The Ultimate 2025 Showdown: Every Single Pokémon Scarlet Vs. Violet Exclusive (Base Game & DLC)
Choosing your version of Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet is more complex than ever in December 2025, especially with the release of the two-part DLC, "The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero." Gone are the days of simple version swaps; the differences now span across the entire Pokedex, including powerful Paradox Pokémon, version-exclusive Legendary Pokémon, and even specific regional variants from the new Kitakami and Blueberry Academy areas. This in-depth, up-to-date guide reveals every single exclusive Pokémon, feature, and competitive advantage to help you make the perfect choice.
The core difference remains the same: Pokémon Scarlet leans into the theme of the past with prehistoric-looking Paradox Pokémon and the legendary Koraidon, while Pokémon Violet embraces the future with futuristic, robotic Paradox Pokémon and the legendary Miraidon. However, the version-exclusive lists have grown significantly, making the decision a true strategic choice for completionists and competitive players alike. We break down the full list, including the critical additions from The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk DLCs.
The Foundational Differences: Box Legendaries, Professors, and Aesthetics
Before diving into the extensive Pokedex exclusives, it is essential to understand the core thematic and aesthetic differences that permeate the entire game world. These elements are non-negotiable and define your journey through the Paldea region.
Version-Exclusive Legendaries: Koraidon vs. Miraidon
- Pokémon Scarlet Exclusive: Koraidon. This Legendary Pokémon embodies the "past" theme, appearing as a powerful, prehistoric-looking feathered dragon. It is a Fighting/Dragon-type. Its ability, Orichalcum Pulse, summons harsh sunlight, which is a major advantage for sun-based teams.
- Pokémon Violet Exclusive: Miraidon. Mirroring the "future," Miraidon is a sleek, metallic, lizard-like Legendary Pokémon. It is an Electric/Dragon-type. Its ability, Hadron Engine, summons Electric Terrain, which is highly beneficial for Electric-type teams and other futuristic Paradox Pokémon.
Thematic and NPC Differences
The version you choose also determines the school you attend and the key Professor you encounter, cementing the Past vs. Future dichotomy.
- Pokémon Scarlet: You attend Naranja Academy and encounter Professor Sada, who is fascinated by the mysteries of the past.
- Pokémon Violet: You attend Uva Academy and encounter Professor Turo, who is focused on the possibilities of the future.
The Base Game Exclusive Pokémon (Paldea Region)
The initial Paldea Pokedex features several key Pokémon lines and the powerful first wave of Paradox Pokémon that are locked to each version. Trading remains the only way to complete the Pokedex without purchasing both games.
Pokémon Scarlet Exclusives
Scarlet's exclusives include the fire-themed Armarouge and the ancient-themed Paradox forms:
- Standard Pokémon: Larvitar, Pupitar, Tyranitar, Drifloon, Drifblim, Stunky, Skuntank, Deino, Zweilous, Hydreigon, Stonjourner, Armarouge (evolves using the Auspicious Armor item).
- Paradox Pokémon (Ancient Forms): Great Tusk (Donphan), Scream Tail (Jigglypuff), Brute Bonnet (Amoonguss), Flutter Mane (Misdreavus), Slither Wing (Volcarona), Sandy Shocks (Magneton), and Roaring Moon (Salamence).
Pokémon Violet Exclusives
Violet counters with the ghost-themed Ceruledge and the high-tech Paradox forms:
- Standard Pokémon: Bagon, Shelgon, Salamence, Misdreavus, Mismagius, Gulpin, Swalot, Clauncher, Clawitzer, Eiscue, Ceruledge (evolves using the Malicious Armor item).
- Paradox Pokémon (Future Forms): Iron Treads (Donphan), Iron Bundle (Delibird), Iron Hands (Hariyama), Iron Jugulis (Hydreigon), Iron Moth (Volcarona), Iron Thorns (Tyranitar), and Iron Valiant (Gardevoir/Gallade).
