Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is the first mainline Pokémon game to offer co-op exploration in an open world. Everything goes through the Poké Portal, accessible from the menu.
Trades
- Link Trade: choose an 8-digit code and share it with your friend. Essential for getting version-exclusive Pokémon from the other game, or for evolving Pokémon that evolve by trade.
- Surprise Trade: send a Pokémon and receive one from a random player around the world.
- Trades with characters: some Paldea residents offer in-game trades.
Union Circle
Union Circle lets you play with up to four people in the same world: the host’s. You can:
- explore Paldea together and see each other in real time;
- take on Tera Raid Battles and picnics together;
- catch the version-exclusive Pokémon of the host’s version, if they appear in their world;
- evolve Finizen into Palafin, which requires reaching Lv. 38 during a multiplayer session.
Online play requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription; local communication between nearby consoles is free.
Online raids
Join or host Tera Raid Battles through the Poké Portal, with or without a code. It’s also a way to get Pokémon from the other version. See our online raids guide.
Pokémon HOME
Pokémon HOME is the online storage service that links the Pokémon games. With it, you can:
- transfer Pokémon from other games (Sword and Shield, Legends: Arceus, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Pokémon GO…) into Scarlet and Violet, provided they exist in Scarlet and Violet;
- keep your Pokémon safe and trade with other players;
- complete your National Pokédex more easily.
Academy pop quiz
How many players can play together in Union Circle?
Four players.
Where can you catch the other version’s exclusives in Union Circle?
In the host's world, if their exclusive Pokémon appear there.
