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Catch ‘Em All? How Many Pokémon Can You REALLY Catch in Scarlet and Violet?

The Paldea region calls! Pokémon Scarlet and Violet whisk players away to a sun-drenched, sprawling world teeming with fascinating creatures. But before you dive in headfirst with Poké Balls at the ready, let’s address the burning question: How many catchable Pokémon are in Scarlet and Violet?

The short answer is 400. The Paldean Pokédex boasts a solid 400 entries, representing a diverse roster of returning favorites and brand-new faces. However, catching them all isn’t quite as straightforward as it seems. Version exclusives, special events, and the ever-present need for trading add layers of complexity to your quest for Pokédex completion.

Unpacking the Paldean Pokédex: What You Need to Know

While 400 is the official number, it’s crucial to understand the nuances that affect your journey. Think of it like this: 400 is the base number. Let’s break down all the factors influencing your ability to “catch ‘em all” in Paldea.

Version Exclusives: This has been a staple since the very first Pokémon games. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet each have their own exclusive Pokémon, meaning you can only find certain species in one version of the game. This necessitates trading with other players to complete your Pokédex. Each version contains 25 exclusive Pokémon that are only obtainable in that version of the game.
Trading is Essential: Because of the version exclusives, completing the Pokédex entirely requires trading with someone who owns the other version. Without online play, you will not be able to fully complete the Pokédex. Even some evolutions, like Gengar (from Haunter), rely on trading as their evolution mechanic. While you can trade with an NPC in the game, there’s still no getting around the need to trade in general to get certain Pokédex entries.
Event Pokémon: Keep an eye out for special in-game events! These often feature rare Pokémon appearing in Tera Raid Battles or obtainable via Mystery Gift. These Pokémon are often not included in the base 400 but add extra layers to the experience. A prime example is Charizard which was available through a limited-time Mystery Gift. Other event-exclusive Pokémon are also sometimes available through these special events and Tera Raid Battles.
DLC and Future Updates: While the base game includes 400 Pokémon, future DLC (Downloadable Content) and updates can (and likely will) introduce even more Pokémon to the game. The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC added new Pokémon to the roster!
The Myth of “Catching All 1000+ Pokémon”: It’s simply not possible to catch every single Pokémon that exists across the entire franchise in Scarlet and Violet. While the total number of Pokémon species has surpassed 1,000, Scarlet and Violet focus on the Paldea region and its inhabitants. You will be able to only find 400 different Pokémon species in the game.

A Closer Look: Some Key Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet

Legendary Pokémon: The Legendary Pokémon, Koraidon (Scarlet) and Miraidon (Violet), are exclusive to their respective versions and play a central role in the game’s story.
Exclusive Examples: In Scarlet, you’ll encounter Pokémon like Tyranitar, Stonjourner, and the past paradox forms such as Great Tusk. Violet, on the other hand, features Pokémon like Iron Bundle and Miraidon as well as future paradox forms.
Special Evolutions: Keep in mind the special conditions needed for certain evolutions. Trading isn’t the only factor; some Pokémon have unique evolution requirements involving specific items, times of day, or even learning particular moves.

Mastering the Paldean Pokédex: Tips and Tricks

Ready to embark on your Pokémon catching adventure? Here are some tips to help you succeed:

Plan Your Route: Explore the vast Paldea region thoroughly! Different areas have different Pokémon spawns.
Utilize Online Resources: Websites and online communities can provide invaluable information on Pokémon locations, version exclusives, and trade opportunities.
Team Up with Friends: Trading with friends is the most efficient way to obtain version-exclusive Pokémon.
Stay Updated: Follow official Pokémon news channels for announcements about events, Mystery Gifts, and DLC releases.
Consider the Post-Game: Some Pokémon are only accessible after completing the main storyline.

Delving Deeper: The Educational Value of Pokémon

Beyond the simple act of catching Pokémon, games like Scarlet and Violet offer valuable educational opportunities. They can encourage strategic thinking, resource management, and social interaction through trading and battling. Research from organizations like the Games Learning Society or GamesLearningSociety.org highlights the potential of games for learning and development.

FAQs: Your Burning Scarlet and Violet Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about Pokémon availability in Scarlet and Violet:

Can I complete the Pokédex without trading? No, due to version exclusives, trading is necessary to obtain all 400 Pokémon in the Paldean Pokédex.
Are Koraidon and Miraidon shiny locked? Yes, the versions obtained during the storyline are shiny locked meaning that a shiny version cannot be added to your team.
Where can I find [insert specific Pokémon name here]? This depends on the Pokémon! Check online resources and guides for specific locations and spawn conditions. Certain Pokémon are specific to certain regions.
How do I get the event Pokémon like Charizard? Event Pokémon are typically obtained through Mystery Gift or by participating in Tera Raid Battles. The information for these events can usually be found on the official Pokemon website or the in-game news section.
What are Paradox Pokémon? Paradox Pokémon are unique creatures found in Area Zero. Scarlet features past versions of Pokémon, while Violet features future versions. These paradox Pokémon are exclusive to the version.
Is Oranguru exclusive to Scarlet? Yes, Oranguru is a Scarlet-exclusive Pokémon.
Is Tyranitar only in Scarlet? Yes, the Tyranitar line (including Pupitar) is exclusive to Pokémon Scarlet.
Can I evolve Haunter into Gengar without trading? While you can trade with NPCs in the game, you still need to trade to get Gengar.
What is the password for Mystery Gift Charizard? The password was DARKTERA0006. Check the current event to find the new passwords.
Will there be more DLC for Scarlet and Violet? While there is DLC for Scarlet and Violet, it has been completed as of 2023. There is no information on whether more DLC will be released in the future.
Is Squirtle in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet? Squirtle is not natively available in the base game, however, it can be obtained through DLC.
What is the rarest Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet? The rarest Pokémon include Walking Wake/Iron Leaves and Antique Sinistea/Polteageist
What types are Annihilape weak to? Annihilape is weak to Ghost, Psychic, and Fairy-type moves.
Which version, Scarlet or Violet, is considered better? This is a subjective opinion! Some players prefer Scarlet’s past-themed Pokémon, while others prefer Violet’s future-themed Pokémon. Gameplay preference is the ultimate factor.
Is Greninja in Pokémon Violet? Greninja was available as a limited-time seven-star raid event Pokemon in Scarlet and Violet.

Ultimately, catching all 400 Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. Embrace the journey, explore the Paldea region, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from other trainers! Good luck, and happy hunting!