"Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: Mastering Obedience Guide"

Quick Links

• Disobedience in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

  • How Obedience Works in Gen 9

• Obedience Level and Badge Requirements in Scarlet & Violet

  • Understanding Gym Badges

• Will Transferred or Traded Pokemon Still Obey?

  • Does OT Matter?

Obedience has been a core gameplay mechanic in the Pokémon series since its inception, evolving with each generation. In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, the obedience system is similar to past games, where over-leveled Pokémon may sometimes refuse orders. However, a significant change in Scarlet & Violet distinguishes it from previous entries.

Disobedience in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

How Obedience Works in Gen 9

In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, obedience is determined by the level at which you catch a Pokémon. If you catch a Pokémon at level 20 or below, it will listen to your commands regardless of its current level. For instance, if you catch a level 20 Fletchinder with zero badges and it levels up to 21, it will still obey you. Conversely, if you catch a Pokémon above level 20 without any badges, it will not listen until you earn your first gym badge.

When a disobedient Pokémon is commanded to auto-battle, it may refuse, indicated by a blue speech bubble over its icon. In manual battles, a disobedient Pokémon might not use moves, go to sleep, or hurt itself in confusion.

Obedience Level and Badge Requirements in Scarlet & Violet

Understanding Gym Badges

You can check the level at which your Pokémon will obey you by viewing your Trainer Card:

1. Open the map with the Y-button.
2. Press the X-button to select the Profile option.

To catch stronger Pokémon and ensure they listen to you, you must progress through the Victory Road story quest, which involves collecting all eight gym badges in Paldea and challenging the Pokémon League. Each badge increases the obedience level by 5 levels.

In the open-world setting of Scarlet & Violet, you can battle Gym Leaders in almost any order. Beginners might start with the Cortondo or Artazon Gyms.

Below are the badge obedience levels:

The obedience level is determined by the number of badges you possess, not the specific Gym Leader defeated. For example, defeating Brassius first will raise the obedience level to 25, and defeating Katy afterward will increase it to 30.

Will Transferred or Traded Pokemon Still Obey?

Does OT Matter?

Each Pokémon has an ID known as OT, or Original Trainer. In previous generations, the OT influenced obedience, causing traded Pokémon to disobey if they exceeded the obedience level. However, in Scarlet & Violet, the OT no longer affects obedience. The level at which a Pokémon is transferred or traded to you becomes its "met level."

For example, a Pokémon traded to you at level 17 will continue to obey you even if it levels beyond 20. However, if you receive a Pokémon at level 21, it will not listen to you until you earn the necessary badges.