Improve UX with merged run view, method badges, grouped encounters, and mobile nav

Merges the run dashboard into the encounters page as a unified view at /runs/:runId,
adds encounter method grouping in the modal and badges on route rows, improves the
home page with recent runs, adds mobile hamburger nav, and polishes empty states.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>

.beans/nuzlocke-tracker-qeim--ux-improvements-pass.md

@@ -1,16 +1,20 @@
 ---
 # nuzlocke-tracker-qeim
 title: UX improvements pass
-status: draft
+status: completed
 type: task
+priority: normal
 created_at: 2026-02-05T14:27:17Z
-updated_at: 2026-02-05T14:27:17Z
+updated_at: 2026-02-07T13:05:14Z
 ---
 
 The current encounter tracking and run dashboard UX is clunky. Do a holistic UX review and propose improvements.
 
 Areas to evaluate:
 - Encounter logging flow (too many clicks? modal vs inline?)
+  - Encounter logging should be the default view for runs
+  - Team overview is not really needed
+  - Logging encounters should show the type of encounter (grass, surfing, fishing, ...)
 - Route list readability and navigation (long lists)
 - Route grouping UX polish (auto-expand unvisited groups, remember expand state, visual hierarchy for parent vs child)
 - Run dashboard information density
@@ -20,4 +24,124 @@ Areas to evaluate:
 - Visual feedback for actions (success/error toasts, optimistic updates)
 - It is unintuitive to not be able to deselect a game on the new run page
 
-Produce a concrete plan with specific UI/UX changes to implement.
+Produce a concrete plan with specific UI/UX changes to implement.
+
+---
+
+## Concrete UX Improvement Plan
+
+### 1. Make encounters the default run view — merge dashboard into encounters
+
+**Problem:** The run dashboard (`/runs/:runId`) and encounter log (`/runs/:runId/encounters`) are separate pages. Users must click "Log Encounter" to get to the actual tracker. The dashboard shows team/graveyard but that's secondary to the encounter flow.
+
+**Change:** Merge the dashboard into the encounters page as a unified view:
+- `/runs/:runId` shows the encounter list directly (current RunEncounters content)
+- Move stats + team/graveyard into a collapsible sidebar or header summary on the same page
+- Specifically: put the 4 stat cards in a compact row at the top, above the route list
+- Team and graveyard move to a slide-out panel or collapsible section below the stats
+- Remove the separate RunDashboard page; redirect `/runs/:runId` to the merged view
+- Keep "End Run" as a button in the header area
+
+**Files:** `RunDashboard.tsx`, `RunEncounters.tsx`, `App.tsx` (routing)
+
+### 2. Show encounter method in the route list (not just the modal)
+
+**Problem:** Users can't see what encounter methods are available on a route until they click it. For Nuzlocke tracking, knowing whether a route has grass, surf, fishing, etc. is important for planning.
+
+**Change:** Show small method badges on each route row in the encounters list:
+- Fetch route encounter data summary (distinct methods) and show as tiny icons or text badges
+- e.g. "Route 1" shows 🌿 walk  |  "Pallet Town" shows 🏄 surf 🎣 fishing ⭐ starter
+- Use the same EncounterMethodBadge component from the modal, but also add badges for wild methods (walk, surf, old-rod, good-rod, super-rod, rock-smash, headbutt)
+- Show badges in a row below the route name
+
+**Files:** `RunEncounters.tsx`, `EncounterModal.tsx` (extract shared badge component)
+
+### 2b. Group Pokemon by encounter method in the EncounterModal
+
+**Problem:** The Pokemon selection grid in the EncounterModal shows all Pokemon in a flat list. On routes with many encounter methods (walk, surf, old-rod, good-rod, super-rod, etc.) it's a jumbled mess — the user can't tell which Pokemon come from grass vs. fishing.
+
+**Change:** Group the Pokemon grid by encounter method with labeled sections and spacers:
+- Group `routePokemon` by `encounterMethod` before rendering
+- Render each group with a header label (e.g. "Grass", "Surfing", "Old Rod", "Good Rod", "Super Rod") and the Pokemon grid underneath
+- Add a visual spacer/divider between groups (e.g. a thin horizontal line or margin gap)
+- Method display order: starter, gift, fossil, trade, walk, headbutt, surf, rock-smash, old-rod, good-rod, super-rod
+- Use friendly labels: walk → "Grass", surf → "Surfing", old-rod → "Old Rod", etc.
+- If a route only has one method, skip the grouping header (no visual noise)
+- Time-of-day differences: these are already aggregated in our encounter data (same "walk" method, rates summed). If time-based filtering is added later, use tabs above the grid to switch day/morning/night rather than creating separate groups.
+
+**Files:** `EncounterModal.tsx`
+
+### 3. Route grouping polish
+
+**Problem:** All route groups start collapsed. Users have to manually expand each one. No visual distinction between visited and unvisited groups.
+
+**Changes:**
+- Auto-expand the first unvisited group on page load (guides the player to the next location)
+- Persist expand/collapse state in localStorage keyed by runId
+- Add a subtle left border color to groups based on status (green = caught, red = fainted, etc.)
+- Show route count badges: "3/5 areas" for groups
+
+**Files:** `RunEncounters.tsx`
+
+### 4. Allow game deselection in NewRun wizard
+
+**Problem:** Once you select a game, you can't deselect it — clicking the same game again does nothing. This is unintuitive.
+
+**Change:** Toggle selection — clicking an already-selected game deselects it:
+```tsx
+const handleGameSelect = (game: Game) => {
+  if (selectedGame?.id === game.id) {
+    setSelectedGame(null)
+    return
+  }
+  // ... existing logic
+}
+```
+
+**Files:** `NewRun.tsx`
+
+### 5. Improve Home page with recent runs + clear CTA
+
+**Problem:** Home page is just a title and tagline. No way to quickly resume a run or start one.
+
+**Change:**
+- Show "Continue Run" card for the most recent active run (if any)
+- Show "Start New Run" prominent CTA button
+- Show recent runs list (last 3-5) with quick links
+- If no runs exist, show onboarding message
+
+**Files:** `Home.tsx`, `useRuns.ts`
+
+### 6. Mobile nav improvements
+
+**Problem:** Nav links crowd on small screens. No hamburger menu.
+
+**Change:**
+- Add hamburger menu on small screens (< sm breakpoint)
+- Collapse nav links into dropdown
+- Ensure all touch targets are minimum 44px
+
+**Files:** `Layout.tsx`
+
+### 7. Better empty states
+
+**Problem:** Several pages have minimal empty states ("No pokemon caught yet", etc.) without guiding the user.
+
+**Changes:**
+- RunEncounters with no encounters: "Click a route to log your first encounter"
+- RunDashboard/merged view with no alive pokemon: "Catch your first Pokemon to build your team!"
+- RunList with no runs: Already has CTA, but add illustration or more welcoming text
+
+**Files:** Various page components
+
+## Checklist
+
+- [x] Merge dashboard into encounters page (unified run view)
+- [x] Show encounter method badges on route rows
+- [x] Group Pokemon by encounter method in EncounterModal with headers and spacers
+- [x] Auto-expand first unvisited route group
+- [x] Persist route group expand/collapse state in localStorage
+- [x] Allow game deselection in NewRun wizard
+- [x] Improve Home page with recent runs + CTA
+- [x] Add mobile hamburger nav menu
+- [x] Improve empty states with helpful guidance text

