Understanding Pokemon Obedience in Scarlet & Violet: A Comprehensive Guide
Pokemon obedience, a long-standing mechanic, has seen some evolution. Generally, newly caught Pokemon obey up to level 20. Higher obedience levels require Gym Badges. Scarlet & Violet largely maintain this, but with a key difference: obedience is tied to the Pokemon's level at the time of capture.
Obedience in Gen 9:
How it works: A Pokemon's obedience is determined by its level when caught. Pokemon caught at level 20 or below will always obey. Those caught above level 20 will disobey until you earn your first badge. However, a Pokemon caught within the obedience range will remain obedient even if it levels up beyond that initial limit.
Example: A level 20 Fletchinder caught with zero badges will obey even at level 21. A level 21 Fletchinder caught with zero badges will disobey until a badge is earned.
Disobedience manifests as refusal to auto-battle (indicated by a blue speech bubble), and potentially erratic behavior in battle (e.g., falling asleep, self-inflicted confusion).
Obedience Levels & Gym Badges:
Your Trainer Card (accessed via the map (Y-button) and Profile (X-button)) displays your Pokemon's obedience level. Each Gym Badge increases this level by 5.
- Badge 1: Pokemon caught at level 25 or below obey.
- Badge 2: Pokemon caught at level 30 or below obey.
- Badge 3: Pokemon caught at level 35 or below obey.
- Badge 4: Pokemon caught at level 40 or below obey.
- Badge 5: Pokemon caught at level 45 or below obey.
- Badge 6: Pokemon caught at level 50 or below obey.
- Badge 7: Pokemon caught at level 55 or below obey.
- Badge 8: All Pokemon obey regardless of level.
The order in which you defeat Gym Leaders doesn't matter; each badge grants the same obedience increase.
Transferred/Traded Pokemon:
Unlike previous generations, the Original Trainer (OT) ID no longer affects obedience. The Pokemon's level at the time of transfer or trade determines its obedience. A level 17 Pokemon traded to you will obey even if leveled beyond 20; a level 21 Pokemon will not obey until you earn a badge.
