Should I Start With Pokémon Violet or Scarlet? An Expert’s Guide
The age-old question! Picking between Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet is more than just a cosmetic choice; it’s a decision that impacts your entire adventure in the Paldea region. The short answer? It depends on your preferences. Violet boasts a futuristic aesthetic and exclusive Pokémon with robotic designs, appealing to those who enjoy a sci-fi flair. Scarlet, on the other hand, embraces a more ancient and primal theme, offering Pokémon and storylines rooted in the past. Ultimately, the best choice aligns with your personal taste and the Pokémon you’re most excited to encounter. Don’t overthink it – both versions offer a fantastic Pokémon experience!
Scarlet vs. Violet: Deeper Dive
Aesthetic & Theme
The most immediately noticeable difference lies in the game’s overall aesthetic. Pokémon Scarlet is steeped in a sense of history and tradition. The characters’ attire features an older, more rugged design, and the game’s legendary, Koraidon, embodies a powerful, primal force, resembling a prehistoric beast.
Pokémon Violet takes a leap into the future. Expect sleek, modern designs for characters and environments. The legendary Miraidon is a futuristic, technological marvel, a testament to advanced engineering. This futuristic theme extends to the version-exclusive Pokémon as well, often featuring robotic or cyborg-like designs.
Version Exclusive Pokémon
This is where the rubber really meets the road. Each version offers a unique roster of Pokémon that you won’t find in the other without trading. Some of the most notable Scarlet exclusives include:
- Great Tusk: An ancient relative of Donphan.
- Armarouge: A Fire/Psychic-type with powerful armor.
- Koraidon: The legendary Pokémon of Scarlet, a Fighting/Dragon-type.
Violet exclusives include:
- Iron Treads: A futuristic version of Donphan.
- Ceruledge: A Fire/Ghost-type with spectral blades.
- Miraidon: The legendary Pokémon of Violet, an Electric/Dragon-type.
Consider which Pokémon designs you prefer and which types you want to add to your team when making your choice. This is a critical factor for many players.
Story Nuances
While the core storyline remains consistent, subtle differences exist. Character dialogue and certain plot points can vary slightly between the two versions, adding a unique flavor to each experience. These differences are often tied to the overarching themes of each game.
Multiplayer and Trading
The core gameplay of Pokémon inherently encourages social interaction. Trading is essential for completing your Pokédex and obtaining version-exclusive Pokémon. Even if you choose a version based on its exclusives, you will likely interact with players of the opposite version to acquire all the Pokémon you desire. Also, connecting with friends is easy in this game, especially after reaching the Pokemon Center ASAP, so don’t hesitate to socialize with other players.
Choosing Based on Your Playstyle
Are you a completionist who wants to catch ‘em all? Or are you more interested in the narrative and the experience? Your gaming style also plays a role in the choice. If you are interested in exploring new game-based learning paradigms, visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website.
The Collector
If your primary goal is to complete the Pokédex, research the version-exclusive Pokémon and determine which ones appeal to you most. Plan to engage in trading with players who own the opposite version or consider obtaining both versions yourself.
The Story Seeker
If you prioritize narrative and world-building, consider which theme resonates with you more. Do you prefer the historical and primal atmosphere of Scarlet or the futuristic and technological world of Violet?
The Competitive Battler
Competitive players should also consider version-exclusive Pokémon and their potential impact on the competitive scene. Research the stats, abilities, and movesets of these Pokémon to determine which ones will give you an edge in battles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which version is more popular, Scarlet or Violet?
While initial trends suggested Violet was slightly more popular due to Miraidon’s futuristic appeal, the popularity is ultimately subjective and fluctuates. Both games have a large and dedicated fan base.
2. What should I do first in Scarlet and Violet?
Focus on completing “The First Day of School” quest. This will lead you to a Pokémon Center, where you can connect with friends and start trading.
3. Can I get all three starters in Scarlet or Violet?
Yes, you can eventually obtain all three starters through trading or by playing the game multiple times.
4. Which starter Pokémon is the best in Scarlet and Violet?
According to surveys, Sprigatito has been shown as a popular choice, although your mileage may vary. Ultimately, the best starter depends on your personal preferences and playstyle. Fuecoco is also a good choice as it is the starter that many speed-runners use to beat the game quickly.
5. What is the rarest Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet?
Some of the rarest Pokémon include Walking Wake, Iron Leaves, Antique Sinistea/Polteageist, and Family of 3 Maushold/3 Segment Dudunsparce. These can be difficult to find or require specific conditions to obtain.
6. What are the main differences between Koraidon and Miraidon?
Koraidon excels in physical attack and defense, while Miraidon shines in special attack and special defense. Their designs also reflect the primal vs. futuristic themes of their respective games.
7. Is Pokémon Scarlet & Violet worth buying now?
Yes! Despite initial performance issues, the game has received patches that improve stability. The open-world exploration, compelling storyline, and unique Pokémon make it a worthwhile experience.
8. How many hours does it take to beat Pokémon Violet?
The main storyline typically takes around 25-30 hours to complete, but this can vary depending on your playstyle and level of exploration.
9. How many endings are there in Scarlet and Violet?
The game has one main ending that ties together the three storylines: Victory Road, Starfall Street, and Path of Legends.
10. Which Pokémon game should I play first on Switch?
If you are new to Pokémon on the Switch, Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Let’s Go, Eevee! are excellent starting points. They are remakes of the original Yellow version and offer a more accessible and streamlined experience.
11. What is the longest Pokémon game to beat?
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl typically take the longest to complete.
12. Can you get old starters in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Yes! Through the upcoming DLC, The Indigo Disk, you will have the opportunity to catch previous starter Pokémon.
13. Is it possible to get Charizard in Pokémon Scarlet or Violet?
Yes, Charizard can be obtained through special events and Mystery Gift codes. Keep an eye out for announcements from The Pokémon Company.
14. What Pokémon does Violet have that Scarlet doesn’t?
Aside from the Legendary Miraidon, Violet features futuristic Paradox Pokémon like Iron Treads (a future version of Donphan) that are not found in Scarlet.
15. Which starter Pokémon is the best for beating the game’s main story?
Fuecoco is often considered the best choice for beating the main story, as its Fire-typing provides an advantage against the early Bug and Grass-type Gym Leaders.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the choice between Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is a personal one. Consider your preferences for aesthetics, exclusive Pokémon, and overall theme. Both versions offer a rich and engaging Pokémon experience that will keep you entertained for hours on end. Dive into the Paldea region and embark on your own unique adventure! You may even learn something new about game-based learning by researching the work done by the Games Learning Society!