Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, released in November 2022 for the Nintendo Switch, mark a significant shift for the mainline series. These Generation 9 titles introduce a fully open-world region, new starter Pokémon, and a host of gameplay changes. This guide covers everything from the initial choice of Sprigatito, Fuecoco, or Quaxly to the postgame content of the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC, helping both newcomers and returning fans understand what this pair of games offers.
November 18, 2022
Nintendo Switch
Open-world RPG
Sprigatito (Grass), Fuecoco (Fire), Quaxly (Water)
Over 100 new species (Paldea Dex: 400)
The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero (Part 1: Teal Mask, Part 2: Indigo Disk)
- Pokémon Scarlet and Violet mark the first open-world mainline Pokémon games, offering unprecedented freedom.
- The Paldea region is inspired by the Iberian Peninsula, featuring diverse biomes and three distinct story paths.
- Version differences (Scarlet vs. Violet) include exclusive Pokémon, professors, and a slightly different academy theme.
- The DLC introduces new areas, over 230 returning Pokémon, and new Paradox forms.
- Performance issues and bugs were widely reported at launch, though patches have improved stability.
- The Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet expansion launched in March 2023, introducing new card mechanics like ex-Pokémon.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Developer | Game Freak |
| Publisher | The Pokémon Company and Nintendo |
| Open world | First mainline games with a fully open world and seamless transitions |
| New battle mechanic | Terastallization, changes a Pokémon’s type |
| Multiplayer | Up to 4 players can explore together, trade, and battle |
| Pokémon HOME compatibility | Added in 2023, enabling transfers from previous games |
| Launch sales | Over 10 million copies in the first three days; fastest-selling Nintendo games at launch |
What Are the Starters in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
The three starters available at the beginning of the adventure are Sprigatito (Grass), Fuecoco (Fire), and Quaxly (Water). Each evolves into a powerful final form: Meowscarada, Skeledirge, or Quaquaval. Without trading, only one starter can be obtained per playthrough. The official website provides details on their unique moves and Tera types.
Is Pokémon Scarlet and Violet an Open-World Game?
Yes, these are the first mainline games in the series to feature a true, seamless open world. After the prologue, players are free to explore the Paldea region in any order, tackling the three storylines — Victory Road, Path of Legends, and Starfall Street — as they see fit. The Trainer’s Guide from the official site explains how to choose your path, catch Pokémon, and use the map app.
How Does Co-op Work in Scarlet and Violet?
Using the Union Circle feature, up to four players can explore the same world simultaneously. They can trade, battle, and participate in Tera Raids together. Online play requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Can You Explore Freely From the Start?
After the introductory sequence at the academy, the game opens up immediately. Locations can be visited in any order, though a recommended route for balanced progression is available from Bulbapedia.
Unlike previous mainline Pokémon games that used linear routes, Scarlet and Violet are the first to offer a seamless open world. The change was widely anticipated and represents a major evolution for the franchise. The official Trainer’s Guide includes sections on using the map app and flying taxis to navigate.
What Is the Difference Between Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
The two versions share the same main story and region but differ in several key aspects. Version-exclusive Pokémon, professors, and academy uniforms give each game a distinct flavour.
Version-Exclusive Pokémon
Scarlet features Pokémon such as Koraidon and Great Tusk, while Violet includes Miraidon and Iron Treads. Many other species appear only in one version, encouraging trading between players. The full exclusives are listed on the official website and Wikipedia.
Professors and Story
In Pokémon Scarlet, the professor is Sada (ancient theme), while in Violet it is Turo (future theme). Their respective Paradox Pokémon reflect these themes. The academy uniforms also differ: Scarlet uses an orange/red colour scheme, while Violet uses purple.
What Does the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC Include?
The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero is a two-part DLC expansion. Part 1, The Teal Mask, was released on September 13, 2023, and takes players to the Kitakami region. Part 2, The Indigo Disk, released on December 14, 2023, introduces the Blueberry Academy. Together they add new story content, over 230 returning Pokémon, and new Paradox forms. A detailed chapter-by-chapter walkthrough of the main game and DLC can be found on Bulbapedia.
How Much Does the DLC Cost?
The DLC bundle is available on the Nintendo eShop for $34.99 USD. A physical version including the base game and DLC expansion pass was also released in some regions. The official Nintendo product page has further details.
Are There New Pokémon in the DLC?
