The differences between Pokémon Violet and Pokémon Scarlet - Which version to choose?

A new generation of Pokémon has arrived, and as always the key question is: which version to choose? A legitimate question, especially since Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are much more different from each other than the previous games were.

The majority of the game remains the same, but there are significant differences. We tell you everything that changes between the two versions to help you make your choice.

Legendary Pokémon

Since the early days of the Pokémon license, games have been released in pairs (and sometimes threes), with each version featuring a different legendary. Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet are no exception, as they both feature an exclusive legend to their version.

Koraidon, the Legendary of Pokémon Scarlet

With Scarletyou can get your hands on Koraidon. This one has a fairly primitive appearanceIt is strongly reminiscent of a dinosaur with feathers. Its specificity is that it has a wheel on its thorax. However, this wheel is mainly for decorative purposes and is therefore not functional.

Once you have met him, you can go on an adventure with him to explore the Paldea region. It will be very useful for moving around, as you can get on its back and swim, fly or simply run with it. It will even be able to climb cliffs.

Miraidon, the legend of Pokémon Violet

In Pokémon Violetyou will meet Miraidon. Unlike Koraidon, Miraidon has a much more futuristic physics. It looks like a half-snake, half-dragon creature with a robotic appearance. On its back, one can find two jet engines which tend to remind one of an aeroplane.

Like Koraidon, it can be transformed into a Pokémon mount once you have caught it, to help you in your exploration and discovery of the area. You can then climb on its back to travel great distances by running, swimming and flying. When it becomes a mount, it transforms and has two wheels: one at the front and one at the back, strongly reminiscent of a motorbike.

Two different themes

Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet have two opposing themes. Pokémon Scarlet focuses more on the past, while Pokémon Violet looks to the future. A dichotomy that is immediately apparent when you take a look at the games' cover and the two mascots.

Specifically, among the exclusive Pokémon, which we'll come back to later, there are many prehistoric or robotic versions of well-known Pokémon.

Professor Olim or Professor Turum?

In addition to the legendary, another element could well influence the choice of your version. Indeed, depending on the game you choose, you will not be dealing with the same teacher.

If you choose Pokémon Scarlet, it's the Professor Olim which will follow you throughout your adventure. If you turn to Pokémon Violet, however, then you can meet the Professor Turum. Their physical appearance is in keeping with their version's specific legend, as Olim has a rather prehistoric look, while Turum is clearly future-oriented and technological.

Two academies, two uniforms

In Pokémon Violet and Scarlet, you play a character who integrates Mesaledo Academy. Depending on the version chosen, it will not be the same. They will then only have not the same emblem and you will not wear not the same uniform. The outfits of your fellow players will also adapt to the version, as will those of Team Star, the game's troublemakers.

By choosing Pokémon Scarlet, you will be returning to Orange Academy. As a result, its members' outfits will be orange and its emblem will be an orange.

However, if you choose Pokémon Violet, you will be integrating the Raisin Academy the uniforms of its members will logically be purple. The emblem of the Academy will be a cluster of reason.

Pokémon exclusive to each version

Finally, the choice of your version will determine which Pokémon you can and cannot catch during your adventure through the lands of Paldea. Those that are not available in your version can of course be exchanged with other trainers.

There are a total of 28 Pokémon exclusive to each version. Here are some of them a non-exhaustive list to avoid spoilers :

If you are not afraid of spoilers, you can read the complete list of exclusive Pokémon.

What's up? Which version will you choose?

All Pokémon Eclarlate and Violet Guides

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Pokédex