First, check which Pokémon game you’re playing: obedience rules differ by title. In Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, open your profile and read the Gym badge effects entry. It displays the level up to which caught Pokémon will obey. Compare that threshold with the Pokémon’s level when you caught or received it, then follow the checks below if the behavior still seems inconsistent.
Check the rule for your specific Pokémon game
There is no single obedience threshold that applies to every Pokémon RPG. The Pokémon Company’s Pokémon RPGs 101 explains generally that Gym Badges can ensure Pokémon below a certain level obey, but it does not give a universal level. Don’t use a threshold from Scarlet and Violet for another game; consult that game’s own in-game guidance.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Pokémon Pokopia - Nintendo Switch 2 | $69.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Pokémon Legends: Arceus - US Version | $54.25 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Pokemon Shining Pearl - Nintendo Switch Shining Pearl Edition | $52.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! - Nintendo Switch | $53.87 | Buy on Amazon |
In Scarlet and Violet, read your profile’s badge effects
- Open your profile in the game.
- Find the Gym badge effects entry and note the level it says caught Pokémon will obey.
- Compare the displayed threshold with the Pokémon’s level when it was caught or received. A secondary guide, PokemonHelper’s Scarlet and Violet FAQ, says the relevant level is the acquisition level, rather than simply the Pokémon’s current trained level.
That guide reports a starting threshold of level 20 with no Gym Badges, increasing by 5 levels per badge. Treat those figures as secondary guidance, not a universal rule: the official game update notes confirm that the profile displays the threshold, so use the text shown in your own save as the practical check.
If the profile threshold and behavior disagree
Consider how the Pokémon was obtained
For a traded Pokémon, note whether it was traded to you or later returned to its original trainer. The Pokémon Company’s version 1.2.0 update announcement says the update fixed an issue in which a caught Pokémon Link Traded back to its original trainer might not obey as described by the profile app.
#1 Best Overall
- Shape the world and build a cozy new life with Pokémon as a Ditto transformed to look like a human.
- Use other Pokémon’s moves, like Bulbasaur’s Leafage, to revitalize and navigate the world around you.
- Meet and befriend more Pokémon as you help nature flourish.
- Gather materials to create items and furniture, till the fields to grow delicious crops, build homes for the Pokémon you meet, and more—there’s so much to do!
- Experience a world with varied weather, real-time days and nights, and other surprises.
Update the game
If the Pokémon still ignores commands despite appearing to meet the displayed threshold, check for a software update and try again. On Nintendo Switch, Nintendo’s support instructions direct you to highlight the game on the HOME Menu, open its options, and choose Software Update. Menu wording can change with console software updates.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If it still won’t obey
To narrow down what is happening, note the game title and software version, the threshold shown in your profile, the Pokémon’s level when obtained, and how you got it. The documented Scarlet and Violet fix addresses a specific Link Trade case; without those details, the behavior cannot be reliably diagnosed from the available game-specific guidance.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Don the role of a Pokémon Trainer as you travel through Kanto
- Discover a new species of Pokémon with the Pokémon Lets Go series
- Catch Pokémon in the wild using a gentle throwing motion with either a Joy-Con controller or a Poké Ball Plus accessory, which will light up, vibrate, and make sounds to bring your adventure to life
- See the world in style by customizing Pikachu and your Trainer with a selection of outfits
- Connect to Pokémon GO* to transfer caught Kanto-region Pokémon, including Alolan and Shiny forms, as well as the newly discovered Pokémon, Meltan, from that game to this one
Rank #3
- Revisit the Sinnoh region from the original Pokémon Pearl Version game and set off to try and become the Champion of the Pokémon League
- The Pokémon Shining Pearl game brings new life to this remade classic with added features
- Explore the Grand Underground to dig up items and Pokémon Fossils, build a Secret Base, and more.
- Test your style and rhythm in a Super Contest Show
- A reimagined adventure, now for the Nintendo Switch system
Rank #2
- Action meets RPG in this new take on the Pokémon series
- Study Pokémon behaviors, sneak up on them, and toss a well-aimed Poké Ball to catch them
- Unleash moves in the speedy agile style or the powerful strong style in battles
- Travel to the Hisui region—the Sinnoh of old—and build the region’s first Pokédex
- Learn about the Mythical Pokémon Arceus, the key to this mysterious tale
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.
