Like in past games, weather plays a massive part in a battle and the overworld inPokemon Scarlet and Violet. The Paldea region highlights this in new ways, as there are even Pokemon whoonly 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 thePokemon Scarlet and Violetweather effects, where they are active in the overworld, and how to use them in battle.
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What Are The Weather Conditions
Weather conditions can stem fromPokemon moves, abilities, or the locationand 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, orthe 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:
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 Goodraat 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 moveRain Dance or the ability Drizzlewill 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:
Snow
Snow was first introduced inPokemon Legends: Arceusand continues inScarlet and Violet. Snow issimilar 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:
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 theability Sandstream for five turns, but it will be extended to 8 with a Smooth Rock. See below for Sandstorms effects in battle:
Pokemon Scarlet and Violetare available now on Nintendo Switch.
