How to Catch ‘Em All: A Complete Guide to Vivillon Pokémon
The short answer to how to get all Vivillon Pokémon is trading with players from different regions around the world or by using save manipulation in older games. This is because Vivillon’s wing pattern depends on the geographic location associated with the player’s Nintendo 3DS or Nintendo Switch system.
Understanding the Vivillon Phenomenon
Vivillon, the elegant Butterfly Pokémon introduced in Pokémon X and Y, is more than just a visually appealing creature. It’s a testament to the interconnectedness of the Pokémon world and the real world. Its 20 distinct wing patterns (excluding event-exclusive patterns) aren’t random; they’re tied to the geographic region set on your Nintendo 3DS or Nintendo Switch. This means a player in Japan will encounter a different Vivillon pattern than a player in Brazil.
The core mechanic revolves around Mystery Gift events in Pokémon X and Y, and later, the Postcard feature in Pokémon GO, which influences the pattern when transferring to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Obtaining all patterns requires a concerted effort to connect with players globally, making it a unique and rewarding collecting challenge.
The Geographic Connection
Each Vivillon pattern is linked to a specific region on the world map. These regions are determined by the location data set on your Nintendo 3DS or Nintendo Switch. This data isn’t always precise, and some regions are quite broad, leading to overlaps and potential confusion. Common examples include:
- Continental: Much of Europe
- Garden: United Kingdom, Ireland
- Elegant: Japan
- Modern: United States (California, Florida)
- Marine: Southern Europe, Mediterranean
- High Plains: Western United States, Canada
- Sandstorm: Middle East
- Savanna: South America, Africa
- Sun: Mexico, Central America
Trading is Key
The primary way to obtain all Vivillon patterns legitimately is through trading. This involves finding players from different regions and exchanging Vivillon (or their pre-evolutions, Scatterbug and Spewpa) with them. Online forums, trading groups, and social media communities dedicated to Pokémon are invaluable resources for finding trading partners.
Pokémon GO and Scarlet/Violet: The Postcard Method
Pokémon GO’s Postcard feature offers another avenue to influence Vivillon patterns in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. By pinning postcards from different regions in Pokémon GO and transferring Pokémon to Scarlet/Violet, you can encounter Scatterbug that will evolve into the corresponding Vivillon pattern. This adds a more active, location-based element to the collecting process.
Save Manipulation (For Older Games – Use with Caution!)
It’s important to note that save manipulation methods exist, particularly for older games. These involve altering your game’s save data to change your region, allowing you to encounter different Vivillon patterns. However, this method is strongly discouraged as it can potentially corrupt your save file and is considered by many to be unethical. It’s always best to pursue legitimate methods of obtaining Vivillon patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Vivillon
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about obtaining all Vivillon patterns:
1. What are all the Vivillon patterns?
There are 20 officially recognized Vivillon patterns tied to geographic regions. These include Archipelago, Continental, Elegant, Garden, High Plains, Icy Snow, Jungle, Marine, Modern, Monsoon, Ocean, Polar, River, Sandstorm, Savanna, Sun, Tundra, Meadow, Taiga, and Fancy. The Poke Ball pattern was event-exclusive and can no longer be obtained through normal gameplay.
2. How do I know what Vivillon pattern I’ll get?
The Vivillon pattern you get depends on the region set on your Nintendo 3DS/Switch or the region associated with the Postcard in Pokémon GO you pin before transferring Pokémon to Scarlet/Violet.
3. Can I change my region on my 3DS/Switch to get different Vivillon patterns?
Changing your 3DS/Switch region setting might work, but it’s not guaranteed and could have unintended consequences. The system relies on location data derived from various factors, and simply changing the region code may not be sufficient. Using Pokémon GO’s Postcard feature is a much safer alternative.
4. Is the Fancy Vivillon pattern still available?
No, the Fancy Vivillon was distributed as part of a limited-time event. It’s no longer obtainable through normal gameplay. Trading is the only way to get one now.
5. What is the rarest Vivillon pattern?
Rarity is subjective and depends on your location. However, patterns associated with geographically isolated or sparsely populated regions, like Icy Snow and Tundra, are often considered rarer due to the limited number of players in those areas.
6. How does Pokémon GO affect Vivillon patterns in Scarlet/Violet?
By pinning Postcards from different regions in Pokémon GO, you influence the Scatterbug you encounter when transferring Pokémon to Scarlet/Violet. Each Postcard corresponds to a specific Vivillon pattern.
7. Can I get multiple Vivillon patterns in Scarlet/Violet?
Yes! By using different Postcards from Pokémon GO before transferring Pokémon to Scarlet/Violet, you can encounter Scatterbug that evolve into different Vivillon patterns.
8. Do I need Pokémon GO to get all Vivillon patterns in Scarlet/Violet?
No, you can still trade for Scatterbug, Spewpa or Vivillon in Scarlet and Violet. However, using Pokémon GO streamlines the process significantly.
9. Where can I find people to trade Vivillon with?
Online forums, trading groups on social media (Reddit, Facebook), and dedicated Pokémon trading communities are excellent resources. Search for groups specifically focused on Vivillon trading.
10. Can I tell what Vivillon pattern a Scatterbug will evolve into before it evolves?
No, you can’t definitively tell the pattern until it evolves into Spewpa. However, the location associated with the Pokémon GO Postcard or the location of the player who gave you the Scatterbug is a strong indicator.
11. Are there any cheat codes to get all Vivillon patterns?
While save manipulation methods exist, they are strongly discouraged due to the risk of corrupting your save data and ethical considerations. Focus on legitimate methods like trading and Pokémon GO’s Postcard feature.
12. Does the language setting on my 3DS/Switch affect Vivillon patterns?
No, the language setting does not affect the Vivillon pattern. The pattern is determined by the geographic location associated with your system or the Pokémon GO Postcard.
13. How accurate is the location data for Vivillon patterns?
The location data isn’t always perfectly precise. Some regions are broad, and there can be overlaps. This means players in different parts of the same country might get the same Vivillon pattern.
14. If I travel to a different region, will I get a different Vivillon pattern?
If you’re playing Pokémon GO, pinning postcards from your new location will allow you to receive a different Vivillon pattern in Scarlet/Violet. For the 3DS games, it’s more complex. The system likely uses an initial location setting, so simply traveling may not immediately change your Vivillon pattern.
15. Is it worth the effort to collect all Vivillon patterns?
That depends on your personal preference. For dedicated collectors, the challenge and the visual diversity of Vivillon patterns make it a highly rewarding endeavor. It’s a unique and engaging aspect of the Pokémon world that encourages interaction and connection with players globally.