Pokemon Scarlet & Violet differences: Version exclusives explained

For years, Pokemon fans have used version differences to decide which of the two mainline games to purchase, and Scarlet and Violet are no different. Here’s an overview of all the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet version exclusives and differences, including the DLC.

Dating back to the release of Pokemon Blue and Red in 1996, Pokemon fans have had to choose between multiple versions of the franchise’s mainline installments. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet presented the same dilemma to players as they jumped into the ninth generation of Pokemon.

While most players are interested in discovering the version-exclusive Pokemon that are attached to each of the games, Scarlet and Violet introduced more version differences than ever when they released in November 2022. What’s more, the first part of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC, The Teal Mask, also brought new version exclusives for players to catch.

Here’s everything you need to know about the version differences between Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

• Exclusive Pokemon
• The Teal Mask exclusives
• Books
• Paldea professors
• Academy & outfits

Scarlet & Violet exclusive Pokemon

It comes as no surprise to learn that box legendaries Koraidon and Miraidon are version-exclusive Pokemon. Koraidon is the face of Pokemon Scarlet, while Miraidon is synonymous with Pokemon Violet.

These two legendary Pokemon are your method of transportation around the Paldea region across the ground, water, and air. Make your choice wisely as you’ll be seeing a lot of Koraidon and Miraidon.

Great Tusk (left) and Iron Treads (right) are available in Scarlet and Violet respectively. These Pokemon are past and future versions of Donphan found in the Paldea region. Scarlet and Violet introduced several new past and future versions of classic Pokemon called Paradox Pokemon and you can take a look at them below.

Scarlet exclusive Pokemon

• Koraidon
• Armarouge
• Brute Bonnet (Past Amoongus)
• Flutter Man (Past Misdreavous)
• Great Tusk (Past Donphan)
• Roaring Moon (Past Salamence)
• Sandy Shocks (Past Magneton)
• Scream Tail (Past Jigglypuff)
• Slither Wing (Past Volcarona)
• Deino, Zweilous, Hydreigon
• Larvitar, Pupitar, Tyranitar
• Drifloon, Drifblim
• Stonjourner
• Oranguru
• Stunky, Skuntank
• Skrelp, Dragalge

Violet exclusive Pokemon

• Miraidon
• Ceruledge
• Iron Treads (Future Donphan)
• Iron Bundle (Future Delibird)
• Iron Hands (Future Hariyama)
• Iron Jugulis (Future Hydreigon)
• Iron Moth (Future Volcarona)
• Iron Thorns (Future Tyranitar)
• Iron Valiant (Future Gardevoir)
• Dreepy, Drakloak, Dragapult
• Bagon, Shelgon, Salamence
• Clauncher, Clawitzer
• Gulpin, Swalot
• Misdreavus, Mismagius
• Passimian
• Eiscue

The Pokemon Company also confirmed that the pseudo-legendary evolution lines of Tyranitar and Salamence are version exclusives. Larvitar appears exclusively in Pokemon Scarlet, while Bagon can only be found in Violet.

In addition, Gen 8 Pokemon Stonjourner and Eiscue are also version exclusives for Scarlet and Violet, respectively.

Scarlet & Violet The Teal Mask DLC exclusive Pokemon

The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC also brings new version-exclusive Pokemon to Scarlet and Violet. The first half, titled The Teal Mask, is already here, and these are the exclusive Pokemon you’ll find exploring the DLC depending on the version of the game:

Scarlet exclusive Pokemon

• Gligar
• Gliscor
• Cramorant

Violet exclusive Pokemon

• Aipom
• Ambipom
• Morpeko

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Books

The Scarlet Book and Violet Book are two relics with ancient details that appear in each game respectively. The books are filled with photographs and sketches of unidentified Paradox Pokemon and it’s up to players to track them down.

While some of these Pokemon were available in the game at launch, others are making their way into Pokemon Scarlet and Violet through Tera Raid Battle events. Others might arrive with the expansion titled The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero.

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Paldea professors

For the first time in the Pokemon franchise, players have a different professor depending on the version they select.

Professor Sada, seen on the left, is one of the Paldea region’s two professors and appears in Pokemon Scarlet. Meanwhile, Turo, seen on the right, is the professor you’ll encounter in Pokemon Violet.

As you can see from the professors’ attire, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are centered around a theme of ancient vs. modern. This isn’t just an aesthetic difference, but it also has roots in gameplay and Pokemon exclusives.

Scarlet & Violet academy and outfits

Paldea’s largest city in the region, Mesagoza, is home to the academy trainers attend. Scarlet players will visit Naranja Academy, while Violet players will hone their skills at Uva Academy.

The Naranja and Uva Academy uniform colors vary to match the respective title’s color theme.

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If you’re interested in more Pokemon, we have other Scarlet & Violet guides for you to browse:

How to get Gimmighoul Roaming Form in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet | How many Pokemon are there? | How to catch Shiny Pokemon in Scarlet & Violet | How does EXP Share work in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet? | How to catch all Legendaries in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet | How to breed eggs in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet | How to get every Eevee evolution in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Stake locations: All Shrines | How to restart Pokemon Scarlet & Violet | How to get Master Ball in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet