Since you don't permanently catch Pokémon, your 'build' is constantly changing based on the Pokémon you temporarily befriend. The key is to always have a diverse set of Field Moves available in your party.
Essential Field Move Types:
- Crush: For breaking rocks and boulders (e.g., Geodude, Machop).
- Cut: For clearing thorny bushes or small trees (e.g., Scyther, Oddish).
- Burn: For melting ice or burning obstacles (e.g., Charmander, Vulpix).
- Soak: For extinguishing fires or watering plants (e.g., Squirtle, Marill).
- Tackle/Pound: For stunning Pokémon during captures or breaking weak barriers (e.g., Bidoof, Rattata).
- Fly: For traversing large gaps or reaching high places (e.g., Pidgey, Swablu).
- Psychic: For moving heavy objects or solving puzzles (e.g., Abra, Kadabra).
- Electric: (Beyond your partner) For powering up machinery or stunning multiple foes (e.g., Pikachu, Magnemite).
Always try to keep at least one Pokémon with each essential Field Move type in your party, especially before entering a new area or starting a major mission. This proactive approach will save you a lot of backtracking and ensure you're prepared for any obstacle the Fiore region throws your way.