Here’s a rundown of the basic game systems, controls, and how to start playing. Master this stuff, and you’ll be well on your way to conquering Yo-kai Watch.
The main story consists of 11 chapters total. In general, you work your way through each one by engaging in the three main activities below. Additionally, you can pick up many sub-quests called Requests and Favors from folks around town. In most cases, you don’t need to finish these sub-quests to finish the game, although there are a few exceptions.
The story unfolds across Springdale, your hero’s hometown.
Your town is packed with residents full of observations, funny stories, problems, and requests.
Track Your Objectives!
Move around town, tracking the target destination shown onscreen. When you arrive, talk to the person or examine the object or building there. What’ll happen next?
The “!” marks your objective.
Find The Yo-kai!
Your Yo-kai Watch reacts when Yo-kai lurk nearby. Search the area until the magnifying glass icon appears, then press 
to enter Watch Mode and start searching with your Yo-kai Lens.
The screen goes into Watch Mode. Move the Lens around to look for Yo-kai.
Fight (and Befriend) Them!
Battle any Yo-kai you find! Win, and you might have a chance to befriend the being. Try to win as many friends as possible.
Some Yo-kai will befriend you in events outside of battle, too.
Controls and Movement
Push 
to Pick Up the Pace!
Press and hold 
while in motion to run faster. An energy gauge appears to the right of your character and starts to drain. When it turns from yellow to red, you’re out of breath and have to walk for a little while. Make sure to ease up on the button before the gauge goes red.
The gauge goes down as you dash around, then goes back up when you rest. Once the gauge turns red, you’ll walk slower until it fills all the way back up.