The Pokédex system in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet marks a significant shift for the franchise, introducing the first fully open-world regional lists. Unlike previous entries that relied on a linear progression, the Generation 9 games utilize a modular Pokédex structure divided into three distinct regions: Paldea, Kitakami, and the Blueberry Academy.

For trainers aiming to "catch 'em all," understanding these lists is essential. There are a total of 400 Pokémon in the base Paldea Pokédex, with the DLC expansions adding hundreds more, bringing the total number of obtainable species in the software to over 700.

The Paldea Pokédex: A 400-Entry Journey

The Paldea Pokédex is the primary list for the base game of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. It serves as the foundation for your journey through the sprawling landscapes of the Paldea region.

Composition and New Species

The Paldea Pokédex contains 400 entries. Among these are 103 brand-new Pokémon introduced in Generation 9, including the three starters—Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. The list is a mix of these newcomers, regional forms (like Paldean Wooper and Paldean Tauros), and a wide selection of returning favorites from previous generations.

In our playthrough, the visual design of the Pokédex is one of the most immersive features. Instead of static sprites, the UI displays Pokémon in "natural" lifestyle photos, such as a group of Lechonk foraging or a Fletchling perched on a signpost. This visual storytelling makes the collection process feel less like a checklist and more like ecological research.

Rewards for Completion: The Shiny Charm

The most significant incentive for completing the Paldea Pokédex is the Shiny Charm. Once you have registered all 400 species, you can visit Professor Jacq at the Biology Lab in the Academy (Naranja in Scarlet, Uva in Violet).

The Shiny Charm is a game-changer for dedicated hunters. It significantly boosts the odds of encountering Shiny Pokémon in the wild and during Tera Raid Battles. From our testing, combining the Shiny Charm with Level 3 Sparkling Power Sandwiches makes finding specific shiny variants like Iron Valiant or Roaring Moon much more manageable.

The Kitakami Pokédex: The Teal Mask Expansion

The first part of "The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero" DLC, The Teal Mask, introduces the Kitakami Pokédex. This list is separate from the Paldea Pokédex and focuses on the mountainous, folklore-inspired land of Kitakami.

What’s in the Kitakami List?

The Kitakami Pokédex features 200 Pokémon. While many are returning species that were unavailable in the base Paldea region—such as Snorlax, Vulpix, and Milotic—it also introduces several legendary and unique Pokémon central to the DLC's narrative.

  • The Loyal Three: Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti.
  • Ogerpon: The central legendary of the expansion, which features four different forms based on the mask it holds.
  • Bloodmoon Ursaluna: A unique, non-evolving form of Ursaluna that requires a specific sidequest to encounter.

Collecting these 200 entries rewards players with the Glimmering Charm, which increases the amount of Tera Shards earned from Tera Raid Battles—an essential item for those looking to optimize their competitive teams by changing Tera Types.

The Blueberry Pokédex: The Indigo Disk Expansion

The second half of the DLC, The Indigo Disk, takes players to the Blueberry Academy located in the middle of the ocean. This expansion brings perhaps the most exciting Pokédex additions for long-term fans.

The Return of All Starters

The Blueberry Pokédex consists of 243 Pokémon. Its standout feature is the inclusion of every single starter Pokémon from Generations 1 through 8. By contributing Blueberry Points (BP) to the Terarium Club via the League Club Room computer, you can unlock these starters in the four biomes of the Terarium.

  • Savanna Biome: Charmander, Sobble, Totodile, etc.
  • Coastal Biome: Froakie, Popplio, Mudkip, etc.
  • Canyon Biome: Tepig, Litten, Treecko, etc.
  • Polar Biome: Piplup, Cyndaquil, Scorbunny, etc.

Completing the Blueberry Pokédex grants the Mark Charm, which increases the chance of finding Pokémon with special Marks in the wild, adding another layer of prestige to your collection.

Paradox Pokémon and Version Exclusives

A core mechanic of the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Pokédex is the inclusion of Paradox Pokémon—mysterious relatives of modern species from the ancient past (Scarlet) or the distant future (Violet).

Scarlet Exclusives (Ancient Paradox)

In Pokémon Scarlet, the Pokédex includes "Ancient" forms. These Pokémon generally have higher HP or Attack and feature a primitive, prehistoric aesthetic.

  • Great Tusk (Ancient Donphan)
  • Scream Tail (Ancient Jigglypuff)
  • Brute Bonnet (Ancient Amoonguss)
  • Flutter Mane (Ancient Misdreavus)
  • Slither Wing (Ancient Volcarona)
  • Sandy Shocks (Ancient Magneton)
  • Roaring Moon (Ancient Salamence)

Violet Exclusives (Future Paradox)

Pokémon Violet features "Future" forms. These Pokémon are robotic and metallic in appearance, often emphasizing Speed or Special Attack.