backend/src/app/api/games.py

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ from sqlalchemy.orm import selectinload
 from app.core.database import get_session
 from app.models.game import Game
 from app.models.route import Route
+from app.models.route_encounter import RouteEncounter
 from app.schemas.game import (
     GameCreate,
     GameDetailResponse,
@@ -66,35 +67,43 @@ async def list_game_routes(
     result = await session.execute(
         select(Route)
         .where(Route.game_id == game_id)
+        .options(selectinload(Route.route_encounters))
         .order_by(Route.order)
     )
     all_routes = result.scalars().all()
 
+    def route_to_dict(route: Route) -> dict:
+        methods = sorted({re.encounter_method for re in route.route_encounters})
+        return {
+            "id": route.id,
+            "name": route.name,
+            "game_id": route.game_id,
+            "order": route.order,
+            "parent_route_id": route.parent_route_id,
+            "encounter_methods": methods,
+        }
+
     if flat:
-        return all_routes
+        return [route_to_dict(r) for r in all_routes]
 
     # Build hierarchical structure
     # Group children by parent_route_id
-    children_by_parent: dict[int, list[Route]] = {}
+    children_by_parent: dict[int, list[dict]] = {}
     top_level_routes: list[Route] = []
 
     for route in all_routes:
         if route.parent_route_id is None:
             top_level_routes.append(route)
         else:
-            children_by_parent.setdefault(route.parent_route_id, []).append(route)
+            children_by_parent.setdefault(route.parent_route_id, []).append(
+                route_to_dict(route)
+            )
 
     # Build response with nested children
     response = []
     for route in top_level_routes:
-        route_dict = {
-            "id": route.id,
-            "name": route.name,
-            "game_id": route.game_id,
-            "order": route.order,
-            "parent_route_id": route.parent_route_id,
-            "children": children_by_parent.get(route.id, []),
-        }
+        route_dict = route_to_dict(route)
+        route_dict["children"] = children_by_parent.get(route.id, [])
         response.append(route_dict)
 
     return response

backend/src/app/schemas/game.py

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ class RouteResponse(CamelModel):
     game_id: int
     order: int
     parent_route_id: int | None = None
+    encounter_methods: list[str] = []
 
 
 class GameResponse(CamelModel):

frontend/src/App.tsx

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import { Routes, Route, Navigate } from 'react-router-dom'
 import { Layout } from './components'
 import { AdminLayout } from './components/admin'
-import { Home, NewRun, RunList, RunDashboard, RunEncounters } from './pages'
+import { Home, NewRun, RunList, RunEncounters } from './pages'
 import {
   AdminGames,
   AdminGameDetail,
@@ -17,8 +17,8 @@ function App() {
         <Route index element={<Home />} />
         <Route path="runs" element={<RunList />} />
         <Route path="runs/new" element={<NewRun />} />
-        <Route path="runs/:runId" element={<RunDashboard />} />
-        <Route path="runs/:runId/encounters" element={<RunEncounters />} />
+        <Route path="runs/:runId" element={<RunEncounters />} />
+        <Route path="runs/:runId/encounters" element={<Navigate to=".." relative="path" replace />} />
         <Route path="admin" element={<AdminLayout />}>
           <Route index element={<Navigate to="/admin/games" replace />} />
           <Route path="games" element={<AdminGames />} />

