Understanding Pokemon Obedience in Scarlet & Violet: A Comprehensive Guide
Pokemon obedience, a long-standing game mechanic, has seen some tweaks in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. While generally mirroring previous generations, where over-leveled Pokemon might disobey, Gen 9 introduces a key difference.
Obedience in Gen 9: A Catching Point System
Unlike Sword & Shield, a Pokemon's obedience in Scarlet & Violet is determined by its level at the time of capture. Pokemon caught at level 20 or below will always obey. Catching a Pokemon above level 20 renders it disobedient until your first Gym Badge is earned. Crucially, a Pokemon caught within the obedience range will remain obedient even if it levels up beyond that initial 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 refusal of auto-battle commands (indicated by a blue speech bubble), and potentially erratic behavior in battle (e.g., self-inflicted damage).
Gym Badges and Obedience Levels
Your Trainer Card (accessed via the map (Y-button) and Profile (X-button)) shows your Pokemon's obedience level. Each Gym Badge increases this level by 5. The order of Gym challenges doesn't matter; defeating a Gym Leader grants the obedience level increase.
| Badge No. | Obedience Level |
|---|---|
| 1 | Pokemon caught at level 25 or lower will obey |
| 2 | Pokemon caught at level 30 or lower will obey |
| 3 | Pokemon caught at level 35 or lower will obey |
| 4 | Pokemon caught at level 40 or lower will obey |
| 5 | Pokemon caught at level 45 or lower will obey |
| 6 | Pokemon caught at level 50 or lower will obey |
| 7 | Pokemon caught at level 55 or lower will obey |
| 8 | All Pokemon will obey regardless of level |
Transferred/Traded Pokemon Obedience: OT is Irrelevant
Unlike previous generations, the Original Trainer (OT) ID no longer impacts obedience in Scarlet & Violet. The Pokemon's level at the time of transfer or trade determines its obedience. A level 17 Pokemon traded and subsequently leveled beyond 20 will still obey; a level 21 Pokemon received will not. The "met level" is the deciding factor.
