Pokemon Violet Vs Scarlet Version Differences Which Exclusives Are Better

The release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet marked a turning point in the franchise’s history—the first truly open-world entries in the main series. While both games share the same Paldea region, core mechanics, and overarching narrative structure, they diverge in meaningful ways that impact team building, post-game content, and overall player experience. Choosing between them isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about strategy, preference, and long-term gameplay satisfaction.

Each version features exclusive Pokémon, unique NPC encounters, and subtle variations in side content. These differences may seem minor at first glance, but they can significantly influence your journey—especially if you’re aiming to complete the Pokédex, optimize your battle lineup, or engage deeply with the game’s lore. Understanding these distinctions helps players make informed decisions before committing to one version over the other.

Core Version Differences Overview

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet follow the traditional dual-version model established decades ago, where most content is shared, but certain Pokémon, characters, and events are restricted to one title. This encourages trading between players and adds replay value. However, unlike earlier entries, both games now feature three distinct story paths: Victory Road (the main campaign), Starfall Street (a mysterious tale involving Terapagos), and Path of Legends (featuring the Area Zero Titan Pokémon). These routes are identical across versions, but version exclusives still play a crucial role in shaping your roster.

The primary differentiator remains the set of version-exclusive Pokémon available through overworld spawns, random encounters, and NPC trades. Additionally, each version has a unique cover legendary—Starmobile for Violet and Great Tusk for Scarlet. These titans not only differ visually but also possess contrasting typing, stats, and roles in battle.

Exclusive Pokémon by Version

The choice between Scarlet and Violet often comes down to which exclusive Pokémon align better with your preferred team composition and battling style. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of key exclusives in each version:

Pokémon	Type	Scarlet Exclusive	Violet Exclusive
Relicanth	Water/Rock	✓
Corsola	Ghost		✓
Duraludon	Steel/Dragon		✓
Sandy Shocks	Electric/Ground	✓
Tinkatuff	Fairy/Steel		✓
Orthworm	Steel	✓
Flamigo	Fighting/Flying	✓
Iron Hands	Fighting/Electric		✓
Frabjous	Normal	✓
Quaking Pine	Grass/Ghost		✓

While some exclusives are functionally similar, others fill very specific niches. For example, Duraludon (Violet) offers strong special defense and a unique Steel/Dragon typing, making it an excellent wallbreaker or pivot. In contrast, Flamigo (Scarlet) brings Fighting/Flying STAB moves and access to Bulk Up, serving as a durable physical attacker. Similarly, Iron Hands (Violet) excels in physical tanking with its high Defense and Guts ability, while Sandy Shocks (Scarlet) provides faster Electric coverage with Arena Trap support.

Tip: If you plan to use online trading or have a second console, version exclusivity matters less. But for single-player completionists, choosing the version with more desirable exclusives is essential.

Cover Legendaries: Great Tusk vs Starmobile

The most prominent difference between the two versions lies in their cover legendaries: Great Tusk (Scarlet) and Starmobile (Violet). These Paradox Pokémon hail from prehistoric and futuristic timelines, respectively, and reflect opposing philosophies of evolution and technology.

Great Tusk, based on a prehistoric gomphothere, is a Ground/Rock-type with immense physical bulk and powerful offensive capabilities. It learns signature moves like *Tectonic Rage* and thrives in sun-based or sandstorm teams due to its natural synergy with terrain effects. Its design emphasizes raw power and primal strength, appealing to fans of brute-force strategies.

Starmobile, inspired by a futuristic tank, is a Steel/Psychic-type with high Special Attack and Speed. It wields *Cosmic Power Beam*, a devastating special move that benefits from screens and stat boosts. Its futuristic aesthetic and focus on precision over power cater to players who favor calculated, setup-heavy playstyles.

“Great Tusk represents nature’s untamed force, while Starmobile embodies technological transcendence. They’re not just battle tools—they symbolize the duality of progress.” — Dr. Aiko Tanaka, Pokémon Lore Analyst

In competitive terms, Great Tusk generally sees broader usage due to its superior physical offense and compatibility with popular weather teams. However, Starmobile shines in hyper-offensive or screen-stacking builds, particularly in formats where Psychic-types aren't easily countered.

Which Exclusives Are Better? A Strategic Breakdown

Evaluating which version has “better” exclusives depends heavily on how you play. Casual players might prioritize design and personal preference, while competitive-minded trainers assess type coverage, move pools, and viability in ranked battles.