frontend/src/components/EncounterMethodBadge.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,99 @@
+const METHOD_CONFIG: Record<string, { label: string; color: string }> = {
+  starter: {
+    label: 'Starter',
+    color:
+      'bg-yellow-100 text-yellow-800 dark:bg-yellow-900/40 dark:text-yellow-300',
+  },
+  gift: {
+    label: 'Gift',
+    color: 'bg-pink-100 text-pink-800 dark:bg-pink-900/40 dark:text-pink-300',
+  },
+  fossil: {
+    label: 'Fossil',
+    color:
+      'bg-amber-100 text-amber-800 dark:bg-amber-900/40 dark:text-amber-300',
+  },
+  trade: {
+    label: 'Trade',
+    color:
+      'bg-emerald-100 text-emerald-800 dark:bg-emerald-900/40 dark:text-emerald-300',
+  },
+  walk: {
+    label: 'Grass',
+    color:
+      'bg-green-100 text-green-800 dark:bg-green-900/40 dark:text-green-300',
+  },
+  headbutt: {
+    label: 'Headbutt',
+    color: 'bg-lime-100 text-lime-800 dark:bg-lime-900/40 dark:text-lime-300',
+  },
+  surf: {
+    label: 'Surfing',
+    color: 'bg-blue-100 text-blue-800 dark:bg-blue-900/40 dark:text-blue-300',
+  },
+  'rock-smash': {
+    label: 'Rock Smash',
+    color:
+      'bg-orange-100 text-orange-800 dark:bg-orange-900/40 dark:text-orange-300',
+  },
+  'old-rod': {
+    label: 'Old Rod',
+    color: 'bg-cyan-100 text-cyan-800 dark:bg-cyan-900/40 dark:text-cyan-300',
+  },
+  'good-rod': {
+    label: 'Good Rod',
+    color: 'bg-sky-100 text-sky-800 dark:bg-sky-900/40 dark:text-sky-300',
+  },
+  'super-rod': {
+    label: 'Super Rod',
+    color:
+      'bg-indigo-100 text-indigo-800 dark:bg-indigo-900/40 dark:text-indigo-300',
+  },
+}
+
+/** Display order for encounter method groups */
+export const METHOD_ORDER = [
+  'starter',
+  'gift',
+  'fossil',
+  'trade',
+  'walk',
+  'headbutt',
+  'surf',
+  'rock-smash',
+  'old-rod',
+  'good-rod',
+  'super-rod',
+]
+
+export function getMethodLabel(method: string): string {
+  return (
+    METHOD_CONFIG[method]?.label ??
+    method
+      .replace(/-/g, ' ')
+      .replace(/\b\w/g, (c) => c.toUpperCase())
+  )
+}
+
+export function getMethodColor(method: string): string {
+  return METHOD_CONFIG[method]?.color ?? 'bg-gray-100 text-gray-800 dark:bg-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300'
+}
+
+export function EncounterMethodBadge({
+  method,
+  size = 'sm',
+}: {
+  method: string
+  size?: 'sm' | 'xs'
+}) {
+  const config = METHOD_CONFIG[method]
+  if (!config) return null
+  const sizeClass = size === 'xs' ? 'text-[8px] px-1 py-0' : 'text-[9px] px-1.5 py-0.5'
+  return (
+    <span
+      className={`${sizeClass} font-medium rounded-full whitespace-nowrap ${config.color}`}
+    >
+      {config.label}
+    </span>
+  )
+}

frontend/src/components/EncounterModal.tsx

@@ -1,5 +1,10 @@
-import { useState, useEffect } from 'react'
+import { useState, useEffect, useMemo } from 'react'
 import { useRoutePokemon } from '../hooks/useGames'
+import {
+  EncounterMethodBadge,
+  getMethodLabel,
+  METHOD_ORDER,
+} from './EncounterMethodBadge'
 import type {
   Route,
   EncounterDetail,
@@ -52,38 +57,22 @@ const statusOptions: { value: EncounterStatus; label: string; color: string }[]
     },
   ]
 
-const specialMethodStyles: Record<string, { label: string; color: string }> = {
-  starter: {
-    label: 'Starter',
-    color:
-      'bg-yellow-100 text-yellow-800 dark:bg-yellow-900/40 dark:text-yellow-300',
-  },
-  gift: {
-    label: 'Gift',
-    color: 'bg-pink-100 text-pink-800 dark:bg-pink-900/40 dark:text-pink-300',
-  },
-  fossil: {
-    label: 'Fossil',
-    color:
-      'bg-amber-100 text-amber-800 dark:bg-amber-900/40 dark:text-amber-300',
-  },
-  trade: {
-    label: 'Trade',
-    color:
-      'bg-emerald-100 text-emerald-800 dark:bg-emerald-900/40 dark:text-emerald-300',
-  },
-}
+const SPECIAL_METHODS = ['starter', 'gift', 'fossil', 'trade']
 
-function EncounterMethodBadge({ method }: { method: string }) {
-  const config = specialMethodStyles[method]
-  if (!config) return null
-  return (
-    <span
-      className={`text-[9px] font-medium px-1.5 py-0.5 rounded-full ${config.color}`}
-    >
-      {config.label}
-    </span>
-  )
+function groupByMethod(pokemon: RouteEncounterDetail[]): { method: string; pokemon: RouteEncounterDetail[] }[] {
+  const groups = new Map<string, RouteEncounterDetail[]>()
+  for (const rp of pokemon) {
+    const list = groups.get(rp.encounterMethod) ?? []
+    list.push(rp)
+    groups.set(rp.encounterMethod, list)
+  }
+  return [...groups.entries()]
+    .sort(([a], [b]) => {
+      const ai = METHOD_ORDER.indexOf(a)
+      const bi = METHOD_ORDER.indexOf(b)
+      return (ai === -1 ? 999 : ai) - (bi === -1 ? 999 : bi)
+    })
+    .map(([method, pokemon]) => ({ method, pokemon }))
 }
 
 export function EncounterModal({
@@ -127,6 +116,12 @@ export function EncounterModal({
     rp.pokemon.name.toLowerCase().includes(search.toLowerCase()),
   )
 
