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 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:

The crucial change in Gen 9 (Scarlet & Violet) is that a Pokemon's obedience is determined by its level when caught, not its current level. Pokemon caught at level 20 or below will always obey. A Pokemon caught above level 20 will disobey until you earn your first Gym Badge. However, a Pokemon caught within the obedience limit will remain obedient even if it levels up beyond that limit.

For instance, a level 20 Fletchinder caught with zero badges will obey even at level 21. But a level 21 Fletchinder caught with zero badges will disobey until you get a badge.

Disobedience manifests as a blue speech bubble over the Pokemon's icon (in the party screen), refusal to auto-battle, and potentially unusual in-battle actions (sleeping, self-inflicted confusion).

Gym Badges & Obedience Levels:

Your Trainer Card (accessible via the map (Y button) and Profile (X button)) shows your Pokemon's obedience level. Each Gym Badge increases this level by 5:

The obedience level is determined by the number of badges, not which Gym Leaders you've defeated.

Transferred/Traded Pokemon:

Unlike previous generations, the Original Trainer (OT) ID no longer affects obedience in Scarlet & Violet. The Pokemon's level at the time of transfer or trade is considered its "met level." A level 17 Pokemon traded to you will obey even if leveled beyond 20; a level 21 Pokemon will not.