Harry 
pokemon scarlet 2
Multiplayer functionality in *Pokémon Scarlet and Violet* is one of the most expansive and crucial elements, yet it has also left many players puzzled about its intricacies. After conducting a battery of tests, I’m here to dispel the confusion and share what you can truly achieve in multiplayer. It’s important to note that this was tested in local multiplayer, but the results are likely applicable to online sessions as well.
Setting Up Your Online Session
Firstly, you don’t need an active internet connection to get started. If you’re going online, simply press ‘L’ and open the Union Circle. The host forms a team, and a link code will be generated for them. Share this link code with anyone who wishes to join your world. Just remember, if the host disconnects, the entire session will abruptly end—so ensure the host has a solid connection.
If you’re joining a session, follow the same process by opening the Union Circle and inputting the host’s link code. Afterward, you’ll spawn at a random Pokémon Center within the game world. Here, you can interact with others by emoting or waving, confirming the multiplayer connection.
Cross-Version Pokémon Catching: Myth Dispelled
Yes, you can indeed connect with players from opposite game versions. Many were curious whether *Pokémon Scarlet* players could capture *Violet* exclusives and vice versa. The answer is a resounding yes. In one example, while playing on a *Scarlet* version, I joined a *Violet* world and encountered *Larvitar* (normally exclusive to *Scarlet*) in the overworld. Moments later, a *Bagon* (exclusive to *Violet*) appeared alongside the *Larvitar*. This discovery confirmed that version-exclusive Pokémon are tied to the player walking within their world.
We even tested this further by visiting different areas like the desert, where I spotted a *Stonejourner*—a *Scarlet*-exclusive Pokémon—while the *Violet* player could also capture their exclusives. So, the myth that you have to switch back and forth between versions to catch these Pokémon is false. Connecting once is all it takes to encounter version exclusives.
Free Roam Freedom
Another burning question—are players restricted to stay near the host? Fortunately, you have total freedom to roam wherever you please within the host’s world. Although you’ll initially appear on the same map, you can wander as far as you like. A helpful tip: You can check each other’s locations via the mini-map, where player icons are visible. Be cautious, though—if you venture too far, icons may disappear due to distance, although you’ll remain connected unless explicitly told otherwise by the game.
Shiny Hunting: It’s a Race!
One question that exploded on Twitter: Can you swipe another player’s shiny Pokémon in multiplayer? The answer is a bittersweet *yes*. If a shiny spawns and both players see it, it’s a race to see who interacts with it first. In one instance, I snagged a shiny Pokémon in a *Violet* world while the other player had no choice but to watch in dismay. Once you engage in battle with the shiny, it’s locked to you, meaning the other player can’t interfere.
Group Picnics: Who’s the Host?
You can join each other’s picnics, but there’s always a designated picnic host—whomever starts the picnic first in the world. Only the host can initiate a picnic, and their Pokémon will all appear in the session. Players who join can only bring out the first Pokémon in their party. What’s interesting is that any sandwiches the host makes can boost not only their Pokémon but also those of the other players. For example, if the host creates an Electric-type sandwich, the Pokémon spawns around them will reflect that type for all players in proximity.
Stacking Encounter Powers
Although you can’t technically “stack” encounter powers, multiple players can activate different boosts. These will take effect in the world simultaneously, and Pokémon types will spawn accordingly. For example, I used an Electric-type sandwich boost, while another player activated a Fire-type boost. As we wandered together, we observed Electric and Fire-type Pokémon spawning side by side.
This discovery is huge for shiny hunting. If a high-level player uses a shiny-boosting sandwich, those in their world can benefit from the increased shiny odds too, as long as they stay within proximity. Multiple players working together could result in an abundance of shiny Pokémon spawns.
Multiplayer Story Progression: Do What You Want
Yes, you can progress your story while playing together, but you won’t be able to team up for specific story quests. Each player can advance at their own pace. To test this, I entered a gym battle in *Scarlet* while another player in *Violet* engaged in a rematch. On my screen, the gym appeared empty, while on theirs, Grusha was awaiting a rematch.
#### Mass Outbreaks & Terra Raid Battles
Mass outbreaks will always be tied to the host’s world. Both players can participate, making shiny hunting in outbreaks a joint effort, though the shinies themselves are still claimed on a first-come, first-served basis.
As for Terra Raid battles, only the host can initiate them. Other players will receive a pop-up inviting them to join, regardless of where they are in the world. After the battle, everyone returns to their original positions within the game.
Trading and Breeding
Trading is seamless in multiplayer. Just enter a link code and trade away. As for breeding, you can indeed breed Pokémon together during picnics, and both players can check the basket for eggs. This feature opens the door to cooperative breeding efforts, where players with perfect IV Dittos can breed superior Pokémon together.
Multiplayer Sandwich Making
Collaborative sandwich making is also possible, allowing all players to partake in creating the same sandwich and benefiting from the same boosts. The more players, the bigger the sandwich, and everyone receives the same stat boosts for encounter rates and other effects.
In conclusion, *Pokémon Scarlet and Violet* offers an array of possibilities in multiplayer, allowing players to catch exclusives, hunt shinies, battle together, and even breed cooperatively. So go ahead and dive into the multiplayer experience, and enjoy the vast world of Paldea with your friends!