+  const groupedPokemon = useMemo(
+    () => (filteredPokemon ? groupByMethod(filteredPokemon) : []),
+    [filteredPokemon],
+  )
+  const hasMultipleGroups = groupedPokemon.length > 1
+
   const handleSubmit = () => {
     if (isEditing && onUpdate) {
       onUpdate({
@@ -206,38 +201,54 @@ export function EncounterModal({
                       className="w-full px-3 py-1.5 mb-2 rounded-lg border border-gray-300 dark:border-gray-600 bg-white dark:bg-gray-700 text-gray-900 dark:text-gray-100 text-sm focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-blue-500"
                     />
                   )}
-                  <div className="grid grid-cols-3 gap-2 max-h-48 overflow-y-auto">
-                    {filteredPokemon.map((rp) => (
-                      <button
-                        key={rp.id}
-                        type="button"
-                        onClick={() => setSelectedPokemon(rp)}
-                        className={`flex flex-col items-center p-2 rounded-lg border text-center transition-colors ${
-                          selectedPokemon?.id === rp.id
-                            ? 'border-blue-500 bg-blue-50 dark:bg-blue-900/30'
-                            : 'border-gray-200 dark:border-gray-700 hover:border-gray-300 dark:hover:border-gray-600'
-                        }`}
-                      >
-                        {rp.pokemon.spriteUrl ? (
-                          <img
-                            src={rp.pokemon.spriteUrl}
-                            alt={rp.pokemon.name}
-                            className="w-10 h-10"
-                          />
-                        ) : (
-                          <div className="w-10 h-10 rounded-full bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-600 flex items-center justify-center text-xs font-bold">
-                            {rp.pokemon.name[0].toUpperCase()}
+                  <div className="max-h-64 overflow-y-auto space-y-3">
+                    {groupedPokemon.map(({ method, pokemon }, groupIdx) => (
+                      <div key={method}>
+                        {groupIdx > 0 && (
+                          <div className="border-t border-gray-200 dark:border-gray-700 mb-3" />
+                        )}
+                        {hasMultipleGroups && (
+                          <div className="text-xs font-medium text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 mb-1.5">
+                            {getMethodLabel(method)}
                           </div>
                         )}
-                        <span className="text-xs text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 mt-1 capitalize">
-                          {rp.pokemon.name}
-                        </span>
-                        <EncounterMethodBadge method={rp.encounterMethod} />
-                        <span className="text-[10px] text-gray-400">
-                          Lv. {rp.minLevel}
-                          {rp.maxLevel !== rp.minLevel && `–${rp.maxLevel}`}
-                        </span>
-                      </button>
+                        <div className="grid grid-cols-3 gap-2">
+                          {pokemon.map((rp) => (
+                            <button
+                              key={rp.id}
+                              type="button"
+                              onClick={() => setSelectedPokemon(rp)}
+                              className={`flex flex-col items-center p-2 rounded-lg border text-center transition-colors ${
+                                selectedPokemon?.id === rp.id
+                                  ? 'border-blue-500 bg-blue-50 dark:bg-blue-900/30'
+                                  : 'border-gray-200 dark:border-gray-700 hover:border-gray-300 dark:hover:border-gray-600'
+                              }`}
+                            >
+                              {rp.pokemon.spriteUrl ? (
+                                <img
+                                  src={rp.pokemon.spriteUrl}
+                                  alt={rp.pokemon.name}
+                                  className="w-10 h-10"
+                                />
+                              ) : (
+                                <div className="w-10 h-10 rounded-full bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-600 flex items-center justify-center text-xs font-bold">
+                                  {rp.pokemon.name[0].toUpperCase()}
+                                </div>
+                              )}
+                              <span className="text-xs text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 mt-1 capitalize">
+                                {rp.pokemon.name}
+                              </span>
+                              {SPECIAL_METHODS.includes(rp.encounterMethod) && (
+                                <EncounterMethodBadge method={rp.encounterMethod} />
+                              )}
+                              <span className="text-[10px] text-gray-400">
+                                Lv. {rp.minLevel}
+                                {rp.maxLevel !== rp.minLevel && `–${rp.maxLevel}`}
+                              </span>
+                            </button>
+                          ))}
+                        </div>
+                      </div>
                     ))}
                   </div>
                 </>

frontend/src/components/Layout.tsx

@@ -1,6 +1,9 @@
+import { useState } from 'react'
 import { Link, Outlet } from 'react-router-dom'
 
 export function Layout() {
+  const [menuOpen, setMenuOpen] = useState(false)
+
   return (
     <div className="min-h-screen bg-gray-50 dark:bg-gray-900 text-gray-900 dark:text-gray-100">
       <nav className="bg-white dark:bg-gray-800 shadow-sm">
@@ -11,7 +14,8 @@ export function Layout() {
                 Nuzlocke Tracker
               </Link>
             </div>
-            <div className="flex items-center space-x-4">
+            {/* Desktop nav */}
+            <div className="hidden sm:flex items-center space-x-4">
               <Link
                 to="/runs/new"
                 className="px-3 py-2 rounded-md text-sm font-medium hover:bg-gray-100 dark:hover:bg-gray-700"
@@ -31,8 +35,68 @@ export function Layout() {
                 Admin
               </Link>
             </div>
+            {/* Mobile hamburger */}
+            <div className="flex items-center sm:hidden">
+              <button
+                type="button"
+                onClick={() => setMenuOpen(!menuOpen)}
+                className="p-2 rounded-md hover:bg-gray-100 dark:hover:bg-gray-700"
+                aria-label="Toggle menu"
+              >
+                <svg
+                  className="w-6 h-6"
+                  fill="none"
+                  stroke="currentColor"
+                  viewBox="0 0 24 24"
+                >
+                  {menuOpen ? (
+                    <path
+                      strokeLinecap="round"
+                      strokeLinejoin="round"
+                      strokeWidth={2}
+                      d="M6 18L18 6M6 6l12 12"
+                    />
+                  ) : (
+                    <path
+                      strokeLinecap="round"
+                      strokeLinejoin="round"
+                      strokeWidth={2}
+                      d="M4 6h16M4 12h16M4 18h16"
+                    />
+                  )}
+                </svg>
+              </button>
+            </div>
           </div>
         </div>
+        {/* Mobile dropdown */}
+        {menuOpen && (
+          <div className="sm:hidden border-t border-gray-200 dark:border-gray-700">
+            <div className="px-2 pt-2 pb-3 space-y-1">
+              <Link
+                to="/runs/new"
+                onClick={() => setMenuOpen(false)}
+                className="block px-3 py-2 rounded-md text-base font-medium hover:bg-gray-100 dark:hover:bg-gray-700"
+              >
+                New Run
+              </Link>
+              <Link
+                to="/runs"
+                onClick={() => setMenuOpen(false)}
+                className="block px-3 py-2 rounded-md text-base font-medium hover:bg-gray-100 dark:hover:bg-gray-700"
+              >
+                My Runs
+              </Link>
+              <Link
+                to="/admin"
+                onClick={() => setMenuOpen(false)}
+                className="block px-3 py-2 rounded-md text-base font-medium hover:bg-gray-100 dark:hover:bg-gray-700"
+              >
+                Admin
+              </Link>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+        )}
       </nav>
       <main>
         <Outlet />

