Discover Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: Everything You Need to Know

Whether you're a long-time fan of the Pokémon franchise or just getting started, there's a lot to unpack in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet! And, with Part 1 of the new DLC slated to come out in September, we figured now is the perfect time to get you caught up to speed.

Both Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon provide you with an opportunity to unleash your inner Pokémon Trainer and dive into the wonders of the Paldea region, facing new challenges, meeting unforgettable characters, and discovering the secrets behind the Terastal phenomenon.

Are you prepared for the adventure of a lifetime with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet? Let’s find out!

Warp Pipe Weekly

A weekly recap of all things Nintendo

SUBSCRIBE

By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Notice. You can opt out at any time.

Follow us on social media!

Sign up for the Warp Pipe Weekly Newsleter

Get all of your Nintendo News

SUBSCRIBE

By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Notice. You can opt out at any time.

Short Summary

• Embark on an epic, open-world journey with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet - explore the Paldea Region, catch Wild Tera Pokémon, unlock new evolutions & regional forms!

• Meet amazing characters & rivals in your adventure including Nemona, Professors and Trainers who will challenge you to become a worthy rival.

• Get up to speed before the release of Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet's upcoming DLC, The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero.

Embark on a New Adventure

Welcome to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the latest installments in the Pokémon series, developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company for the Nintendo Switch. These games introduce 110 new Pokémon, two new regional forms, the Terastallization mechanic, and the intriguing Paradox Pokémon.

Experience the Terastal phenomenon, allowing Pokémon to transform into their exclusive Tera Type, and connect with Pokémon HOME to transfer Pokémon from previous generations.

Differences Between Both Games

Now, you might already be asking yourself, "Which game should I get: Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet?". It's a completely reasonable question to ask, and there are a few things to consider.

Similar to past titles, both games will have slight nuances in terms of exclusive Pokémon, different professors, and different outfits the player character will wear.

Pokémon Scarlet

In Pokémon Scarlet, you’ll encounter unique Pokémon and regional forms exclusive to this version. Dive into a captivating storyline featuring the player, Professor Sada, Penny, Nemona, and Arven, while battling the Elite Four and uncovering the truth behind Team Star and their Operation Starfall.

Koraidon (the Pokémon featured on the Scarlet box art) is exclusive to this game and serves as a mode of transportation across land, sea, and air. Along with a few game-specific Pokémon, Great Tusk - the Scarlet Paradox Pokémon - is only available for this version.

Pokemon Scarlet - Koraidon | Image: Nintendo Supply

Pokémon Violet

Pokémon Violet, offers its own set of exclusive Pokémon and regional forms, as well as a distinct narrative that follows the journey of a young trainer exploring the Paldea region and uncovering its mysteries. Encounter new Pokémon, such as Lechonk, Pawmi, and Cyclizar, and experience expanded character customization and a rideable Legendary Pokémon. In your adventure, you will also come across certain Pokémon that are exclusive to this game.

Miraidon (the Pokémon featured on the Violet box art) is exclusive to this game and serves as a mode of transportation across land, sea, and air. Along with a few game-specific Pokémon, Iron Tusk - the Scarlet Paradox Pokémon - is only available for this version.

Pokemon Violet - Miraidon | Image: Nintendo Supply

Unravel the Mysteries of Paldea Region

Delve into the diverse landscapes and rich history of the Paldea region, inspired by Spain and Portugal. Throughout your journey, you'll encounter wild Pokémon in various terrains, including forests, mountains, and beaches, and discover new regional forms and evolutions.

Explore the Great Crater of Paldea, the colossal crater formed by a meteorite strike centuries ago, and uncover the secrets of the Terastal phenomenon and the mysterious Area Zero.

Wild Pokémon Encounters

Throughout your journey, you’ll encounter a variety of wild Pokémon in diverse environments, such as West Province Area One and South Province Area One. With 68 Wild Tera Pokémon to find, you’ll never run out of new species to discover.

Also, be prepared to face the enigmatic Paradox Pokémon, which can be found in the Great Crater of Paldea.

Regional Forms and New Evolutions

In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, you’ll discover new regional forms and evolutions of existing Pokémon, adding more variety and strategy to your team. Some examples of regional forms include three exciting forms of Tauros: Fighting-type, Fighting/Fire-type, and Fighting/Water-type.

Terastallizing Mechanic

This is a completely new feature in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. Just like shiny hunting and IV breeding in previous games, mastering Terastallizing will require a significant investment of your time.

