How to Get All Three Starters in Pokémon Violet: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’re setting out on your Paldean adventure in Pokémon Violet and, like many trainers, you’re determined to collect all three starter Pokémon: Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. While the game only lets you initially choose one, fear not! There are several ways to expand your collection and obtain all three. The primary method involves trading with other players, utilizing multiple save files, or taking advantage of Pokémon Home. Let’s dive into the details of each strategy.
Methods to Obtain All Three Starters
1. Trading with Other Players
- The Classic Approach: The most straightforward method is trading with other trainers. You can trade locally with friends or connect online with players around the world. Online trading requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
- Trading Communities: Look for online communities or forums dedicated to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet trading. These communities can connect you with players who have the starters you need and are willing to trade.
- Surprise Trade: While less reliable, the Surprise Trade feature might occasionally net you a starter Pokémon. It’s a gamble, but sometimes luck is on your side.
2. Utilizing Multiple Save Files
- The Two-Game Method: If you have two copies of Pokémon Violet (or one of each Scarlet and Violet) and two Nintendo Switch consoles, you can start a new game on each, choosing a different starter each time.
- Pokémon Home Transfer: After obtaining the starters on the separate save files, use the Pokémon Home app to transfer them to your main game. Pokémon Home is a cloud-based service that allows you to store and trade Pokémon across compatible games. Note that you need a paid subscription to move Pokémon from Pokémon Home.
- Time Investment: This method requires a time investment, as you’ll need to play through the beginning of the game multiple times to reach the point where you can transfer Pokémon. However, it’s a reliable way to get all three starters without relying on other players.
3. Pokémon Home
- Transferring from Other Games: If you’ve played other Pokémon games (like Pokémon Sword and Shield, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, or even Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl) and have the starter Pokémon in those games, you can transfer them to Pokémon Home.
- Bringing Them to Paldea: Once in Pokémon Home, you can then transfer them to Pokémon Violet. Keep in mind that Pokémon can only be transferred to a game if that game has the data for those Pokémon. All the starter Pokémon are compatible with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet thanks to updates and DLC.
- Pokémon Home Subscription: A paid Pokémon Home subscription is often required to transfer Pokémon from older games.
Additional Tips for Starter Hunting
- Patience is Key: Finding the right trades or transferring Pokémon from other games can take time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get all three starters immediately.
- Check for Events: Keep an eye out for special events that might make starter Pokémon more accessible. These events often involve Tera Raid Battles or special distributions.
- Consider Breeding: Once you have at least two of the starters, you can breed them with a Ditto to produce eggs of each starter, allowing you to obtain multiples.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get all three starters in a single playthrough of Pokémon Violet without trading?
No, you can only choose one starter Pokémon at the beginning of your game. To obtain the other two, you’ll need to trade, use multiple save files, or transfer them through Pokémon Home.
2. Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to trade for starters?
Yes, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required for online trading. However, you can trade locally with friends without it.
3. How does Pokémon Home work with Pokémon Violet?
Pokémon Home acts as a cloud-based storage system. You can deposit Pokémon from compatible games into Pokémon Home and then transfer them to Pokémon Violet, provided that the game has the data for those Pokémon.
4. Is there a limit to how many Pokémon I can store in Pokémon Home?
The free version of Pokémon Home has a limited storage capacity. A paid subscription increases the number of Pokémon you can store.
5. Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon Violet?
Yes, but first, you need to transfer them from Pokémon GO to Pokémon Home, and from there, you can transfer them to Pokémon Violet, provided they are compatible with the game.
6. What are the best ways to find people to trade with online?
Look for Pokémon trading communities on social media platforms like Reddit, Discord, and Facebook. There are also dedicated forums where players coordinate trades.
7. Can I use Pokémon Bank to transfer Pokémon to Pokémon Violet?
No, Pokémon Bank is for older Nintendo 3DS games. You need to use Pokémon Home for Nintendo Switch games like Pokémon Violet.
8. Will all starter Pokémon eventually be available through in-game events?
While there’s no guarantee, Game Freak often releases starter Pokémon through Tera Raid events or other special distributions. Keep an eye on official announcements.
9. How long does it take to get all three starters using the two-game method?
It depends on your play style, but it typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours per game to reach the point where you can transfer Pokémon to Pokémon Home.
10. Can I breed the starters with any Pokémon to get more?
No, you need to breed them with a Ditto, which is a Pokémon that can breed with any gendered Pokémon.
11. Are there any risks associated with trading online?
Be cautious when trading with strangers online. Always double-check the Pokémon being offered to ensure it’s what you expect. There’s a small risk of encountering hacked or illegitimate Pokémon, but it’s relatively rare.
12. Can I trade Pokémon between Scarlet and Violet?
Yes, you can trade Pokémon between Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet.
13. What happens if I receive a hacked Pokémon in a trade?
Hacked Pokémon can sometimes cause glitches or issues in your game. It’s best to release them or avoid using them in competitive battles. Nintendo also has measures in place to detect and remove illegitimate Pokémon from online services.
14. Are the shiny forms of the starters available in Pokémon Violet?
Yes, the shiny forms of Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly are available in Pokémon Violet. You can obtain them through breeding or trading.
15. Is it worth it to get all three starters?
Absolutely! Having access to all three starters gives you more strategic options for battles and helps you complete your Pokédex. Plus, it’s a fun challenge for completionists.
Collecting all three starter Pokémon in Pokémon Violet is a rewarding endeavor that adds depth to your gaming experience. Whether you choose to trade, utilize multiple save files, or transfer Pokémon from other games, the journey to complete your starter collection is an enjoyable part of becoming a Pokémon master. Learning is fun, and you can discover more on gaming and education at the Games Learning Society, GamesLearningSociety.org.