How to Set Up a Local or Online Multiplayer Game (Pokémon Scarlet / Pokémon Violet)
Steps for how to trade or battle with another player in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch.
Before you start
You will need:
Your Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch console
An active Nintendo Switch Online membership
An internet connection
Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet software updated to the latest version.
Complete these steps
Launch Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet from the HOME Menu.
What do you want to do?
Press the X Button during gameplay to access the in-game menu.
Select Poké Portal.
This feature becomes available after you reach the first Pokémon Center in Los Platos.
Press the L Button to toggle between local and internet communication.
Select Union Circle.
Are you forming a group or joining a group?
Select Form a group.
A Link Code will appear. Provide this link code to the other players who will be joining your game.
Once all players have gathered in the group, select Set out together. The other players in the group will appear in your game.
While in a Union Circle group, players in the same group can also battle, trade and participate in Tera Raid Battles with each other.
Once you are done playing together, you can return to the Union Circle menu to disband the group.
Select Join a group.
Enter the Link Code from the group you want to join. The group host will have to provide this to you.
Once the host selects to Set out together, the other players in the group will appear in your game.
While in a Union Circle group, players in the same group can also battle, trade and participate in Tera Raid Battles with each other.
Once you are done playing together, you can return to the Poké Portal menu to leave the group.
Press the X Button during gameplay to access the in-game menu.
Select Poké Portal.
This feature becomes available after you reach the first Pokémon Center in Los Platos.
Press the L Button to toggle between local and internet communication.
Do you want to trade with a friend or trade with anyone?
Select Link Trade.
Have both players select Set Link Code and enter the same 8-digit code, then select OK.
Check the upper-right corner to make sure that you’re each set to the same communication type – “Offline Mode” or “Online Mode”.
Select Begin Searching.
The system will search for another player that has entered the same code. Once a trade partner is found, the trade menu will open.
Choose the Pokémon you want to trade, then select Trade it.
The other player’s Pokémon will appear on the screen. Each player must select Trade it for the trade to be completed.
Do you want to see what Pokémon the other player is offering for the trade?
Select Link Trade.
Select Begin Searching.
The system will search for a random player to trade with. Once a trade partner is found, the trade menu will open.
Choose the Pokémon you want to trade, then select Trade it.
The other player’s Pokémon will appear on the screen. Each player must select Trade it for the trade to be completed.
Select Surprise Trade.
Choose the Pokémon you want to trade, then select Trade it.
The system will search for a random player to trade with while you continue your adventure.
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.
Press the X Button during gameplay to access the in-game menu.
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?
Press the L Button to toggle between local and internet communication.
Select Link Battle.
Have each player select Set Link Code and enter the same 8-digit code, then select OK.
Check the upper-right corner to make sure that you’re each set to the same communication type – “Offline Mode” or “Online Mode”.
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.
Select Yes to begin searching for an opponent.
Once an opponent is found, one player will be selected to choose the battle rules.
Once rules are set and all players have selected their battle teams, select Preparations Complete!
Do you want to play using custom rules or pre-set rules?
Press the L Button to toggle between local and internet communication.
Select Link Battle.
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.
Select Yes to begin searching for an opponent.
Once an opponent is found, one player will be selected to choose the battle rules.
Once rules are set and all players have selected their battle teams, select Preparations Complete!
Check the top-right corner to ensure that you are in Online Mode. If you are in Offline Mode, press the L Button to connect to the internet.
Select Battle Stadium.
A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to use this mode.
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.
Online Competitions – Participate in ongoing competitions.
Read through the information about the type of battle you’ve chosen, then follow the on-screen directions to begin.
Note:
Tera Raid Battles become available after you leave Mesagoza to start your Treasure Hunt.
For tips on how to prepare for Tera Raid Battles, please visit Pokemon.com.
Do you want to host a Tera Raid Battle or join a Tera Raid Battle hosted by another player?
Press the X Button during gameplay to access the in-game menu.
Press the L Button to toggle between local and internet communication.
Use local communication if the players you wish to join are nearby, such as in the same room.
Use internet communication if the players you wish to join are further away, or you want anyone to be able to join via the internet.
To participate in limited-time Tera Raid Battles, you must download the latest Poké Portal News. You can do this by selecting Poké Portal, then Mystery Gift, then Check Poké Portal News.
Some Tera Raid Battle events require you to complete the main story and certain postgame events to participate as a host.
Press the X Button again to close the in-game menu.
Locate the Tera Raid crystal that you want to challenge in your game. You can view the available crystals on the map by pressing the Y Button.
Once you are standing near the Tera Raid crystal, press the A Button to open the Tera Raid Battle menu.
If you would like to select a different Pokémon to use in the battle, select Change your Pokémon.
Select Challenge as a group.
Do you want to challenge the Tera Raid Battle with friends, or with anyone?
Select Invite friends with Link Code.
Share the Link Code with the players you would like to join the Tera Raid Battle.
Once all players have selected their Pokémon, select All ready to go!, then Start raid battle!
Select Let anyone join.
Once all players have selected their Pokémon, select All ready to go!, then Start raid battle!
Press the X Button during gameplay to access the in-game menu.
Select Poké Portal.
To participate in limited-time Tera Raid Battles, you must download the latest Poké Portal News. You can do this by selecting Mystery Gift, then Check Poké Portal News.
Press the L Button to toggle between local and internet communication.
Use local communication if the players you wish to join are nearby, such as in the same room.
Use internet communication if the players you wish to join are further away, or you want to browse available Tera Raid Battles hosted by other players.
Select Tera Raid Battle.
Do you have a Link Code for a Tera Raid Battle you want to join (provided by the host)
Select Link Code.
Enter the Link Code provided by the host.
If you would like to select a different Pokémon to use in the battle, select Change your Pokémon.
Once you're prepared, select All ready to go! and wait for the host to begin the Tera Raid Battle.
Browse the available Tera Raid Battle postings in the menu and select one with the A Button, or select Random to join a random Tera Raid Battle.
You can also refresh the available postings by pressing the X Button.
If you are currently in a Union Circle group, the Tera Raid Battle postings will only be from other players in your group.
If you would like to select a different Pokémon to use in the battle, select Change your Pokémon.
Once you're prepared, select All ready to go! and wait for the host to begin the Tera Raid Battle.
Additional information
Two to four players with a copy of Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet can explore, battle, trade together and challenge Tera Raid Battles online or via local wireless connection.