Skip to content
How do Pokémon Battles Work?: Do Pokemon Work
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

How do Pokémon Battles Work?: Do Pokemon Work

Learn how battles work in pokemon scarlet and violet, including initiating wild and trainer battles, battle options, and outcomes.

By ···10 min read·Multi-source verified
1 reading this guide  

Learn how battles work in pokemon scarlet and violet, including initiating wild and trainer battles, battle options, and outcomes.

In pokemon scarlet and violet, you can initiate battles in two primary ways: by touching a wild Pokémon in the field or by walking up to a Pokémon trainer who is ready for a battle. If you are close enough to a wild Pokémon, you can press a button to automatically throw your lead Pokémon at it, triggering a battle. Doing this when the Pokémon is facing away from you grants a bonus at the start of the battle. Unlike previous games, trainers in pokemon scarlet and violet will not force a battle simply by entering their line of sight; they must be actively ready, indicated by them bouncing a Poké Ball.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    After initiating a battle, send out your first available Pokémon. If facing a trainer, they will do the same.
  2. 2
    You and your opponent(s) will take turns choosing actions.
  3. 3
    Available actions include:
  4. 4
    Battle: Select one of your current Pokémon’s up to 4 learned moves. The number next to a move indicates its PP value (how many times it can be used).
  5. 5
    Pokémon: View your party, check Pokémon stats, or switch out your current Pokémon.
  6. 6
    Bag: Use items such as recovery items or stat-boosting items.
  7. 7
    Run: Attempt to flee from the battle.
  8. 8
    After actions are selected, those opting to switch Pokémon, use items, or flee go first.
  9. 9
    The Pokémon with the higher Speed stat generally goes next, though moves with increased priority can alter turn order.
  10. 10
    When a Pokémon's HP reaches 0, it faints and exits the battle. If it was a trainer's Pokémon, they send out a replacement; if they have no more, they lose. If a wild Pokémon faints or is captured, the battle ends.
  11. 11
    Knocking out or capturing a Pokémon earns all your Pokémon experience points (EXP), with those not participating earning less. Gaining enough EXP causes a Pokémon to Level Up, increasing stats, potentially learning new moves, or evolving. Defeating a trainer also rewards you with money.
Tips
  • Approaching a wild Pokémon from behind before initiating battle can provide an advantage.
  • Be cautious of moves with increased priority, especially when your Pokémon's HP is low.
  • Pokémon that didn't participate in the KO or capture will earn less EXP.

100% Human-Written. AI Fact-Checked. Community Verified. Learn how AntMag verifies content