Understanding Pokemon Obedience in Scarlet & Violet: A Comprehensive Guide
Obedience in Pokémon has evolved since the first generation. Generally, Pokémon obey trainers up to a certain level, increasing with earned 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 (e.g., 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 commands. Pokémon caught above level 20 will disobey until the player earns their first Gym Badge. Importantly, a Pokémon caught within the obedience range will remain obedient even if it levels up beyond that initial limit.
For example, a level 20 Fletchinder caught with zero badges will obey commands even after leveling up to 21. However, a level 21 Fletchinder caught with zero badges will disobey until a badge is earned.
Disobedient Pokémon will refuse auto-battle commands (indicated by a blue speech bubble), and may refuse commands or act erratically (e.g., falling asleep, self-inflicted confusion) in battle.
Obedience Levels and Gym Badges
Your Pokémon's obedience level is checked via your Trainer Card (open map with Y, select Profile with X). Earning Gym Badges increases this level:
| 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. |
The order in which Gym Leaders are defeated doesn't matter; each badge increases the obedience level by 5.
Transferred or Traded Pokémon Obedience
Unlike previous games, the Original Trainer (OT) ID does not affect obedience in Scarlet & Violet. A traded Pokémon's obedience is determined by its level at the time of transfer/trade. A level 17 Pokémon traded and subsequently leveled beyond 20 will still obey; a level 21 Pokémon will not. The "met level" is the level at the time of acquisition, regardless of the source.
