Pokémon Obedience Unraveled: A Comprehensive Guide

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 below level 20 usually obey), Pokémon Scarlet and Violet introduce a key difference: obedience is tied to the Pokémon's level at the time of capture.

How Obedience Works in Gen 9

Unlike Sword and Shield, a Pokémon's obedience in Scarlet and Violet is determined by its level when caught. Pokémon caught at level 20 or below will always obey. Pokémon caught above level 20 will disobey until you earn gym badges. Crucially, a Pokémon caught within the obedience range will remain obedient even if it levels up beyond that initial threshold.

For instance, a level 20 Fletchinder caught with no badges will obey even after leveling up to 21. However, a level 21 Fletchinder caught with no badges will disobey until you earn your first badge.

Disobedient Pokémon will refuse commands during auto-battles (indicated by a blue speech bubble), and may refuse moves or even inflict self-harm in regular battles.

Obedience Levels and Gym Badges

Your Trainer Card (accessed via the map (Y button) and Profile (X button)) shows your current obedience level. Earning gym badges increases this level, allowing you to command higher-level Pokémon. Each badge raises the obedience level by 5. The open-world nature of Scarlet and Violet allows flexible gym challenge order.

The number of badges, not the specific Gym Leader defeated, determines obedience level.

Transferred or Traded Pokémon Obedience

Unlike previous generations, the Original Trainer (OT) ID no longer affects obedience in Scarlet and Violet. The Pokémon's level at the time of transfer or trade determines its obedience. A traded level 17 Pokémon will obey even after leveling beyond 20, but a traded level 21 Pokémon will not obey until the appropriate badge is earned.