Yes, each part introduces new legendary Pokémon: Ogerpon in The Teal Mask and Terapagos in The Indigo Disk. Several new Paradox Pokémon, such as Raging Bolt and Iron Crown, appeared in updates tied to the DLC.
After updating Pokémon HOME to version 3.2.2, players can obtain a Shiny Meloetta by completing the Paldea, Kitakami, and Blueberry Academy Pokédexes in Pokémon HOME, not in the games themselves. The Game8 wiki explains this process.
The recommended order is to play The Teal Mask first, then The Indigo Disk, followed by the epilogue Mochi Mayhem. The official Pokémon website and the Bulbapedia walkthrough confirm this sequence.
When Was Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Released?
- – Announced during Pokémon Presents
- – Gameplay reveal trailer
- – Pokémon World Championships preview
- – Worldwide release
- – DLC ‘The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero’ announced
- – Pokémon HOME update with Scarlet/Violet compatibility
- – DLC Part 1: The Teal Mask released
- – DLC Part 2: The Indigo Disk released
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain About Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Both versions have exclusive Pokémon, professors, and academies. | The exact impact of future updates or patches on performance issues has not been confirmed by developers. |
| The DLC consists of two parts: Teal Mask (September 2023) and Indigo Disk (December 2023). | Speculation about a third version or sequel (like a Pokémon Z-style game) has not been officially addressed. |
| Players can transfer Pokémon from Pokémon HOME as of March 2023, but some species are not available. | Whether all previously unattainable species will become available in future updates remains unknown. |
What Makes Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Unique?
The open-world design is the most defining change. Instead of linear routes, players can tackle objectives in any order across three storylines that converge in a final boss battle. The Terastallization mechanic adds strategic depth: any Pokémon can become a temporary Tera type, altering its weaknesses and STAB damage. Social features such as the Union Circle allow four-player co-op, while Link Trade and Battle continue online. Critically, the games were praised for ambition and freedom but criticised for technical glitches and lack of polish. Metacritic scores sit around 72 for Scarlet and 71 for Violet. Despite bugs, they became the fastest-selling Pokémon games at launch, demonstrating strong brand loyalty.
Where to Find Official Information and Notable Quotes
“Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet offer an open-world experience that only the Pokémon series can deliver.”
– Pokémon Company press release (November 2022)
“Discover new Pokémon on a boundless, open-world adventure.”
– Nintendo UK product page
“They are the first installments in the ninth generation of the Pokémon video game series.”
– Wikipedia article on Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
For a detailed chapter-by-chapter walkthrough of the main game and DLC, consult the Bulbapedia walkthrough. The official Trainer’s Guide covers mechanics and beginner-friendly explanations. Game8 provides compact guide pages and completion checklists. Additional official sources include the Official Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Website, Wikipedia, and the Nintendo Product Page. The Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Expansion page also contains details on the card set.
What’s Next for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
No further DLC has been announced; the Indigo Disk concluded The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero. Ongoing online events, raids, and Mystery Gifts continue to be distributed. Rumours of a potential Legends-style game set in the Paldea region remain unconfirmed, and the next mainline Pokémon game (Generation 10) is expected after 2024, possibly in 2025 or 2026. For the latest updates, the Pokémon HOME Official Site and the Pokémon TCG page are reliable resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get all three starters without trading?
Only one starter is given per playthrough; trading with other players or using Pokémon HOME is needed for the other two.
Is Pokémon Scarlet and Violet playable offline?
Yes, the entire single-player story is playable offline. Online features require Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
How long does it take to beat Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Main story takes about 25-30 hours; completionist playthroughs can exceed 60 hours.
Does Pokémon Scarlet and Violet support cloud saves?
No, save data is stored on the console and cannot be backed up via cloud. Pokémon HOME can store Pokémon separately.
What is the best starter in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
There is no definitive best; each starter has strengths. Sprigatito (Grass) evolves into Meowscarada, Fuecoco (Fire) into Skeledirge, Quaxly (Water) into Quaquaval.
Are legendary Pokémon available in the base game?
Yes, Koraidon in Scarlet and Miraidon in Violet are obtainable as ride Pokémon and can be used in battle after the main story.
Can you transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Scarlet and Violet?
Not directly. Pokémon GO can send Pokémon to Pokémon HOME, and then from HOME to Scarlet and Violet, provided the species are available.
What is the price of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
The standard edition is $59.99 USD. The DLC bundle is $34.99 USD. Physical copies may vary by retailer.
Related stories
Kieran Doherty covers councils, planning, transport and local government across Southampton and Hampshire.