Can You Turn Off the EXP Share in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet? The Definitive Answer and FAQs

No, you cannot turn off the EXP Share in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. This is a significant departure from earlier games in the franchise where the EXP Share was an optional item. In Scarlet and Violet, it’s permanently enabled, distributing experience points to your entire party after every battle, regardless of whether they participated. This design choice has sparked considerable debate within the Pokémon community.

The Era of Mandatory EXP Share: A New Paradigm

The shift towards a mandatory EXP Share began with the Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! titles on the Nintendo Switch and has continued into Pokémon Sword and Shield and now Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. This system automatically distributes experience points to all Pokémon in your party, even those who didn’t actively participate in the battle. While this simplifies the leveling process and eliminates the need for tedious grinding, it also removes a layer of strategic control that many long-time players appreciated. The core reason for this change is to make the game more accessible to newer or younger players, allowing them to progress through the story more smoothly without being bogged down by the need to individually train each Pokémon. However, this convenience comes at the cost of customization and the ability to fine-tune the game’s difficulty.

Navigating the Mandatory EXP Share: Strategies for Players

Although you can’t disable the EXP Share, you can still implement strategies to manage its impact on your gameplay:

• Careful Team Composition: Plan your team carefully and consider which Pokémon you want to prioritize for leveling. Rotate Pokémon in and out of your party to ensure everyone gets adequate experience, but focus on the Pokémon you intend to use most in important battles.

• Strategic Use of Held Items: While you can’t prevent experience sharing, items like the Amulet Coin can boost your post-battle earnings. This will help you to purchase TMs, healing items, and clothing.

• Embrace the Challenge: Instead of fighting against the system, embrace the challenge of using a diverse team and adapting your strategies to the strengths of different Pokémon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about EXP Share in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

1. Is EXP Share optional in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

No, the EXP Share is not optional. It is permanently enabled, and there is no way to turn it off in the game’s settings.

2. How does EXP Share work in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

When you obtain a second Pokémon for your party, the EXP Share automatically activates. After each battle, all Pokémon in your party receive experience points, regardless of whether they participated in the battle. The distribution of experience is based on the level and participation of each Pokémon.

3. Does EXP Share reduce the amount of XP gained by the battling Pokémon?

No, the EXP Share doesn’t reduce the amount of XP gained by the Pokémon that participated in battle. The battling Pokémon receives the full amount of XP it would normally get, and additional XP is distributed to the rest of the party.

4. Can I use multiple EXP Shares to boost experience gain?

No, EXP Share is a system feature, not an item. You cannot use multiple EXP Shares to boost experience gain. The effect is automatically applied to your entire party.

5. Is there a way to get rid of EXP in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

No, there is no way to get rid of experience points once they have been earned by a Pokémon. Once a Pokémon gains experience, it contributes to its overall level progress.

6. What are the benefits of using EXP Share?

The main benefit of EXP Share is that it allows you to level up your entire party more quickly and easily. This can be particularly helpful for new players or those who want to avoid grinding. It also promotes the use of a diverse team, as you don’t need to focus solely on training one or two Pokémon.

7. Are there any negative effects of using EXP Share?

One potential negative effect is that it can make the game too easy, as your Pokémon may become over-leveled without much effort. This can reduce the challenge and sense of accomplishment. It also removes the strategic element of deciding which Pokémon to train and when.

8. How does EXP Share affect EV training?

EV training (Effort Value training) involves battling specific Pokémon to increase certain stats. While EXP Share doesn’t directly hinder EV training, it can make it more difficult to control which stats are being increased. You’ll need to be mindful of the Pokémon your entire party is battling to ensure they are all receiving the desired EVs. Some players might find it easier to use specific Vitamins or Feathers to enhance their stats instead.

9. Which Pokémon give the most XP in Scarlet and Violet?

Chansey is known for yielding huge amounts of experience points when defeated. They are relatively rare, but can be found throughout Paldea, particularly in the northern parts of the region, near the Fairy Team Star base. Eating a sandwich with normal encounter power will help cause Chansey to spawn frequently.

10. Does EXP Share have any impact on stat growth?

No, EXP Share does not negatively affect stat growth. The stats a Pokémon gains when leveling up are determined by its base stats, IVs (Individual Values), and EVs (Effort Values), not by whether it gained experience through EXP Share.

11. What happens if a Pokémon is holding an item that boosts XP gain while EXP Share is active?

Items that boost XP gain, such as the Lucky Egg, will only affect the Pokémon holding the item. The bonus XP gained from the item will not be shared with the rest of the party. Only the holder receives the increased experience points.

12. Can I farm experience points in Scarlet and Violet?

Yes, there are several places where you can farm experience points. Some popular locations include:

• South Province Area 4
• West Province Area 1
• East Province Area 2
• Chansey hunting near the Fairy Team Star base
• Academy Ace Tournament:

13. Is Pokémon Scarlet better than Violet in terms of experience point distribution or leveling?

No, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are identical in terms of experience point distribution and leveling mechanics. The EXP Share works the same way in both versions of the game. The primary differences between the two versions are exclusive Pokémon, different professors, and slight variations in the storyline and futuristic or past themes in Area Zero.

14. How long does it take to reach level 100 in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet?

This depends on your strategies and which Pokemon you’re leveling. Utilizing Rare Candies can expedite the process, but you will have to do a lot of digging to find them. Some players will also use online resources, like the Games Learning Society, to improve their strategies, to find better sandwich recipes, and to find good locations to get XP.

15. What is the fastest way to increase the friendship level of a Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

Several methods can quickly increase a Pokémon’s friendship level:

• Capture it in a Luxury Ball.
• Have it hold a Soothe Bell.
• Wash it during picnics.
• Feed it sandwiches during picnics.
• Have it walk with you using the Let’s Go feature.

Conclusion

While the inability to turn off the EXP Share in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet may disappoint some players, it’s essential to adapt and find new ways to enjoy the game. By understanding how the EXP Share works and implementing strategic team management, you can still create a challenging and rewarding experience.