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Earlier this week, The Pokemon Company held a livestreamed presentation for the brand that included a lengthy trailer (and breakdown) for Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet, the ninth generation of mainline Pokemon titles. In the presentation, fans were treated to some exciting new details about the new region, the new Pokemon, and a new gameplay mechanic called Terastallization, in which Pokemon can gain strength during battle by turning themselves into shiny jewels, taking on a new type in the process.

Because of all the new information that came out of the trailer, this post will break down some of the burning questions that Pokemon fans may have about Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Let's get into it.

Updated on November 16, 2022: There's been a bevy of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet information that has surfaced since the original publishing of this guide. And because of that, we've updated this FAQ page with even more burning questions that the Pokemon community has been searching on the web.

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Is Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Open-World?

A map of the Paldea region from Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Yes. Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet are both the first truly open-world games in the series, allowing players to make their own path through the Paldea region. There are eight Gym Leaders to battle against, but this time around, trainers can choose to battle them in whichever order they want to. There are other storylines to follow that can be completed at any time, like one involving the capture of giant Pokemon called Titans and another storyline about taking down some villains.

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Is Pokemon Scarlet and Violet a Remake?

Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet are not remakes. Both games take place in an entirely brand-new region with new critters to catch. Of course, Pokemon from previous generations of games will make an appearance as usual.

What are the Version Exclusives so far?

pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-professors

As for the Pokemon that are exclusive to Scarlet and Violet, they are as follows (more will be announced later on as the launch gets closer):

Exclusive to Scarlet

  • Larvitar
  • Pupitar
  • Tyranitar
  • Stonjourner
  • Koraidon

Exclusive to Violet

  • Bagon
  • Shelgon
  • Salamence
  • Eiscue
  • Miraidon

Depending on the version players choose to play, they'll meet one of two Pokemon professors. Scarlet players will get to chat it up with Professor Sada, and Violet players will meet Professor Turo. There are also two different academies players will get to attend, with each of them offering a unique outfit for trainers.

What's the Region in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet?

The region's name is Paldea, and like past Pokemon regions, players will get the chance to explore all types of biomes, like a snow-peaked mountain, forests, and more. Fans have speculated that the region is based on the European country, Spain.

Is Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Multiplayer?

pokemon-scarlet-violet-co-op-raid-battles

In a first for the mainline series, Pokemon trainers will be able to explore the region of Paldea with up to three friends online. Friends can take on Raid Battles together to fight against Terastallized wild Pokemon, and with the new Union Circle feature, players can bring their friends into the same space.

Is GameStop Doing a Midnight Release for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet?

Nintendo nor The Pokemon Company have come out and said that there's a midnight release for GameStop, at least in the States, but some stores might still be doing one of their one. Just make sure to call up the local GameStop location to see if they're doing a midnight launch for the pair of RPGs.

What are the Starter Pokemon, and How do Their Evolutions Look?

pokemon scarlet and violet starters

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet players will be able to choose one of the three Paldea region starters. There's Sprigatito, the grass-type cat; there's Quaxly, the water-type duckling; and then there's Fuecoco, the fire-breathing dino-crocodile thing. The Pokemon Company have yet to officially confirm the starter Pokemon's evolutions, but some leaks have come out that revealed their designs. For people wondering how they look, click HERE.

What Time Does Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Release?

Digital versions of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet should unlock on the Switch sometime around 9 PM PST on Thursday, November 17.

When is Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Coming Out?

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will launch exclusively for the Switch on November 28, 2022.

MORE: Predicting Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Three Storylines