How to set up a local or online multiplayer game and how to trade or battle with another player in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet

Read on below to learn how to set up a local or online multiplayer game in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet on Nintendo Switch:

Applies to:  Nintendo Switch Family, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch – OLED Model

In this article, you’ll learn how to trade or battle with another player in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet.

Note

• 2-4 Players with a copy of Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet can explore, battle, or trade together online or via local wireless connection.
• A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to use the online multiplayer features.
• The Poké Portal becomes available after you reach the first Pokémon Center in Los Platos.

Complete these steps

Launch Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet from the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu.

What do you want to do?

Explore Paldea with Other Players

1. Press the X Button during gameplay to access the in-game menu.
2. Select Poké Portal.
   • This feature becomes available after you reach the first Pokémon Center in Los Platos.
3. Press the L Button to toggle between Local or Internet communication.
4. Select Union Circle.

Are you forming a group or joining a group?

Forming a Group

1. Select Form a group.
2. A Link Code will appear. Provide this link code to the other players who will be joining your game.
3. Once all players have gathered in the group, select Set out together. The other players in the group will appear your game.
4. Once you are done playing together, you can return to the Union Circle menu to disband the group.

Joining a Group

1. Select Join a group.
2. Enter the Link Code from the group you want to join. The group host will have to provide this to you.
3. Once the host selects to Set out together, the other players in the group will appear in your game.
4. Once you are done playing together, you can return to the Poké Portal menu to leave the group.

Trade Pokémon

1. Press the X Button during gameplay to access the in-game menu.
2. Select Poké Portal.
   • This feature becomes available after you reach the first Pokémon Center in Los Platos.
3. Press the L Button to toggle between Local or Internet communication.

Do you want to trade with a friend or trade with anyone?

Friend

1. Select Link Trade.
2. Have both players select Set Link Code and enter the same 8-digit code, then OK.
   • Check the upper-right corner to make sure that you’re each set to the same communication type – “Offline Mode” or “Online Mode”.
3. Select Begin Searching.
4. The system will search for another player that has entered the same code. Once a trade partner is found, the trade menu will open.
5. Choose the Pokémon you want to trade, then select Trade it.
6. The other player’s Pokémon will appear on the screen. Each player must select Trade it for the trade to complete.

Anyone

Do you want to see what Pokémon the other player is offering for the trade?

Yes

1. Select Link Trade.
2. Select Begin Searching.
3. The system will search for a random player to trade with. Once a trade partner is found, the trade menu will open.
4. Choose the Pokémon you want to trade, then select Trade it.
5. The other player’s Pokémon will appear on the screen. Each player must select Trade it for the trade to complete.

No

1. Select Surprise Trade.
2. Choose the Pokémon you want to trade, then select Trade it.
3. The system will search for a random player to trade with while you continue your adventure.
4. Once a trade partner is found and the trade is completed, a notification will appear. Press the Y Button, or select Surprise Trade from the Poké Portal again, to check the results of the Surprise Trade.

Battle Another Player

1. Press the X Button during gameplay to access the in-game menu.
2. Select Poké Portal.
   • This feature becomes available after you reach the first Pokémon Center in Los Platos.

Do you want to battle with a friend or battle with anyone?

Friend

1. Press the L Button to toggle between Local or Internet communication.
2. Select Link Battle.
3. Have each player select Set Link Code and enter the same 8-digit code, then OK.
   • Check the upper-right corner to make sure that you’re each set to the same communication type – “Offline Mode” or “Online Mode”.
4. Have each player choose the same battle format (Single Battle, Double Battle, Multi Battle).
   • Single Battle and Double Battle are 2-player battles; Multi Battle is a 4-player battle.
5. Select Yes to begin searching for an opponent.
6. Once an opponent is found, one player will be selected to choose the battle rules.
7. Once rules are set and all players have selected their battle teams, select Preparations Complete!

Anyone

Do you want to play using custom rules or pre-set rules?

Custom Rules

1. Press the L Button to toggle between Local or Internet communication.
2. Select Link Battle.
3. Have each player choose the same battle format (Single Battle, Double Battle, Multi Battle).
   • Single Battle and Double Battle are 2-player battles; Multi Battle is a 4-player battle.
4. Select Yes to begin searching for an opponent.
5. Once an opponent is found, one player will be selected to choose the battle rules.
6. Once rules are set and all players have selected their battle teams, select Preparations Complete!

Pre-set Rules

1. Check the top-right corner to ensure you are in “Online Mode”. If you are in “Offline Mode”, press the L Button to connect to the Internet.
2. Select Battle Stadium.
   • A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to use this mode.
3. Choose the type of battle you want to play:
   • Casual – Battle other trainers around the world for fun.
   • Ranked Battle – Compete in serious battles to aim for a high ranking. This will be added in a future update.
   • Online Competitions – Participate in ongoing competitions. This will be added in a future update.
4. Read through the information about the type of battle you’ve chosen, then follow the onscreen directions to begin.

Source: Nintendo Support

Source: Pokemon