By Terastallizing your Pokémon, you'll be able to add even more power to your attacks in battle! This mechanic is a little complex on the surface - involving elements such as Tera Shards - but you'll get the hang of it with a little practice.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet - Terastallized Pokémon and Tera Raid | Image: Nintendo Supply

Choose Your Starter Pokémon

Embarking on your journey in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet means choosing one of three new starter Pokémon: Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. Each of these Pokémon has its own unique abilities and characteristics, making it essential to choose wisely and select the one that best suits your playstyle.

Are you ready to meet your new companion?

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet - Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly | Image: Nintendo Supply

Sprigatito

Meet Sprigatito, the grass-type starter Pokémon. This curious and energetic feline Pokémon has light green fur and light-pink eyes, and evolves into the amazing Floragato at Level 16, and later Meowscarada. With its ability to manipulate grass, Sprigatito’s best stats are speed and attack.

If you choose the adventurous and attention-seeking Sprigatito, you’ll enjoy a playful and daring companion on your journey.

Fuecoco

Fuecoco, the Fire-type starter, is a playful and mischievous monkey Pokémon. Fuecoco has a red pepper-shaped body, short stubby arms with three claws, and stump-like legs. This laid-back Pokémon loves to eat and sprints enthusiastically towards any food it finds.

Fuecoco evolves into Crocalor at Level 16 and then into Skeledirge. Choose Fuecoco if you’re looking for a fun-loving and spirited companion.

Quaxly

Finally, there is Quaxly, the water-type starter. This calm and intelligent duck Pokémon is renowned for its remarkable ability to remain composed in challenging situations. Quaxly evolves into Quaxwell at Level 16 and then into Quaquaval.

If you prefer a serene and wise companion, Quaxly is the perfect choice for your Pokémon adventure.

Experience an Open-World Adventure

For the first time in the Pokémon series, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet feature an open-world adventure. With multiple story paths to choose from and multiplayer features that allow you to explore and battle with friends, the possibilities are endless. Are you ready to forge your own path and experience the thrill of this groundbreaking adventure?

Path Choices

In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, you can choose from three story paths: Victory Road, Path of Legends, and Starfall Street. Each path offers unique challenges and experiences, allowing you to shape your adventure according to your preferences.

• Victory Road: The most familiar and "traditional" route to take. Players will need to defeat 8 gym leaders across the region before they're able to challenge the Pokémon League.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet - Victory Road | Image: Nintendo Supply

• Path of Legends: This questline will have players working alongside Arven to track down Titan Pokémon who have been strengthened by exposure to Herba Mystica - rare herbs found only in the Paldea region. This experience is similar to Totem Pokémon from Pokémon Sun and Moon and will require the player to defeat each of the gatekeepers. Through battle, you'll be able to gain special abilities for Koraidon / Miraidon.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet - Stony Cliff Titan, Klawf | Image: Nintendo Supply

• Starfall Street: Battle against this generation's nemesis, Team Star. Players will challenge a group of school delinquents throughout the Starfall Street storyline, taking down each of the Team Star Bases one-by-one.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet - Team Star | Image: Nintendo Supply

Will you follow the traditional Victory Road, seek legendary encounters on the Path of Legends, or unravel the mysteries of Starfall Street? The choice is yours.

Multiplayer Features

Connect with other players in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet through various multiplayer features. You can:

• Trade Pokémon with other players

• Battle against friends or other trainers

• Explore the region together with friends

• Join up to three other players in Tera Raid Battles

With a Nintendo Switch Online membership and a Nintendo Account, you can experience all the thrilling multiplayer features these games have to offer.

Meet New Characters and Rivals

As you progress through Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, you’ll interact with new characters, including your rival Nemona, professors, and trainers who will guide and challenge you throughout your journey. Each character has a unique personality and role, providing valuable advice and testing your skills in Pokémon battles.

Nemona

Nemona, your friendly rival, is a Pokémon Trainer with a champion rank who serves as a reliable guide throughout your journey. With an energetic personality and a love for Pokémon battles, Nemona will support and compete with you as you explore the Paldea region.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet - Nemona | Image: Nintendo Supply

Will you rise to the challenge and prove yourself as a worthy rival to Nemona?

Professors and Trainers

Meet various professors and trainers in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet who will provide valuable advice and test your skills in Pokémon battles. Some of the key characters you will encounter are:

• Professor Sada in Pokémon Scarlet

• Professor Turo in Pokémon Violet

• Arven

• Atticus

• Brassius

• Clavell

• Eri

• Geeta

• Giacomo

• Grusha

These characters are ready to share their wisdom and challenge you in thrilling battles.

Are you prepared to learn from the best and prove your skills as a Pokémon Trainer?

