One of the newest features in the latest generation of Pokémon games is the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Poké Portal. It's set to change the way you play multiplayer, and is already shaping up to revolutionise the experience.
In this Pokémon Scarlet and Violet guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about the Poké Portal. More specifically, that includes exactly what the portal is, as well as how you use it in-game to play co-op with friends.
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What is the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Poké Portal?
The Poké Portal is the main social hub in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. It's the area where you'll be able to link up with other trainers to partake in all the co-op activities on offer.
The two main activities you can undertake through the Poké Portal are trading and co-op play. The former will be very familiar to seasoned Pokémon trainers: one-on-one trades where you can swap with other players in an effort to fill any missing spots on your Pokédex.
Co-op works slightly differently this time around, using the Union Circle feature to explore smaller hub worlds with up to three friends. While you can't travel through the entire open world together, these locations are instead more focused. Similar to the Safari Zone in other Pokémon games, you can crawl through grass to catch wild Pokémon, or challenge yourself by partaking in co-op Tera Battles.
As such, Scarlet and Violet may not feature the same open-world antics as GTA Online for example, but have plenty to offer nonetheless. The Poké Portal will be your number one destination when it comes to multiplayer in these games, so be sure to head there once you can.
How do I use the Poké Portal in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
At the moment, GameFreak hasn't specifically detailed how to use the Poké Portal in Scarlet and Violet. The official line so far is as follows:
As such, it's a little hard to say exactly how the Poké Portal will work. However, the chances are it'll function similarly to the Union Room, recently seen in games like Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. This is the social area within a Pokémon Center where you can initiate trades or partake in friendly battles with other trainers.
Once we've got hands-on with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, we'll update this guide with specific details on how to use the Poké Portal. It's set to completely change the ways in which you can play online in the franchise, so exciting times are ahead.
While we wait, feel free to check out our Scarlet and Violet Pokédex to see all the new and returning Pokémon confirmed so far.