frontend/src/components/index.ts

@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+export { EncounterMethodBadge } from './EncounterMethodBadge'
 export { EncounterModal } from './EncounterModal'
 export { EndRunModal } from './EndRunModal'
 export { GameCard } from './GameCard'

frontend/src/pages/Home.tsx

@@ -1,10 +1,125 @@
+import { Link } from 'react-router-dom'
+import { useRuns } from '../hooks/useRuns'
+import type { RunStatus } from '../types'
+
+const statusStyles: Record<RunStatus, string> = {
+  active:
+    'bg-green-100 text-green-800 dark:bg-green-900/40 dark:text-green-300',
+  completed:
+    'bg-blue-100 text-blue-800 dark:bg-blue-900/40 dark:text-blue-300',
+  failed: 'bg-red-100 text-red-800 dark:bg-red-900/40 dark:text-red-300',
+}
+
 export function Home() {
+  const { data: runs, isLoading } = useRuns()
+
+  const activeRun = runs?.find((r) => r.status === 'active')
+  const recentRuns = runs?.slice(0, 5)
+
   return (
-    <div className="flex flex-col items-center justify-center min-h-screen p-8">
-      <h1 className="text-4xl font-bold mb-4">Nuzlocke Tracker</h1>
-      <p className="text-lg text-gray-600 dark:text-gray-400">
-        Track your Nuzlocke runs with ease
-      </p>
+    <div className="max-w-4xl mx-auto p-8">
+      <div className="text-center py-12">
+        <h1 className="text-4xl font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-gray-100 mb-2">
+          Nuzlocke Tracker
+        </h1>
+        <p className="text-lg text-gray-600 dark:text-gray-400 mb-8">
+          Track your Nuzlocke runs with ease
+        </p>
+        <Link
+          to="/runs/new"
+          className="inline-block px-6 py-3 bg-blue-600 text-white rounded-lg font-medium text-lg hover:bg-blue-700 focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-blue-500 focus:ring-offset-2 transition-colors"
+        >
+          Start New Run
+        </Link>
+      </div>
+
+      {isLoading && (
+        <div className="flex items-center justify-center py-8">
+          <div className="w-6 h-6 border-2 border-blue-600 border-t-transparent rounded-full animate-spin" />
+        </div>
+      )}
+
+      {activeRun && (
+        <div className="mb-8">
+          <h2 className="text-sm font-medium text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 uppercase tracking-wide mb-3">
+            Continue Playing
+          </h2>
+          <Link
+            to={`/runs/${activeRun.id}`}
+            className="block bg-white dark:bg-gray-800 rounded-lg shadow hover:shadow-md transition-shadow p-5 border-l-4 border-green-500"
+          >
+            <div className="flex items-center justify-between">
+              <div>
+                <h3 className="text-lg font-semibold text-gray-900 dark:text-gray-100">
+                  {activeRun.name}
+                </h3>
+                <p className="text-sm text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400">
+                  Started{' '}
+                  {new Date(activeRun.startedAt).toLocaleDateString(undefined, {
+                    year: 'numeric',
+                    month: 'short',
+                    day: 'numeric',
+                  })}
+                </p>
+              </div>
+              <span className="text-blue-600 dark:text-blue-400 font-medium text-sm">
+                Resume &rarr;
+              </span>
+            </div>
+          </Link>
+        </div>
+      )}
+
+      {recentRuns && recentRuns.length > 0 && (
+        <div>
+          <div className="flex items-center justify-between mb-3">
+            <h2 className="text-sm font-medium text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 uppercase tracking-wide">
+              Recent Runs
+            </h2>
+            <Link
+              to="/runs"
+              className="text-sm text-blue-600 dark:text-blue-400 hover:underline"
+            >
+              View all
+            </Link>
+          </div>
+          <div className="space-y-2">
+            {recentRuns.map((run) => (
+              <Link
+                key={run.id}
+                to={`/runs/${run.id}`}
+                className="block bg-white dark:bg-gray-800 rounded-lg shadow hover:shadow-md transition-shadow p-4"
+              >
+                <div className="flex items-center justify-between">
+                  <div>
+                    <h3 className="font-medium text-gray-900 dark:text-gray-100">
+                      {run.name}
+                    </h3>
+                    <p className="text-xs text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400">
+                      {new Date(run.startedAt).toLocaleDateString(undefined, {
+                        year: 'numeric',
+                        month: 'short',
+                        day: 'numeric',
+                      })}
+                    </p>
+                  </div>
+                  <span
+                    className={`px-2.5 py-0.5 rounded-full text-xs font-medium capitalize ${statusStyles[run.status]}`}
+                  >
+                    {run.status}
+                  </span>
+                </div>
+              </Link>
+            ))}
+          </div>
+        </div>
+      )}
+
+      {runs && runs.length === 0 && (
+        <p className="text-center text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400">
+          No runs yet. Start your first Nuzlocke challenge above!
+        </p>
+      )}
     </div>
   )
 }

