Can You Get Sinnoh Starters in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet? A Comprehensive Guide

The answer is a resounding yes! You absolutely can get the beloved Sinnoh starters – Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup – in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. However, the method for obtaining them requires venturing into the DLC content, specifically The Teal Mask expansion. This article dives deep into how to acquire these iconic Pokémon, answers your burning questions, and provides essential information to enrich your Scarlet & Violet experience.

How to Obtain Sinnoh Starters in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

While these starters aren’t natively found roaming the Paldea region, there are a couple of methods that can be used to obtain them in Scarlet and Violet.

The Teal Mask DLC Method

The primary method involves The Teal Mask DLC. This expansion takes you to Kitakami, a new area with its own unique storyline and Pokémon. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Start The Teal Mask DLC: Ensure you have purchased and downloaded The Teal Mask DLC. Progress through the beginning of the DLC until you’re sent to Kitakami.

2. Meet Professor Jacq in Kitakami: Early in the DLC’s main story, Professor Jacq will call you and ask you to return to the academy so you can take a trip to Kitakami. Progress through the story enough that you cross the bridge and meet Professor Jacq.

3. Receive the Egg: After this you will be able to find and talk to Professor Jacq again after crossing the bridge. Speak to him, and he’ll give you a special egg to hatch.

4. Hatch the Egg: Put the egg in your party and simply walk around the Kitakami region (or anywhere else in Paldea). Eventually, the egg will hatch, revealing either Turtwig, Chimchar, or Piplup. Note: it is random which of the 3 starters hatch.

Trading with Other Players

If you are trying to obtain a Sinnoh starter you do not have, the other method is through trading:

1. Online Trading: Trade with other players online who have the desired Sinnoh starter. You’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to utilize this feature.

2. Pokémon HOME: Transfer Pokémon from other games where you have Sinnoh starters into Pokémon HOME and then transfer them into Scarlet & Violet. This may require having played older Pokémon titles or utilizing the Pokémon Bank service if transferring from even older generations.

Important Tip: Since the egg contains a random Sinnoh starter, it’s recommended to save your game before speaking to Professor Jacq. If you don’t get the starter you want, simply reload your save and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to obtaining and using Sinnoh starters in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet:

1. Can I catch Sinnoh starters in the wild in Scarlet & Violet?

No, Sinnoh starters are not found in the wild in either the base game or The Teal Mask DLC. They are only obtainable through Professor Jacq’s egg or through trading.

2. Is it possible to get all three Sinnoh starters in a single Scarlet & Violet game?

Yes, but you’ll need to utilize trading. You can either trade with other players online or use Pokémon HOME to transfer starters from other games. Remember, trading is a cornerstone of the Games Learning Society’s understanding of community engagement in gaming.

3. Which Sinnoh starter is considered the best in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet?

“Best” is subjective and depends on your team composition and battling style. Chimchar’s evolution line (Infernape) is a strong Fire/Fighting type with high offensive stats. Piplup’s evolution line (Empoleon) offers Water/Steel typing, providing excellent defensive capabilities and unique coverage. Turtwig’s evolution line (Torterra) brings a Grass/Ground typing with solid physical attack and defense. Choose the one that best complements your team!

4. Are there any shiny versions of the Sinnoh starters available in Scarlet & Violet?

Yes! You can breed for shiny Sinnoh starters in Scarlet & Violet. Once you have your Sinnoh starter, you can use the Masuda method (breeding with a Pokémon from a different language region) and the Shiny Charm (obtained after completing the Paldea Pokédex) to greatly increase your chances of hatching a shiny.

5. Can I breed my Sinnoh starter with Ditto?

Yes, you can breed any Pokémon, including Sinnoh starters, with Ditto to produce eggs of that Pokémon species. Ditto is a valuable breeding tool for obtaining multiple starters or breeding for ideal stats and abilities.

6. What are the best natures for the Sinnoh starters in Scarlet & Violet?

• Chimchar (Infernape): Adamant (increases Attack, decreases Special Attack), Jolly (increases Speed, decreases Special Attack), or Naive (increases Speed, decreases Special Defense).
• Piplup (Empoleon): Modest (increases Special Attack, decreases Attack) or Calm (increases Special Defense, decreases Attack).
• Turtwig (Torterra): Adamant (increases Attack, decreases Special Attack) or Impish (increases Defense, decreases Special Attack).

7. What are some good movesets for the Sinnoh starters in competitive battles?

• Infernape: Flare Blitz, Close Combat, Thunder Punch, Mach Punch/Swords Dance
• Empoleon: Hydro Pump, Flash Cannon, Ice Beam, Roar/Defog
• Torterra: Earthquake, Wood Hammer, Stone Edge, Leech Seed/Swords Dance

8. Can I transfer Sinnoh starters from Pokémon GO to Scarlet & Violet?

Yes, you can transfer Sinnoh starters from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME and then to Scarlet & Violet, provided you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription and space in your Pokémon HOME boxes.

9. Do the Sinnoh starters have unique Tera Types in Scarlet & Violet?

Sinnoh starters don’t automatically come with unique Tera Types. Their Tera Type will be randomized when you catch them in the wild or hatch them from eggs. You can change a Pokémon’s Tera Type by giving it 50 Tera Shards of the desired type.

10. Can Sinnoh starters Gigantamax or Mega Evolve in Scarlet & Violet?

No, Gigantamaxing and Mega Evolution are not present in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. These features were specific to previous generations of Pokémon games.

11. Where can I find strong trainers to battle with my Sinnoh starters to train them?

The post-game content in Scarlet & Violet provides ample opportunities for training. Re-battling Gym Leaders, facing the Elite Four, and challenging trainers in the Academy Ace Tournament are all excellent ways to level up your Sinnoh starters.

12. Does the Ability Patch work on Sinnoh starters to change their Abilities?

Yes, the Ability Patch can be used to change a Sinnoh starter’s ability to its Hidden Ability. This item is valuable for optimizing your Pokémon’s competitive potential.

13. Will all old starter Pokémon be available in the Indigo Disk DLC?

Yes, the Indigo Disk DLC will bring back all the old starter Pokémon.

14. What is the quickest way to hatch the egg that Professor Jacq gives you?

The best way to hatch a Pokémon egg is to ride Koraidon or Miraidon across the vast open world. They are very fast and make it easy to get the amount of steps needed to hatch eggs.

15. Can I get multiple eggs from Professor Jacq?

No. He will only give you one egg that contains a random Sinnoh starter.

Conclusion

Obtaining the Sinnoh starters in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet is a rewarding experience, adding beloved Pokémon to your team. Whether you choose to hatch Professor Jacq’s egg or trade with other players, these iconic Pokémon are within reach. Remember to consider their strengths, weaknesses, and optimal movesets to maximize their potential in battle. And, as educators and gamers understand, mastering these strategies goes hand in hand with important skills that reinforce the values espoused by the GamesLearningSociety.org. Happy catching!