Which is Better After 1.5 Years: Pokemon Scarlet vs. Pokemon Violet?

Reflecting on the past one and a half years since their release, which ninth generation Pokémon game stands out as superior: Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet?

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: Which Game is Superior?

Deciding which Pokémon game triumphs in a generational lineup often hinges on the availability of superior version-exclusive Pokémon. However, for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, the distinction is not so clear-cut due to the frequent overlap in version exclusivity.

Version-Exclusive Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Released on November 18, 2022, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet offer a greater variety of version-exclusive Pokémon than their DLC expansions. The table below outlines all the standard version-exclusive Pokémon available in the base games of Scarlet and Violet:

Pokémon Scarlet Exclusive Pokémon (Base Game)	Pokémon Violet Exclusive Pokémon (Base Game)
Paldean Tauros (Blaze Breed)	Paldean Tauros (Aqua Breed)
Drifloon, Drifblim	Misdreavus, Mismagius
Stunky, Skuntank	Gulpin, Swalot
Skrelp, Dragalge	Clauncher, Clawitzer
Orangutan	Passimian
Stonejourner	Get out
Larvitar, Pupitar, Tyranitar	Bagon, Shelgon, Salamence
Deino, Zweilous, Hydreigon	Dreepy, Drakloak, Dragapult

Version-Exclusive Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet

It is important to note that Armarouge and Ceruledge are not classified as version-exclusive. While the items needed to evolve Charcadet (Auspicious and Malicious Armor) are version-exclusive, the Pokémon themselves can be encountered and captured in Tera Raid Battles. Moreover, each Pokémon listed in the table above can be encountered in Tera Raid Battles and captured, provided players find such a raid while playing online. If you cannot locate one, you can utilize Union Circle to connect with players of the other game version to capture the version-exclusive Pokémon.

Paradox Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

The games introduce Paradox Pokémon, which resemble ancient (in Scarlet) or futuristic (in Violet) versions of existing Pokémon. Below is a list of all version-exclusive Paradox Pokémon featured in the base games:

Pokémon Scarlet Exclusive Paradox Pokémon	Pokémon Violet Exclusive Paradox Pokémon
Great Tusk	Iron Treads
Scream Tail	Iron Bundle
Brute Bonnet	Iron Hands
Flutter Mane	Iron Jugulis
Slither Wing	Iron Moth
Sandy Shocks	Iron Thorns
Roaring Moon	Iron Valiant
Koraidon	Miraidon

Version-Exclusive Paradox Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet

Similar to the prior table, version-exclusive Paradox Pokémon can also be obtained from the opposing game through Union Circle. This flexibility allows players to choose their game based on preference while considering competitive viability later. The only exception is the legendary Pokémon Koraidon and Miraidon, which can only be obtained in their respective games and must be traded for if players wish to acquire the counterpart.

A note on Powerful Paradox Pokémon:

While Flutter Mane is widely regarded as the best pre-DLC Paradox Pokémon in VGC competitions, Iron Hands has matched Flutter Mane with world championships in 2023 and 2024. In singles, Flutter Mane shares the same tier as Iron Bundle (Ubers), making both Scarlet and Violet valuable for competitive play.

Which is Superior: Pokémon Scarlet’s Koraidon or Pokémon Violet’s Miraidon?

Comparison of Koraidon and Miraidon — Image via The Pokémon Company

Given that Koraidon and Miraidon are the only truly version-exclusive Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet, which one reigns supreme? Initially, Koraidon enjoyed greater usage in competitive settings due to its ability to set up sunny weather. Recently, however, Miraidon gained popularity and even secured victory at the 2024 World Championships in the Masters Division. This not only gives Miraidon a slight advantage over Koraidon in competitive play but also enhances the overall viability of Violet’s Paradox Pokémon.

Visual Contrast: Miraidon vs. Koraidon

Beyond gameplay variations, the primary distinction between Miraidon and Koraidon lies in their respective vehicle modes. Players in Pokémon Scarlet will travel across Paldea riding Koraidon, while those in Violet ride Miraidon. Miraidon operates more like a futuristic motorcycle, whereas Koraidon moves on all fours like the dragon it represents. Choosing between Scarlet or Violet may boil down to which “motorcycle”design you prefer, as there is no option to switch ride Pokémon.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC: Teal Mask and Indigo Disk Version-Exclusive Pokémon

The Teal Mask DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet was released on September 13, 2023, while The Indigo Disk was released on December 14, 2023. Like the previously mentioned Pokémon, these version-exclusive Pokémon can be freely accessed through Union Circle or Tera Raids. The primary distinction between the versions is what raids players can host and the availability of legendary Pokémon. The following table lists these version-exclusive Pokémon, but note that this does not significantly influence which game is better due to the straightforwardness of acquiring the opposing game’s Pokémon.

The Teal Mask: Pokémon Scarlet Exclusive Pokémon	The Teal Mask: Pokémon Violet Exclusive Pokémon
Gligar, Gliscor	Aipom, Ambipom
They cry	of Morpe
The Indigo Disk: Pokémon Scarlet Exclusive Pokémon	The Indigo Disk: Pokémon Violet Exclusive Pokémon
Alolan Vulpix, Alolan Ninetales	Alolan Sandshrew, Alolan Sandslash
Cranidos, Rampardos	Shieldon, Bastiodon
Raikou, Entei, Suicune	Cobalion, Terrakion, Virizion
Ho-oh	Lugia
Broads	Latios
Groudon	Kyogre
Reshiram	Zekrom
Solgaleo	Lunala
Glastrier	Spectrier
Gouging Fire, Raging Bolt	Iron Boulder, Iron Crown

DLC Version-Exclusive Pokémon from Scarlet and Violet

Differences in the Story of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Professors Sada and Turo — Image via The Pokémon Company

While Pokémon Scarlet and Violet feature distinct professors—Sada in Scarlet and Turo in Violet—their overarching story remains identical. The only divergence in dialogue pertains to Past or Future Paradox Pokémon references, alongside minor punctuation discrepancies. Both professors showcase impressive designs and formidable Pokémon teams, making it unreasonable to rank one as superior over the other. Yet, some may argue that Turo’s interest in the future is more sensible than Sada’s fascination with the ancient past. Ultimately, the narrative differences between Scarlet and Violet come down to individual preferences about the past or the future.

Main Differences between Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: Academy Uniforms

Scarlet Academy Uniform — Image via The Pokémon Company

Interestingly, the most significant differences between Pokémon Scarlet and Violet largely stem from the academy uniforms that players must wear. In Paldea, players cannot mix and match clothing tops and bottoms; they can only choose uniforms and customize the accessories worn. Unfortunately, the Naranja Academy (Scarlet) uniforms are less appealing due to their harsh oranges, making matching accessories challenging. Conversely, the Uva Academy (Violet) offers far more attractive uniforms. Fortunately for Scarlet players, the Teal Mask and Indigo Disk DLC introduce more outfit options, alleviating some disappointment.

Considering the aspects surrounding Koraidon and Miraidon, Sada and Turo, and the academy uniforms of Naranja and Uva, Pokémon Violet edges out Pokémon Scarlet, albeit by a slim margin. If you’re choosing between the two games nearly two years down the line, weigh your preference for the aesthetics of Miraidon versus Koraidon and consider the importance of character customization to you.

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