frontend/src/pages/NewRun.tsx

@@ -17,6 +17,10 @@ export function NewRun() {
   const [runName, setRunName] = useState('')
 
   const handleGameSelect = (game: Game) => {
+    if (selectedGame?.id === game.id) {
+      setSelectedGame(null)
+      return
+    }
     setSelectedGame(game)
     if (!runName || runName === `${selectedGame?.name} Nuzlocke`) {
       setRunName(`${game.name} Nuzlocke`)

frontend/src/pages/RunDashboard.tsx

@@ -176,7 +176,8 @@ export function RunDashboard() {
         </h2>
         {alive.length === 0 ? (
           <p className="text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 text-sm">
-            No pokemon caught yet
+            No pokemon caught yet — head to encounters to start building your
+            team!
           </p>
         ) : (
           <div className="grid grid-cols-2 sm:grid-cols-3 md:grid-cols-4 lg:grid-cols-6 gap-3">

frontend/src/pages/RunEncounters.tsx

@@ -1,16 +1,40 @@
-import { useState, useMemo } from 'react'
+import { useState, useMemo, useEffect, useCallback } from 'react'
 import { useParams, Link } from 'react-router-dom'
-import { useRun } from '../hooks/useRuns'
+import { useRun, useUpdateRun } from '../hooks/useRuns'
 import { useGameRoutes } from '../hooks/useGames'
 import { useCreateEncounter, useUpdateEncounter } from '../hooks/useEncounters'
-import { EncounterModal } from '../components'
+import {
+  EncounterModal,
+  EncounterMethodBadge,
+  StatCard,
+  PokemonCard,
+  StatusChangeModal,
+  EndRunModal,
+  RuleBadges,
+} from '../components'
 import type {
   Route,
   RouteWithChildren,
+  RunStatus,
   EncounterDetail,
   EncounterStatus,
 } from '../types'
 
+const statusStyles: Record<RunStatus, string> = {
+  active: 'bg-green-100 text-green-800 dark:bg-green-900/40 dark:text-green-300',
+  completed:
+    'bg-blue-100 text-blue-800 dark:bg-blue-900/40 dark:text-blue-300',
+  failed: 'bg-red-100 text-red-800 dark:bg-red-900/40 dark:text-red-300',
+}
+
+function formatDuration(start: string, end: string) {
+  const ms = new Date(end).getTime() - new Date(start).getTime()
+  const days = Math.floor(ms / (1000 * 60 * 60 * 24))
+  if (days === 0) return 'Less than a day'
+  if (days === 1) return '1 day'
+  return `${days} days`
+}
+
 type RouteStatus = 'caught' | 'fainted' | 'missed' | 'none'
 
 function getRouteStatus(encounter?: EncounterDetail): RouteStatus {
@@ -189,6 +213,13 @@ function RouteGroup({
                   <div className="text-sm text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300">
                     {child.name}
                   </div>
+                  {!childEncounter && child.encounterMethods.length > 0 && (
+                    <div className="flex flex-wrap gap-1 mt-0.5">
+                      {child.encounterMethods.map((m) => (
+                        <EncounterMethodBadge key={m} method={m} size="xs" />
+                      ))}
+                    </div>
+                  )}
                 </div>
                 {childEncounter && (
                   <span className="text-xs text-gray-400 dark:text-gray-500">
@@ -218,12 +249,36 @@ export function RunEncounters() {
   )
   const createEncounter = useCreateEncounter(runIdNum)
   const updateEncounter = useUpdateEncounter(runIdNum)
+  const updateRun = useUpdateRun(runIdNum)
 
   const [selectedRoute, setSelectedRoute] = useState<Route | null>(null)
   const [editingEncounter, setEditingEncounter] =
     useState<EncounterDetail | null>(null)
+  const [selectedTeamEncounter, setSelectedTeamEncounter] =
+    useState<EncounterDetail | null>(null)
+  const [showEndRun, setShowEndRun] = useState(false)
+  const [showTeam, setShowTeam] = useState(true)
   const [filter, setFilter] = useState<'all' | RouteStatus>('all')
-  const [expandedGroups, setExpandedGroups] = useState<Set<number>>(new Set())
+
+  const storageKey = `expandedGroups-${runId}`
+  const [expandedGroups, setExpandedGroups] = useState<Set<number>>(() => {
+    try {
+      const saved = localStorage.getItem(storageKey)
+      if (saved) return new Set(JSON.parse(saved) as number[])
+    } catch { /* ignore */ }
+    return new Set<number>()
+  })
+
+  const updateExpandedGroups = useCallback(
+    (updater: (prev: Set<number>) => Set<number>) => {
+      setExpandedGroups((prev) => {
+        const next = updater(prev)
+        localStorage.setItem(storageKey, JSON.stringify([...next]))
+        return next
+      })
+    },
+    [storageKey],
+  )
 
   // Organize routes into hierarchical structure
   const organizedRoutes = useMemo(() => {
@@ -231,6 +286,30 @@ export function RunEncounters() {
     return organizeRoutes(routes)
   }, [routes])
 
