One of the biggest selling points for Pokémon Scarlet & Violet on the Nintendo Switch is that Game Freak have enhanced the amount of online offerings there are, including the ability to explore the region of Paldea with up to three friends. There is a bit of a process to go through in order to unlock online play though, so allow us to explain what you need to do.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to play with friends in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet.
In order to play with friends, you’ll need to complete the introductory section of the game first. Once you’ve made it to the lighthouse after picking your starter and meeting the Legendary Pokémon Koraidon or Miraidon (depending on if you’re playing Scarlet or Violet), you just need to travel down the road to the first Pokémon Center. Here, you can heal your Pokémon, access the Poké Mart and craft new TMs at the TM Machine.
It’s also here where you’ll find the Union Circle, the key to playing Pokémon Scarlet & Violet online with friends. Once you’ve reached the Union Circle, you can either join your friends or host games that your friends can join. You can do this in both online and offline mode, with the offline mode intended for playing with friends who are in the same room or area as you.
In order to join someone’s game, you’ll need the host’s Link Code, so make sure you’re communicating with the host to ensure that you can join their game as soon as possible. Once you’ve entered the host’s game, you can explore Paldea together, catching and battling Pokémon. Link Trades, Link Battles and Raid Battles will only include people in your group, so you can’t match with other players for those modes while in a group.
READ MORE: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: All Type Strengths and Weaknesses Explained
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