The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC

Expand your adventure with the two-part DLC, “The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero,” featuring new regions, legendary Pokémon, and school trips. Although the DLC is sold separately and requires the full version of the game, it is an incredible addition to your Pokémon Scarlet and Violet experience.

Part One: The Teal Mask

In Part One of the DLC, the Teal Mask, you’ll uncover the secrets of Area Zero while encountering new Pokémon and challenges, including the legendary pokémon koraidon. The story of the Teal Mask is based on the Japanese Momotar legend that tells the story of a brave boy born from a peach who, with the help of loyal animal companions, triumphs over evil and brings peace to his village.

The Teal Mask | Image: The Pokemon Company

The story of the Teal Mask takes place outside the Paldea region, in the land of Kitakami. Residents live at the base of the region's mountain, where there are rice patties that stretch as far as the eye can see. Throughout your travels in Kitakami, you'll meet two new main characters, Carmine and Kieran, who are residents of the region.

The Teal Mask will release on September, 13 2023. You can read more on the Teal Mask DLC here!

Part Two: The Indigo Disk

Part Two of the DLC takes you on an exchange program with the prestigious Blueberry Academy. Founded by Cyrano, Blueberry Academy offers modern facilities and a unique opportunity to meet new people and experience life as a student in this incredible institution. The Academy experience lies mostly underwater; the structure is a terrarium with 4 distinct bio zones. During your time there, you’ll have access to the state-of-the-art indigo disk technology, enhancing your learning experience.

The Indigo Disk | Image: The Pokemon Company

You'll also have the opportunity to encounter new Pokémon and face off against powerful trainers during your time at Blueberry Academy, making your Pokémon Scarlet and Violet adventure even more memorable. Battle the Blueberry Academy Elite 4 (The BB League), comprised of Lacey, Crispin, Amarys, and Drayton.

The Indigo Disk will release in Winter 2023. No specific date has been set.

Reception and Sales

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet received mixed reviews from critics but achieved impressive sales milestones. Critics praised the non-linear gameplay and engaging story, but criticized graphical glitches and performance issues. Despite these mixed reviews, the games broke sales records, selling over 10 million copies within three days of release and becoming the most pre-ordered titles in the series’ history.

Critical Response

Critics praised Pokémon Scarlet and Violet for their non-linear gameplay and engaging story, describing the experience as capturing the “real magic” of the first Pokémon games, Red and Blue. However, they also criticized the games for graphical glitches and performance issues, with some calling them “comprehensive technical failures.”

Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Glitches | Image: Nintendo Supply

Despite these criticisms, the innovative design and memorable characters of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet captured the hearts of many fans.

Sales Milestones

Despite mixed reviews, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet achieved remarkable sales milestones. The games sold an astounding 10 million copies within three days of their release, creating a record for Nintendo. It was the biggest launch in the company’s history. By March 2023, the games had sold an incredible 22 million copies worldwide, demonstrating their enduring popularity among Pokémon fans and new players alike.

Summary

In conclusion, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet offer an exciting and immersive adventure, introducing new Pokémon, regional forms, and an open-world exploration in the Paldea region. With multiple story paths, multiplayer features, unforgettable characters, and record-breaking sales, these games are a must-play for any Pokémon fan. And, with the upcoming DLC set to release this Fall/Winter, you'll have plenty to keep you busy!

Are you ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime and discover the hidden treasures of the Paldea region?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pokémon Scarlet and Violet worth it?

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have received mixed reviews, with the great story not quite making up for the performance issues and frequent bugs. However, at a mixed rating, it’s still worth considering for any fan of the series!

Which game is better Pokémon Scarlet or Violet?

That's for you to decide! Both Scarlet and Violet have similar gameplay; however, the theme is the key differentiator. Pokémon Scarlet draws inspiration from the past, while Pokémon Violet is set in the future. Depending on which aesthetic you are feeling, we'd encourage you to go that route.

Personally, we're fans of the futuristic feel from Pokémon Scarlet!

How many new Pokémon are in Scarlet Violet?

Scarlet and Violet have added an impressive 107 new Pokémon to the franchise, including four new Paldean forms of pre-existing creatures, three new starters, Paradox Pokémon, a handful of new Legendaries, and the historic 1,000th Pokémon.

Why is Pokémon Scarlet so difficult?

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet’s lack of level scaling, open world to access high-level Pokémon, and the addition of the optional Nuzlocke challenge all contribute to make it one of the more difficult games in the Pokémon mainline series.

These features make the game more challenging and engaging for experienced players, while still allowing newcomers to enjoy the game. The Nuzlocke challenge, in particular, adds an extra layer of difficulty and encourages players to think strategically about their team composition and battle strategies.