We’ll tell you what to do first in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, from finding powerful new Pokemon to gaining new open-world abilities.
Although Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have a lot of new features, some players may get confused by the new open-world presentation, particularly with all the new mechanics. You might wonder where to start, because the days of linear Pokemon are behind us–but don’t worry! Let us help you find your way. To get yourself ready for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, here are a few things to do.
If you’re into breeding, save before choosing your partner pokemon
The game starts with a run down a hill with the three starter Pokemon. For quick and easy breeding of your own starters (great for trades), save here and restart until you get a female starter of your favorite type. In the past, this has made breeding starters with great IVs way easier than finding a Ditto, and it still is.
Make your way to the first Pokemon Center ASAP to unlock Surprise Trades
The moment you reach the first Pokemon Center, you’ll unlock some of the most important and game-changing things. You’ll see the school from the top of the hill, so hop down and run down the hill to find the center after you meet/get saved by the legendary motorcycle Pokemon.
Once you’ve done that, you’ll be able to play multiplayer, link trades, and surprise trades. Make a Surprise Trade with all your Pokemon. You’d be surprised what you can get. All the way to Pokemon with super high IVs, from starters to endgame monsters. It’s a great way to get an edge in the early game.
Pikachu Mystery Gift: Flying Tera-type
As soon as your team starts, it’ll be lean. Eventually, you’ll get tons of Pokemon, but there’s a Pikachu with the Flying Tera type that also knows Fly. Though you used to need Fly to get around the world, it’s still one of the most powerful moves that Pikachu can’t normally learn. We all love Pikachu, right? That’s for sure. Pikachu can be found at the Poke Portal > Mystery Gift > Get via the Internet.
Find new TMs by looking around for green stuff
Around the world, there are little pillars of red light. In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, these are consumable items. You’ll find a lot of things on the ground, but Potions and Pokeballs aren’t the only ones. Berries are represented by small golden lights, TMs by green lights.
You’ll be able to craft more TMs after you get a TM, so it’s worth picking them up.
Raids with Tera
In Scarlet & Violet, many of the Pokemon you catch will be weak, but not in Tera Raids. They’re usually higher level, have great move sets, and have Tera types, so they’ve got an advantage over normal Pokemon of that type. Thus, you should go toward shining pillars of light in the overworld.
You can also play Tera Raids in multiplayer, including Eevee and Charizard raids between Nov. 25-27 and Dec. 2-4 and 16-18. Get in on the action!
Miraidon and Koraidon abilities are unlocked by finding Titans
As soon as you’ve visited the school and experienced the game’s very small introductory time jump, you’ll be able to explore the open world. It’s worth prioritizing finding the Titans, whether you’re a champion-in-training or not.
Each time you do it, your legendary mount’s abilities will grow. This questline unlocks swimming, glide, and other open-world abilities, so you can master it early by prioritizing it. Enjoy your hunt!
Make Level 25 Pokemon obey by auto-battling & taking out the Bug Gym
Boost your team quickly and easily with Auto-Battle’s R button. Plus, you’ll get TM crafting materials. With Surprise Trade, you can get fast-growing Pokemon from others to level up your team faster.
As a result, you should also check out the Bug Gym in Cortondo, west of the school, since it’s a quick and easy gym where Pokemon 25 and under will obey.