starter profiles, League-unlock records and original fusion definitions use **v0.8.18 / mvjge531**, checked October 22, 2026. That original snapshot also supplied the initial Lab data; the Lab's later independent recheck is described below.

Historical primary sources are the official [gameplay client](https://pokebonk.com/assets/main-CyMRjZiu-mvjge531.js), [configuration/news bundle](https://pokebonk.com/assets/news-jqgANAcT-mvjge531.js) and [English UI dictionary](https://pokebonk.com/assets/en-D2sgbRJz-mvjge531.js). Static definitions are read with a TypeScript AST parser and relevant calling code is traced. Extraction does not evaluate downloaded game JavaScript. Hashed asset URLs can later become unavailable; recorded hashes and source ranges identify the edition that was reviewed.

On October 22 we additionally inspected the live English guest starter menu and all 24 level-zero Lab cards. The starter and Lab screenshots retain that **v0.8.18** date; they have not been relabeled as screenshots of v0.8.46.

Later kit moves become eligible random offers, rather than guaranteed automatic unlocks. Evolution thresholds are traced client rules, not completed evolution tests. The League and fusion records do not imply 79 completed captures or 106 tested outcomes. The general move planner remains a reference notebook rather than a run simulator.

On October 25, the current v0.8.46 client was checked for all 79 signature inputs and translated names, the 106-result composition, **signature → reaction → same type → MissingNo.** priority and **input level 8** readiness. These identities and matching rules remain consistent with the old fusion snapshot. The Move Fusion Finder retains its independently reviewed 687-input list; this limited recheck does not certify every current input architecture, damage coefficient, upgrade cap or cast outcome.

## Lab costs and budget planner

The [Lab guide](https://pokebonk.lorepond.com/guides/lab) and [budget planner](https://pokebonk.lorepond.com/tools/lab-planner) use an independent **v0.8.59 / mvpt1dlr** check dated **October 27, 2026**, recorded in `lab-manifest.json`. All **24 caps and 111 purchasable-level prices** match v0.8.46. The inert-source check can be repeated with `scripts/check-release-snapshot.mjs` and the recorded source files.

The checked formula is **round the raw cost × 0.85 to the nearest five Stardust**. The fourth move is 1,275 and Fourth option is 2,550. These prices already include the multiplier; the planner does not apply it again. Item unlock prices are separate.

Archive has **six levels / 30 base slots**, costing **510, 1,020, 1,700, 2,550, 3,400 and 4,675**. In v0.8.55 it also adds **floor(purchased item unlocks / 2)** slots when Archive is at least level 1. The current paid-unlock list has **59 items**, yielding up to **29 bonus slots / 59 total**. Initially available items do not count. The planner accepts this count separately from upgrade levels; bonuses do not add Stardust upgrade costs. These results come from literal definitions and arithmetic, not purchases of every level.

The planner sums only the levels between the current and target settings. Its local preference storage does not read, alter or back up a PokéBonk account. The separate [save guide](https://pokebonk.lorepond.com/guides/save-progress) explains original-game account access.

## League tier-list methodology

The [PokéBonk tier list](https://pokebonk.lorepond.com/tier-list) uses a separate **v0.8.25 / mvjzbutg** snapshot, reviewed October 23, 2026. It covers all 79 League partners, their 151 actual Kanto forms, 79 custom passives and Ultimates, 310 unique curated kit moves, and all 79 signature fusions. Sources include the official [gameplay client](https://pokebonk.com/assets/main-C90gB5C0-mvjzbutg.js), [configuration bundle](https://pokebonk.com/assets/news-SYOogixF-mvjzbutg.js), [English UI dictionary](https://pokebonk.com/assets/en-D7CrqP_e-mvjzbutg.js), and the referenced Pokémon/move files. Their hashes and exact source ranges are recorded in the repository.

Mechanics were extracted from inert syntax and reviewed call paths. We separate actual modifiers from tooltip claims, normalize survivor stats rather than ranking base-stat totals, and preserve conditional effects and shared healing limits. The tier placements are our editorial judgment for general League progression at comparable Lab investment. Each covers an entire evolution line and includes both a strength and a cost; alphabetical ordering inside a tier is not a numerical strength rank.

This is not a controlled full-roster playtest, measured DPS table or community win-rate survey. The version and date identify the edition being judged. The October 25 release and Lab checks do not silently update this ranking edition or its underlying combat coefficients. The new combat articles identify their independently traced current rules separately.

## Image provenance and rights

Decorative backgrounds use original forest, desert, coast and glacier environment textures and sprite atlases from [PokéBonk](https://pokebonk.com/), collected October 23, 2026 using the v0.8.25 client’s asset references. The site arranges those assets into scenery around the reading surface. These compositions do not depict the exact geography of a generated game run. Source URLs and hashes are recorded in the repository, and the images are served locally.

The small reference sprites are sourced from the [PokeAPI sprites repository](https://github.com/PokeAPI/sprites) and served locally. They are not copied from PMD SpriteCollab. Gameplay screenshots are our captures of the original PokéBonk interface; the game credits PMD SpriteCollab for its sprite artwork. Screenshot attribution does not imply ownership of the depicted game or artwork. Pokémon names and imagery remain the property of their respective rights holders. Public access to a repository is not a blanket grant of commercial rights.

The site loads an AdSense tag; no general commercial-use permission is claimed for these assets. The site's own layout, logo and original guide text are separate from the Pokémon reference imagery.

On November 1, 2026, we removed the copied Pokémon flavor descriptions from the reference pages and from the sync output. Other source-derived ability and item descriptions, names, sprites, background atlases, screenshots and video previews remain in use; their public availability does not establish commercial permission. For a rights question or takedown request, [contact us](https://pokebonk.lorepond.com/contact) and identify the material and its URL.

## Corrections

When a reference conflicts with the live game, use the current game's display for your run. The repository includes the synchronization script and a source manifest so an editor can reproduce the data capture and review a correction before publication.