Here’s everything we know so far about Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, from Gen 9 Pokemon to co-op support.
The wait for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is almost over, with the release date coming up in just a few days. We’ve seen a slew of updates in the last few months revealing more about the upcoming Switch games, which will be set in the new Paldea region, which is home to a slew of new Pokemon to add to our Scarlet and Violet Pokedex, including the excellent Greavard. There are plenty of reasons to be excited about the series’ first open-world entries.
As you progress through three different storylines in the order you want, you’ll encounter gym battles, picnics, and much more. As the release date approaches, read on for a recap of everything we know so far about Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Release Date
Nintendo has now confirmed that Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are set to release on November 18, 2022.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Gen 9 Starters
In Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, players will be able to choose from three starter Pokemon, as in previous games in the Pokemon series. The Grass type cat Sprigatito, the Fire type croc Fuecoco, and the Water type duckling Quaxly are the new starters. In their own way, all three are adorable.
The official website of the games also provides some information about the personalities of the characters. The little crocodile, Feucoco, is described as laid back and relaxed, whereas the grass kitty is described as fickle and changeable. The little duckling, on the other hand, is conscientious and neat.
- Here are all the Pokemon confirmed for the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Pokedex so far
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Legendaries
The most recent trailer revealed the new Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Legendaries. Koraidon is the eye-catching Legendary Pokemon of Pokemon Scarlet, while Miraidon is the Legendary Pokemon of Pokemon Violet. They both wear their respective versions’ colours, which is appropriate. While these two Pokemon are shrouded in mystery, they are said to be more powerful than other critters.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Setting
The upcoming Pokémon games will take place in the Paldea region, which is based on the real-world Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe.
According to the Pokemon Company, the games will allow players to freely explore a richly expressed open world, and the Paldea region is home to several distinct locals.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Open-World Adventure
Pokemon Sword and Shield gave us the ability to run around certain wild areas, which were later expanded on in Pokemon Legends: Arceus. The latter had several large open areas to explore on a world map, but it wasn’t truly open-world.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet appear to be taking this a step further by introducing an open world with towns that “blend seamlessly into the wilderness with no borders.” We’ll be able to see Pokemon in the wild again, with the freedom to explore the skies, seas, streets, and forests of this new region. We can’t wait to see the locations in person after seeing them in the trailer.
In-game, there is also a day/night cycle, but it is based on a game clock rather than your Switch clock or real-life time.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Exploration
The game’s new play area is quite large, and Game Freak has made it easier to navigate by including mount types that can be used with Legendary Pokemon. Each Legendary Pokemon will have its own distinct Form, allowing players to quickly traverse various types of terrain.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Co-Op
According to the Pokémon Company, you will be able to play Pokémon Scarlet & Violet in four-player multiplayer. This is a first for the series, though we’re not sure if it will be for both online and local multiplayer.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Auto-Battling
The ability to use auto-battling in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is unmistakable in the series. You’ll be able to send out a Pokemon to battle wild Pokemon and collect items without your intervention. “When your Pokemon is out and about, you have the option of staying by its side to keep an eye on it or searching for items nearby,” according to the official website(opens in new tab). By defeating wild Pokemon in auto battles, your Pokemon can gain items and experience points!”
According to what I’ve heard, you’ll be able to send your Pokemon out to gather items in the same way that you could in Pokemon Legends Arceus, but with more freedom.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet New Regional Forms
Paldea has its own Pokémon, as did Alola, Galar, and Hisui before it. Paldean Wooper is the first Paldean form Pokémon introduced in Generation IX, and he is a variant of Generation II’s blue friend. More of these are expected in the coming months.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Poke Portal
The fact that Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will have more co-op features does not imply that Game Freak will abandon competitive play. The Poke Portal will still allow players to trade and battle with trainers from all over the world, according to the developer. This new system will allow you to Link Trade with a specific person as well as engage in random trades with trainers. For those who want to put their party’s strength to the test, there will be a Link Battle option in the Poke Portal.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet TM Craft
Scarlet and Violet, the new Pokemon games, will allow you to create your own TMs to customise the movesets of your favourite Pokemon. This can be accomplished by spending League Points earned as you progress through the story, or by collecting materials dropped by wild Pokemon after battles.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Terastallize
The key new feature of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will make its local Pokemon shine and glimmer like gems. When a Pokemon ‘Terastallizes,’ a Tera Jewel appears as a crown above the pocket monster’s head and the creature’s body glistens like a cut gemstone. Every Pokemon in the Paldea region can Terastallize, granting them special abilities in battle.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Picnic Party
A Pokemon Scarlet and Violet picnic allows you to spend time with your favourite Pokemon. While exploring the vast wilderness of the Paldea Region, you’ll be able to set up a picnic and relax with your roster. You can completely customise the look and layout of your picnic before inviting your Pokemon to congregate around you. When the pocket monsters run out of Poke Balls, they’ll start fighting with each other – and your friends if you’re playing co-op. Furthermore, you will be able to clean your Pokemon (to strengthen their bond with you and replenish their HP) and make unique sandwiches that will bestow special effects on your group at a picnic.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Tera Raid Battles
Tera Raid Battles are just one of the new features that will be available in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet that will take advantage of the new four-player co-op. Four players face off against a Terastallized wild Pokemon in this new battle mode. Because these powerful Pokemon have a time limit, players will need to work together to defeat them.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Photo Mode
Pokémon now has its own photography mode. You are no longer restricted to taking screenshots in specific locations, as in Arceus, or to using the Switch’s native screenshot function. You can now pause the game and take selfies with your Pocket Monsters whenever and wherever you want!
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Character Customization
The ‘Jump into a Paldean Journey’ trailer revealed some of the customization options we’ll have to use to alter the appearance of our Trainer. We’ll be able to visit a hair salon in Paldea to change our hairstyle, hair color, eye color, eye-lash shape, and other features.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet New Gym Leaders
As in previous games, we’ll be fighting Pokemon Gyms in the new Paldea region. We’re gradually learning who we’ll be facing in these gyms as more updates reveal some of the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet gym leaders. All of the gym leaders have distinct personalities and partner Pokemon, as well as distinct character designs that complement the Pokemon types they specialise in. The most recent face to appear was Iono, an Electric-type gym leader whose sidekick is the new frog-like Pokemon Bellibot.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Version Differences
Another series tradition is that different versions will have different Pokemon and legendaries. In addition to the two new Legendary Pokemon that will be available in either version, Game Freak has confirmed some other Scarlet and Violet version exclusives and differences.
For starters, your player character will be dressed differently depending on the version you choose. Two new professors will be introduced in the upcoming Pokemon adventure, and who you meet will depend on the version you choose.
Trainers who choose Pokemon Scarlet will be greeted by Professor Sada (left), while those who choose Pokemon Violet will be greeted by Professor Turo. Each professor is conducting research into “certain lore passed down” in the new region, according to the game’s official website. How mysterious.