How to use Koraidon and Miraidon in battle in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

How to Use Koraidon in Battle
Credit: Nintendo Life

How to Use Koraidon in Battle
Credit: Nintendo Life
February 27, 2023: Still wondering how to use Koraidon or Miraidon? Here is how to battle with them!

Wondering why you have a legendary Pokemon in your party that you can't bring into battle? Here's how to use Koraidon and Miraidon in battle in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. They're the box legendaries of the generation nine games, and in a first for the franchise, they're two of the first Pokemon you add to your collection. But they won't battle by your side.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have been out for a little while now, but there are still some lingering questions. Like in previous games in the series, there are particular Pokémon that aren't very straightforward to use compared to others. Here' the legendary Pokemon fit the bill.

Before we dive into specifics, consider loading up a few other interesting points. We have a method for learning how to shiny farm in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, as well as the EXP farm locations you'll want to seek out if you're stuck or training up.

How to use Koraidon and Miraidon in battle

To use Koraidon in battle, you have to complete all three main story arcs in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. That's the Treasure Hunt you're set out on as soon as you enroll.

Once you've been able to defeat the final trainer battle and see the credits roll, both Koraidon and Miraidon will become available to use in everday battles. That includes only battles outside any competitive play that currently forbids them.

Depending on which game you play, you bond with the legendary Pokemon Koraidon or Miraidon early into your Paldean adventure. You'll discover them crashed out on the coast and then witness them use the last of their strength to carry you through a dangerous cave, scaring off a pack of Houndoor and Houndoom.

Koraidon in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
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Credit: Pro Game Guides

From that point on, they'll act as your ride throughout the region, sprinting along its roads, and eventually climbing its mountains, surfing its waters, and gliding near-effortlessly through the skies above. But Koraidon and Miraidon will refuse to battle by your side despite showing the ability to do so in that early cave encounter. So what gives?

Once you've completed the final of the three story parts, you'll assemble a team to dive deep into Area Zero within the Great Crater of Paldea.

Though it takes you down there willingly, Koraidon and Miraidon will get worse upon landing, refusing to even leave their pokeballs for a ride and prompting the delicate question of whether or not to let Koraidon and Miraidon out in Area Zero.

Get to the bottom of the crater and you'll find out the history of the Pokemon's lasting fatigue - the second Koraidon or Miraidon that fought it for its territory.

Press on and you'll see off the fourth hidden arc, which results in a powerful trainer battle and a final showdown against the legendary Pokemon that usurped your own.

With your other Pokeballs locked down by the fancy tech in Area Zero, your own Koraidon or Miraidon will understand what needs to be done. Still technically registered to its original owner, the instigator of the lock, Koraidon or Miraidon will accept being sent out, finally standing on its hind legs to enter Battle Mode.

Once you've bested the same Pokemon, which you can manage easily with our guide on how to beat Koraidon and Miraidon, you'll roll the final credits. Load your save back up again and you'll be able to have Koraidon and Miraidon fight by your side.

Switching Koraidon in Scarlet and Violet
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Credit: Pro Game Guides

You can confirm this by going to the game's menu. Scroll to the six Pokémon slots on the left side of the screen, and then scroll down to your ride Pokémon. Click on them and you should be asked if you'd like to switch either Koraidon or Miraidon to their battle form.

Do note that you'll need to have an empty slot in your party to be able to use them in battle and you'll also lose your ride Pokémon slot because the game does not allow players to ride and use Koraidon in battle at the same time.

However, if you learn how to get a second Koraidon or Miraidon, you can one in your party and one in your ride slot, enjoying the best of both worlds.

Be sure to check our guides section as we have lots of detailed guides on Pokémon Scarlet and Violet to help you out in the game. And if you've gotten this far without attending class, check out the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet class rewards list. You'll even find additional guides to the class questions there.