Pokémon SV: Obedience Guide Optimized

Mastering Pokémon Scarlet & Violet's Obedience Mechanic: A Comprehensive Guide

Obedience in Pokémon has evolved since the first generation. While Pokémon generally obey up to level 20, higher-level Pokémon require Gym Badges to ensure compliance. Pokémon Scarlet & Violet largely maintains this system, with a key difference: obedience is determined by the Pokémon's level at the time of capture.

Understanding Obedience in Gen 9

Unlike previous generations (like Sword/Shield), a Pokémon's obedience in Scarlet & Violet is set when you catch it. Pokémon caught at level 20 or below will always obey. Catching a Pokémon above level 20 renders it disobedient until you earn your first Gym Badge. Crucially, a Pokémon caught within the obedience range will remain obedient even if it levels up beyond that initial threshold.

For instance, a level 20 Fletchinder caught with no badges will obey even after leveling up to 21. However, a level 21 Fletchinder caught with no badges will disobey until a badge is obtained.

Disobedient Pokémon will refuse commands in auto-battles (indicated by a blue speech bubble), and may refuse moves or even self-harm during battles.

Gym Badges and Obedience Levels

Your Trainer Card (accessed via the map (Y-button) and Profile (X-button)) shows your current obedience level. Each Gym Badge increases this level by 5. The open-world nature of Paldea allows flexible Gym Leader order.

Here's the breakdown:

The number of badges, not the specific Gym Leader defeated, dictates obedience level.

Transferred or Traded Pokémon: Does the Original Trainer Matter?

Unlike previous games, the Original Trainer (OT) ID no longer affects obedience in Scarlet & Violet. A traded Pokémon's obedience is determined by its level at the time of transfer. 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 trade or transfer.