Pokémon Scarlet And Violet: How To Start A Multiplayer Session

As massive open-world games, "Pokémon Scarlet" and "Pokémon Violet" are giving players plenty of things to run around and explore. Early reactions have all said the same thing: The games run very poorly with low frame rates and a number of technical issues, and there have been plenty of players seeking refunds for their glitchy experiences. However, many other players are still enjoying their time in the expansive Paldea region thanks to a number of new Pokémon to meet and loads of areas to explore. 

For those eager to see all that the games offer, this Pokémon adventure offers a more expansive take on multiplayer than we've seen before. Rather than simply being able to battle against and trade with friends, the entire open world can be explored with up to four people at a time. This multiplayer isn't unlocked immediately, of course, but after a few short steps, players can start catching 'em all with pals in no time.

Like many games, "Pokémon Scarlet" and "Pokémon Violet" will run players through a tutorial before setting them loose upon the open world. The tutorial this time around is fairly brief, and players can expect to play with others very early on in the game. If one's aim is to play with friends as soon as possible, the best thing to do is focus on following the game's main story while resisting the urge to explore off the beaten path. 

As one progresses through the story, it isn't long until one encounters their first Pokémon Center. These handy-dandy staples of the series offer a way to entirely restore one's team of Pokémon for free, and, in "Pokémon Scarlet" and "Pokémon Violet," they also offer a way to purchase items and play with friends. After visiting one's first Pokémon Center, a new option will appear in the pause menu called the Poké Portal. Accessing the Poké Portal or interacting with the circular, yellow area attached to a Pokémon Center will take players to the Union Circle. Selecting this will present players with their multiplayer menu and options.

Once the Union Circle has been chosen, players can either "Form a Group" or "Join a Group" to begin playing with friends. Those forming a group will receive a Link Code to give to players seeking to join them, and those joining must have this code in order to connect online. If one is seeking to play local co-op, they would follow the same steps listed above, but they ought to make sure their games are set to offline. Once players join their friends, the Paldea region is open to exploring as a group!