How to play Co-Op in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

The Co-Op feature in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet adds a lot of cool gameplay activities to the game. Here are some of the things you can do with your friends while exploring Paldea.

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are the most complete games of the franchise so far, and we know it is easy to get lost with all the things it has to offer. It is also the second instance of the franchise that has the Co-Op mode available. Let’s go through all the details about the multiplayer mode and what you can do with your friends while exploring the huge and alluring Paldea region.

Unlike Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu & Eevee, in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, you can enjoy absolute freedom while exploring together with friends. Here are some basic things you need to know first before jumping into Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Co-Op action with your friends.

• Do you need NSO Subscription to play Co-Op in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet?
• What is Union Circle, and how do I access it?
• Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Co-op activities
• How do I participate in a Pokemon Raid with my friends?

Do you need a Nintendo Switch Online Subscription to play Co-Op in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet?

No, you can enjoy most of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Co-Op features without the need for a Nintendo Online Subscription, if you play locally with your friends. However, if you want to get the full experience, we highly recommend you get a Nintendo Switch Online Subscription, as it unlocks the full potential of the Co-Op mode, and allows you to play with your friends wherever they are, whenever you want to.

Additionally, having a Nintendo Switch Online Subscription allows you to engage in a full range of activities, including PvP Battles, trades, Tournaments, and Online Tera Raid Battles.

What is Union Circle & how to access it in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet?

Union Circle is the main hub to access Pokemon Scarlet & Violet’s Co-Op features. You can find one in each Pokemon Center in the Paldea Region. It is highlighted as a yellow circle on one of the sides of the building with an interactive screen. You can also access the Online Interface using the Poke Portal section of the main menu.

The Pokemon Company

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Co-Op activities

There’s a lot to do in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Co-Op Mode. Of course, everything Pokemon-related becomes even more fun when you share it with your friends. You can explore together, participate in other players’ Picnics, you can engage in duo Battles, or watch as spectators while others compete with their preferred Pokemon to see who’s the best trainer. You can even use the Photo Mode and save all those lovely moments together.

One of the things you cannot do is battle wild Pokemon together. But you can hunt packs of Pokemon and benefit from the Picnic Buffs called Meal Powers. For example, those that grant you more chances for a Shiny Pokemon to appear.

There’s also a special evolution condition that requires you to be in Co-Op mode to trigger it. We are talking about Finizen (Nº 291 in Paldea’s Pokedex) which evolves into Palafin (Nº 292) once it hits level 38 during an online session. Palafin is one of the strongest Pokemon to have in your party.

How do I participate in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Raids with my friends?

Raids are a top-tier PvE activity that you can engage in during your Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Co-Op experience. Here’s an example guide on the most recent Tera Raid in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. Of course, you can participate in a Pokemon Raid with your friends, which makes things easier when you have to defeat the most challenging ones.

Game Freak/The Pokemon Company

You just need to approach the node highlighted with a column of light popping out of the Tera Nests, spread across Paldea. When engaging them during Co-Op Online or Offline LAN mode, your party will get into the Raid Lobby together. You also have the option to invite or be invited by friends during your Offline session mode. This option requires an active Nintendo Online Subscription.

That’s all what you need to know to play Co-Op in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. Check out our other useful guides and articles related below:

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