Pokémon Crimson & Violet: The Best Getting Started Tips You Probably Didn't Know

When players start playing Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, it's important to examine the controls and game mechanics to understand how the game works.

Pokémon Crimson and Violet can seem daunting to players new to the series. Even if players have experience battling Pokémon and building the perfect team, the ninth-generation games will introduce some new mechanics. It can overwhelm anyone. While players are frozen in front of this bright world, there are a few tricks they can use to master Pokémon Crimson and Violet.

One of the best tips for beginners in almost any game is to take the time to check the controls. Players can view the game options to see which buttons correspond to which actions. Examining the controls lets players learn about Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's mechanics, such as fast travel. With so many controls and gameplay elements, Screen Rant picked out some lesser-known but important tricks to remember.

Lock the Map Perspective

The UI maps for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are in the lower right corner. When the game starts, the map will rotate according to the player's perspective. If players find this disorienting, they can go into their settings and lock the map to the main directions. This means only the player icon will move on the map.

Release Pokémon for Auto-Battles

When players explore the world, they can release Pokémon into auto-battle mode by pressing R, and ZR triggers Walking with Pokémon mode. When a Pokémon walks in auto battle mode, it will fight wild Pokémon like Pawmi or Gible without triggering a battle with the player.

This helps the Pokémon and the rest of the team gain XP quickly, which leads to evolution. Meanwhile, Walk With Pokémon Mode lets Pokémon find items for players. Both modes are a great way to strengthen your team without having to keep fighting. It's also fun to have cute Pokémon with their trainers who actually accompany them like real sidekicks.

Make the Most of Food Vendors

The Pokémon games provide plenty of food for Pokémon, but they don't involve human food like Pokémon Crimson and Violet. Players may be inclined to ignore the restaurants scattered around Paldea, preferring traditional fare or making their own sandwiches. However, if the player has enough money, eating a meal from a food vendor can grant them three different abilities, like the ability to make sandwiches. These meals are an easy way to quickly prepare for a specific event.

For Better Exploration, Fight the Titans

hunting For Titans, it's one of three main storylines in Pokémon Crimson and Violet, and the key to unlocking Koraidon or Miraidon's special moves, like swimming and dashing. The stronger the Legendary Pokémon, the more Paldea players can explore. Therefore, players who want to find all the secrets of the area should fight the titans early on.

Go to School (No, Seriously)

Pokémon and school are like Ash and Gary; eternal rivals. However, studying at Scarlet's Naranja Academy or Violet's Uva Academy not only teaches players the basics of playing Pokémon games, but also new mechanics of the world, such as Tera Raids and Picnics. Take classes and pass exams to get Exp. candy. Players can also befriend their teachers for even more rewards.

Look at the Pokédex Once in a While

Each game session, players should open their Pokédex and press X a few times. As players reach milestones and catch more Pokémon like Falinks, they'll be rewarded. Players can also get Pokémon Pokédex rewards from Mr. Jacques, the biology teacher at the academy.

Poké Dolls Are Actually Useful Now

In the past, Pokémon games were linear, and players rarely encountered wild Pokémon they had to flee from. pokemon scarlet and Violet, however, is open-world, which means players will stumble into areas they're not ready to enter and be spooked by high-level Pokémon. To protect themselves, they can instantly buy Poké Dolls from any Poké Mart if they have money. Using Poké Dolls guarantees a guaranteed escape from dangerous battles.

Play the Way You Want to Play

In a strategy game like Pokémon, players are immersed in the process of building and becoming the best team possible. It's easy to forget that this isn't the only way to play. Despite its low Metacritic rating, Pokémon Crimson and Violet is a fun game that everyone should enjoy.

At the end of the day, the player's adventure is their own, and they can choose to optimize it, develop fun team gimmicks, or just explore the land with their favorite Pokémon. These tips can help players get started, but once they have a few things down, they can enjoy the game to the fullest.

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