Gotta Go Fast! Mastering Speed in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Want to leave your rivals in the dust and become the ultimate Pokémon trainer in the Paldea region? Then you need to master the art of speed! Whether you’re talking about your character’s movement across the vast landscape or your Pokémon’s prowess in battle, speed is key. Let’s break down the strategies for boosting speed both in and out of combat in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet.

Increasing Your Character’s Movement Speed

While Pokémon Scarlet & Violet offer a generally satisfying traversal experience, there are a few clever tricks to boost your character’s movement speed beyond the standard running animation:

• Early Game Tip: At the beginning of the game you can get around faster by riding your Legendary Pokémon, Koraidon or Miraidon.

• The Two-Controller Trick (circumstantial): Some players have reported that connecting a second controller and using both left joysticks at an angle can increase running speed. This is more of an exploit and may be patched in future updates, so enjoy it while it lasts.

• Explore for traversal Upgrades: Continue to play the game and unlock different traversal upgrades to increase speed.

Enhancing Your Pokémon’s Speed Stat

More importantly, increasing your Pokémon’s Speed stat is crucial for dominating battles. This dictates turn order and can be the difference between a decisive knockout and a devastating defeat. Here’s how to turn your Pokémon into speed demons:

1. Understanding Speed EVs (Effort Values)

Effort Values (EVs) are hidden stats that directly influence your Pokémon’s stats. Each Pokémon yields a certain number of EVs when defeated. To efficiently farm Speed EVs, focus on battling Pokémon known to provide them. Some good early-game options include Magnemite and Wingull.

2. Utilizing Power Items

Power Items are held items that increase the number of EVs gained in a specific stat after a battle. The Power Anklet specifically boosts Speed EVs. You can purchase these items from Delibird Presents shops in Mesagoza early in the game. Equipping your Pokémon with a Power Anklet while battling Pokémon that yield Speed EVs is the fastest way to boost their speed stat.

3. Vitamins for a Quick Boost

Vitamins like Carbos directly increase your Pokémon’s Speed stat. Each Carbos grants +10 Speed EVs. However, a Pokémon can only consume a certain amount of Vitamins in total, so this method is best used in conjunction with EV training.

4. Natures Matter

A Pokémon’s Nature affects its stat growth. Some Natures increase Speed while decreasing another stat. For example, a Timid Nature increases Speed and decreases Attack. Choose Natures that complement your Pokémon’s role on your team and maximize its Speed potential. You can influence a Pokémon’s Nature using Mints, which can be purchased later in the game.

5. Held Items for In-Battle Speed

Certain held items can temporarily boost your Pokémon’s Speed during battle. The Choice Scarf is a popular option, as it increases Speed by 50% but locks the Pokémon into using only one move. Other items, like the Quick Claw, provide a chance to move first regardless of Speed.

6. Speed-Boosting Moves

Several moves can temporarily increase a Pokémon’s Speed during battle. Examples include Agility (sharply raises Speed) and Rock Polish (also sharply raises Speed). These moves can turn the tide of battle by allowing your Pokémon to outspeed the opponent and strike first.

7. Terastallizing and Dynamaxing (Situational)

While not a direct Speed boost in the traditional sense, Terastallizing can change a Pokémon’s type, potentially granting it access to moves that boost Speed through secondary effects. The article mentions Dynamaxing (which is not available in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet), but certain Tera Raid strategies might involve moves that indirectly affect Speed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Which Pokémon has the highest base Speed in Scarlet & Violet?

Electrode holds the title with a base Speed of 150. However, its other stats are lackluster, making it not always the best choice for competitive battling.

Q2: How do Speed EVs actually work?

For every 4 Speed EVs your Pokémon earns, its Speed stat will increase by 1 at level 100. This means strategically training your Pokémon against specific opponents yields tangible results.

Q3: What happens if two Pokémon have the same Speed?

If two Pokémon have the same Speed, the game randomly determines which one moves first, giving each a 50/50 chance. This can be mitigated with priority moves, such as Quick Attack.

Q4: Does Speed matter in Tera Raids?

While helpful in general, Speed is less crucial in Tera Raids compared to other stats like Attack, Special Attack, and HP. Focus on dealing damage and surviving hits rather than trying to outspeed the Tera Raid Pokémon.

Q5: What is the best Nature for a fast Special Attacker?

A Timid Nature (+Speed, -Attack) is generally considered the best choice for a fast Special Attacker.

Q6: Can I reset my Pokémon’s EVs?

Yes, you can reset your Pokémon’s EVs using berries that reduce specific stats. These berries can be found throughout the Paldea region.

Q7: Does the item Iron Ball affect a Pokémon’s Speed?

Yes, the Iron Ball significantly lowers a Pokémon’s Speed, making it move last. It also grounds the holder, preventing it from using moves like Fly.

Q8: Besides Carbos, are there other items that raise Speed?

The main other item is the Choice Scarf which sharply increases the Pokémon’s speed. However, this locks you into a single move.

Q9: Are there any Abilities that affect Speed?

Yes, several abilities can affect speed. Speed Boost increases Speed after each turn, Chlorophyll doubles Speed in sunlight, and Swift Swim doubles Speed in rain.

Q10: Why is my game running slow?

Frame rate issues can be caused by an overload of data. Try reloading the area to improve performance. It’s recommended to close and restart your game every few hours to prevent memory leaks.

Q11: What are some good Leg Strength exercises?

Include exercises such as squats, deadlifts, and lunges in your training to build strength in the legs. Building strength will improve speed over time.

Q12: Where do I get a Choice Scarf?

You can get the Choice Scarf in Delibird Presents shops after beating a certain number of gyms.

Q13: Does Speed help in the beginning?

Yes, speed is very helpful in the beginning of Pokemon Scarlet to win battles and level up quickly.

Q14: What is the slowest Pokemon in the game?

The slowest Pokemon in the game is Shuckle with a base speed of 5.

Q15: Can I run in the game from the beginning?

No, to run in Pokemon Scarlet you must advance the game past the tutorial.

Conclusion

Mastering speed, both for your character and your Pokémon, is crucial for success in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. By understanding EVs, utilizing Power Items, choosing the right Natures, and employing strategic moves, you can create a team of lightning-fast Pokémon ready to conquer any challenge. So, get out there, train hard, and become the fastest trainer in Paldea!

To further explore the educational aspects of gaming and game-based learning, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.