For the very first time in the license, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet offers an open-world adventure, fully explorable in solo or multiplayer. Here's how to unlock local and online co-op in Paldea.
An open world that can be explored by 4 people
Although the entirety of Paldea is explorable with 4 (or less), this does not mean that the main adventure can be shared. Only a few activities are possible to perform in multiplayer either locally or online:
- Poké Portal : a way to exchange Pokémon with other trainers, to make magic exchanges or to fight,
- Union Room : the functionality allowing you to activate 4-player co-op on your game (it is included in the Poké Portal) to explore the region, go on picnics or Teracristal Raids.
On the coop side, the players who will accompany you on your adventure will be able to help you face Pokémon in Teracristal raids, encourage you during fights against wild Pokémon, show you their own Pokémon, or even ride alongside you with their motorcycles.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's adventure isn't actually shared to speak of. Do not expect to live the main scenario with your loved ones but rather that they accompany you.
How to unlock the multiplayer mode and use it?
When to unlock it?
You will unlock the multiplayer functions as soon as you approach your first Pokémon Center. You do not necessarily need to go to this yellow circle since the Poké Portal option will then be available in your Main Menu (X). The yellow circle simply provides a direct shortcut to Club Union to create or join a club.
Invite or join friends via Union Room
Whether locally or online (internet connection required and therefore Nintendo Switch Online subscription required), operation requires a private code that you communicate to players who want to join your game, or vice versa. To play in local co-op: make sure you are offline.
- Open the Poké Portal menu or the Club Union of the Pokémon Center,
- Create a Club and define a password to communicate to other players, or enter the password received,
- You can now explore Paldea together.
Raiding and Trading via the Poké Portal
The Poké Portal menu offers other online activities that do not require going to another player's world. So, if you want to do Teracrystal Raids without going to another world, you can click on the "Teracristal Raids" option in the menu and enter the password given by a player.
It is also in this menu that you can recover your Mystery Gifts as well.