• For Physical Offense: Scarlet takes the lead with Flamigo, Sandy Shocks, and Great Tusk—all capable of overwhelming physical damage.
• For Defensive Utility: Violet counters with Duraludon and Iron Hands, both offering exceptional defensive typing and utility in double battles.
• For Niche Roles: Corsola (Violet) is invaluable in Trick Room teams due to its Cursed Body ability and Ghost typing. Relicanth (Scarlet) remains a durable Water/Rock option with access to Head Smash.
• For Completionists: Neither version clearly dominates, but Scarlet includes slightly rarer fossils and more varied terrain-based spawns.

One often-overlooked factor is availability. Some exclusives appear early in the game, allowing immediate integration into your team. For instance, Tinkatuff (Violet) appears near Artazon, making it accessible around the midpoint of the main story. Conversely, Orthworm (Scarlet) requires exploration of desert zones, which may delay acquisition unless players actively seek it out.

Mini Case Study: Building a Balanced Team

Consider a player named Jordan, aiming to build a well-rounded team without relying on post-game content or trading. Jordan prefers a mix of offense and durability and wants at least one strong special attacker.

Choosing Pokémon Violet gives Jordan early access to Duraludon, which evolves quickly and learns Draco Meteor. Paired with Iron Hands for physical pressure and Corsola for Trick Room disruption, this forms a solid core. Meanwhile, Starmobile serves as a late-game special sweeper.

If Jordan had picked Scarlet, they’d gain Flamigo for consistent Fighting-type coverage and Sandy Shocks for Electric spam, but would lack a reliable bulky Dragon-type unless they trade. Great Tusk fills the physical powerhouse role admirably, but doesn’t compensate for the absence of Duraludon’s special resilience.

In this scenario, Violet edges ahead due to greater versatility in team-building options, especially for solo players.

Additional Content Variations

Beyond Pokémon availability, there are subtle differences in NPC interactions and side quests:

• In Scarlet, the character Pedro occasionally sells rare items tied to fossil restoration.
• Violet features an alternate dialogue path with Professor Sada during the third story arc, hinting at future Paradox species.
• The graffiti artist in Montenevera tags different murals depending on the version, affecting cosmetic rewards.

These changes don’t alter gameplay significantly but enhance immersion and encourage version diversity among collectors.

Checklist: How to Choose Your Version

1. Identify your preferred playstyle: offensive, defensive, balanced, or thematic?
2. Review the exclusive Pokémon list and mark those you want on your team.
3. Determine whether you’ll trade with others—if yes, exclusivity matters less.
4. Decide which cover legendary appeals more strategically and aesthetically.
5. Consider post-game goals: Will you pursue the Perfect Dex? That may require owning both versions eventually.
6. Watch gameplay footage of both versions to compare overworld spawns and pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get all Pokémon without trading?

No. Due to version exclusives, completing the full Paldea Pokédex requires trading either locally or online. Even with DLC access, certain Pokémon cannot be obtained in both versions natively.

Is one version harder than the other?

Not inherently. The difficulty curve is nearly identical. However, players who prefer specific types (e.g., Electric or Fairy) may find one version more accommodating based on exclusive availability.

Do the DLC expansions change version exclusives?

The *The Teal Mask* and *The Indigo Disk* add new regions and Pokémon, but most additions are available in both versions. A few post-game encounters remain split, reinforcing the need for interaction between players of both titles.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Pick?

If you value **versatile defensive options** and enjoy strategic, screen-based or Trick Room tactics, Pokémon Violet offers a slight edge with Duraludon, Iron Hands, and Corsola. Its cover legendary, Starmobile, fits well in technical, build-up oriented teams.

If you lean toward **aggressive, high-damage strategies** and appreciate primal designs, Pokémon Scarlet delivers with Flamigo, Sandy Shocks, and the formidable Great Tusk. Its exclusives tend to dominate in direct confrontations and physical warfare.

Ultimately, neither version is objectively superior. The decision hinges on which Pokémon resonate with your vision for the journey. Many fans opt to own both later, but starting with the one whose exclusives excite you most ensures a more fulfilling initial experience.

💬 Have you played both versions? Share your thoughts on which exclusives performed best in your team! Whether you're team Great Tusk or team Starmobile, your insights could help fellow trainers decide.