+  // Map routeId → encounter for quick lookup
+  const encounterByRoute = useMemo(() => {
+    const map = new Map<number, EncounterDetail>()
+    if (run) {
+      for (const enc of run.encounters) {
+        map.set(enc.routeId, enc)
+      }
+    }
+    return map
+  }, [run])
+
+  // Auto-expand the first unvisited group on initial load
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (organizedRoutes.length === 0 || expandedGroups.size > 0) return
+    const firstUnvisited = organizedRoutes.find(
+      (r) =>
+        r.children.length > 0 &&
+        getGroupEncounter(r, encounterByRoute) === null,
+    )
+    if (firstUnvisited) {
+      updateExpandedGroups(() => new Set([firstUnvisited.id]))
+    }
+  }, [organizedRoutes, encounterByRoute]) // eslint-disable-line react-hooks/exhaustive-deps
+
   if (isLoading || loadingRoutes) {
     return (
       <div className="flex items-center justify-center py-16">
@@ -255,12 +334,6 @@ export function RunEncounters() {
     )
   }
 
-  // Map routeId → encounter for quick lookup
-  const encounterByRoute = new Map<number, EncounterDetail>()
-  for (const enc of run.encounters) {
-    encounterByRoute.set(enc.routeId, enc)
-  }
-
   // Count completed locations (groups count as 1, standalone routes count as 1)
   const completedCount = organizedRoutes.filter((r) => {
     if (r.children.length > 0) {
@@ -273,8 +346,16 @@ export function RunEncounters() {
 
   const totalLocations = organizedRoutes.length
 
+  const isActive = run.status === 'active'
+  const alive = run.encounters.filter(
+    (e) => e.status === 'caught' && e.faintLevel === null,
+  )
+  const dead = run.encounters.filter(
+    (e) => e.status === 'caught' && e.faintLevel !== null,
+  )
+
   const toggleGroup = (groupId: number) => {
-    setExpandedGroups((prev) => {
+    updateExpandedGroups((prev) => {
       const next = new Set(prev)
       if (next.has(groupId)) {
         next.delete(groupId)
@@ -347,21 +428,187 @@ export function RunEncounters() {
       {/* Header */}
       <div className="mb-6">
         <Link
-          to={`/runs/${runId}`}
+          to="/runs"
           className="text-sm text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 hover:text-gray-700 dark:hover:text-gray-200 mb-2 inline-block"
         >
-          &larr; {run.name}
+          &larr; All Runs
         </Link>
-        <h1 className="text-3xl font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-gray-100">
-          Encounters
-        </h1>
-        <p className="text-gray-600 dark:text-gray-400 mt-1">
-          {run.game.name} &middot; {completedCount} / {totalLocations} locations
-        </p>
+        <div className="flex items-start justify-between">
+          <div>
+            <h1 className="text-3xl font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-gray-100">
+              {run.name}
+            </h1>
+            <p className="text-gray-600 dark:text-gray-400 mt-1">
+              {run.game.name} &middot; {run.game.region} &middot; Started{' '}
+              {new Date(run.startedAt).toLocaleDateString(undefined, {
+                year: 'numeric',
+                month: 'short',
+                day: 'numeric',
+              })}
+            </p>
+          </div>
+          <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
+            {isActive && (
+              <button
+                onClick={() => setShowEndRun(true)}
+                className="px-3 py-1 text-sm border border-gray-300 dark:border-gray-600 rounded-full font-medium hover:bg-gray-50 dark:hover:bg-gray-700 transition-colors"
+              >
+                End Run
+              </button>
+            )}
+            <span
+              className={`px-3 py-1 rounded-full text-sm font-medium capitalize ${statusStyles[run.status]}`}
+            >
+              {run.status}
+            </span>
+          </div>
+        </div>
       </div>
 
