All differences between Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

As with every other generation before it, Generation 9 of the Pokémon series launched with two video games at once. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet provide very similar experiences overall, meaning players should expect similar storylines and battles regardless of which version they choose.

Even so, the two games are not entirely identical. Each game has its own unique characteristics, creating some slight changes in the overall experience depending on the version. Here’s an overview of all of the differences between Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Version exclusives in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

The biggest of the differences between Pokémon Scarlet and Violet has to do with version exclusives. Each version of the game has a set list of available Pokémon that do not naturally appear in the wild in the other version. In order to get these Pokémon in the opposite version, players will have to trade with someone who has the other version of the game.

Notably, the addition of Paradox Pokémon adds a great number of additional monsters that are restricted to one version of the games. Here are all of the version exclusive Pokémon for both Scarlet and Violet:

• Scarlet
  • Paldean Tauros (Blaze Breed)
  • Larvitar, Pupitar and Tyranitar
  • Drifloon and Drifblim
  • Stunky and Skuntank
  • Deino, Zweilous and Hydreigon
  • Skrelp and Dragalge
  • Oranguru
  • Stonjourner
  • Armarouge
  • Great Tusk
  • Slither Wing
  • Brute Bonnet
  • Sandy Shocks
  • Scream Tail
  • Flutter Mane
  • Roaring Moon
  • Koraidon
• Violet
  • Paldean Tauros (Aqua Breed)
  • Bagon, Shelgon and Salamence
  • Misdreavus and Mismagius
  • Gulpin and Swalot
  • Dreepy, Drakloak and Dragapult
  • Clauncher and Clawitzer
  • Passimian
  • Eiscue
  • Ceruledge
  • Iron Treads
  • Iron Moth
  • Iron Hands
  • Iron Jugulis
  • Iron Thorns
  • Iron Bundle
  • Iron Valiant
  • Miraidon

Other differences between Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

There are a number of other differences between Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Scarlet has a more ancient aesthetic, while Violet is more futuristic. This is evidenced not only by each game’s Paradox Pokémon, but also by the version-specific professors.

Pokémon Scarlet introduces Professor Sada, who dresses like a cavewoman. Meanwhile, Pokémon Violet features Professor Turo, who wears a more futuristic jumpsuit. During the Path of Legends story, Arven will also read from either the Scarlet Book or the Violet Book, depending on which version the player has.

The player character also attends a different school between the two versions: Naranja Academy in Pokémon Scarlet and Uva Academy in Pokémon Violet. Each school comes with its own uniform featuring either an orange or purple aesthetic. Alongside the player character, several other NPCs have differently-colored outfits depending on the version. These include Arven, Nemona, the Team Star grunts, and even Director Clavell.