Pokémon Guide: Unleash Obedience in Scarlet & Violet

Understanding Pokemon Obedience in Scarlet & Violet: A Comprehensive Guide

Pokemon obedience has evolved throughout the series, and Scarlet and Violet introduce some key changes. This guide clarifies how obedience works in Gen 9.

Obedience in Gen 9:

Unlike previous generations (like Sword and Shield), a Pokémon's obedience in Scarlet and Violet is determined by its level at the time of capture. Pokémon caught at level 20 or below will always obey. Pokémon caught above level 20 will disobey until you earn your first Gym Badge. Importantly, a Pokémon caught within the obedience range will remain obedient even if it levels up beyond that initial threshold.

For instance, a level 20 Fletchinder caught with zero Badges will obey even after leveling up to 21. However, a level 21 Fletchinder caught with zero Badges will disobey until a Badge is earned.

Disobedient Pokémon refuse auto-battle commands (indicated by a blue speech bubble), may refuse moves in battle, or may even self-inflict status conditions like sleep or confusion.

Gym Badges and Obedience Levels:

Your Trainer Card (accessed via the map (Y button) and Profile (X button)) shows your current obedience level. Each Gym Badge increases the obedience level by 5. The order in which you challenge Gym Leaders doesn't matter; each Badge grants the same obedience increase.

Here's the breakdown:

Transferred/Traded Pokémon:

Unlike previous generations, the Original Trainer (OT) ID no longer affects obedience in Scarlet and Violet. The level of a traded Pokémon at the time of transfer determines its obedience status. A level 17 Pokémon traded and subsequently leveled beyond 20 will still obey; a level 21 Pokémon will not.