Ah, the Paldea region! A land of vibrant landscapes, open-world adventures, and, of course, a dazzling array of Pokémon. When Pokémon Scarlet and Violet first dropped, trainers around the globe instantly wanted to know: exactly how many new Pokémon are there, and what's the grand total lurking within these games? The answer, as it often is in the expansive world of Pokémon, is more nuanced than a simple number. Understanding the full scope of Generation 9: Paldea Pokémon Totals requires a peek into the regional Pokédex, new species introductions, and the ever-evolving landscape of DLC and Pokémon HOME transfers.
Let's break down the numbers and what they mean for your journey through Paldea.
At a Glance: Key Paldean Pokémon Totals
- Paldea Regional Pokédex: 400 Pokémon
- This includes a mix of brand-new Generation 9 species and returning Pokémon from previous generations, all obtainable directly in the base Scarlet and Violet games.
- New Pokémon Introduced in Generation 9: 120 unique species (as of the completion of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC).
- These are the creatures with National Pokédex numbers 906 (Sprigatito) through 1025 (Pecharunt).
- Total Playable Pokémon in Scarlet & Violet: Significantly higher than 400, expanding into the hundreds beyond the regional Pokédex, thanks to DLC, special events, and Pokémon HOME compatibility. This number is dynamic and growing.
The Paldea Regional Pokédex: Your Foundational 400
When you first boot up Pokémon Scarlet or Violet, the core experience revolves around filling out the Paldea Regional Pokédex. This includes 400 unique Pokémon species, each waiting to be discovered, battled, and befriended across the vast region. This foundational number is crucial because it represents the creatures Game Freak intended for players to encounter and catch through regular gameplay.
Within these 400, you'll find a delightful mix:
- Brand-new species: The iconic starters (Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly) and their evolutions, beloved early-game Pokémon like Lechonk and Fidough, and many more.
- Returning favorites: A selection of Pokémon from generations past, given new life and purpose in Paldea's ecosystem.
- Regional variants and Paradox Pokémon: Unique Paldean forms of existing Pokémon, plus entirely new species that either evoke the distant past or the far future.
Every one of these 400 Pokémon is obtainable through exploration, wild encounters, trainer battles, or evolutions within the base games. No external transfers or special events are needed to complete this specific Pokédex.
Unpacking the "New" in Generation 9: A True Count of Species
While the Paldea Pokédex features 400 Pokémon, not all of them are newly introduced in Generation 9. This distinction often trips up trainers. The true measure of "new" Generation 9 Pokémon refers to species that made their debut in Scarlet and Violet or their associated DLCs, carrying National Pokédex numbers starting from 906.
The Pokémon GO Hub data, for example, lists Pokémon with IDs starting from 905 for "Gen 9." However, Enamorus (ID 905) was actually introduced in Pokémon Legends: Arceus (Generation 8). While it can be transferred into Scarlet and Violet via Pokémon HOME, it's not a new Paldean species. The new native Paldean Pokémon begin with Sprigatito at National Pokédex number 906.
From Sprigatito (906) through the final Pokémon introduced in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC, Pecharunt (1025), there are a total of 120 brand-new unique Pokémon species that officially made their debut in Generation 9. This count encapsulates everything from the charming starters and their evolved forms to the ancient Paradox Pokémon, future-tech Paradox Pokémon, and the various legendary and mythical creatures exclusive to this generation's narrative.
This is the number to remember when discussing the genuine additions Generation 9 brought to the vast Pokémon universe. It showcases the creative prowess of Game Freak in designing a new roster of creatures that fit perfectly into Paldea's unique lore. The inclusion of regional variants in Paldea and entirely new Paradox forms further enriches this fresh lineup, offering familiar concepts with exciting new twists.
Beyond the Regional Dex: Expanding Your Paldean Collection
The 400 Pokémon in the regional Pokédex are just the beginning. Scarlet and Violet are designed to be dynamic games, constantly expanding the pool of obtainable Pokémon through various methods. This significantly increases the total playable Pokémon within the Gen 9 games.
