Pokemon Scarlet and Violet (SV) features several multiplayer features not seen in previous Pokemon games. Read on to learn more about the Poke Portal, its online features, multiplayer features including battling and trading, Nintendo Online, Co-Op adventures with other players, and more!

How to Play Multiplayer

Form or Join a Group via the Union Circle

	Steps How to Play Multiplayer
1	You can play multiplayer with your friends and other trainers via the Union Circle which can be accessed through the Poke Portal or by interacting with the yellow screen by the side of Pokemon Centers.
2	To access Union Circle via the Poke Portal, simply open the menu using the "X button" and select "Poke Portal".
3	In the next screen, select Union Circle and choose whether you're going to create a group of your own or join one.
4	If you chose to form a group of your own, share the link code at the bottom left corner of your screen to your friends so they can join you.
5	If you chose to join an existing group, make sure to ask your friends for their group's link code so you can join them.
6	When everything's all set, you can start exploring the Paldea region with your friends!

Play Locally or Online with Friends

You can play with your friends and other trainers locally or online via the Union Circle.

If you want to play multiplayer locally, make sure that you and your friends are gaming near each other! Otherwise, you can subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online so you can game with your friends anywhere in the world!

Couch Co-Op Not Available

Unfortunately, couch co-op is not available in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Your friends need to have their own Nintendo Switch and their own copy of either Pokemon Scarlet or Pokemon Violet before they can play with you.

All Multiplayer and Online Features

All Multiplayer and Online Features
Union Circle: Co-op Adventure Features Trade with other players Multiplayer Tera Raid Battles Battle other trainers in the Battle Stadium Participate in Mass Outbreaks Together Catch Version Exclusives Evolve Finizen

Union Circle: Co-Op Adventure Features

Play with up to three friends locally or online using the Union Circle feature that is accessible through the Poke Portal.

Explore Together or Apart

There is no limit to where you and your friends can go in the Paldea region if you decide to play together. Each of you can even go to the opposite sides of the map and you will still be connected via the Union Circle.

You can always see where your friends are on the map and you will even be notified of their activities!

Go On a Picnic with Friends

You can also have a picnic with your Pokemon along with up to three of your friends online! Simply set up a picnic via the menu and have your friends find where your picnic area is or vice versa.

While on a picnic, you can play with Pokemon, create sandwiches, or even take pictures with your friends and Pokemon! Try the new Photo Club Effects introduced in the Indigo Disk DLC to add more flare to your pictures!

How to Picnic: All Features and Benefits

Show Off Your Pokemon to Your Friends

Caught a cool new Pokemon you want to show off? Let them out of their Poke Ball using the Let's Go feature so they can walk with you! Walking Pokemon can be seen by your friends and vice versa!

Complete Union Circle BBQ

Participating in Union Circles lets you enjoy Pokemon Scarlet and Violet with your friends while helping you progress through The Indigo Disk DLC faster while gaining exclusive rewards!

You and your friends can complete the Union Circle Blueberry Quests. These quests net you more BP compared to doing Solo Blueberry Quests. You and your friends will also get the chance to obtain Union Circle exclusive Legendary Snacks from Snacksworth.

Union Circle Blueberry Quests

Trade with Other Players

Much like the previous Pokemon games, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet lets you trade with other players. The Poke Portal has a Link Trade option that allows you to trade Pokemon with a specific person.

Surprise Trades allow you to trade with random trainers

The official website confirms Surprise Trades will be making a comeback. This is a feature that was in Pokemon Sword and Shield, which allows you to trade your Pokemon with a random trainer somewhere in the world. You both will not know what Pokemon you are receiving until the trade is complete.

How to Trade Locally and Online

Trade with Other Game8 Users

Join our Pokemon Discord or participate in our Trading Board to consistently trade and interact with other Trainers! This is also your one-stop shop find everything Pokemon related!

Game8 Pokemon Discord -
Pokemon Trading and Union Circle Discord

Multiplayer Tera Raid Battles

When you receive the latest Poke Portal data, you can participate with a team of four trainers in Tera Raid Battles! These raid battles let you encounter and catch Pokemon with unique Tera types.

Your group can even try taking down tough Tera Pokemon in Black Crystal Tera Raid Battles, which can appear in the map!

Tera Raid Battle Events and Schedule

Battle Other Trainers in the Battle Stadium

Just like in previous games, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet lets you battle with other trainers in the Battle Stadium using the "Link Battle" option in the Poke Portal. There are two available battle modes to choose from: Casual Battles and Rank Battles.

Rank Battles will be available in December 2022, while Online Competitions will be released in spring 2023.

Battle Stadium: Will There Be Ranked Battles?

Participate in Mass Outbreaks Together

With the Union Circle, you and other Trainers can see and interact with the host's available mass outbreaks. Playing with other Trainers also entails the possibility of Shiny Hunting together with your friends, even making hunts more efficient!

Mass Outbreak Events Schedule and Pokemon

Catch Version Exclusives

If you and other Trainers hold different versions of the game, playing together lets you catch version exclusive Pokemon in the wild you otherwise cannot. Utilize this feature with a friend to complete your Pokedex without trading!

All Version Exclusives: New, Returning, Paradox, Legendary and DLC

Evolve Finizen

Finizen's evolution criteria require you to level it up to 38 while in a multiplayer session with other Trainers. Quite literally, Finizen will stay a citizen if you do not play with your pals!

Finizen Evolution: How to Get and Evolve Finizen

Is Nintendo Switch Online Required?

Nintendo Switch Online is Required for Online Features

If you are gearing to play online with friends, you need to make sure that you and your friends are subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online. This subscription is required before you can access the game's online features!

If you want to try it out, Nintendo offers a 7-day free trial of Nintendo Switch Online in the Nintendo eShop.

Purchase and learn more about Nintendo Switch Online at the official Nintendo site.

Nintendo Switch Online Plans

Update to Version 1.0.1 to Enable Multiplayer Features

In addition to a Nintendo Switch Online, these multiplayer features require you to download the Version 1.0.1 update.

The update will be available during the game's release date and requires at least 1 GB of free space in your Nintendo Switch internal system memory or in your microSD card.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Related Guides

Beginner's Tips and Tricks

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Tips and Tricks