New to Pokémon? Here are five helpful tips and tricks!

Whether you’re new to the series or a longtime player, these tips and tricks can help you make the most of the Pokémon™ Scarlet and Pokémon™ Violet games, available now only for the Nintendo Switch™ family of systems. Here are five fun and exciting things to expect from these games: How to get started, how to choose your path, how to play with friends, and how to make sandwiches!

What should I do first?

Whatever you want! You can explore where you want, when you want, at your own pace as you battle and try to catch wild Pokémon. There are multiple story paths to discover as you travel through the Paldea region: Victory Road, Path of Legends, and ★ Starfall Street ★. These stories are set in an open world teeming with Pokémon and people to meet, so you can choose which path to take and explore however you desire.

Can I explore and battle at the same time?

Yes! The handy Let’s Go! feature gives you a chance to explore and battle at the same time. While out exploring, you can use the Let’s Go! feature to send off your Pokémon to gather items in the area. That Pokémon can even have Auto Battles with nearby Pokémon! However, you’ll need to stay close by while your Pokémon is battling, so don’t wander off too far.

What is the difference between Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet?

In addition to different academies, different species of Pokémon will appear depending on which game you have. In Pokémon Scarlet, you’ll explore Paldea with Legendary Pokémon Koraidon. In Pokémon Violet, you’ll explore with Legendary Pokémon Miraidon. Both Pokémon can dash, climb, glide, swim, and jump!

Can I play Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet with friends?

Yes! And you can even play together if you have different versions of the game. Up to four players can connect locally if everyone is in the same room with their own Nintendo Switch system. You can connect with up to three other players online*, too. While playing together, you can see each other’s battles and Auto Battles. Plus, you can trade, do raid battles, and battle together. You can even have picnics and build sandwiches together!

Did you say…picnics and sandwiches?

Sure did! Players can have picnics almost anywhere when out exploring the region. You can even change the designs of the tablecloth, cups, water bottles, and other items to create the picnic of your dreams. You can choose which fillings and condiments you want to use, as well as a sandwich pick that’ll help hold it all together. You can pile on as many toppings as you want, but if you don’t stack the ingredients correctly, the whole thing might topple over. When Pokémon eat sandwiches, not only will their HP be restored, but the meal may impart some effects that will come in handy on adventures!