Can I Restart Pokémon Scarlet? A Comprehensive Guide for Trainers

Yes, absolutely! You can restart your Pokémon Scarlet adventure, but it involves deleting your current save data. The game only allows for one save file per Nintendo Switch profile, so initiating a fresh start means saying goodbye to your existing progress. Let’s dive into the details, the ‘how-tos,’ and answer some burning questions about restarting your Pokémon journey in the Paldea region.

Understanding the Restart Process

Restarting Pokémon Scarlet isn’t as straightforward as simply pressing a “new game” button. Instead, you’ll need to access your Nintendo Switch’s system settings to manage your save data. Here’s how to do it:

1. Close Pokémon Scarlet: Ensure the game is completely closed and not running in the background.
2. Access System Settings: From the Nintendo Switch home screen, navigate to “System Settings.” It’s the gear icon at the bottom of the screen.
3. Data Management: Scroll down and select “Data Management.”
4. Delete Save Data: Choose “Delete Save Data.”
5. Select Pokémon Scarlet: A list of your games will appear. Select “Pokémon Scarlet.”
6. Choose Your Profile: If you have multiple user profiles on your Switch, select the profile that contains the save data you wish to delete.
7. Confirm Deletion: You’ll be prompted to confirm that you want to delete the save data. Be absolutely sure before you proceed, as this action is irreversible.
8. Start a New Game: Once the save data is deleted, launch Pokémon Scarlet. The game will start as if it’s the first time you’re playing, allowing you to begin a brand-new adventure.

Why Restart Pokémon Scarlet?

There are many reasons why a player might want to restart Pokémon Scarlet:

• New Game Plus Experience: Perhaps you want to experience the story again with a different starter Pokémon or make different choices along the way.
• Shiny Hunting: While the initial starter isn’t shiny, you might want to optimize your play through for future shiny hunting endeavors.
• Missed Opportunities: Maybe you missed a crucial item, Pokémon, or event during your first playthrough.
• Different Team Composition: Trying out a new team composition can be an exciting challenge, requiring a fresh start.
• Simply for Fun: Sometimes, you just want to recapture the magic of discovering the Paldea region for the first time.

Important Considerations Before Restarting

• Irreversible Action: Deleting your save data is permanent. Ensure you’ve exhausted all other options before taking this step.
• Pokémon HOME: If you want to preserve any of your Pokémon, transfer them to Pokémon HOME before deleting your save data. This cloud-based service allows you to store and manage your Pokémon across multiple games.
• Nintendo Switch Online: While Nintendo Switch Online is required for certain online features, deleting your save data doesn’t affect your subscription status.
• Alternative Profile: If you don’t want to lose your existing save, consider creating a new Nintendo Switch profile to start a new game on that profile. This will let you keep both save files.
• Post-Game Content: Make sure you have explored all the post-game content that interests you before you reset. You will have to replay the main story to get back to that stage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about restarting Pokémon Scarlet, providing more details to ensure you make an informed decision.

1. Can I have multiple save files for Pokémon Scarlet?

No, Pokémon Scarlet only allows for one save file per Nintendo Switch profile. If you want to have multiple playthroughs, you’ll need to create separate user profiles on your Nintendo Switch.

2. Is it possible to back up my Pokémon Scarlet save data?

Unfortunately, Nintendo Switch games, including Pokémon Scarlet, do not support manual save data backups to external storage devices. The only way to “back up” your Pokémon is by transferring them to Pokémon HOME.

3. What happens to my Mystery Gifts if I restart my game?

Mystery Gifts are tied to your save data. If you restart, you’ll lose any unclaimed Mystery Gifts and will need to re-enter any codes you may have to claim them again. Claimed items will also be lost.

4. Can I trade Pokémon to myself before restarting?

Yes, you can! The most common way is to use Pokémon HOME. Transfer all the desired Pokémon to Pokémon HOME, reset your game, and then transfer them from HOME back into your new save file. This is a great way to bring over favorites or Pokémon with specific natures and abilities. Trading through another console with another copy of the game is another possible solution.

5. Are the starter Pokémon shiny locked in Pokémon Scarlet?

Yes, the starter Pokémon (Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly) are shiny locked in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. This means that no matter how many times you reset your game, you won’t encounter a shiny starter during the initial selection process.

6. Will I lose any event Pokémon if I restart?

Yes, event Pokémon tied to your save data will be lost if you restart. Be sure to transfer any event Pokémon you want to keep to Pokémon HOME before deleting your save.

7. How do I create a new user profile on my Nintendo Switch?

From the home menu, go to System Settings, then Users, and select Add User. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new profile.

8. Can I use the same Nintendo Account on multiple profiles to play Pokémon Scarlet?

Yes, you can use the same Nintendo Account on multiple profiles on the same Nintendo Switch console. However, each profile will have its own separate save data for Pokémon Scarlet.

9. Does restarting affect my Nintendo Switch Online subscription?

No, restarting Pokémon Scarlet does not affect your Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Your subscription is tied to your Nintendo Account, not your save data.

10. Can I reclaim any promotional items, like early purchase bonuses, if I restart?

This depends on the specific promotion. Some promotions may only be redeemable once per Nintendo Account, while others may be redeemable on each save file. Check the terms and conditions of the promotion for details.

11. How does restarting affect my progress in the online features of Pokémon Scarlet?

Your online progress, such as trainer rank or battle records, is typically tied to your save data. Restarting will reset your online progress.

12. Can I transfer Pokémon from other games to Pokémon Scarlet after restarting?

Yes, you can transfer Pokémon from other compatible games to Pokémon Scarlet using Pokémon HOME, even after restarting your game. This allows you to bring over your favorite Pokémon from previous adventures.

13. Is it possible to get all three starter Pokémon in a single playthrough of Pokémon Scarlet?

No, it is not possible to obtain all three starter Pokémon in a single playthrough without trading. You must choose one starter at the beginning of the game. You will need to trade with other players or use Pokémon HOME (transferring from another game) to acquire the other two.

14. How do I effectively shiny hunt after restarting Pokémon Scarlet?

After restarting, focus on reaching areas where the Pokémon you want to hunt spawns. Utilize methods like outbreak hunting, sandwich boosting (using specific meal powers to increase encounter rates), and the shiny charm (obtained after completing the Paldea Pokédex) to maximize your chances of finding shiny Pokémon.

15. Is it worth restarting Pokémon Scarlet just to change my character’s appearance?

This is a matter of personal preference. While you can’t completely overhaul your character’s appearance after starting the game, you can change your hairstyle, eye color, and clothing at various shops. If you’re unhappy with your initial choices and feel it significantly impacts your enjoyment, restarting might be worth considering. However, remember you’ll lose all progress.

Final Thoughts

Restarting Pokémon Scarlet is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. By understanding the process, the implications, and the available alternatives, you can make an informed choice that best suits your gaming preferences. Whether you’re seeking a fresh challenge, a different team composition, or simply the thrill of rediscovering the Paldea region, a restart can be a rewarding experience. Just remember to safeguard your valuable Pokémon by transferring them to Pokémon HOME before taking the plunge. Happy gaming, and may your next adventure be even more exciting than the last!

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