Event Pokémon and Mystery Gifts
Throughout Scarlet and Violet's lifecycle, Game Freak has periodically released special Pokémon through limited-time events. These often come in the form of unique Tera Raid Battles, allowing players to catch powerful Pokémon that aren't typically found in Paldea. Sometimes, these are even Legendary Pokémon from previous generations, temporarily made available. Others are distributed via Mystery Gift codes, offering rare or otherwise inaccessible creatures.
These special Tera Raid Battle events are crucial for expanding your collection beyond the base game's offerings, often providing a chance to obtain Pokémon that might later become available through other means, but are initially exclusive.
The Power of Pokémon HOME
Perhaps the biggest factor in inflating the total number of Pokémon available in Scarlet and Violet is the integration with Pokémon HOME. Since its version 3.0.0 update on May 30, 2023, players have been able to transfer a vast array of Pokémon from previous generations into Paldea.
This means that even Pokémon not found in the Paldea Regional Pokédex or explicitly added through DLC can still join your team. Whether they're cherished companions from Sword and Shield, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, or even Pokémon GO, transferring Pokémon via Pokémon HOME makes them playable in Scarlet and Violet. This significantly broadens the competitive meta and allows trainers to bring their entire legacy collection to the latest games. While there isn't a definitive total number for all HOME-transferable Pokémon, it effectively pushes the total playable creatures into the hundreds beyond the regional 400.
In-Game Trades and Special Encounters
Even within the base games, a few Pokémon might be found through specific in-game trades with NPCs or unique, non-respawning encounters that are technically outside the "wild encounter" system. These instances are rare but contribute to the overall diversity of Pokémon available without relying on external tools or events.
The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero: DLC Additions
The two-part DLC expansion, The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, has played a monumental role in further expanding the Generation 9: Paldea Pokémon Totals. This content not only introduced new story elements and areas but also a fresh batch of Pokémon, both entirely new to Generation 9 and returning from older regions.
Part 1: The Teal Mask
Launched on September 13, 2023, The Teal Mask introduced players to the land of Kitakami. Here, a selection of new Pokémon made their debut, including the mythical Ogerpon, and several returning Pokémon from previous generations became catchable in the wild. These additions seamlessly integrated into the game, expanding the regional Pokédex of the Kitakami area. This update also often made previously event-exclusive Pokémon available through regular gameplay, such as the initial Legendary Beasts or Swords of Justice.
Part 2: The Indigo Disk
The second part of the DLC, The Indigo Disk, took trainers to the Blueberry Academy. This segment brought even more new Generation 9 Pokémon, including the mighty Terapagos, the legendary Loyal Three, and the final mythical Pokémon of the generation, Pecharunt. Crucially, The Indigo Disk also reintroduced all past First Partner Pokémon (starters from generations 1-8) into the wild within the Blueberry Academy's Terrarium biomes. This was a massive boon for trainers looking to complete their collections and added a significant number of beloved Pokémon directly into Scarlet and Violet gameplay without relying solely on transfers.
Collectively, the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC substantially increased the number of Pokémon directly obtainable within Scarlet and Violet, pushing the new Gen 9 species count to its current 120 and adding hundreds more returning Pokémon to the in-game catchable roster.
Navigating the Meta: Competitive Play and Regulation Sets
For competitive trainers, the "total" number of Pokémon isn't just about what you can catch or transfer; it's about what's legal in official tournaments. Game Freak, through the Play! Pokémon competitive circuit, defines specific Regulation Sets that dictate which Pokémon can be used in ranked battles and official events.
As the Victory Road source mentions, certain Pokémon might be legal in one Regulation Set (e.g., Regulation Set D) but banned in another (e.g., Regulation Set C). This includes powerful Paradox Pokémon like Walking Wake and Iron Leaves, which were initially banned from certain sets. These rules are constantly evolving to ensure a balanced and fresh competitive environment. Keeping an eye on the official competitive play Regulation Sets is essential for serious players. While a Pokémon might be available in your game, its competitive viability is often dictated by these dynamic rules.
The Grand Total: A Multi-Layered Answer
So, when someone asks "How many Pokémon are in Generation 9?", the best answer isn't a single digit. It's a layered explanation that reflects the evolving nature of the Pokémon games.
