Pokémon Scarlet vs Violet: Which Version should you buy?

While there is nothing, I enjoy more than playing Pokémon, I dread the dilemma of having to choose which version to buy each time there’s a new release. I especially, had the hardest time deciding when it came to Scarlet and Violet, which was the first Pokémon generation to even have different professors. While both versions are generally similar in terms of the core of the game, several key differences make each a great choice in its own right.

But because we don’t all have the luxury of buying both versions at the same time, I wrote this article to help you make up your mind on which one to get first. In the article, I will discuss the key differences that may sway your decision, so keep reading to find out the final verdict.

Pokémon Scarlet vs Violet- How They Compare

To begin with here is a table summary of how the two versions, Scarlet and Violet, differ:

Features	Scarlet	Violet
Color and Theme	Primal and pre-historic theme with a primarily red-orange color.	Robotic and futuristic theme with a primarily purple color.
School and Uniform	School: Naranja Uniform: red-orange striped aesthetic Professor: Sada	School: Uva Uniform: solid purple aesthetic Professor: Toro
Legendries	Koraidon	Miraidon
Paradox Pokémon	Main paradox: Great Tusk Overall, more versatile and adaptable in battle	Main Paradox: Iron Bundle Overall, fewer weaknesses but are not versatile in battle.
Exclusive Pokémon	Deino / Zweilous / Hydreigon Larvitar / Pupitar / Tyranitar Armarouge Drifloon / Drifblim Skrelp / Dragalge Stunky / Skuntank Oranguru Stonjourner	Eiscue Clauncher / Clawitzer Passimian Bagon / Shelgon / Salamence Dreepy / Drakloak / Dragapult Misdreavus / Mismagius Ceruledge Gulpin / Swalot

What are the differences between Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet?

Here is a detailed discussion of the key differences to consider that may affect your final decision:

Color and Theme

This is usually the main difference in Pokémon versions. In this case, Scarlet has a primal and ancient design and a predominantly red-orange color theme. This is evident right from the professor, who went with a prehistoric look featuring a fur-trimmed lab coat. I also loved that the Pokémon in the game also appear more monster-like with sharp fangs and large claws.

Violet, however, had a predominantly purple and more futuristic design, starting with the professor’s space-themed jumpsuit, similar to something you’d see on Star Wars. The Pokémon were also more robotic and techier, which was something I didn’t mind, but felt it made all the creatures appear almost similar.

Overall, I feel that the two versions tied in this category, since it depends on what theme you find more appealing. Being an old soul, myself, I preferred the prehistoric design.

School and Uniform

Another key difference that you’ll always find in contending versions is the school and uniform. If you choose Scarlet, you will be attending Naranja Academy, with a stripped red-orange uniform. On the other hand, if you choose Violet, you will attend Uva Academy, with a solid purple uniform, which I preferred to the orange stripes.

While the academy and uniform don’t affect your experience playing the game, I discovered that unlike in Sword and Shield, I was not able to change my uniform later in the game. I could only change the accessories based on the four seasonal choices provided, so I was stuck with the uniform colors.

Additionally, for the first time in the series, the professors in the two versions are also different. With Scarlet, you’ll get Professor Sada, who is more interested in the past and history, while in Violet, there is Professor Toro, who favors knowing more about the future. Once again, your choice of professor will not affect your gaming experience, so just go with your favorite.

Therefore, in this category, the two versions once again tie, since the choice is based on preference. I would personally prefer Violet’s uniform over Scarlet’s red-orange striped shorts.

Box Legendries

This is one of the most defining factors when it comes to picking one version over the other. Which legendary is better? In this case, I thought Koraidon in Scarlet, was better than Miraidon in Violet, starting with the fact that it is a fighting dragon and the latter is an electric dragon. While Miraidon has fewer weaknesses, I didn’t like that it was a one-trick pony. It had an inflexible single-minded approach in battle, as compared to Koraidon which is more adaptable in battle.

