[Complete Guide] How to Battling Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet

When you enter the Pokémon universe, you’ll likely find yourself in a Pokémon battle at some point. These tests of physical and mental prowess are an exciting way to determine who is the best trainer in the area. The majority of your battles will be against wild Pokémon and other Pokémon trainers.

Confrontations with Wild Pokémon

Throughout your travels in the Paldea region, you will encounter a multitude of wild Pokémon roaming the countryside. Contacting one will initiate a turn-based battle that Pokémon fans will recognize immediately. Try to knock out or capture the wild Pokémon; either way, the Pokémon in your party will earn Exp. Points, and you may collect materials that can be used to create TMs. As previously stated, you can gain an advantage over a wild Pokémon by sneaking up on it and throwing the Poké Ball containing your lead Pokémon at it.

Tera Raid Battles are a variant of Pokémon battles against wild Pokémon in which you and a group of other Trainers face off against an incredibly powerful Terastallized Pokémon.

If you want to focus more on exploration than battles, you can use the “Let’s Go!” command to automatically send a Pokémon out to battle wild Pokémon. These Auto Battles, which function similarly to the battles you’ll face in Team Star’s bases, will not grant your party the same amount of Experience Points as a normal battle. You will also be unable to capture any of the wild Pokémon that your team faces in Auto Battles. However, your Pokémon will still earn Experience Points and collect items for you. Keep an eye on your Pokémon’s HP meter during Auto Battles to prevent them from becoming too exhausted to battle.

Participating in Trainer Combat (Or Not)

Once upon a time, it was a long-standing rule in the Pokémon series that when two Trainers looked at each other, they had to fight. In the area of Paldea, however, you have to talk to the many Trainers you meet before you fight. This means you no longer have to fear being forced into a fight when you’re simply trying to reach your destination. Don’t simply disregard Trainer battles though! Essential for earning more Exp. Points for your Pokémon, money for yourself, and Pokédex entries.