Obedience Guide for Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

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, where over-leveled Pokemon might disobey, Scarlet and Violet introduce a key distinction.

Obedience in Gen 9: Catch Level Matters

Unlike Sword and Shield, a Pokémon's obedience in Scarlet and Violet hinges on its level at the time of capture. Pokémon caught at level 20 or below will always obey. Pokémon caught above level 20 will be disobedient until the first Gym Badge is earned. Crucially, a Pokémon 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 a blue speech bubble above the Pokémon's icon in the party menu and refusal to obey commands during auto-battles or in-battle actions. They might even unintentionally inflict self-harm.

Gym Badges and Obedience Levels

Your Pokémon's obedience level is easily checked via your Trainer Card (accessed by opening the map with the Y button, then selecting Profile with the X button). Each Gym Badge increases the obedience level by 5. The open-world nature of Scarlet and Violet allows for flexible Gym Leader order.

Here's the obedience level breakdown per badge:

The obedience level is tied to the number of badges, not the specific Gym Leader defeated.

Transferred/Traded Pokémon Obedience: OT is Irrelevant

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