Also, when it comes to their transversal abilities, while both can climb, swim, fly, and run at equal speeds, I found that Koraidon was still the better choice. Its bulky design makes it an “all-terrain” Pokémon with great coverage, as compared to Miraidon’s sleek sci-fi-like jet bike physique. But I guess their varying designs are purely up to your taste and preference as a player, and also which you’d prefer riding.

But, Koraidon wins this category given its versatility which makes it a more practical choice over Miraidon.

Paradox Pokémon

With stats that could rival Legendary Pokémon, Paradox Pokémon are usually custom-built for competitive play. So, you’ll want to choose from the strongest roaster, which I believe was the line-up offered in Scarlet. Starting with the design, the Scarlet version was more creative, covering a wide variety of pre-historic looks. I loved that they reimagined the original Pokémon, while still making them recognizable. Violet’s techy forms, on the other hand, seemed all felt similar to me. Additionally, I thought the robotic designs hid the Pokémon’s type.

Furthermore, I felt that Scarlet had a much stronger line-up, given that each paradox was multifunctional and versatile when it came to battle. On the other hand, versatility and utility are something that Violet’s Paradoxes lacked. I found that it was easy to plan around their attacks and strategies in battle.

So, Scarlet’s Paradox Pokémon are the clear winners in this category, given their versatility and ability to adapt in battle.

Exclusive Pokémon

While you can always trade your exclusive Pokémon with other players later, sometimes it’s best to avoid the hustle by picking the version with your most preferred Pokémon. Both Scarlet and Violet offer an impressive list of exclusives, so it may depend on your preference in the end.

I was more inclined toward Scarlet’s exclusives given their pre-historic and monster-like appearance compared to Violet’s robotic and machine-like forms. But I was torn by the fact that the adorable, penguin Eiscue was part of Violet’s list of exclusives.

In the end, both versions tie in this category since it boils down to personal preference. However, try to pick the version that has more of the exclusives you want in your Pokedex.

Final Verdict: So, Which Version Should You Buy? – Pokémon Scarlet or Violet

All things considered; I would say that Scarlet would be the better version to buy first. While its Pokémon have more weaknesses, they offer better versatility and adaptability on the battlefield which may come in handy in competitive battles. Also, if you are a fan of the older Pokémon generations then you’ll enjoy, Scarlet’s prehistoric theme. Its design is more creative having covered a wider variety of past Pokémon looks. Even so, Violet has its benefits. For example, I would say their uniform is much prettier and if you are into a more futuristic theme then, that’s the version to go for. The bottom line is, it is a matter of preference, since you can always trade to get the Pokémon, you want from the other version.

FAQ Section

Which is more popular Pokémon Scarlet or Violet?

While most players seemed to incline toward Scarlet’s pre-historic theme, it would seem that Violet is the popular option based on sales profits. The Violet version so far accounts for 52% of the sales.

Is Pokémon Violet more successful than Pokémon Scarlet?

Yes, Pokémon Violet seems to be more successful compared to the Scarlet version. This is because according to the sales, Violet seems to have sold more than its counterpart. This is in line with the trend of sales for the Pokémon series from Gen 1 to Gen 9, whereby, sales for the red-themed versions interestingly always seemed to be lower than the counterpart except in Gen 8 versions.

Which was released first Pokémon Violet or Scarlet?

Both Pokémon Scarlet and Violet were released on the same date as previous generations. The new Generation 9 Pokémon was released on 18^th November 2022 and both have been a hit ever since.

Which one has the best starter between Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

Fu coco is the best starter to use in both Scarlet and Violet, to beat the game’s main story. However, given that this Gen 9 Pokémon has 3 different paths to complete, you can tackle them in any order, using your preferred starter.

How many hours does it take to finish Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

To beat the main storyline in Scarlet and Violet, the estimated time is between 25-30 hours. This takes into account, the time you’ll use, exploring new towns, battling other trainers, and catching Pokémon.