Will All Pokémon Be Available in Scarlet & Violet? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is no, not all Pokémon are directly catchable in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. However, through the use of Pokémon HOME, the cloud-based storage service, and DLC expansions, a significant majority of the 1000+ Pokémon can become accessible within the Paldea region. This article will explore the complexities of Pokémon availability in Scarlet and Violet, the role of Pokémon HOME, and what the future holds for completists.
The State of the Paldea Pokédex
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, like many recent mainline Pokémon games, launched with a regional Pokédex that includes only a subset of all existing Pokémon. This decision is primarily driven by game balance, resource constraints during development, and the desire to make each new generation feel unique and distinct.
The initial Scarlet and Violet base game featured a Paldea Pokédex of around 400 Pokémon. While this number is substantial, it still leaves hundreds of Pokémon unavailable for direct capture within the game world.
Pokémon HOME: Your Interdimensional Storage Solution
Pokémon HOME acts as a central hub for transferring Pokémon between compatible games. It allows players to move Pokémon from older titles like Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Sword and Shield, and even Pokémon GO into Scarlet and Violet.
However, there’s a crucial caveat: only Pokémon that are programmed into the Scarlet and Violet game data can be transferred in. Even if you have a beloved Pokémon in Pokémon HOME, you can’t bring it into Scarlet and Violet unless it’s specifically included in the game’s data, which is often expanded through DLC.
DLC Expansions: Expanding the Roster
The release of “The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero” DLC, encompassing “The Teal Mask” and “The Indigo Disk” expansions, significantly increased the number of available Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet. These DLC packs introduced entirely new areas, quests, and, most importantly, a substantial influx of returning Pokémon from previous generations.
The DLC brought back several popular starters, legendaries, and other fan favorites, adding hundreds of Pokémon to the transferrable roster. Data mining suggests that future updates could potentially add even more, but these are, as of now, just rumors.
Catch ‘Em (Almost) All
While it’s not possible to catch every single Pokémon directly in the wild within Scarlet and Violet, the combination of the base game, DLC expansions, and Pokémon HOME transfers allows players to assemble an exceptionally diverse collection.
It’s essential to consult online resources and community lists to determine which Pokémon are transferrable before spending time and resources attempting to move Pokémon that aren’t supported.
The Future of Pokémon Availability
The decision to limit the Pokémon available in each game is likely to continue in future installments. This approach allows developers to focus on balancing the game, creating unique experiences, and managing the ever-growing roster of Pokémon.
The role of Pokémon HOME as a bridging platform will undoubtedly remain crucial, providing players with a means to retain their collections across generations and selectively introduce them into new game environments.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Scarlet and Violet?
Yes, but you need to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME first, and then from Pokémon HOME to Scarlet and Violet. Keep in mind that only Pokémon present in the Scarlet and Violet game data can be transferred.
2. What happens if I try to transfer a Pokémon that isn’t in the Scarlet and Violet Pokédex?
Pokémon HOME will not allow the transfer to proceed. The game will recognize that the Pokémon is not supported and prevent it from being moved.
3. Are all Legendary Pokémon available in Scarlet and Violet?
No, not all Legendary Pokémon are available. However, many Legendary Pokémon from previous generations have been added through DLC and event distributions. Check current lists to see which legendaries are transferable.
4. Will future updates add more Pokémon to Scarlet and Violet?
While there are no official announcements, it’s possible that future events or updates may introduce more Pokémon. Keep an eye on official Pokémon channels for news.
5. Do version exclusives affect which Pokémon I can transfer from Pokémon HOME?
No. Version exclusives determine which Pokémon appear in the wild within Scarlet or Violet. However, if a Pokémon is in the game’s data, you can transfer it from Pokémon HOME regardless of which version you own.
6. How do I know which Pokémon can be transferred?
Refer to online databases and community-maintained lists. These resources provide comprehensive information about the Scarlet and Violet compatible Pokémon.
7. Can I transfer Pokémon with special moves from older games?
When transferring, movesets may be altered to fit the Scarlet and Violet move pool. Some moves may be removed or replaced.
8. Does Pokémon HOME cost money?
Pokémon HOME has both free and premium subscription options. The free version has limitations on storage capacity and the number of Pokémon that can be transferred at once.
9. Can I transfer Pokémon holding items?
No, Pokémon cannot hold items when transferred through Pokémon HOME. Items will be sent to your bag in the originating game.
10. Are all Pokémon shiny locked in Scarlet and Violet?
Some Legendary and Mythical Pokémon are shiny locked, meaning they cannot be obtained as shiny versions in the game. This typically applies to event distributions.
11. How do I get the Paradox Pokémon from the opposite version?
Paradox Pokémon are version-exclusive. The only way to obtain the opposite version’s Paradox Pokémon is through trading with other players.
12. Will all starter Pokémon eventually be available in Scarlet and Violet?
While not all starters are available currently, the inclusion of previous starters via DLC makes it plausible that more will be added in the future.
13. What is the best way to keep track of which Pokémon I’m missing?
Using a Pokédex tracker app or website is highly recommended. These tools allow you to mark which Pokémon you have obtained and identify the ones you still need.
14. Can I transfer Pokémon from virtual console games (e.g., Red, Blue, Yellow) directly to Scarlet and Violet?
No, you must first transfer these Pokémon to Pokémon Bank on the 3DS, then to Pokémon HOME, and finally to Scarlet and Violet.
15. Are there any Pokémon that can only be obtained through specific events?
Yes, certain Mythical and Legendary Pokémon are often distributed through limited-time events. Keep an eye on official Pokémon announcements for details.