Should I Play Pokémon Scarlet or Violet First? An In-Depth Guide

As a passionate Pokémon gamer and content creator, one of the top questions I‘ve been asked recently is: should players start their Gen 9 journey with Scarlet or Violet? With the two versions featuring minor thematic differences but largely the same adventure through the new Paldea region, it can be a tough choice!

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll provide detailed insights and analysis to help you decide which game is the best pick for your first steps into Paldea as a budding Pokémon trainer.

An Overview of Scarlet and Violet‘s Key Details

Before determining which version trainers should play first, let‘s do a quick recap of the two games‘ vital information:

Release Date: November 18, 2022

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Setting: The brand-new Paldea region, with lakes, mountains, forests, and 8 cities/towns to explore

Story: Roughly 40 hours to complete the main campaign across 3 story branches that can be tackled in any order

Multiplayer: Seamless co-op available for exploring Paldea and battling together

Now, let‘s get into the key differences between the two versions that can help decide which adventure you should embark on first!

Exclusive Pokémon

Each version contains around 8 Pokémon species that cannot be obtained in the other game without trading. This includes the legendary box art creatures exclusive to each game:

Themes and Visual Styles

Scarlet contains more ancient, prehistoric theming with dinosaur-like Pokémon and crumbling ruins. Violet focuses slightly more on scifi, futuristic visuals through Pokémon designs and architecture. But both share the core setting of the sprawling Paldea region regardless of these minor aesthetic differences.

Professors and Academies

Players can choose to learn from Professor Sada at the Naranja Academy in Scarlet, or Professor Turo at Uva Academy in Violet. The two professors play similar mentorship roles.

Starter Pokémon

Both games feature the Grass-type Sprigatito, Fire-type Fuecoco, and Water-type Quaxly as starter options. You can pick whichever you prefer!

Should You Play Scarlet or Violet First? Key Decision Factors

With the two versions featuring only minor variances, which game should you embark on your Paldea journey with first? Here are some key factors to consider when making your choice:

Personal Preference in Visuals

Do you favor Scarlet‘s prehistoric designs and ruins or Violet‘s more scifi/futuristic tech vibes? Your personal preference here may guide which version speaks to you more.

Version-Exclusive Pokémon

Think about which exclusives appeal to you more between each version when making your pick. Do you like the idea of using Koraidon, Armarouge and other ancient species in Scarlet? Or are Miraidon, Ceruledge and futuristic Pokémon more your speed for Violet?

Legendary Pokémon

Scarlet‘s cyclic dragon Koraidon and Violet‘s sleek robotic stag Miraidon are both cool legendaries. But you may vibe with one over the other.

professor sada and turo do not really have major differences or impact in the game, they play similar roles as mentors

Starter Pokémon

All starters are in both games, so your choice here doesn‘t impact Scarlet vs Violet preference. Pick based on which you like most!

Flexible Story Order

An advantage of both versions is you can tackle story branches and gym challenges in any order you want rather than linearly. This freedom applies whether you play Scarlet or Violet first.

Additional Insights and Data: Sales, Reception, and More

Analyzing additional data like critical reception and sales performance can also provide helpful context on how the versions compare:

Criticial Reception

Scarlet and Violet earned an average critic score of 84/100 on Metacritic. This signals overall positive reception for both as solid installments in the Pokémon franchise.

Sales Data

As of January 9, 2023, Scarlet and Violet‘s combined worldwide sales reached 20.61 million units according to Nintendo. This makes them the 9th best-selling Switch games already.

Between the two, Violet has proven slightly more popular among fans so far based on market share:

So if going with the "wisdom of the crowd" approach, Violet may be the safest first option. But Scarlet remains incredibly popular as well.

Scarlet vs Violet: Pros and Cons

Weighing some pros and cons can further help decide which version you should pick up first:

Pokémon Scarlet

Pros

• Ancient theme appeals more to some fans
• Cool legendary in Koraidon
• Exclusives like Armarouge and Flutter Mane

Cons

• Slightly lower market share than Violet

Pokémon Violet

Pros

• Sleek sci-fi visuals
• Legendary Miraidon may be preferred
• Market share suggests it‘s a fan favorite

Cons

• None substantial enough to warrant waiting on playing

TLDR: “Should I Get Scarlet or Violet?”

In summary, you honestly can‘t go wrong getting either Pokémon Scarlet or Violet first! With nearly identical overworlds, stories, features like co-op play and open exploration, along with all starters included in both games, you‘ll have an amazing experience regardless.

Small theming variances and exclusive creatures are the main decision points. So opt for Scarlet if you favor its ancient touches, or go Violet if the futuristic gears and Pokémon appeal more. But rest assured the core adventure through Paldea will be epic on both Nintendo Switch versions!

I hope this detailed guide gives you the insights needed to decide which version is the best pick for embarking on your Gen 9 journey first. Let me know if you have any other questions, or need advice deciding between these stellar Pokémon games!