Here’s a breakdown of the definitive totals:
| Category | Number of Pokémon | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Paldea Regional Pokédex | 400 | Pokémon directly discoverable and obtainable within the base Pokémon Scarlet and Violet games. This includes both new Generation 9 species and returning Pokémon from previous generations, making up the core regional roster. |
| New Species Introduced in Gen 9 | 120 | These are the entirely new Pokémon species that debuted in Scarlet and Violet and its DLCs, spanning National Pokédex numbers 906 (Sprigatito) through 1025 (Pecharunt). This is the true count of unique creatures added to the Pokémon universe in this generation. |
| Total Playable in Scarlet & Violet | ~600-700+ | This is the most expansive number, encompassing the Paldea Regional Pokédex, all Pokémon introduced through the The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC, special event Pokémon, and the vast number of Pokémon transferable from previous games via Pokémon HOME. This figure is fluid as new events occur and HOME compatibility expands, but it represents the full breadth of creatures you can actively use in Scarlet and Violet. |
| It’s clear that Generation 9 has offered a rich and diverse ecosystem. From the moment you pick your starter to the thrilling conclusion of the DLC, the number of Pokémon available for you to catch, battle, and bond with is truly impressive. This dynamic approach ensures that your journey through Paldea remains exciting, offering new discoveries around every corner and through every update. If you're curious about the historical context, you might also want to explore how many Pokemon per generation have been introduced throughout the franchise's history. |
Your Paldean Journey: How to Catch 'Em All (or Most!)
For trainers looking to truly maximize their Paldean experience and capture as many Pokémon as possible, here's some practical advice:
- Explore Every Nook and Cranny: The 400 Pokémon in the Paldea Regional Pokédex are primarily found through diligent exploration. Don't shy away from different biomes, caves, or even the depths of Area Zero.
- Complete the DLC: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC is essential not just for new story content, but for the significant influx of new and returning Pokémon. This is where you'll find many of the new Gen 9 species beyond the base game.
- Utilize Pokémon HOME: If you have Pokémon from previous games, connecting your Scarlet or Violet save to Pokémon HOME is a game-changer. It allows you to bring over many species that aren't natively found in Paldea, vastly expanding your available roster.
- Stay Updated on Events: Keep an eye on official Pokémon news channels and in-game announcements for special Tera Raid Battle events or Mystery Gift distributions. These are often the only ways to obtain certain rare or legendary Pokémon.
- Engage with Online Communities: Pokémon communities are excellent resources for tracking events, finding trade partners for version-exclusive Pokémon, and learning about hidden secrets or limited-time opportunities.
By embracing these strategies, you’ll not only complete your Paldean Pokédex but also build a comprehensive collection of creatures that truly showcases the vastness of Generation 9. The journey to catch 'em all is a continuous adventure, always offering something new for the dedicated trainer.
Common Questions & Misconceptions About Paldean Pokémon Totals
How many new Pokémon are in Gen 9?
There are 120 new Pokémon species introduced specifically in Generation 9 (including the DLC), ranging from National Pokédex number 906 (Sprigatito) to 1025 (Pecharunt).
How many Pokémon are in the Paldea Pokédex?
The base Paldea Regional Pokédex contains 400 Pokémon. This includes a mix of new Generation 9 species and returning Pokémon from previous generations that can be found within the game's initial boundaries.
Can I use old Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet?
Yes, absolutely! With the integration of Pokémon HOME, you can transfer a wide variety of Pokémon from previous games into Scarlet and Violet. This significantly expands the pool of usable Pokémon beyond those native to Paldea.
Do the DLCs add more Pokémon to the Paldea Pokédex?
The DLCs (The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk) add Pokémon to their own regional Pokédexes (Kitakami Pokédex, Blueberry Pokédex) and also introduce new Generation 9 species that expand the overall National Pokédex. While these aren't part of the original 400 Paldea Dex, they are fully integrated into the Scarlet and Violet games for you to catch and use.
Are all 400 Paldea Pokédex Pokémon new to Generation 9?
No, the 400 Pokémon in the Paldea Pokédex are a combination of brand-new Generation 9 species and many returning Pokémon from previous generations. Only 120 species are entirely new to Gen 9.