-      {/* Progress bar */}
+      {/* Completion Banner */}
+      {!isActive && (
+        <div
+          className={`rounded-lg p-4 mb-6 ${
+            run.status === 'completed'
+              ? 'bg-blue-50 dark:bg-blue-900/20 border border-blue-200 dark:border-blue-800'
+              : 'bg-red-50 dark:bg-red-900/20 border border-red-200 dark:border-red-800'
+          }`}
+        >
+          <div className="flex items-center gap-3">
+            <span className="text-2xl">{run.status === 'completed' ? '\u{1f3c6}' : '\u{1faa6}'}</span>
+            <div>
+              <p
+                className={`font-semibold ${
+                  run.status === 'completed'
+                    ? 'text-blue-800 dark:text-blue-200'
+                    : 'text-red-800 dark:text-red-200'
+                }`}
+              >
+                {run.status === 'completed' ? 'Victory!' : 'Defeat'}
+              </p>
+              <p
+                className={`text-sm ${
+                  run.status === 'completed'
+                    ? 'text-blue-600 dark:text-blue-400'
+                    : 'text-red-600 dark:text-red-400'
+                }`}
+              >
+                {run.completedAt && (
+                  <>
+                    Ended{' '}
+                    {new Date(run.completedAt).toLocaleDateString(undefined, {
+                      year: 'numeric',
+                      month: 'short',
+                      day: 'numeric',
+                    })}
+                    {' \u00b7 '}
+                    Duration: {formatDuration(run.startedAt, run.completedAt)}
+                  </>
+                )}
+              </p>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+        </div>
+      )}
+
+      {/* Stats */}
+      <div className="grid grid-cols-2 md:grid-cols-4 gap-3 mb-6">
+        <StatCard
+          label="Encounters"
+          value={run.encounters.length}
+          color="blue"
+        />
+        <StatCard label="Alive" value={alive.length} color="green" />
+        <StatCard label="Deaths" value={dead.length} color="red" />
+        <StatCard
+          label="Routes"
+          value={completedCount}
+          total={totalLocations}
+          color="purple"
+        />
+      </div>
+
+      {/* Rules */}
       <div className="mb-6">
+        <h2 className="text-sm font-medium text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 mb-2">
+          Active Rules
+        </h2>
+        <RuleBadges rules={run.rules} />
+      </div>
+
+      {/* Team Section */}
+      {(alive.length > 0 || dead.length > 0) && (
+        <div className="mb-6">
+          <button
+            type="button"
+            onClick={() => setShowTeam(!showTeam)}
+            className="flex items-center gap-2 mb-3 group"
+          >
+            <h2 className="text-lg font-semibold text-gray-900 dark:text-gray-100">
+              {isActive ? 'Team' : 'Final Team'}
+            </h2>
+            <span className="text-xs text-gray-400 dark:text-gray-500">
+              {alive.length} alive{dead.length > 0 ? `, ${dead.length} dead` : ''}
+            </span>
+            <svg
+              className={`w-4 h-4 text-gray-400 transition-transform ${showTeam ? 'rotate-180' : ''}`}
+              fill="none"
+              stroke="currentColor"
+              viewBox="0 0 24 24"
+            >
+              <path
+                strokeLinecap="round"
+                strokeLinejoin="round"
+                strokeWidth={2}
+                d="M19 9l-7 7-7-7"
+              />
+            </svg>
+          </button>
+          {showTeam && (
+            <>
+              {alive.length > 0 && (
+                <div className="grid grid-cols-3 sm:grid-cols-4 md:grid-cols-6 gap-2 mb-3">
+                  {alive.map((enc) => (
+                    <PokemonCard
+                      key={enc.id}
+                      encounter={enc}
+                      onClick={isActive ? () => setSelectedTeamEncounter(enc) : undefined}
+                    />
+                  ))}
+                </div>
+              )}
+              {dead.length > 0 && (
+                <>
+                  <h3 className="text-sm font-medium text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 mb-2">
+                    Graveyard
+                  </h3>
+                  <div className="grid grid-cols-3 sm:grid-cols-4 md:grid-cols-6 gap-2">
+                    {dead.map((enc) => (
+                      <PokemonCard
+                        key={enc.id}
+                        encounter={enc}
+                        showFaintLevel
+                        onClick={isActive ? () => setSelectedTeamEncounter(enc) : undefined}
+                      />
+                    ))}
+                  </div>
+                </>
+              )}
+            </>
+          )}
+        </div>
+      )}
+
+      {/* Progress bar */}
+      <div className="mb-4">
+        <div className="flex items-center justify-between mb-1">
+          <h2 className="text-lg font-semibold text-gray-900 dark:text-gray-100">
+            Encounters
+          </h2>
+          <span className="text-sm text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400">
+            {completedCount} / {totalLocations} locations
+          </span>
+        </div>
         <div className="h-2 bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-700 rounded-full overflow-hidden">
           <div
             className="h-full bg-blue-500 rounded-full transition-all"
@@ -401,7 +648,9 @@ export function RunEncounters() {
       <div className="space-y-1">
         {filteredRoutes.length === 0 && (
           <p className="text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 text-sm py-4 text-center">
-            No routes match this filter
+            {filter === 'all'
+              ? 'Click a route to log your first encounter'
+              : 'No routes match this filter — try a different one'}
           </p>
         )}
         {filteredRoutes.map((route) => {
@@ -439,7 +688,7 @@ export function RunEncounters() {
                 <div className="text-sm font-medium text-gray-900 dark:text-gray-100">
                   {route.name}
                 </div>
-                {encounter && (
+                {encounter ? (
                   <div className="flex items-center gap-2 mt-0.5">
                     {encounter.pokemon.spriteUrl && (
                       <img
@@ -457,6 +706,12 @@ export function RunEncounters() {
                           : ' (dead)')}
                     </span>
                   </div>
+                ) : route.encounterMethods.length > 0 && (
+                  <div className="flex flex-wrap gap-1 mt-0.5">
+                    {route.encounterMethods.map((m) => (
+                      <EncounterMethodBadge key={m} method={m} size="xs" />
+                    ))}
+                  </div>
                 )}
               </div>
               <span className="text-xs text-gray-400 dark:text-gray-500 shrink-0">
@@ -481,6 +736,34 @@ export function RunEncounters() {
           isPending={createEncounter.isPending || updateEncounter.isPending}
         />
       )}
+
+      {/* Status Change Modal (team pokemon) */}
+      {selectedTeamEncounter && (
+        <StatusChangeModal
+          encounter={selectedTeamEncounter}
+          onUpdate={(data) => {
+            updateEncounter.mutate(data, {
+              onSuccess: () => setSelectedTeamEncounter(null),
+            })
+          }}
+          onClose={() => setSelectedTeamEncounter(null)}
+          isPending={updateEncounter.isPending}
+        />
+      )}
+
+      {/* End Run Modal */}
+      {showEndRun && (
+        <EndRunModal
+          onConfirm={(status) => {
+            updateRun.mutate(
+              { status },
+              { onSuccess: () => setShowEndRun(false) },
+            )
+          }}
+          onClose={() => setShowEndRun(false)}
+          isPending={updateRun.isPending}
+        />
+      )}
     </div>
   )
 }

frontend/src/pages/index.ts

@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
 export { Home } from './Home'
 export { NewRun } from './NewRun'
 export { RunList } from './RunList'
-export { RunDashboard } from './RunDashboard'
 export { RunEncounters } from './RunEncounters'

frontend/src/types/game.ts

@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ export interface Route {
   gameId: number
   order: number
   parentRouteId: number | null
+  encounterMethods: string[]
 }
 
 export interface RouteWithChildren extends Route {