Are Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Different Timelines?
The simple answer is no, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet do not take place in entirely separate, distinct timelines in the same way that previous Pokémon generations have branched. However, the games heavily explore themes of the past and the future, and bring Pokémon from those respective eras into the present, implying time travel and potentially impacting the established Pokémon timeline. So, while not strictly different timelines, they introduce elements that could cause future timeline divergences.
Understanding the Temporal Themes in Scarlet and Violet
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet differentiate themselves through their core themes of the past and future, respectively. This is visually represented through the professors, Professor Sada (Scarlet) embodying the past with her cavewoman-like attire, and Professor Turo (Violet) representing the future with his futuristic, skintight suit. These themes extend beyond character design and permeate the entire game world, affecting Pokémon designs, available technology, and even the lore surrounding the Great Crater of Paldea.
The key point is that both games occur in the same present timeline. The professors’ research focuses on bringing Paradox Pokémon from the past (in Scarlet) and the future (in Violet) into the present day. This doesn’t create a split timeline; it merely introduces anomalies into the current one.
The Role of Paradox Pokémon
Paradox Pokémon are crucial to understanding the games’ approach to time. These Pokémon are not simply regional variants or evolutions; they are creatures believed to be from different time periods. Great Tusk (Scarlet) and Iron Treads (Violet) are prime examples, representing ancient and futuristic versions of Donphan. These Pokémon aren’t native to the Paldea region’s present day, suggesting temporal displacement, not an alternate reality.
The fact that these Pokémon can be caught and integrated into your team further supports the idea that the games operate within a single, altered timeline rather than parallel realities. Their existence impacts the ecosystem and the understanding of Pokémon history, but doesn’t fork the timeline into separate, independent branches.
Impact on the Established Pokémon Timeline
While Scarlet and Violet don’t create entirely new timelines, they undeniably complicate the existing one. The introduction of Paradox Pokémon raises questions about the origins and potential future of the Pokémon world. The games hint at a single, unified timeline that has been disrupted by the professors’ research, particularly within Area Zero.
The games, as a result, do not create a split timeline; they contribute to a more intricate and arguably more convoluted, single timeline. How future generations will address these temporal anomalies is a question that only time will tell (pun intended!). Game developers are always introducing new aspects to their game world. The Games Learning Society continues to do research on how timelines, paradoxes, and future development interact in gaming. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the timeline aspects of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet:
1. Does Pokémon Scarlet and Violet sync with real time?
The system for the passage of time is tied to the in-game clock, with Day and Night lasting roughly 30 minutes in real-time. Additionally, the weather also works on this in-game cycle, with weather patterns occurring in bursts around the map of Paldea. This is more about gameplay mechanics than timeline manipulation.
2. Do Pokémon Violet and Scarlet have the same storyline?
The main plot is essentially identical in both Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, with players having to go through all three paths in order to finish the game – collecting the Gym Badges, defeating Team Star bosses, and beating Titan Pokemon. The core story remains the same, reinforcing the idea that both versions exist within the same timeline.
3. Which timeline is Scarlet and Violet in?
Assuming the popular theory that the Pokémon world has multiple timelines (Mega Timeline, Modern Timeline, Classic Timeline) holds true, Scarlet and Violet seem to be placed within one of these existing timelines, potentially the Mega Timeline or a new, altered version due to the time-travel elements.
4. Does Pokémon have two timelines?
Technically speaking, there are generally considered to be three timelines: The Mega Timeline (containing X/Y/OR/AS/O/P), the Modern Timeline (containing FR/LG/R/S/E/HG/SS/D/P/Pt) and the Classic Timeline (containing R/B/G/Y/G/S/C). Scarlet and Violet might fit into one or influence a new divergence within an established one.
5. Is Scarlet or Violet canon?
Pokémon Horizons Declares Scarlet Version Canonical. In addition to the Academy using its Scarlet name, the students seen milling about are all wearing the orange uniforms seen in Scarlet, as opposed to the purple ones seen in Violet. This doesn’t necessarily affect the timeline, but it influences the perception of the “main” experience.
6. What is the plot twist in Pokémon Scarlet?
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet’s Plot Twist In The Finale. Diving into Area Zero within the Great Crater of Paldea reveals the Professor’s true fate as a casualty of a conflict between two Pokémon brought from an entirely different timeline as part of their studies, leaving behind an AI construct to continue their work. This reinforces the game’s focus on time travel and its consequences within a single timeline.
7. Why is it always night in Pokémon Scarlet?
Following on from Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and as a departure from prior Pokémon games, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet doesn’t use a realtime clock specifically but instead has its own day/night cycle which is slightly tied to the in-game clock and is based on when you turn your game on. This mechanic is unrelated to timeline differences.
8. Do Scarlet and Violet have different Paradox Pokemon?
All the paradox creatures of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are powerful, but there are some notable differences between creatures found in either version. Most notably, Violet has two Paradox Pokemon based on pseudo-legendaries while Scarlet only has one. This reinforces the theme of past vs. future and highlights version-exclusive content within the same timeline.
9. Can you catch Walking Wake in Scarlet?
Walking Wake is a Water- and Dragon-type Pokemon exclusive to Scarlet and is only available during a special Walking Wake Tera Raid Event also exclusive to Pokemon Scarlet. Its counterpart is Iron Leaves – which is currently available to catch in Pokemon Violet. This is another example of version exclusivity within a shared timeline.
10. Will Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have multiple endings?
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet – All Endings (Normal Ending, True Ending, Secret Ending) – YouTube. The existence of multiple endings doesn’t necessarily mean divergent timelines; they can represent different outcomes within the same, albeit altered, timeline.
11. How many endings does Scarlet and Violet have?
Once all three endings are achieved, this could even open up a potential “true” ending for the games, incentivizing players to fully complete the games beyond for instance just completing the Pokedex. Again, these endings likely exist within a single timeline.
12. Is Nemona in both Scarlet and Violet?
Nemona (Japanese: ネモ Nemo) is the rival in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet and serves as the president of the academy’s student council. The shared characters and storylines further support the concept of a single, unified timeline.
13. Is Scarlet and Violet past and future?
There is a strong theme of past versus future in both games, with Pokemon Scarlet focusing on the old days and Pokemon Violet being all about looking toward what the future holds. This is the core concept of the games, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the creation of separate timelines.
14. Can you do all 3 stories in Scarlet and Violet?
With this introduction complete, you’re free to complete the three storylines – Victory Road, Path of Legends and Starfall Street – at your own pace. This means you can jump between the three storylines, moving between defeating Gym Leaders to investigating the Titan Pokémon, whenever you like. These paths exist within the same timeline.
15. What order should I complete Scarlet Violet?
If you want to tackle the gyms in the “correct” order, then we recommend taking them on in this order: Cortondo Gym – Bug. Artazon Gym – Grass. Levincia Gym – Electric. Cascarrafa Gym – Water. Medali Gym – Normal. Montenevera Gym – Ghost. Alfornada Gym – Psychic. Glaseado Gym – Ice. The gym order is consistent across both versions, highlighting their shared timeline.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Pokémon Scarlet and Violet delve heavily into themes of time and introduce temporal anomalies through Paradox Pokémon, they do not create distinct, branched timelines in the same way as previous generations. Instead, they present a single, altered timeline influenced by the introduction of creatures from different time periods. The games offer a fascinating exploration of time travel within the Pokémon universe, leaving a lasting impact on the established lore and opening up new possibilities for future entries in the franchise. The implications of these gaming story elements are being explored in detail by research organizations such as the Games Learning Society.