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How Many Hours Is Pokémon Scarlet & Violet? A Paldean Time Sink

So, you’re diving into the vibrant world of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, eh? Excellent choice! But before you embark on your Paldean adventure, the age-old question arises: How long will it actually take to beat these games? The short answer? It depends. For a straight shot through the main storyline, expect to dedicate around 25-30 hours. However, if you’re a completionist, prepare for a much longer journey. Reaching 100% completion can easily consume 79 hours or more, factoring in post-game content, completing the Pokédex, and tackling all the side quests. Buckle up, Trainer, it’s going to be a wild (and time-consuming) ride!

Delving Deeper into the Paldean Time Commitment

While that initial estimate provides a general idea, let’s break down the different aspects of playtime in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet to give you a more accurate picture of what to expect.

The Main Storyline: A Paldean Pilgrimage

The main storyline in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet is divided into three distinct paths: Victory Road (challenging the Gym Leaders), Starfall Street (taking down Team Star), and Path of Legends (battling Titan Pokémon). Each path offers a unique experience and contributes to the overall narrative. The estimated 25-30 hours for the main storyline accounts for:

Battling trainers along the various routes.
Catching Pokémon to build your team.
Exploring the towns and cities throughout the Paldea region.
Completing key story events.

This figure assumes a fairly efficient playthrough, with minimal backtracking and a focus on progressing the story. If you spend a lot of time exploring or grinding levels, expect the playtime to increase.

The Teal Mask DLC: A Kitakami Caper

For those seeking additional content, The Teal Mask DLC offers a new storyline set in the region of Kitakami. According to reports, the DLC’s story can be completed in approximately 5 hours, including catching some of the new Pokémon in the Kitakami Pokédex.

The Post-Game: The Adventure Continues

Once you’ve rolled credits on the main story, the adventure doesn’t end! Pokémon Scarlet & Violet offers a substantial post-game experience, including:

Challenging higher-level trainers.
Completing the Pokédex.
Unlocking new areas and events.
Participating in Tera Raid Battles.

Estimates for the post-game vary widely, but a conservative estimate suggests dedicating another 20 hours or so to fully explore everything the post-game has to offer.

The Completionist’s Quest: A True Paldean Odyssey

For the truly dedicated players, 100% completion of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet is the ultimate goal. This involves:

Completing the Pokédex (catching all 400+ Pokémon).
Discovering all the secrets of the Paldea region.
Completing all side quests and challenges.
Breeding and training the perfect competitive team.

Achieving 100% completion is a significant time investment, often requiring 79 hours or more. This can extend further depending on how lucky you get with shiny hunting.

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet FAQs: Your Paldean Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate your Pokémon Scarlet & Violet journey:

Is Pokémon Scarlet & Violet worth playing?

Despite some performance issues, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet are considered decent games with many new features. While not as universally praised as Pokémon Legends: Arceus, they are still worth a playthrough for fans of the series. Many players report spending over 100 hours enjoying the open-world experience.
Which version is better, Scarlet or Violet?

This is largely a matter of personal preference. Scarlet features Pokémon from the past, while Violet features Pokémon from the future. Some players argue that Scarlet is superior due to exclusive Pokémon and design choices. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preferred aesthetic and desired Pokémon.
Is Pokémon Scarlet & Violet difficult?

The open-world structure of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet can lead to unexpected difficulty spikes. It’s easy to wander into areas with higher-level Pokémon before your team is ready. This lack of level scaling can make the games more challenging than previous entries.
Is shiny hunting easier in Scarlet & Violet?

Yes, shiny hunting is generally considered easier in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet than in previous games. While the base odds of finding a shiny Pokémon are around 1 in 4,000, these odds can be improved through various methods, such as using Shiny Charm, or using Mass Outbreaks and sandwich buffs.
Is Pokémon Scarlet & Violet beginner-friendly?

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet can be daunting for new players due to the open world and new mechanics. However, the game provides ample guidance and resources to help players learn the ropes. Playing all the storylines simultaneously can also help give new players balance to learn along the way.
How many endings are in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet?

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet have three main endings, one for each storyline. These storylines neatly come together at the end of the game.
Where can I find level 40 Pokémon in Scarlet?

South Province Area Six features fixed spawn Pokémon around level 40, including Gabite, Hariyama, and Bellibolt.
How do I beat Penny?

Penny uses Level 62 and 63 Eevee evolutions, so you’ll need a well-leveled team to defeat her. Bringing Full Restores and Revives is highly recommended.
What is the strongest new Pokémon in Scarlet & Violet?

Some of the strongest new Pokémon in Scarlet & Violet include Iron Hands, Palafin, Baxcalibur, and Gholdengo.
What is the strongest move in Scarlet & Violet?

While many moves are competitively viable, some of the strongest include Fissure, Liquidation, Shed Tail, and Sacred Sword. Rapid Spin is always a popular choice for some players.
Is Pokémon Scarlet better than Sword?

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet is considered better than Sword & Shield due to gameplay improvements and a more engaging open-world experience.
Which is the longest Pokémon game?

Historically, Pokémon Diamond & Pearl are considered the longest Pokémon games in terms of playtime.
How far is 1000 steps in Pokémon Scarlet?

1000 steps is roughly equivalent to 5 laps around the Mesagoza typing circle, taking approximately 2 minutes.
Should I play Pokémon Scarlet or Violet first?

The order in which you play Pokémon Scarlet and Violet doesn’t significantly impact the experience. Playing all storylines simultaneously is considered the best approach.
How does Pokémon Scarlet & Violet compare to Legends: Arceus?

While both games offer unique experiences, many consider Legends: Arceus to have a better-paced story. However, Scarlet & Violet boasts a more traditional Pokémon experience with open-world exploration.

Embrace the Paldean Experience

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet offer a vast and engaging open-world adventure that can consume countless hours. Whether you’re a casual player aiming to beat the main story or a dedicated completionist striving for 100%, there’s plenty to keep you entertained in the Paldea region. So, grab your Poké Balls, assemble your team, and prepare for an unforgettable journey! Also, if you are interested in learning more about the educational aspect of video games check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Good luck, Trainer!

How many hours is Pokémon Scarlet Violet?