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Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet share the Paldea adventure, but each version has Pokémon the other does not normally offer. Below is the base-game checklist, followed by the version-specific Pokémon in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero and a separate note on DLC quest Pokémon. Scarlet leans into the past and Violet into the future; you can still get many opposite-version Pokémon through trading, multiplayer, or compatible Pokémon HOME transfers.
Base-game exclusives in Scarlet and Violet
These lists cover the base games, including each exclusive Pokémon’s evolutionary line. Tauros has a version-specific Paldean form: Scarlet’s is Fire/Fighting, while Violet’s is Water/Fighting. The lists are based on Serebii’s version-exclusive reference and Nintendo Life’s guide.
Pokémon Scarlet
- Drifloon and Drifblim
- Stunky and Skuntank
- Larvitar, Pupitar, and Tyranitar
- Deino, Zweilous, and Hydreigon
- Skrelp and Dragalge
- Oranguru
- Stonjourner
- Fire/Fighting Paldean Tauros
- Armarouge
- Great Tusk, Scream Tail, Brute Bonnet, Flutter Mane, Slither Wing, Sandy Shocks, and Roaring Moon
- Koraidon
Pokémon Violet
- Misdreavus and Mismagius
- Gulpin and Swalot
- Bagon, Shelgon, and Salamence
- Dreepy, Drakloak, and Dragapult
- Clauncher and Clawitzer
- Passimian
- Eiscue
- Water/Fighting Paldean Tauros
- Ceruledge
- Iron Treads, Iron Bundle, Iron Hands, Iron Jugulis, Iron Moth, Iron Thorns, and Iron Valiant
- Miraidon
The most visible split is the Paradox Pokémon: Scarlet has the past-themed set, while Violet has the future-themed set. Koraidon and Miraidon are also version-linked Legendary Pokémon.
The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC exclusives
The DLC is made up of The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk. Nintendo says the games have different Pokémon, and each DLC purchase works only with its matching base game. Check that the add-on edition matches your copy of Scarlet or Violet before buying it. See Nintendo Support’s DLC information.
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- New Pokémon to Discover - Learn new details about Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly—the three Pokémon from which you’ll choose your first partner—along with other wonderful new Pokémon, including the Legendary Pokémon Koraidon and Miraidon!
- The World of Pokémon Has Evolved - Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet offer an open-world experience that only the Pokémon series can deliver—one welcoming even to newcomers to the series.
- You can experience a new style of adventure, with a world that you’re free to explore at your leisure and not in an order dictated by the story. You will, of course, journey to hone your skills as a Pokémon Trainer, but many more discoveries and stories await you. Meet a variety of people and Pokémon, and adventure in the world of Pokémon the way you want to.
- A Deeper Experience with Multiplayer* Gameplay - Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet allow multiplayer gameplay with up to four players. Along with series staples, such as trading and battling Pokémon, you will be able to explore the various locations of the region in these games with other players. You can discover new Pokémon and explore unfamiliar areas with your friends and family, opening the door to an adventure more precious and fun than ever!
- Meet the characters - As one of the main characters, you’ll set off on your adventure. Your outfit will vary depending on whether you play Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet. Who knows what kind of story awaits you? For the first time in the series, one of two different professors will appear in your game depending on the version you choose to play.
Scarlet-associated DLC Pokémon
- Gligar and Gliscor
- Cramorant
- Cranidos and Rampardos
- Alolan Vulpix and Alolan Ninetales
- Gouging Fire
- Raging Bolt
Violet-associated DLC Pokémon
- Aipom and Ambipom
- Morpeko
- Shieldon and Bastiodon
- Alolan Sandshrew and Alolan Sandslash
- Iron Boulder
- Iron Crown
Snackworth’s Legendary Pokémon quests
The DLC version guides also separate returning Legendary Pokémon obtained through Snackworth’s snacks and quests. These are quest-based DLC encounters, not ordinary wild version exclusives; consult the Serebii guide or Nintendo Life guide for the version-specific quest breakdown.
Other differences between the editions
| Feature | Pokémon Scarlet | Pokémon Violet |
|---|---|---|
| Theme | Past | Future |
| Professor | Professor Sada | Professor Turo |
| Academy | Naranja Academy | Uva Academy |
| Rideable Legendary | Koraidon | Miraidon |
| Edition-specific book | Scarlet Book | Violet Book |
| Visual details | Academy clothing, emblems, and other presentation details differ | Academy clothing, emblems, and other presentation details differ |
Nintendo’s official game page identifies Koraidon with Scarlet and Miraidon with Violet; the professor, academy, and presentation differences are also covered in Nintendo Life’s edition guide.
Rank #2
- Catch, battle, and trade Pokémon on an all-new adventure in the Galar region
- Choose from three new partner Pokémon and encounter never-before-seen Pokémon
- Unravel the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta!
