Pokémon Obedience Guide Unveiled for Scarlet & Violet

Understanding Pokemon Obedience in Scarlet & Violet: A Comprehensive Guide

Pokemon obedience has evolved throughout the series, and Scarlet & Violet introduce some key changes. This guide clarifies how obedience works in Gen 9.

Disobedience in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

How Obedience Works in Gen 9

Unlike previous generations, a Pokémon's obedience in Scarlet & Violet is determined by its level at the time of capture. 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's obedience level at the time of capture is fixed; leveling it up after capture doesn't change its obedience status unless it exceeds the limit set by your badges.

For example: A level 20 Fletchinder caught with zero badges will obey even after leveling up beyond 20. However, a level 21 Fletchinder caught with zero badges will disobey until you obtain a badge.

Disobedient Pokémon will refuse commands, indicated by a blue speech bubble. In battle, they might refuse to use moves, fall asleep, or inflict self-harm through confusion.

Obedience Level and Badge Requirements

Understanding Gym Badges

Your Pokémon's obedience level is checked via your Trainer Card (accessed by opening the map with the Y button and selecting Profile with the X button). Each Gym Badge increases the level at which your Pokémon will obey by 5.

The order in which you challenge Gym Leaders doesn't matter; each badge grants the same obedience increase. The obedience levels per badge are:

Transferred or Traded Pokemon Obedience

Does OT Matter?

Unlike previous generations, the Original Trainer (OT) ID no longer affects obedience in Scarlet & Violet. The Pokémon's level at the time of transfer or trade determines its obedience. A traded level 17 Pokémon will obey even if leveled beyond 20, while a traded level 21 Pokémon will disobey until you earn enough badges.