This probably isn’t a big revelation for longtime Pokemon players, but the Choice Scarf item can make a huge difference when battling others in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, and it’s absolutely an item worth tracking down.
“Choice” items have been around for a long time now. First introduced in Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire with the Choice Band, they’ve become a staple item in the competitive scene. That hasn’t changed in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, with the items set to play a major role in the metagame after falling off in some ways in the last generation.
What's the Choice Scarf for?
The Choice Scarf works the same as ever, boosting a Pokemon’s speed stat by 50% while forcing them to perpetually reuse the same move. That’s a big drawback, but 50% more speed is invaluable and makes this an item worth getting for any competitive player.
Where to Find Choice Scarf in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
The Choice Scarf can be purchased from Delibird Presents in southeastern Mesagoza. The item is classified as a “Battle Item” and costs a whopping 100,000 Pokedollars to purchase.
Choice Scarf and other Choice items don’t become available in the game until after the credits roll. Though there are multiple Delibird Presents locations across Paldea, only the Mesagoza branch carries the Choice Scarf. Picking the item up is among the many things that are worth tackling after completing the main game.
Who to Use Choice Scarf on?
Dragapult, Gholdengo, and Annihilape rank among the best Choice Scarf users in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. Each one gets a lot of value out of the speed boost, but each one threatens opponents with the item differently.
Dragapult is the second-fastest Pokemon in Paldea, with its 142 base speed only coming short of Electrode’s 150. Unlike Electrode, Dragapult is a versatile offensive threat that can hold up in competitive play and will be able to reliably out-speed anything when holding a Choice Scarf.
Gimmighoul is hard to evolve into Gholdengo, but the Pokemon has already proven to be one of the deadliest. Though it only has a serviceable base speed stat of 84, it can reliably out-speed most of its counters when holding a Choice Scarf. Though Choice Specs are the preferred option, Choice Scarf is a solid choice if another Pokemon in the battle party needs them.
Finally, Annihilape is one of the most common Choice Scarf users. One of the most common uses for the Pokemon is to max out its HP and use the attack, Final Gambit, to land an almost-certain deathblow. Choice Scarf allows players to use the move more reliably and take out a troublesome opponent.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are available now on Nintendo Switch.