Obedience has long been a foundational gameplay mechanic in Pokémon, evolving since the launch of the original series. Typically, Pokémon will heed commands from novice trainers up to level 20. To extend this obedience limit to levels 25 or 30, trainers must earn gym badges. In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, the obedience system maintains its classic structure, yet introduces a significant twist that distinguishes it from earlier iterations.
Disobedience in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
Understanding Obedience in Gen 9
In contrast to previous entries like Pokémon Sword and Shield, the obedience of a Pokémon in Gen 9 is influenced specifically by the level at which it was captured. For novices, Pokémon caught at level 20 or below will consistently obey trainer commands. Pokémon caught above this threshold will only comply after the trainer earns their first gym badge.
For instance, if a trainer captures a level 20 Fletchinder without any badges, and it levels up to 21 through battles, it will continue to follow commands. However, if a level 21 Fletchinder is caught without achieving any badges, it will not obey until the trainer secures their first badge.
When attempting to command disobedient Pokémon in auto-battles, they may disregard directions, marked by blue speech bubbles over their icons. During battles, these Pokémon may skip turns, fall asleep, or even hurt themselves in confusion.
Obedience Levels & Badge Requirements in Scarlet & Violet
The Role of Gym Badges
To check the obedience levels of your Pokémon, consult your Trainer Card:
- Press the Y-button to open the map.
- Use the X-button to select the Profile option.
To catch more powerful Pokémon that will obey your commands, trainers must undertake the Victory Road storyline, which entails acquiring all eight gym badges in Paldea and ultimately facing the Pokémon League. Each gym badge elevates the obedience level by 5.
Given the open-world nature of Scarlet and Violet, you have the flexibility to challenge Gym Leaders in various sequences. New players may find it beneficial to start with the Cortondo Gym or the Artazon Gym.
Here is a breakdown of the obedience levels based on badge acquisition:
| Badge No. | Obedience Level |
|---|---|
| 1 | Pokémon caught at level 25 or lower will obey your commands. |
| 2 | Pokémon caught at level 30 or lower will obey your commands. |
| 3 | Pokémon caught at level 35 or lower will obey your commands. |
| 4 | Pokémon caught at level 40 or lower will obey your commands. |
| 5 | Pokémon caught at level 45 or lower will obey your commands. |
| 6 | Pokémon caught at level 50 or lower will obey your commands. |
| 7 | Pokémon caught at level 55 or lower will obey your commands. |
| 8 | All Pokémon will obey your commands regardless of their level. |
It’s important to note that obedience levels are dictated by the number of badges held, rather than which Gym Leader was defeated. For example, if a trainer defeats Brassius first, the obedience level increases to 25; defeating Katy afterward raises it to 30.
Do Transferred or Traded Pokémon Obey?
Importance of Original Trainer (OT)
Every Pokémon has an identifier known as its OT or Original Trainer. In prior games, this metric had a direct impact on a Pokémon’s obedience. If a player received a Pokémon through trade from another trainer and its level surpassed the current obedience limit, it would cease to listen.
However, in Scarlet and Violet, the OT no longer affects a Pokémon’s obedience. When Pokémon are transferred or traded, the level at which they arrive is considered their “met level”.
For example, a Pokémon traded to you at level 17 will continue to obey even if it levels up beyond 20. On the other hand, a Pokémon received at level 21 will not comply with your commands.
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