Understanding Pokemon Obedience in Scarlet & Violet: A Comprehensive Guide
Obedience in Pokémon has evolved throughout the series. While generally Pokémon obey up to level 20, higher levels require Gym Badges. Pokémon Scarlet & Violet maintain this core mechanic, but with a key difference: obedience is tied to the Pokémon's level at the time of capture.
How Obedience Works in Gen 9
Unlike previous generations (like Sword/Shield), a Pokémon's obedience in Scarlet & 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 your first Gym Badge. Crucially, a Pokémon caught within the obedience range will remain obedient even if it levels up beyond the initial limit.
For instance, a level 20 Fletchinder caught with zero Badges will obey even after leveling to 21. However, a level 21 Fletchinder caught with zero Badges will disobey until a Badge is earned.
Disobedience manifests as a blue speech bubble above the Pokémon's icon (during auto-battles) or refusal to use moves (in battles). In extreme cases, the Pokémon might self-inflict status conditions like sleep or confusion.
Obedience Levels and Gym Badges
Your Pokémon's obedience level is displayed on your Trainer Card (accessed via the map (Y-button) then Profile (X-button)).
Each Gym Badge increases the obedience level by 5. The order in which you challenge Gym Leaders doesn't matter; defeating a Leader grants the obedience boost regardless of the Leader's identity.
| Badge No. | Obedience Level |
|---|---|
| 1 | Pokémon caught at level 25 or lower will obey |
| 2 | Pokémon caught at level 30 or lower will obey |
| 3 | Pokémon caught at level 35 or lower will obey |
| 4 | Pokémon caught at level 40 or lower will obey |
| 5 | Pokémon caught at level 45 or lower will obey |
| 6 | Pokémon caught at level 50 or lower will obey |
| 7 | Pokémon caught at level 55 or lower will obey |
| 8 | All Pokémon will obey regardless of level |
Transferred or Traded Pokémon: Does OT Matter?
Previously, the Original Trainer (OT) ID influenced obedience. Traded Pokémon exceeding the obedience level would disobey.
In Scarlet & Violet, OT is irrelevant to obedience. The Pokémon's level at the time of transfer or trade determines its "met level," impacting obedience accordingly. A level 17 Pokémon traded to you will obey even after leveling beyond 20, while a level 21 traded Pokémon will disobey until you obtain the necessary Badges.
