Mastering Pokémon Scarlet & Violet's Obedience Mechanic: A Comprehensive Guide
Obedience has been a core Pokémon mechanic since the beginning, undergoing adjustments across generations. Generally, Pokémon obey up to level 20. Higher obedience requires Gym Badges. Pokémon Scarlet & Violet largely maintains this, but with a key difference.
How Obedience Works in Gen 9
Unlike previous games like Sword/Shield, obedience in Gen 9 hinges on the Pokémon's level at the time of capture. Pokémon caught at level 20 or below are initially obedient. Pokémon caught above level 20 will disobey until your first badge is earned. Crucially, a Pokémon caught within the obedience limit remains obedient even if it levels up beyond that limit.
For instance, a level 20 Fletchinder caught with zero badges will obey even at level 21. However, a level 21 Fletchinder caught with zero badges will disobey until a badge is obtained.
Disobedient Pokémon refuse auto-battle commands (indicated by a blue speech bubble). In battles, they might refuse moves, fall asleep, or self-inflict confusion.
Obedience Level and Badge Requirements
Understanding Gym Badges
Your Trainer Card (accessed via the map (Y button) and Profile (X button)) displays your Pokémon's obedience level.
To increase obedience, complete the Victory Road storyline, collecting Paldea's eight Gym Badges. Each badge increases the obedience level by 5. The order of Gym battles is flexible.
Badge Obedience Levels:
| Badge No. | Obedience Level |
|---|---|
| 1 | Pokémon caught at level 25 or lower obey. |
| 2 | Pokémon caught at level 30 or lower obey. |
| 3 | Pokémon caught at level 35 or lower obey. |
| 4 | Pokémon caught at level 40 or lower obey. |
| 5 | Pokémon caught at level 45 or lower obey. |
| 6 | Pokémon caught at level 50 or lower obey. |
| 7 | Pokémon caught at level 55 or lower obey. |
| 8 | All Pokémon obey regardless of level. |
Obedience is tied to badge count, not specific Gym Leaders.
Transferred or Traded Pokémon Obedience
Does OT Matter?
Unlike previous generations, 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/trade. A level 17 Pokémon traded and subsequently leveled beyond 20 will still obey. A level 21 Pokémon received will disobey until the appropriate badge is earned.
