Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: A Guide to Obedience

Understanding Pokemon Obedience in Scarlet & Violet: A Comprehensive Guide

Pokemon obedience, a long-standing mechanic, has seen some tweaks in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. While generally mirroring previous generations (Pokemon below level 20 usually obey, higher-level Pokemon require Gym Badges), Gen 9 introduces a key difference: obedience is tied to the Pokemon's level at the time of capture.

How Obedience Works in Gen 9

Unlike Sword/Shield, a Pokemon's obedience in Scarlet & Violet is determined by its level when caught. Pokemon caught at level 20 or below will always obey. Catching a Pokemon above level 20 renders it disobedient until you earn your first Gym Badge. Crucially, a Pokemon caught within the obedience range will remain obedient even if it levels up beyond the initial limit.

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

Disobedience manifests as refusal to auto-battle (indicated by a blue speech bubble), and potential in-battle non-compliance (e.g., failing to use moves, self-inflicted status conditions).

Obedience Levels and Gym Badges

Your Trainer Card (accessed via the map (Y-button) and Profile (X-button)) shows your Pokemon's obedience level. Each Gym Badge increases this level by 5. The order in which you challenge Gym Leaders doesn't affect the obedience level; only the number of Badges matters.

Transferred/Traded Pokemon Obedience

Contrary to previous generations, the Original Trainer (OT) ID no longer impacts obedience in Scarlet & Violet. The Pokemon's level at the time of transfer or trade determines its obedience. A traded level 17 Pokemon will obey even if leveled beyond 20, while a traded level 21 Pokemon will disobey until the appropriate number of Badges are earned.