Scarlet and Violet version differences: which game is better?

There are a ton of differences between Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, but which version ultimately comes out on top?

Following the completion of the Teal Mask and Indigo Disk DLCs, all possible exclusives are now available to catch or experience. With the games effectively finished except for ongoing Tera Raid events, there’s only one question to ask – is one better than the other? The question mainly depends on Pokemon preferences, story tweaks, and design.

Here’s everything players need to know to decide if Pokemon Scarlet or Violet is better.

Scarlet and Violet version differences start with the box legendary

Pokemon Scarlet features the Fighting/Dragon type Koraidon as its box legendary, and Violet has the Dragon/Electric Miraidon.

Both box legendaries are based around the design of the newly introduced Cyclizar, implyfing either its ancestor or descendant. They’re also available early in the game with unlockable abilities as players progress along the Titan path.

I still like cyclizar tho :(
byu/Eastern_War_6488 inPokemonScarletViolet

Koraidon, despite its wheeled appearance, starts with a Sprinting Build that allows it to use its legs to carry the main character across Paldea. It can later swim by puffing up its throat, glide with its wings, and even fly after completing the Indigo Disc.

Miraidon appropriately has a Drive Mode that it uses to speed around like a sports car. It uses its wheels to swim and antenna to glide, and it also gains the ability to fly later.

Players who prefer a smoother travel experience would benefit from choosing Violet and Miraidon, though some enjoy the camera bounce that comes with Koraidon’s running.

The academies and clothing differences in Scarlet and Violet

Scarlet players attend the orange Naranja Academy, whereas Violet provides the violet Uva Academy.

Orange or purple is the age old question, or at least two-year-old question. Both academies have the same classes and teachers, just slightly different naming conventions and color schemes. All outfits provided to the player are in the school color and unfortunately only available in four seasonal designs.

The main character must don their school uniforms until at least Kitakami and the Teal Mask DLC, though they can have different accessories. Good luck trying to remove the school-mandated hat until then.

Professor Sada and Professor Turo: past vs present

With the different versions of the game, players have two options for professors that later affect the plotline.

Professor Sada is the main character’s professor in Scarlet and is (was?) investigating Pokemon from the past. Her aesthetic and that of her corresponding available Paradox Pokemon is prehistoric.

In comparison, Professor Turo in Violet serves as a gateway to the future, letting robotic Pokemon into Area Zero of Paldea.

For the first time, your professor will differ depending on the game chosen — Meet Professor Sada and Professor Turo!
byu/NaijeruR inPokemonScarletViolet

Spoilers – both professors that players meet in the main game are actually AIs with complicated moral dilemmas and programmings. However, those looking to talk to the real, non-robotic characters can go to the Crystal Pool in Kitakami with Briar’s book.

Some fans point out that Violet’s story may be a little more cohesive, since it makes more sense for a futuristic professor to be an AI that it does a prehistoric professor. However, the major Scarlet and Violet version differences in professors really comes down to the Paradox Pokemon.

Regardless of which game they’re in, Professor Sada and Turo are both terrible parents to Arven.

Most importantly, each version has exclusive Pokemon

Scarlet and Violet version differences for Pokemon fall into four main categories, and each game has something cool to offer:

• Main game version exclusives
• Main game Paradox Pokemon
• DLC version exclusives
• DLC Paradox Pokemon

Players looking to complete their Pokedexes have to collect Pokemon from both games. This can be done with a Nintendo Online account, which allows for trading between games and participation in Tera Raids for version exclusive Pokemon.

Main Game Version Exclusives:

All main game version exclusives are from previous generations, meaning that players in either game won’t miss out on any newly introduced Pokemon (besides Paradox).

Main Game Paradox Pokemon:

Scarlet features prehistoric Paradox Pokemon that have a dinosaur vibe, whereas Violet plays to the future with all metal. Interestingly, some of the Violet-locked Pokemon can be found as Paradox Pokemon in Scarlet and vice versa.

For instance, Violet has Iron Thorns (their version of Tyranitar) and Scarlet has Flutter Mane (aka Misdreavus that cannot be unlocked without trading).

Teal Mask Version Exclusives

The Teal Mask has the smallest Pokedex of the main game and DLCs, topping out at 200 entries. Thus, the number of corresponding version exclusives is small.

Indigo Disk Version Exclusives

Like the Teal Mask, the Indigo Disk DLC only has a few exclusives in the form of Alolan and fossil Pokemon.

Indigo Disk Paradox Pokemon

The DLC Paradox Pokemon once again lean into the motifs of prehistoric vs futuristic. A major difference between most of the main game Paradox Pokemon is that Indigo Disk introduces forms of previous legendary Pokemon. Though they become unlocked at the Blueberry Academy, players will have to go back to Area Zero to actually catch them.

The Past Paradox Pokemon Raging Bolt, from the Pokemon: Scarlet and Violet site.

Notably, the legendary Pokemon like Lunala that are unlockable as players complete the Indigo Disk Dex don’t count for said Dex. It’s still very cool to be able to get legendary and mythical Pokemon from previous generations.

Does Scarlet or Violet have better Pokedex additions? If players are similar to the author of this article, Violet may be worth it for Dreepy alone. Otherwise, Scarlet has Paradox Pokemon designs that feel original when compared to both their modern counterparts and future Paradox Pokemon.

Which is better, Pokemon Scarlet or Violet?

Ultimately, the Scarlet and Violet version differences are minor, but one can be better for players with different interests.

For those who are interested in a mildly more consistent story and an absent DILF, Violet is the best option. Pokemon Scarlet may be better for fans of arguably more creative Pokemon designs and mommy issues.

No matter what game players choose to play, they’re sure to have fun and catch some really cool new Pokemon.

I just like dinosaurs way more than robots
byu/ObviouslyLulu inPokemonScarletViolet