how to start a new game in pokemon scarlet

Embarking on a new journey in the Paldea region is an exciting prospect. "Pokémon Scarlet" offers a vibrant open world filled with discovery, and a strong start is crucial for a rewarding experience. This guide details the essential steps and strategic considerations for beginning your adventure, ensuring you are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

Table of Contents

Initial Setup and Character Creation
The First Steps in Cabo Poco
Understanding the Terastal Phenomenon
Choosing Your First Partner Pokémon
Navigating the Open World: Paths and Priorities
Early Game Goals and Team Building Foundations
Conclusion: Embarking on Your Treasure Hunt

Initial Setup and Character Creation

The journey begins before you set foot in Paldea. After starting a new game, you will name your character and your hometown. This is followed by a brief introduction to the region and its unique academy, Naranja Academy in Pokémon Scarlet. The character customization screen appears early, allowing you to choose your protagonist's appearance. While initial options are somewhat limited, more clothing and style choices become available as you progress and explore various boutiques throughout the region. Take a moment here, as your avatar will be your representation throughout this grand adventure.

The First Steps in Cabo Poco

Your adventure officially commences in your room in Cabo Poco. Follow the prompts to meet your mother and then head to the residence of your rival and childhood friend, Nemona. A champion-ranked Trainer with boundless enthusiasm, Nemona will gift you your very first Pokémon, setting your story in motion. This initial sequence teaches basic movement and interaction. Pay close attention to the tutorials, as they cover fundamental mechanics like catching Pokémon, which is introduced almost immediately. Nemona will guide you through your first capture, providing essential Poké Balls.

Understanding the Terastal Phenomenon

A core mechanic unique to the Paldea region is the Terastal phenomenon. Shortly after obtaining your starter, you will be introduced to this concept. Terastallizing changes a Pokémon's type, granting it a spectacular crystalline appearance and potentially altering its strengths and weaknesses. You will receive the Tera Orb from Nemona, a key item that requires recharging at Pokémon Centers or with special crystals after each use. Understanding when to Terastallize—whether to bolster a Pokémon's existing powerful STAB moves or to change its type defensively or offensively—is a strategic pillar of battles in Paldea and should be integrated into your planning from the outset.

Choosing Your First Partner Pokémon

The classic and critical first decision awaits: choosing between Sprigatito (Grass), Fuecoco (Fire), or Quaxly (Water). Each has distinct advantages in the early game. Fuecoco's Fire typing is exceptionally strong against the first Gym Leader, Brassius, who specializes in Grass-types. Sprigatito offers speed and the potential to learn powerful moves early, while Quaxly provides solid Water-type utility. Consider not just the first Gym, but also the types you are likely to encounter on your chosen initial route. There is no incorrect choice, but your selection will influence your early team composition and strategy. Remember, you can catch Pokémon to cover your starter's weaknesses shortly after beginning your journey.

Navigating the Open World: Paths and Priorities

Pokémon Scarlet introduces a truly open world. After the introductory chapters in Cabo Poco and the visit to Naranja Academy in Mesagoza, you are presented with three story paths: Victory Road (Gym challenge), Path of Legends (Titan Pokémon), and Starfall Street (Team Star). Crucially, you can tackle these in almost any order. However, the world is not level-scaled uniformly. While you have freedom, wandering into high-level areas early will result in challenging battles. A prudent approach is to follow the level suggestions implied by the geographic spread of objectives, starting with the lower-level targets in South Province. Talk to every NPC, explore ruins and caves, and engage in Tera Raid Battles denoted by glowing pillars of light; these can provide valuable experience and rare Pokémon.

Early Game Goals and Team Building Foundations

Your primary goals in the opening hours should be to build a balanced team and gain experience. Catch every new Pokémon species you encounter. This not only expands your team options but also earns you rewards from the Pokédex. Aim for a team with diverse type coverage to handle various situations. Early routes offer Pokémon like Pawmi (Electric), Lechonk (Normal), Tarountula (Bug), and Fidough (Fairy). Catching a Flying-type like Wattrel or a Water-type like Magikarp (found in many lakes) can be immensely helpful. Regularly visit Pokémon Centers to heal and utilize the "Make a Sandwich" feature for meals that grant temporary bonuses like increased encounter rates for specific types, which is invaluable for targeted team building. Do not neglect the auto-battle feature ("Let's Go") for efficiently grinding levels against wild Pokémon.

Conclusion: Embarking on Your Treasure Hunt

Starting a new game in Pokémon Scarlet is the first step in a personalized Treasure Hunt. The key is to embrace the freedom the Paldea region offers while making informed, strategic decisions early on. From the meaningful choice of your starter to understanding the transformative Terastal phenomenon and navigating the open world with purpose, a thoughtful beginning lays a solid foundation. Focus on building a versatile team, exploring thoroughly, and progressing through the three story paths at a pace that matches your growing strength. With preparation and curiosity, your journey from Cabo Poco to the heights of the Pokémon League and beyond will be an unforgettable adventure.

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