Pokémon Scarlet & Violet in detail: legendaries, co-op, open world…

The ninth generation of Pokémon is coming next for the franchise. Pokémon Scarlet & Violet will arrive on November 18 exclusively for Nintendo Switch. As we prepare for its launch, its second official trailer sheds important data on the direction it aims at. Everything points to a main installment that fully embraces freedom. We take a look at what we've learned in this latest batch of information.

An open-world Pokémon

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Pokémon Sword and Shield showed us that Game Freak had among its plans to take the Pokémon adventure beyond the routes. The Wild Areas, especially those found in its expansions, were the first step in proving freedom in the hands of the player. A few years later, Pokémon Legends Arceus broke the traditional barriers of the series; certainly, it was a spin-off, but it showed that the trend was still on the rise. Pokémon Scarlet & Violet are the results of this new structure.

The studio points out that the adventure takes on a "new style of adventure" in which we will be "free to explore at your leisure and not in an order dictated by the story". It has not been revealed where the challenges against the gym leaders are, but what is clear is that the delimited routes are a thing of the past. We see diverse scenarios: beaches, snowy mountains, deserts, forests... The influence of the Iberian Peninsula is present.

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A shared experience: cooperative mode confirmed

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet will have co-op. Up to 4 players can join in to share Pokémon life across the new region, whose name has not yet been revealed. The Pokémon Company notes that players will be able to "explore the various locations of the region," in addition to "series staples" of any main installment, such as trading and battling.

As with all other titles on Nintendo Switch, you must be a member of the Nintendo Switch Online subscription to use the multiplayer features.

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Exclusive Professors depending on the edition

The exclusivity of content depending on the edition will go even further in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. For the first time we will receive the teachings of a different Professor depending on which edition we select. Scarlet players will be guided by Professor Sada, while Purple players will be guided by Professor Turo. We know that "each professor is carrying out research into lore passed down in the region".

Their background makes a little more sense when we learn their names. In the Japanese version, Sada is known as Olim (past), while Turo is called Futu (future). The connection between yesterday and tomorrow is one of the keys on which the story of this installment will revolve.

Nemona guides our steps

Every self-respecting Pokémon release has a character that accompanies us throughout the journey. Nemona will play that role in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. The studio defines her as a young woman who is "sunny, energetic disposition and is passionate about Pokémon battles". Her experience as a trainer will be relevant to guide us in our first steps.

Beyond the starters: new confirmed Pokémon

We already knew the trio of starters: Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly will be the choices for our first big decision in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. The trailer has confirmed three new Pokémon that will be part of the ninth generation.

Lechonk

Smoliv

Pawmi

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First look at the legendaries

One of the most anticipated moments for fans has arrived: we now know the faces and names of the legendary Pokémon from Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. Koraidon (Scarlet) and Miraidon (Purple) visually represent something we already saw in the teachers. Koraidon represents yesterday, while Miraidon sports a much more futuristic style. For the moment Game Freak is still keeping their abilities and the type they belong to under wraps.

Pre-orders now available

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet are now available for digital pre-order on Nintendo eShop. The usual dual edition in physical format, which includes both versions of the game and a steelbook, has been confirmed.

 Sources | The Pokémon Company (1, 2)