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Obedience has been a core gameplay mechanic in Pokemon since the series began, evolving with each generation. In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, the obedience system remains crucial, with a twist that sets it apart from previous games. Generally, Pokemon will obey trainers up to level 20 without any badges. To increase this obedience level to 25/30 and beyond, trainers must collect gym badges. In Scarlet & Violet, an over-leveled Pokemon may refuse orders, but there's a significant change in how obedience is determined.
Disobedience in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
How Obedience Works in Gen 9
In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, obedience is based on the level at which you catch a Pokemon. If you're starting your journey, "Pokemon caught at level 20 or below will listen to your commands." This means that if you catch a Pokemon above level 20, it won't obey you until you earn your first gym badge. However, if you catch a Pokemon within the obedience range, it will continue to obey even if its level exceeds the limit.
For instance, if you catch a level 20 Fletchinder with zero badges and it levels up to 21, it will still listen to you. Conversely, if you catch a level 21 Fletchinder with no badges, it won't obey until you obtain your first badge.
When a Pokemon disobeys, it may refuse commands during auto-battle, indicated by a blue speech bubble over its icon. In battles, it might not use moves, go to sleep, or hurt itself in confusion.
Obedience Level and Badge Requirements in Scarlet & Violet
Understanding Gym Badges
You can check the level at which your Pokemon will obey by viewing your Trainer Card:
- Open the map with the Y-button.
- Press the X-button to select the Profile option.
To catch and command stronger Pokemon, you'll need to progress through the Victory Road story quest, collecting all 8 of Paldea's gym badges and challenging the Pokemon League. Each badge increases the obedience level by 5 levels.
In the open-world setting of Scarlet & Violet, you can battle Gym Leaders in almost any order. New players might want to start with the Cortondo or Artazon Gym.
Here are the badge obedience levels:
The obedience level is determined by the number of badges you have, not the specific Gym Leader you defeat. For example, defeating Brassius first will raise the obedience level to 25, and defeating Katy next will increase it to 30.
Will Transferred or Traded Pokemon Still Obey?
Does OT Matter?
Each Pokemon has an ID called OT, which stands for Original Trainer. In previous generations, the OT influenced a Pokemon's obedience. If you received a traded Pokemon with a different OT/ID number and it leveled beyond the obedience threshold, it would stop listening to your commands.
In Scarlet & Violet, the OT no longer affects obedience. When transferring or trading Pokemon, the level at which the Pokemon is transferred or traded is considered its "met level".
For example, a Pokemon traded to you at level 17, which you then level beyond 20, will still obey your orders. However, if you receive a Pokemon at level 21, it won't listen to you until you earn the necessary badges.
