Is It Only Traded Pokémon That Disobey? A Deep Dive into Pokémon Obedience

No, it’s not only traded Pokémon that can disobey. While traded Pokémon are the most common culprits, the core issue is whether a Pokémon’s level exceeds your trainer’s authority, as determined by your Gym Badges or equivalent progression milestones. Pokémon you catch yourself can also disobey if you somehow obtain them at a level too high for your current badge level, or if certain game mechanics are in play. Let’s explore this phenomenon in detail.

The Nuances of Pokémon Obedience

The concept of Pokémon obedience has been a staple of the series since its inception. It’s a gameplay mechanic designed to prevent players from steamrolling through the early game with high-level Pokémon acquired through trades or other means. However, the specifics of how obedience works can vary slightly between generations.

In essence, obedience is tied to two key factors:

• The Pokémon’s Level: This is straightforward. The higher the level of the Pokémon, the more likely it is to disobey you if you lack the necessary badges.
• Your Trainer Progression: Measured by Gym Badges (or equivalent challenges in newer games like defeating Titans in Scarlet and Violet), this determines the maximum level of Pokémon that will consistently obey your commands.

The Traded Pokémon Factor

Traded Pokémon are often the primary source of disobedience because they frequently arrive at a higher level than what a player can reasonably obtain naturally in the early stages of the game. The game recognizes these Pokémon as “outsiders,” meaning they weren’t caught or hatched by the current trainer. This outsider status triggers the obedience check.

Why Pokémon You Catch Can Still Disobey

While less common, there are scenarios where Pokémon you catch yourself can also disobey:

• Exploiting Game Mechanics: Some players might use glitches or exploits to access areas with higher-level Pokémon early in the game before obtaining the appropriate badges.
• Transferring from Other Games: If you transfer a Pokémon from a previous game (e.g., through Pokémon HOME) and it’s at a level exceeding your current badge authority, it will disobey.
• Scarlet/Violet Wild Encounters: Specific areas in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet have Pokémon that are significantly higher level than the main story, without any kind of glitch involved. If you manage to catch one early and it’s above the level you’re “allowed” to control, it will disobey.
• Arceus’ Star Rank System: In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, the game features a star rank system that determines which level Pokémon obey you. Increasing your star rank is similar to getting a gym badge. If you catch a Pokémon that is a higher level than your star rank, it will not obey.

How Disobedience Manifests

When a Pokémon disobeys, it can manifest in various ways, adding a layer of unpredictability to battles:

• Ignoring Commands: The Pokémon might simply refuse to use the move you selected.
• Doing Something Else: It might choose a different move than the one you intended.
• Slacking Off: The Pokémon might decide to take a nap or become “lazy,” skipping its turn altogether.
• Becoming Confused: Disobedience can sometimes induce the confused status, causing the Pokémon to potentially hurt itself.

Gaining Control: Earning Their Respect

The primary way to overcome disobedience is by earning Gym Badges (or completing equivalent challenges in newer games). Each badge typically increases the maximum level of Pokémon that will obey you. The specifics vary by generation, but the underlying principle remains the same: demonstrate your skill and authority as a trainer, and your Pokémon will respect your commands.

Beyond Badges

While badges are the most common method, some games might offer alternative ways to increase obedience:

• Friendship/Affection: High friendship levels can, in some instances, mitigate disobedience, but generally don’t override the badge requirement entirely.
• Story Progression: Certain story events or character interactions might grant you increased control over Pokémon.
• Pokémon Legends: Arceus Star Rank: As previously mentioned, in this game increasing the level will increase the level of which Pokemon obey you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of Pokémon obedience:

1. My Starter Pokémon never disobeys. Why?

Starter Pokémon are typically programmed to always obey, regardless of level or badge status. This is to ensure a smooth and enjoyable early-game experience, as they are essential to starting your journey. Some people may have become Pokemon Masters thanks to this concept.

2. Does the type of Pokémon affect obedience?

No, the species or type of Pokémon has no bearing on obedience. Obedience is solely determined by the Pokémon’s level, its origin (traded or caught), and the trainer’s badge progress.

3. Can a Level 100 Pokémon obey me?

Yes, if you have earned all the necessary badges or completed the game’s equivalent progression milestones, a Level 100 Pokémon will obey you.

4. What happens if I trade a disobedient Pokémon to someone else?

The Pokémon’s obedience will be determined by the new trainer’s badge progress. If the new trainer has the appropriate badges, the Pokémon will obey them.

5. Does EV training or IVs affect obedience?

No, Effort Values (EVs) and Individual Values (IVs) have no impact on Pokémon obedience. These stats influence a Pokémon’s battle prowess but are unrelated to its willingness to follow commands.

6. Will a Pokémon transferred from Pokémon GO disobey me?

Yes, if the Pokémon is transferred to a mainline Pokémon game via Pokémon HOME and its level exceeds your current badge authority, it will disobey. It will be treated as a traded Pokémon.

7. Does holding an item improve obedience?

While certain items can boost a Pokémon’s stats or provide other benefits, no item directly affects obedience.

8. Is there a way to “force” a Pokémon to obey?

No, there’s no in-game method to force a disobedient Pokémon to obey, short of using glitches or hacks. The only legitimate way is to earn more badges.

9. Does obedience work the same way in every Pokémon game?

While the core concept of obedience remains consistent, the specific level thresholds and the number of badges required to control higher-level Pokémon can vary slightly between generations.

10. Can my Pokémon disobey me outside of battle?

No, disobedience only manifests during battles. Outside of battles, your Pokémon will always follow you and interact with you as intended.

11. Does having a higher trainer level affect obedience?

In games that feature a trainer level (like Pokémon GO), the trainer level in those games doesn’t carry over to the main series. It is completely separate. The amount of badges obtained is the factor that determines obedience in the main series.

12. How does Pokémon Legends: Arceus handle obedience differently?

In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, obedience is linked to your Star Rank within the Galaxy Expedition Team. Increasing your rank allows you to control higher-level Pokémon.

13. If I catch a Pokémon at a low level and then trade it, will it disobey its new trainer at a higher level?

Yes. The obedience is based on the level and the new trainer’s badges. Therefore, if the level is higher than the amount of badges the new trainer has, it will not listen.

14. Does a Pokémon caught in a Max Raid battle count as a traded Pokémon?

Pokémon caught in Max Raid Battles typically count as Pokémon you caught yourself, provided you are the host or primary participant in the raid. However, if you receive a Pokémon from a raid hosted by someone else, it will likely be treated as a traded Pokémon.

15. Where can I find more information about Pokémon game mechanics?

There are many resources for learning more about the mechanics of Pokémon games. One great resource is the Games Learning Society, which can be found online at GamesLearningSociety.org. They are devoted to learning about the science and art of games.

Conclusion

Understanding the nuances of Pokémon obedience is crucial for a successful and enjoyable gameplay experience. While traded Pokémon are the most common cause of disobedience, the underlying principle is tied to your trainer’s progress and the Pokémon’s level. By earning Gym Badges or completing equivalent challenges, you can demonstrate your authority and earn the respect of even the most powerful Pokémon. Happy training!