Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: Guide to Gaining Obedient Pokémon

Understanding Pokemon Obedience in Scarlet & Violet: A Comprehensive Guide

Pokemon obedience, a long-standing mechanic, has seen some adjustments in Generation 9. While generally mirroring previous generations (Pokémon caught at level 20 or below will obey), Scarlet & Violet introduce a key difference: obedience is now determined by the Pokémon's level at the time of capture.

How Obedience Works in Gen 9

Unlike in Sword/Shield, a Pokémon's level upon capture dictates its obedience. Pokémon caught at level 20 or below will always obey. Pokémon caught above level 20 will disobey until you earn your first Gym Badge. Crucially, a Pokémon 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 after leveling to 21. However, a level 21 Fletchinder caught with zero badges will disobey until a badge is obtained.

Disobedience manifests as a blue speech bubble above the Pokémon's icon (during auto-battles), or refusal to use moves (in battles), potentially leading to self-inflicted damage or sleep.

Obedience Levels and Gym Badges

Your Pokémon's obedience level is checked via your Trainer Card (accessed by opening the map with Y, then selecting Profile with X). Each Gym Badge increases the obedience level by 5. The order in which you challenge Gym Leaders is irrelevant; each badge grants the same obedience increase.

Transferred or Traded Pokémon Obedience

Contrary to previous generations, the Original Trainer (OT) ID no longer impacts obedience in Scarlet & Violet. The Pokémon's level at the time of transfer or trade determines its obedience. A level 17 Pokémon traded and then leveled beyond 20 will still obey; a level 21 Pokémon received will not.