Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will be a familiar experience for seasoned Pokémon lovers, but still offers new points to keep the game interesting.
The game introduces auto-battle, TM crafting, and Terastallizing mechanics, adding completely different aspects. This article will provide helpful tips that beginners should know, especially with the new features introduced in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet to start the journey easier.
Tips to know when playing Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
Always looking for berries
It’s fairly easy to spot items on the ground, hidden in a Pokeball and with the beam of light emitted, so it’s hard to miss them. However, players can also find hidden berries on the ground, which are a bit harder to spot. Look for sparkles in a cluster of flowers or bushes.
Pokémon can hold Berries and they will automatically use them in battle. Example: Leppa Berry can heal 10 PP for a move. This works the same way as previous generation games. Berries are really useful, so keep an eye on them when hunting for Pokémon.
Make the most of auto-battle mechanics
Auto-battle is extremely useful, and everyone should send their Pokémon to battle as soon as possible. They not only seek out other Pokémon to fight, but also share EXP with every member of the player’s party without having to go through the battle themselves.
To switch to Auto-Battle Mode please press CHEAP. The first Pokémon in the group will start, finding the nearest Pokémon to fight. Press ZR start mode Walk With Pokémon. Players can enjoy having their chosen Pokémon roam beside them and collect items along the way.
Start using TM Machine
Pokémon Center looks a little different in Scarlet and Violet. On the left hand side, players will find TM Machine. People can use this to browse the TM catalog and create new TMs for their Pokémon, using materials found from each battle. Each TM requires specific materials (e.g. Mud-Slap requires 200 League Points and 3 Slime Wooper).
Players can search for ingredients by battling specific Pokémon and accumulating League Points. League Points are awarded when the player completes the quest and defeats the boss.
However, if more is still needed, players can exchange materials for League Points at the TM Machine. Example: transaction in Diglett Dirt gives the player 40 League Points. Everyone should start crafting TMs as quickly as possible, as they can unlock some powerful moves to use in battle.
Use food
In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, the player can stop at a food stall to choose a meal. They can be expensive (especially at first, before players have a chance to make a lot of money) but are really worth it. Consuming certain dishes will benefit the whole party, which will come in handy if the player is about to go into a difficult area or fight a boss.
The buffs include Egg Power (more likely to find Pokémon eggs), Catching Power (more likely to succeed when catching Pokémon) and Humungo Power (more likely to encounter larger Pokémon).
Players can press the right arrow button to see the power the meal provides and see how long they have left to enjoy the buff, which aids in completing the Pokedex.
Change character’s appearance
The player can change the skin at any time by clicking the arrow on the left. This will display all available items in the closet, allowing you to change clothes on the spot. While the costumes aren’t original at first (basically, just different versions of the school uniform), additional accessories can be purchased later.
Upon arrival in the city of Mesagoza, players can explore fashion stores to find some new items. Baggins sells bags and backpacks, Fashion Street sells hats and glasses, Rough & Tough sells gloves. The game has a few shops to visit, with tons of products to make the character’s appearance more eye-catching.
Fight with other trainers
Early in the game, players will encounter a man in a suit standing outside the Pokémon Center. He will provide information about the number of trainers that the player has defeated in the area. Defeating a certain number of trainers will unlock rewards (for example, players will receive TM for defeating 4 trainers in a battle in Arena One of the South Province).
For this reason, everyone should participate in as many battles as possible with trainers. Not only does it make the team stronger, earning more money for players to spend, but it also adds to the total activity and unlocks rewards.
Visit Delibird Presents
When arriving in Mesagoza, players should check out Delibird Presents. It sells valuable items for Pokemon to keep. The initial price is very high, but everyone should return to Delibird from time to time to buy new items. For example, players who choose Sprigatito as their starting Pokémon should purchase a Miracle Seed to help power up Grass-type moves.
There are items to suit all Pokémon here, so as players build their ideal party, make sure each Pokémon is holding an item that boosts their skills in battle. Of course, these items can be swapped between Pokémon at any time.
Use the map wisely
After visiting an area, the player can return to that area at any time by accessing the map. Press Y will show the map, and people can use it to see the current quest marker, set their own waypoints, and quickly move between areas.
The map is also useful in areas like Mesagoza City, making it easier for gamers to find out which stores sell certain items, as sometimes looking at the storefronts isn’t obvious.
Play around with Camera Mode
Camera Mode in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet are fun to play and activated by pressing the down arrow. Players can use filters, take selfies, pose for the camera, and capture Pokémon in the wild. Curious Pokémon, such as the adorable Lechonk, will approach the player, which makes for some great photo opportunities.
If you press ZR To start Walk With Pokémon mode, gamers can take a selfie with their Pokemon (with some careful camera angles). Also, if left out of Pokémon for too long, the player can curl up and go to sleep, which is another great moment to capture.