  • Iron Treads (Future Donphan)
  • Iron Bundle (Future Delibird)
  • Iron Hands (Future Hariyama)
  • Iron Jugulis (Future Hydreigon)
  • Iron Moth (Future Volcarona)
  • Iron Thorns (Future Tyranitar)
  • Iron Valiant (Future Gardevoir/Gallade)

Because these are version-exclusive, you cannot complete the Pokédex without trading. Using Link Trade codes established by the community (such as those popularized by Austin John Plays) remains the most effective way to swap version-exclusive Paradox Pokémon with players around the world.

How to Complete the Pokédex Efficiently

Completing a list of 400 to 700+ Pokémon can be daunting. Based on our extensive time in Paldea, here are the most effective strategies for filling those entries.

Utilize Tera Raid Battles

Tera Raid Battles (indicated by glowing crystals on the map) are the best way to catch Pokémon that are difficult to find in the overworld. Five-star and six-star raids often feature fully evolved Pokémon like Dragonite, Tyranitar, or Garchomp. Catching these directly saves you the time required for high-level grinding and evolution.

Mass Outbreaks

Check your map daily for Mass Outbreaks. These events feature a high concentration of a single species in one area. Not only is this the best way to farm for Shinies, but it also allows you to quickly catch multiple specimens for trading or for different evolution branches (e.g., catching several Applin to evolve into Flapple, Appletun, and Dipplin).

Breeding and Evolution Items

Many Pokémon in the Paldea Pokédex require specific items to evolve. For example, Charcadet requires the Auspicious Armor (Scarlet) or Malicious Armor (Violet) to become Armarouge or Ceruledge. You can obtain these by trading Bronzor Fragments or Sinistea Chips to an NPC in Zapapico.

Furthermore, some Pokémon like Gholdengo (Entry #1000) require a massive collection effort—gathering 999 Gimmighoul Coins scattered throughout the map. We recommend checking the tops of watchtowers and ruins regularly to spot Gimmighoul in their Chest Form, as they provide significantly more coins than the Roaming Form.

Use Pokémon HOME

If you have a collection from previous games on the Nintendo Switch, such as Pokémon Sword/Shield or Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you can use Pokémon HOME to transfer compatible species into Scarlet and Violet. While this won't help with the brand-new Gen 9 species, it can instantly clear over 50% of the returning species in the Pokédex.

What is the "National Dex" Status?

It is important to clarify that Pokémon Scarlet and Violet do not feature a "National Pokédex." This means that not every Pokémon ever created (over 1,000 species) is playable in these games.

Only the Pokémon listed in the Paldea, Kitakami, and Blueberry Pokédexes, along with a small selection of "transfer-only" Pokémon (like the Mew/Mewtwo duo or the Hisuian starters), can be brought into the game. If a Pokémon is not in the internal data of Scarlet and Violet, it cannot be transferred from Pokémon HOME.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the SV Pokédex

How many Pokémon are in the Paldea Pokédex?

There are 400 Pokémon in the Paldea Pokédex. This includes the base game's new species and returning favorites.

How do I get the Shiny Charm in Scarlet and Violet?

You must catch and register all 400 Pokémon in the Paldea Pokédex. Once completed, talk to Professor Jacq in the Biology Lab at the Academy. Note that you do not need the DLC Pokédexes (Kitakami or Blueberry) finished to get the Shiny Charm.

Can I complete the Pokédex without Nintendo Switch Online?

While it is technically possible via local wireless trading with a friend who has the opposite version, it is extremely difficult to do so solo. Version exclusives and trade-evolution Pokémon (like Gengar or Scizor) generally require some form of trading.

Are the DLC Pokédexes required for the game's ending?

No, the DLC Pokédexes are entirely optional for the main "The Way Home" storyline. However, completing them provides significant lore context for Area Zero and offers valuable rewards like the Glimmering and Mark Charms.

Which starter is best for completing the Pokédex?

Fuecoco’s final evolution, Skeledirge, is widely considered the best for the main game and Raids. Its signature move, Torch Song, raises its Special Attack every time it hits, making it a powerhouse for clearing the high-level encounters needed to catch rare species.

Summary of the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Pokédex

The Pokédex system in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is a tiered experience designed to keep players engaged long after the credits roll. By splitting the collection into the Paldea (400), Kitakami (200), and Blueberry (243) lists, the game provides a structured path for completionists.

Completing the Paldea Pokédex remains the gold standard for players due to the Shiny Charm reward, but the DLC lists offer unparalleled access to legendary Pokémon and every past starter. To succeed, focus on Tera Raids for rare evolutions, utilize community trade codes for version exclusives, and keep an eye on the watchtowers for those elusive Gimmighoul coins. While the lack of a National Dex might disappoint some, the 700+ available species offer more than enough variety for any trainer's dream team.