Like in past games, weather plays a massive part in a battle and the overworld in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. The Paldea region highlights this in new ways, as there are even Pokemon who only appear in particular weather, and players are limited in what tasks they can complete if the weather doesn't allow for it.
For the most part, players are at the mercy of whatever weather is active in a location, and it can not be altered unless in battle. Furthermore, if the weather changes in a match, it does not continue after and will return to its natural state. If a specific weather condition is required to ensure a Pokemon will evolve or if players want to activate an ability, this can be an issue. So, this guide covers all the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet weather effects, where they are active in the overworld, and how to use them in battle.
What Are The Weather Conditions
Weather conditions can stem from Pokemon moves, abilities, or the location and will affect everything from stats to Pokemon evolution when active. If triggered using a move, they will last for five turns unless a new weather condition is introduced, or if the weather is happening in the overworld, it can stay for the entire battle. The overworld refers to the physical locations that players are in and where wild Pokemon can be seen. Pokemon can also hold items that will extend the number of turns of each weather or protect the user from the effects.
There are four types of weather in Generation 9: Harsh Sunlight, Rain, Snow, and Sandstorm. Each has positive and negative effects and, under the right circumstances, can severely alter the playing field in battles.
Harsh Sunlight
Harsh Sunlight is the least common weather condition in the overworld and is only activated using the abilities Drought, Orichalcum Pulse, or the move Sunny Day. Orichalcum Pulse is an ability from Generation 9 and is the legendary Pokemon Koraidon's signature ability. Sunlight can be extended to 8 turns using a Heat Rock. Fire and Grass-type Pokemon benefit the most from the weather condition as many of their moves and stats are boosted. See below for all the effects of Harsh Sunlight:
- Fire-type moves receive a power boost.
- Water-type moves power is reduced.
- Two-turn powerful Grass-type moves such as Solar Beam and Solar Blade no longer need charging and can be used consecutively.
- Healing moves like Synthesis, Morning Sun, and Moonlight are more effective.
- Thunder and Hurricane accuracy are reduced.
- The ability Orichalcum Pulse not only activates Sunlight but also increases the users' Attack stat.
- Pokemon with the ability Chlorophyll get a Speed increase.
- Pokemon with the ability Leaf Guard are immune to status conditions.
- Pokemon with the ability Solar Power will lose HP but gain Sp. Atk.
- Pokemon with the ability Dry Skin also lose HP and are weaker than Fire-type moves.
Rain
Rain, or Heavy Rain, is the most common weather condition seen in the overworld. Overworld effects of Rain include the players' clothes getting visibly wet and being prevented from setting up Picnics. Sliggoo can evolve into Goodra at level 50 or higher. Most areas other than the Asado Desert and the colder northern provinces have a chance of Rain that comes randomly every 3-5 minutes. Rain is the counterpart to Harsh Sunlight in battle as it has almost opposite effects on the field. The move Rain Dance or the ability Drizzle will cause it to Rain if it isn't already. A Damp Rock can extend its duration from 5 to 8 turns. See below for the effects of Rain:
- Water-type moves power is increased.
- Fire-type moves power is cut in half.
- Solar Beam has to take an extra turn to charge up.
- Healing moves like Synthesis, Morning Sun, and Moonlight are less effective.
- Thunder and Hurricane bypass accuracy checks.
- Pokemon with the ability Swift Swim get a Speed boost.
- The abilities Dry Skin and Rain Dish recover HP.
- Pokemon with the ability Hydration will automatically cure Status Conditions.
Snow
Snow was first introduced in Pokemon Legends: Arceus and continues in Scarlet and Violet. Snow is similar to Hail from past generations, but it no longer gives damage to non-Ice-type Pokemon. In the overworld, it only occurs in the northern regions every 3-5 minutes, especially on Glaseado Mountain. Players will notice their character struggling a little in the wind whenever snowstorms worsen. Players can call Snow to the battlefield by using the moves Snowscape and Chilly Reception or the ability Snow Warning. Pokemon that hold an Icy Rock will extend the duration of Snow to 8 turns. See below for Snow's effects:
- Ice-type Pokemon's Defense is increased.
- Blizzard bypasses accuracy checks.
- Healing moves like Synthesis, Morning Sun, and Moonlight are less effective.
- Pokemon with the ability Ice Body will have some of their HP restored every turn.
- Pokemon with the ability Slush Rush get a Speed boost.
- Pokemon with the ability Snow Cloak have higher evasiveness.
Sandstorm
Sandstorms are common in the desert and dry areas of Paldea. It is the only weather condition in Generation 9 that causes damage to Pokemon that don't have type immunity. In the overworld, Sandstorms are windy and will have the player covering their eyes as they move through them. Like Rain and Snow, Sandstorms cycle on and off every few minutes in the correlating locations. Sandstorm is activated in battle with the move Sandstorm and the ability Sandstream for five turns, but it will be extended to 8 with a Smooth Rock. See below for Sandstorms effects in battle:
- Ground, Rock, and Steel-type Pokemon are immune to Sandstorm damage.
- Rock-type Pokemon get an Sp. Def boost.
- Healing moves like Synthesis, Morning Sun, and Moonlight are less effective, but Shore Up recovers over 50% of HP.
- Solar Beam loses power.
- Ground, Rock, and Steel-types with the ability Sand Force gain strength.
- Pokemon with the ability Sand Veil have higher evasiveness.
- Pokemon with the ability Sand Rush get a Speed boost.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now on Nintendo Switch.