- Team up with other Trainers to participate in Max Raid Battles***!
- Battle wild Dynamax Pokémon in Max Raid Battles and try catching them***
Can you get Scarlet exclusives in Violet, or vice versa?
Yes. Owning one version does not necessarily prevent you from completing its Pokédex with Pokémon associated with the other. Your options depend on the Pokémon, game compatibility, event availability, and whether you can trade or play with someone else.
- Trade: Exchange Pokémon with a player who has the other version.
- Union Circle: Connect with another player; Serebii notes that players can encounter opposite-version Pokémon through this multiplayer option.
- Tera Raid Battles: Opposite-version Pokémon may be available through raids, subject to the Pokémon and event schedule.
- Pokémon HOME: Transfer eligible Pokémon between compatible games. A Pokémon can only be moved into a game in which it appears.
Pokémon HOME also describes a one-time gift of Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly with Hidden Abilities after the first transfer from Scarlet or Violet into HOME. The gifts are claimed in the mobile app and have account and linking conditions; they do not provide the other version’s full exclusive set. Details are on the official Pokémon HOME page.
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Rank #3
- The Nintendo Switch – OLED Model Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Edition console features art inspired by the upcoming Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet games (sold separately). The Legendary Pokémon Koraidon and Miraidon are featured on the glossy front side of the white system’s dock, and a design inspired by the series’ iconic Poké Ball is featured on the back.
- The Nintendo Switch OLED Model features a vibrant 7-inch OLED screen, a wide adjustable stand, a dock with a wired LAN port, 64 GB of internal storage, and enhanced audio. Play anytime, anywhere, with anyone. Nintendo Switch can transform to suit your situation, so you can play the games you want, no matter how busy life may be.
- Pick it up and play with the Joy-Con controllers attached. Nintendo Switch OLED model includes a vibrant 7-inch OLED screen with a slimmer bezel. The large screen's vivid colours and high contrast deliver a rich handheld and tabletop gaming experience, bringing games to life whether you're racing at top speed or squaring off against enemies.
- Flip out the stand and hand a controller to another player to share the screen and enjoy competitive or co-operative multiplayer, anytime and anywhere. Nintendo Switch (OLED model)'s wide adjustable stand can be set to your preferred viewing angle for comfortable gameplay in tabletop mode.
- Gather around a big screen and enjoy gaming with a crowd. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. The dock included with Nintendo Switch (OLED model) features two USB ports, an HDMI port for connecting to a TV, and a new wired LAN port, allowing for more stable online play when playing in TV mode. Save games to your system with 64 GB of internal storage & Enjoy enhanced audio from the system’s onboard speakers.
Raid events are not permanent availability
Raid events can temporarily make a normally version-linked Pokémon available in both games. For example, The Pokémon Company International announced five-star raids featuring Stonjourner, Eiscue, Armarouge, and Ceruledge in both versions from October 18, 2024, 00:00 UTC through October 20, 2024, 23:59 UTC. That event has ended; it is a historical example, not a current way to obtain those Pokémon. See the official raid announcement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which version should you choose?
Choose based on the Pokémon and presentation you care about most. Scarlet is the fit if you prefer its past-themed Paradox Pokémon, Professor Sada, Naranja Academy, or Koraidon. Violet is the fit if you prefer the future-themed Paradox set, Professor Turo, Uva Academy, or Miraidon. If completing the collection matters more than choosing a theme, plan to trade, use Union Circle, transfer compatible Pokémon through HOME, or take advantage of events when they are available.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- If you purchase either the physical or digital double pack, you will receive a 200 Poké Ball bonus via download codes* that can be entered in the Mystery Gift** feature in your game!
- The packaged version of the double pack includes 1 physical Pokémon Scarlet game and 1 physical Pokémon Violet game
- Catch, battle, and train Pokémon in the Paldea Region, a vast land filled with lakes, towering peaks, wastelands, small towns, and sprawling cities
- Choose either Sprigatito, Fuecoco, or Quaxly, to be your first partner Pokémon before setting off on your journey through Paldea
Rank #4
![Pokémon Scarlet/Pokémon Violet Expansion Pass: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero (Retail Version) Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51n-a8y2QXL._SL160_.jpg)
- Only one code for a Hisuian Zoroark can be used in either the Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game. Upon purchase of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC, an email with your code will be sent to the email address registered to your Nintendo Account. From the in-game menu, go to the Poké Portal, then select Mystery Gift, select Get with Code/Password, and then enter your code.
- The Mystery Gift option can be found within the Poké Portal menu option in the X menu after you unlock the feature in the Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game. (This occurs after about 1 to 1.5 hours of gameplay, though individual gameplay time may vary.) An internet connection and a Nintendo Account is required to redeem the item in game. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is not required. Each item can only be redeemed once.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
