Can You Truly Catch ‘Em All in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
The burning question on every trainer’s mind: Can you catch every Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet? The short answer is no, you cannot catch every single Pokémon that exists in the Pokémon universe within Scarlet and Violet. While the Paldea region offers a rich ecosystem brimming with about 400 different Pokémon species, the total number of Pokémon in existence exceeds 1000. This means that a significant portion of Pokémon are simply not present in these games. However, with trading and future updates and DLC, the number that you can obtain may increase over time.
Delving Deeper: The Paldean Pokédex and Beyond
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet focus on the Pokémon native to or that have adapted to the Paldea region. This curated selection ensures a vibrant and diverse gameplay experience while also providing a manageable roster for players to explore. Think of it as a beautifully crafted ecosystem, not a comprehensive archive of every creature ever conceived. While it is impossible to catch all Pokémon, the games present a challenge to catch all 400 Pokémon in the Paldean Pokedex.
Version Exclusives: A Necessary Challenge
Adding to the complexity, certain Pokémon are version exclusives. This means that some Pokémon are only available in either Scarlet or Violet, encouraging players to engage in trading with others to complete their Pokédex. This mechanic fosters community and encourages interaction between players. If you are serious about completing the Pokedex, you must trade!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pokémon Catching in Scarlet and Violet
To further clarify the nuances of Pokémon catching in Scarlet and Violet, let’s address some frequently asked questions:
1. What Pokémon can you not catch in Scarlet and Violet?
Specifically, the starter Pokémon Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly, and their evolutions are unobtainable in the wild. They are only obtainable through choosing at the beginning of the game and through trading. Some Pokemon are entirely absent from the game, such as Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, Venusaur, Squirtle and Wartortle.
2. Should I catch every Pokémon I see in Scarlet and Violet?
Absolutely! Catching as many Pokémon as possible allows you to fill out your Pokédex and claim rewards. By pressing X on the Pokédex screen, you can collect Exp. Candy, specialized Poké Balls, and other valuable items. Collecting unique Pokemon results in more rewards.
3. Is it easier to find Shinies in Scarlet and Violet?
Yes, it is significantly easier to find shiny Pokémon in these games compared to previous generations. The base odds are around 1 in 4,000, but you can improve those odds through methods like using Shiny Sandwiches and obtaining the Shiny Charm.
4. How can you tell if a Pokémon is shiny before you catch it?
A shiny Pokémon will sparkle with star-shapes upon entering battle, and its color palette will be different from the normal variant. Once caught, it will have a special marker on its summary page. Make sure to look closely so that you don’t miss it!
5. What Pokémon can’t be caught in Scarlet?
As mentioned before, the starter Pokémon, Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly, and their evolutions are not available in the wild. Certain version exclusives, like Larvitar and Tyranitar, are also unobtainable in Scarlet without trading.
6. What is the rarest Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet?
Several Pokémon are considered rare, including Walking Wake, Iron Leaves, Antique Sinistea/Polteageist, and the Family of 3 Maushold/3 Segment Dudunsparce. The difficulty in obtaining these stems from low spawn rates, specific evolution methods, or version exclusivity.
7. Can you catch more than one Charizard in Scarlet and Violet?
During special events, you could catch Charizard in Tera Raid Battles that are available for a limited time. You can only catch Charizard once, but can repeat the raid for other rewards. Charmander and its evolutions are not catchable in the wild normally without transferring.
8. Can you get Torchic in Scarlet and Violet?
Yes, with the addition of DLC, older favorites like Torchic, Bulbasaur, and Piplup can now be found in various biomes. This expands the available roster and gives players more to hunt for.
9. Will Dragapult be in Scarlet and Violet?
Yes, Dragapult is available in Scarlet and Violet. This powerful Ghost/Dragon-type Pokémon is a sought-after addition to any team.
10. What is the hardest Pokémon to find in Scarlet and Violet?
Some of the more difficult Pokémon to find include Ditto, Zorua, Trevenant, Paradox Forms, The Treasures Of Ruin, and Tauros’ Blaze & Aqua Breeds. Their rarity is often due to low spawn rates or unique habitat requirements.
11. What is the hardest Pokémon to obtain in Scarlet and Violet?
The most difficult Pokémon to obtain often require complex evolution methods or rare encounters. Examples include Gholdengo, The Treasures Of Ruin, Kingambit, Ditto & Zorua, and Palafin.
12. Why is it so difficult to catch Pokémon in Violet?
Scarlet and Violet feature some Pokémon with incredibly low spawn rates and obscure evolution methods, making them challenging to catch. Certain version exclusives also require trading, adding another layer of difficulty to completing the Pokédex.
13. What are the 4 cursed Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet?
The Treasures of Ruin, consisting of Wo-Chien, Chien-Pao, Ting-Lu, and Chi-Yu, are four powerful Dark-type Legendary Pokémon found in the Paldea region. They are inspired by Chinese mythology and are known for their destructive power.
14. Do Shiny Sandwiches affect eggs?
No, Shiny Sandwiches do not increase the chances of hatching a shiny Pokémon from an egg. They only affect Pokémon encounters in the wild. To improve shiny odds for eggs, focus on using the Masuda method (breeding with a Pokémon from a different language region) and obtaining the Shiny Charm.
15. Are Shiny Pokémon stronger?
No, Shiny Pokémon are not inherently stronger than their normal counterparts. Their stats and abilities are identical. The only difference is their appearance, making them a purely cosmetic variant.
The Ever-Evolving World of Pokémon
While you cannot catch every single Pokémon in existence within Scarlet and Violet, the game offers a rich and engaging experience with its curated selection of Pokémon. Trading, special events, and future DLC expansions provide opportunities to expand your collection and explore new content. Remember to always check the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to learn more about educational implications of gaming, and how games impact society. So, get out there, explore the Paldea region, and strive to catch as many of those 400 as you can! Embrace the challenge, connect with other trainers, and enjoy the journey of becoming a Pokémon Master in Scarlet and Violet!