The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero: DLC Exclusives
The two-part DLC significantly expanded the exclusive lists, introducing new Pokémon, regional variants, and even version-exclusive Legendary Pokémon quests. This is the most crucial section for players looking for the most current information.
Part 1: The Teal Mask Exclusives (Kitakami)
The first DLC, which takes you to the land of Kitakami, introduced a handful of returning Pokémon that are version-locked.
- Pokémon Scarlet: Gligar and its evolution Gliscor, and Cramorant.
- Pokémon Violet: Aipom and its evolution Ambipom, and Morpeko.
Part 2: The Indigo Disk Exclusives (Blueberry Academy)
The second DLC, set in the underwater Blueberry Academy, introduced the most substantial and competitively relevant exclusives, including new Paradox Legendary Pokémon and fossil lines.
New Paradox Legendary Pokémon
These powerful, newly discovered Paradox Legendaries are a major factor in version choice:
- Pokémon Scarlet: Gouging Fire (Entei Paradox) and Raging Bolt (Raikou Paradox).
- Pokémon Violet: Iron Boulder (Terrakion Paradox) and Iron Crown (Cobalion Paradox).
Returning Pokémon Exclusives
In addition to the Paradox Legendaries, a mix of regional forms and fossil Pokémon are locked to each version:
- Pokémon Scarlet: Alolan Vulpix, Alolan Ninetales, Cranidos, and Rampardos.
- Pokémon Violet: Alolan Sandshrew, Alolan Sandslash, Shieldon, and Bastiodon.
Returning Legendary Quests (BBQ Exclusives)
The Blueberry Academy Quests (BBQs) allow you to catch a large number of returning Legendary Pokémon. While the majority are available in both versions, a few are version-exclusive, requiring trading or online co-op to acquire the full set.
- Pokémon Scarlet: Ho-Oh, Entei, Suicune.
- Pokémon Violet: Lugia, Cobalion, Terrakion, Virizion.
Competitive Viability: Which Version Has the Advantage?
For players focused on the competitive VGC (Video Game Championships) scene, the choice between Scarlet and Violet often comes down to the strength of the version-exclusive Paradox Pokémon and the Legendary Box Art Pokémon.
The consensus among competitive players, even in late 2025, often favors Pokémon Scarlet for its Paradox Pokémon.
- Scarlet's Competitive Edge: Pokémon like Flutter Mane and Roaring Moon are frequently cited as the best Paradox Pokémon from the base game, dominating the competitive metagame due to their high stats and powerful abilities. Additionally, the new Paradox Legendaries, Gouging Fire and Raging Bolt, have seen significant use in official tournaments.
- Violet's Competitive Edge: While Violet's Paradox Pokémon like Iron Hands and Iron Bundle are strong, the main competitive draw for Violet is its Box Legendary, Miraidon. Its Hadron Engine ability and Electric Terrain setup are highly prized in restricted formats, offering a unique strategic advantage that can outperform Koraidon in specific team compositions.
Final Verdict: How to Choose Your Version
The choice between Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet ultimately boils down to a combination of aesthetics and competitive preference.
Choose Pokémon Scarlet if you prefer:
- A primal, ancient, and prehistoric theme.
- The Box Legendary Koraidon and Professor Sada.
- A competitive advantage from the Paradox Pokémon like Flutter Mane and Roaring Moon.
- Exclusive new Legendary Paradox forms Gouging Fire and Raging Bolt.
Choose Pokémon Violet if you prefer:
- A sleek, futuristic, and high-tech theme.
- The Box Legendary Miraidon and Professor Turo.
- Aesthetically pleasing robotic Paradox Pokémon like Iron Valiant.
- Exclusive new Legendary Paradox forms Iron Boulder and Iron Crown.
Regardless of your choice, remember that every version-exclusive Pokémon can be obtained through the in-game trade system or by joining a friend's game via the Union Circle, ensuring you can complete your Pokedex no matter which journey you start.
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