Pokémon Go: Obedience Guide Announced

Understanding Pokemon Obedience in Scarlet & Violet: A Comprehensive Guide

Pokemon obedience, a long-standing mechanic, has seen some tweaks in Scarlet and Violet. While generally following the pattern of previous generations (obedience up to level 20 initially, increasing with gym badges), Gen 9 introduces a key difference.

Obedience in Gen 9: The Catch Level Matters

Unlike Sword and Shield, a Pokémon's obedience in Scarlet and Violet is determined by its level at the time of capture. Initially, Pokémon caught at level 20 or below will obey commands. A Pokémon caught above level 20 will be disobedient until you earn your first gym badge. Crucially, a Pokémon caught within the obedience range will remain obedient even if it levels up beyond that initial limit.

For instance, a level 20 Fletchinder caught with zero badges will obey commands even after leveling to 21. However, a level 21 Fletchinder caught with zero badges will disobey until a badge is obtained.

Disobedience manifests as refusal of auto-battle commands (indicated by a blue speech bubble), and potentially erratic behavior in battles (e.g., refusing moves, self-inflicted status conditions).

Gym Badges and Obedience Levels

Your Pokémon's obedience level is checked via your Trainer Card (Y-button > X-button > Profile). Each gym badge increases the obedience level by 5:

The order of gym battles doesn't affect the obedience level; only the number of badges earned matters.

Transferred/Traded Pokemon: OT Doesn't Matter

Unlike previous generations, the Original Trainer (OT) ID no longer impacts obedience in Scarlet and Violet. The Pokémon's level at the time of transfer or trade determines its "met level" for obedience purposes. A traded level 17 Pokémon will remain obedient even after surpassing level 20, while a traded level 21 Pokémon will be disobedient.