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How Long is Scarlet and Violet Postgame? A Deep Dive

So, you’ve conquered the main storyline of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, become the Champion, and explored the vast Paldea region. Congratulations! But what’s next? How much content awaits you in the postgame? The answer, like a well-hidden Shiny, is multi-faceted.

The core Scarlet and Violet postgame experience generally takes players between 15 to 30 hours to complete, depending on their playstyle and completionist tendencies. This includes finishing the “The Way Home” storyline, battling the Area Zero Paradox Pokémon, and pursuing various optional activities. However, achieving true 100% completion, including completing the Pokédex and shiny hunting, can easily extend playtime to hundreds of hours.

Unveiling the Postgame Content

The Scarlet and Violet postgame isn’t just a tacked-on extra; it’s a significant expansion of the core game. It offers a compelling narrative extension, challenging battles, and plenty of opportunities for exploration and collection. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

“The Way Home” Storyline: This is the primary focus of the postgame. It delves deeper into the mysteries of Area Zero and the enigmatic Paradox Pokémon. You’ll team up with Arven, Penny, and Nemona once more to confront new challenges and uncover the truth behind the Terastal Phenomenon. This storyline alone can take around 5-10 hours to complete.
Paradox Pokémon Encounters: Area Zero is teeming with unique and powerful Paradox Pokémon, both past (Scarlet) and future (Violet) versions of familiar creatures. Catching them all is a key postgame objective. This can add significant time depending on your luck and strategy.
Rematches with Gym Leaders and Elite Four: You can rechallenge the Gym Leaders and Elite Four with significantly stronger teams. These battles offer a challenging test of your skills and team composition.
Academy Ace Tournament: Compete in a tournament at the Academy against various NPCs, including teachers and familiar faces. This provides a regular source of income and experience.
Completing the Pokédex: Arguably the most time-consuming aspect of any Pokémon game, completing the Paldean Pokédex requires catching, evolving, and trading Pokémon. This can easily take dozens of hours.
Shiny Hunting: For dedicated collectors, the pursuit of Shiny Pokémon adds near-infinite replayability. Utilizing methods like the Masuda method and Shiny Charm can improve your odds, but it’s still a time-intensive endeavor.
Tera Raids: Participate in higher-level Tera Raid Battles to encounter rare and powerful Pokémon, including version exclusives and Pokémon with unique Tera Types. These raids require strategic teamwork and strong Pokémon.
Breeding and Competitive Training: Breed Pokémon with optimal IVs and Natures to create competitive teams for online battles. This requires extensive knowledge of game mechanics and significant time investment.
Exploring Undiscovered Areas: Even after completing the main story, there are still hidden areas and secrets to uncover throughout the Paldea region.

Factors Affecting Postgame Length

Several factors can influence how long it takes you to complete the Scarlet and Violet postgame:

Playstyle: Are you a completionist who wants to catch every Pokémon and explore every nook and cranny? Or are you primarily interested in battling and progressing through the main storyline?
Team Strength: A well-trained and strategically composed team will make battles significantly easier and faster.
Knowledge of Game Mechanics: Understanding mechanics like IVs, EVs, Breeding, and Tera Raids will streamline your progress.
Luck: Catching rare Pokémon and encountering Shinies relies heavily on chance.
Trading: Trading with other players can significantly speed up Pokédex completion.
DLC Content: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC significantly extends the postgame content with two separate storylines and new areas to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Scarlet and Violet postgame, along with detailed answers:

1. What happens after I beat the Elite Four in Scarlet and Violet?

After defeating the Elite Four and becoming Champion, you unlock the “The Way Home” storyline in Area Zero. This quest forms the core of the Scarlet and Violet postgame. You also gain access to rematches with Gym Leaders and Elite Four, and the Academy Ace Tournament.

2. How do I start the postgame in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

The postgame automatically begins after the credits roll. You’ll be prompted to return to the Academy, where you’ll trigger the events leading to “The Way Home” quest.

3. What are Paradox Pokémon, and how do I catch them?

Paradox Pokémon are unique creatures found in Area Zero, representing either past (Scarlet) or future (Violet) versions of existing Pokémon. They can be caught like any other Pokémon, but they are generally stronger and rarer.

4. How do I rematch Gym Leaders in Scarlet and Violet?

After becoming Champion, you can rematch the Gym Leaders by returning to their respective gyms and speaking to them. They will have significantly stronger teams than before.

5. What is the Academy Ace Tournament?

The Academy Ace Tournament is a competition held at the Academy where you battle against various NPCs, including teachers and students. It offers a regular source of income and experience.

6. How do I complete the Pokédex in Scarlet and Violet?

Completing the Pokédex requires catching, evolving, and trading Pokémon. Use the Pokédex app to track your progress and identify missing Pokémon. Explore different areas, use different Poké Balls, and trade with friends to obtain version-exclusive Pokémon.

7. What are Shiny Pokémon, and how do I find them?

Shiny Pokémon are Pokémon with a different color palette than their normal counterparts. They are incredibly rare. To increase your chances of finding them, use the Shiny Charm (obtained by completing the Pokédex) and the Masuda method (breeding Pokémon from different language regions).

8. What are Tera Raid Battles, and how do I participate?

Tera Raid Battles are special battles against Terastallized Pokémon in dens throughout the Paldea region. You can participate by finding a raid den and interacting with it, either alone or with up to three other players. Higher-level raids offer better rewards and rarer Pokémon.

9. How do I breed Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet?

Pokémon breeding is done at picnics. Place two compatible Pokémon (usually of the same egg group) in your party and set up a picnic. After some time, an egg may appear in your picnic basket. The Ditto Pokémon is famously known as being compatible with any breedable pokemon, making the breeding experience easier for players.

10. What are IVs and EVs, and how do they affect my Pokémon?

IVs (Individual Values) and EVs (Effort Values) are hidden stats that affect a Pokémon’s strength. IVs are determined at birth and cannot be changed, while EVs can be trained by battling specific Pokémon.

11. How do I train EVs in Scarlet and Violet?

EV training involves battling Pokémon that yield specific EVs upon defeat. You can use items like Power Bracers and Power Anklets to increase the amount of EVs earned per battle.

12. What is the best way to earn money in the postgame?

The most efficient way to earn money in the postgame is by participating in the Academy Ace Tournament and selling the rewards. Also, consider selling valuable items found in Area Zero.

13. Are there any version-exclusive Pokémon in the postgame?

Yes, there are version-exclusive Paradox Pokémon in Area Zero. You’ll need to trade with players who have the opposite version to obtain them all.

14. What does the DLC, Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, add to the postgame?

The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC adds two new storylines, new areas to explore (Kitakami and Blueberry Academy), new Pokémon to catch, and new characters to interact with, significantly extending the postgame experience.

15. Where can I learn more about Pokémon game mechanics and strategies?

You can find a wealth of information on various online resources, including Bulbapedia, Serebii.net, and community forums. Also, consider exploring educational resources like the Games Learning Society, which explores the intersection of games and learning: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The GamesLearningSociety.org offers insights into how games like Pokémon can teach valuable skills.

Conclusion

The Scarlet and Violet postgame provides a substantial amount of content for players to enjoy after completing the main storyline. Whether you’re a casual player looking to explore Area Zero or a dedicated completionist aiming to catch every Shiny Pokémon, there’s something for everyone. So, dive back into the Paldea region and continue your Pokémon adventure! The hours you spend will be filled with adventure, challenge, and the endless pursuit of becoming the ultimate Pokémon Master.

How long is Scarlet and Violet postgame?