Will Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Eventually Include Every Pokémon? A Comprehensive Guide
The quest to “catch ’em all” has been a core part of the Pokémon experience since the very beginning. With over 1,000 Pokémon now in existence, the question on every trainer’s mind is: Will Pokémon Scarlet and Violet ever feature every single Pokémon? The short answer is, realistically, no, not directly catchable within the Scarlet and Violet base game alone. However, through a combination of game updates, DLC expansions, and the Pokémon HOME service, a large majority of Pokémon are now accessible across the Nintendo Switch titles, effectively allowing players to use most of the roster in some form or another.
The State of Pokémon Availability in Scarlet and Violet
Scarlet and Violet launched with a curated selection of Pokémon, leaving many favorites absent from the Paldea region. This is a common practice in the Pokémon series, allowing Game Freak to focus on introducing new Pokémon and crafting a specific regional experience. However, the introduction of Pokémon HOME compatibility has significantly broadened the scope.
Pokémon HOME acts as a cloud-based storage system, allowing players to transfer Pokémon between compatible games. This means that even if a Pokémon isn’t native to Scarlet and Violet, it can potentially be transferred in from another game where it is available, such as Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Sword, or Shield.
DLC Expansions: Expanding the Pokédex
The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Scarlet and Violet has been instrumental in bringing back more Pokémon. The two-part DLC, consisting of The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk, introduced over 230 returning Pokémon that were previously unavailable in the base game. This included fan favorites like the original starter Pokémon from the Kanto region – Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, Venusaur, Squirtle, Wartortle, and Blastoise – significantly enriching the game’s overall roster.
While the DLC added a substantial number of Pokémon, it’s important to note that not every missing Pokémon was included. This intentional limitation encourages players to engage with other Pokémon titles and the Pokémon HOME system to complete their collections.
Limitations and Considerations
Even with Pokémon HOME and DLC expansions, some Pokémon remain unavailable in Scarlet and Violet. This is often due to several factors:
- Game Balance: Some Pokémon might be deemed too powerful or disruptive for the current competitive meta.
- Technical Constraints: Implementing every single Pokémon, with all its movesets, abilities, and animations, can be a significant technical challenge.
- Design Choices: Game Freak might intentionally exclude certain Pokémon to maintain a sense of novelty and discovery in each new generation.
Furthermore, certain Mythical Pokémon are often excluded from the transfer compatibility list. Mythical Pokémon are typically event-exclusive and distributed through special promotions, making their availability more limited.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pokémon Availability in Scarlet and Violet
Here are some frequently asked questions about Pokémon availability in Scarlet and Violet, providing additional valuable information for our readers:
1. Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Scarlet and Violet?
No, direct transfer from Pokémon GO to Scarlet and Violet is not possible. However, you can transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, and then from Pokémon HOME to Scarlet and Violet, if the Pokémon is compatible with the game.
2. Which Mythical Pokémon cannot be transferred to Scarlet and Violet?
As of the latest updates, Melmetal, Genesect, Zeraora, Marshadow, Celebi, Deoxys, Keldeo, and Victini cannot be brought into Scarlet and Violet. This list might change with future updates, so stay tuned for official announcements.
3. How do I know if a Pokémon is transferable to Scarlet and Violet?
The Pokémon HOME app will indicate which Pokémon are compatible with Scarlet and Violet. When you select a Pokémon in Pokémon HOME, it will show a symbol indicating its compatibility with each connected game.
4. Are all Legendary Pokémon available in Scarlet and Violet?
No, not all Legendary Pokémon are available. Some Legendary Pokémon are available through Tera Raid events, while others can be transferred from other games via Pokémon HOME if they are compatible. The specific list of available Legendaries may change over time with updates and events.
5. What are Tera Raid Battles, and how do they relate to Pokémon availability?
Tera Raid Battles are special events in Scarlet and Violet where you can battle and catch powerful Pokémon with unique Tera Types. Certain Pokémon, including some Legendary and event-exclusive Pokémon like Charizard, are only available through these raids.
6. Will there be more DLC expansions for Scarlet and Violet that add more Pokémon?
While there are no currently announced DLC expansions beyond The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, Game Freak could potentially release further updates or content in the future that adds more Pokémon. However, it is not guaranteed.
7. Can I transfer Alpha Pokémon from Pokémon Legends: Arceus to Scarlet and Violet?
Yes, you can transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Legends: Arceus to Scarlet and Violet via Pokémon HOME. However, the size difference of Alpha Pokémon is not retained when transferred; they will be normal size in Scarlet and Violet. Their elevated effort levels from Arceus can be beneficial, giving them a head start in stats.
8. What is the Pokémon HOME update, and how does it affect Pokémon transfers?
The Pokémon HOME update refers to the periodic updates to the Pokémon HOME application that add compatibility with new games and Pokémon. These updates are essential for transferring Pokémon between different generations of games.
9. Are regional forms of Pokémon available in Scarlet and Violet?
Yes, many regional forms of Pokémon are available in Scarlet and Violet, either natively in the Paldea region or through transfer from other games via Pokémon HOME.
10. How do I get Charizard in Scarlet and Violet?
Charizard was initially available through special Tera Raid events. However, they are now only available for transfer into Scarlet and Violet. Check ongoing events for potential re-releases or new opportunities.
11. Where can I find a complete list of Pokémon that are not in Scarlet and Violet?
While maintaining an exact, up-to-the-minute list is challenging due to updates, websites like Serebii.net and Bulbapedia provide comprehensive lists of Pokémon that are currently unavailable in Scarlet and Violet.
12. What are the version exclusive Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet?
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have version-exclusive Pokémon. For example, Scarlet features ancient Paradox Pokémon like Roaring Moon, while Violet features future Paradox Pokémon like Iron Valiant. Trading with players who own the opposite version is the most common way to obtain these exclusive Pokémon.
13. What is the mystery gift code for Mew in Scarlet and Violet?
You can receive Mew in your Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game by entering the password GETY0URMEW via Mystery Gift.
14. What are the 6 Legendaries in Pokemon Violet?
The six Legendaries in Pokémon Violet are:
- Koraidon
- Miraidon
- Wo-Chien
- Chien-Pao
- Ting-Lu
- Chi-Yu
15. Are Alpha Pokémon stronger?
They’re not really stronger, just have a head start. Their size does bring the laughs tho. So Alpha Pokemon may start with moves you can only normally get by paying the move tutor giving it a head start. They’re usually a higher level than non Alpha Pokemon in the same area and have better starting Effort Levels.
The Future of Pokémon Availability
While it’s unlikely that Scarlet and Violet will ever have every Pokémon directly catchable within the game itself, the combination of Pokémon HOME, DLC expansions, and special events ensures that a vast majority of the Pokémon roster is accessible. The Pokémon Company continues to evolve its approach to Pokémon availability, balancing the desire to let players collect their favorites with the need to create unique and engaging experiences in each new game.
The dynamic interplay between the core games and platforms like Pokémon HOME also highlights how games can be used for education. By incorporating these elements, the Pokémon franchise promotes skills such as problem-solving, strategic thinking, and collaboration, making it a valuable tool for learning as highlighted by the Games Learning Society. To learn more about the intersection of games and education, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
Ultimately, the journey to “catch ’em all” is a long and winding one, requiring dedication, strategic planning, and a willingness to explore the entire Pokémon universe. But for dedicated trainers, the reward is well worth the effort.