Pokémon Scarlet vs Violet: Exclusives, differences & which should you buy

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While the two games are mostly identical, as ever there are a number of key differences that might just sway your choice - with Scarlet and Violet boasting different professors, different rideable legendaries, differences in the map and, of course, exclusive Pokémon that you'll need to catch'em all.

See below for a complete look at the differences between Pokémon Scarlet and Violet - the decision is then up to you...

What’s the difference between Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

The main difference between Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is in colour and theme. Both versions of the game will play out almost exactly the same but with some smaller differences in characters, theme, colour choices, and exclusive Pokémon (more on that below).

In Pokémon Scarlet, your professor is Professor Sada, in Pokémon Violet, it’s Professor Turo. For the first time in a new Pokémon generation, the two versions of the game have version-exclusive profs. The two different professors tie in to the thematic differences between the games.

Pokémon Scarlet generally embodies the past, whilst Violet embodies the future. This is true of several different aesthetics in the games. The version-exclusive legendaries, for example, and their vehicular transformations. Koraidon, exclusive to Scarlet, uses its legs and wheels to drive around, whereas Miraidon is a kind of jet bike. You’ll see similar differences when riding them on the water and while flying around Paldea’s expansive map.

The Pokémon school in Mesagoza is named “Naranja Academy” in Scarlet and “Uva Academy” in Violet. The badges are different in both games, too, which brings us to the final differences between the games. You’ll notice all the little motifs are subtly different in both versions. School uniform is red in Scarlet and, er, violet in Violet.

You’ll notice similar changes throughout both games on various characters and items, including the Scarlet and Violet Book. Now, it’s time to find out about the version-exclusive Pokémon.

Which Pokémon are exclusive to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

As with every other Pokémon generation, there is a small list of version-exclusive Pokémon in both Scarlet and Violet. We’ve listed them below via each version of the game:

Pokémon Scarlet exclusive Pokémon

• Koraidon
• Armarouge
• Larvitar (and its evolved-forms)
• Stonjourner
• Great Tusk

Pokémon Violet exclusive Pokémon

• Miraidon
• Ceruledge
• Bagon (and its evolved-forms)
• Eiscue
• Iron Treads

Which version should you buy?

Now that you know all the differences between the two versions of Pokémon Generation IX, it’s time to decide which one to buy. You can go with tradition (do you always pick the red game or the blue game?), what exclusive Pokémon each one has, or just go based on the box art. You can also buy a Steelbook double pack containing both versions of the game if you want both. It’s entirely up to you.

If you’re looking to purchase either game, though, we’ve got you covered.

• Buy Pokémon Scarlet

• Buy Pokémon Violet

• Buy the double pack for £89.99

Read more on Pokémon:

• Best Pokémon gifts - the greatest merch
• Best Pokémon games on Switch - our ranking
• Best shiny Pokémon - the coolest creatures
• Best Dragon-type Pokémon - who's your fave?
• All cat Pokémon - the felines to catch
• When does Pokémon Home come to Scarlet and Violet?
• Shiny Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet - hunting explained
• Pokémon Scarlet and Violet post-game - what's after the ending?
• Pokémon natures guide - all you need to know
• Pokémon type chart - strengths and weaknesses explained
• Legendary Pokémon - the full list
• Pokémon Scarlet and Violet cheats - handy hacks
• Pokémon Emerald cheats - what you need to know
• Pokémon Fire Red cheats - all codes
• Pokémon Go friend codes - and how to find them
• Pokémon games in order - where to start

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