Unlike past Pokémon games, Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet allow players to chart their own route through the games’ region. That can be a lot of fun, but it can also lead to less challenging gameplay if you neglect to progress one of the three storylines while levelling up your Pokémon.
Our guide below will help you obtain all objectives of the three stories of the Treasure Hunt, Victory Road, Path of Legends and Starfall Street, and prepare you for their respective final challenges while making sure that you’re not missing out on encounters that will be too easy when tackled later.
Scarlet & Violet level-based completion path map
The map below provides one option for trainers to stay within recommended levels while completing the story of Scarlet and Violet. Gyms are marked with red dots (Victory Road), Titans are marked with grey dots (Path of Legends) and Team Star bases are marked with yellow dots (Starfall Street).
Recommended order quick list
The following list corresponds to the map above. Using the dropdown will reveal the Pokémon team or Titan information for the location.
- Bug Gym (Cortondo Gym), recommended party level of 15
- Rock Titan (Stony Cliff Titan), recommended party level of 16
- Grass Gym (Artazon Gym), recommended party level of 17
- Flying Titan (Open Sky Titan), recommended party level of 19
- Team Star’s Dark Base (Seqin Squad), recommended party level of 21
- Electric Gym (Levincia Gym), recommended party level of 24
- Team Star’s Fire Base (Schedar Squad), recommended party level of 27
- Steel Titan (Lurking Steel Titan), recommended party level of 29
- Water Gym (Cascarrafa Gym), recommended party level of 30
- Team Star’s Poison Base (Navi Squad), recommended party level of 32
- Normal Gym (Medali Gym), recommended party level of 35
- Ghost Gym (Montenevera Gym), recommended party level of 42
- Ground Titan (Quaking Earth Titan), recommended party level of 45
- Psychic Gym (Alfornada Gym), recommended party level of 45
- Ice Gym (Glaseado Gym), recommended party level of 47
- Team Star’s Fairy Base (Ruchbah Squad), recommended party level of 50
- Water / Dragon Titan (False Dragon Titan), recommended party level of 55
- Team Star’s Fighting Base (Caph Squad), recommended party level of 56
Expanded leveling guide
The dropdowns are collapsed by default in case you are avoiding spoilers of an encounter’s Pokémon. The recommended levels are suggested so that you won’t necessarily have too much difficulty in battle but the encounters can be challenged and beaten with Pokémon of lower levels.
1. Cortondo Gym (Bug Type): Rec. Pokémon level of ~ 14
Gym Leader Katy’s team
Nymble (Lv. 14)
Type: Bug
- Struggle Bug
- Double Kick
Tarountula (Lv. 14)
Type: Bug
- Bug Bite
- Assurance
Teddiursa (Lv. 14)
Type: Normal
Tera Type: Bug
- Fury Cutter
- Furcy Swipes
Katy’s team consists of Bug type and Bug Tera Type Pokémon and it is recommended to use Flying, Rock or Fire-type Pokémon to defeat her.
2. Stony Cliff Titan (Rock): Rec. Pokémon level of ~ 16
Klawf can be found in South Province (Area Three). Its moveset and details are below:
Moves
- Vise Grip
- Rock Smash
- Block
- Rock Tomb
Details
- Level: 16
- Type: Rock
- Ability: Anger Shell
Although you’ll first find Klawf clinging to a wall, it will move before you encounter it and then also mid battle. During the second stage of the fight, Arven will battle alongside you with his Shellder (lv. 16).
As a Rock-type Pokémon with Rock, Fighting and Normal-type moves, we recommend utilizing Fighting, Ground, Water or Grass-type Pokémon to take it down.
Movement upgrade: Your Koraidon or Miraidon can now dash
3. Artazon Gym (Grass Type): Rec. Pokémon level of ~ 17
Gym Leader Brassius’ team
Petilil (Lv. 16)
Type: Grass
- Sleep Powder
- Mega Drain
Smoliv (Lv. 16)
Type: Grass
- Tackle
- Razor Leaf
Sudowoodo (Lv. 17)
Type: Rock
Tera Type: Grass
- Trailblaze
- Rock Throw
Brassius’s team consists of Grass type and Grass Tera Type Pokémon. Due to Sudowoodo’s Rock-type attack Rock Throw, you may want to bring Poison-type Pokémon to take it down. Otherwise Fire, Flying, Ice and Bug-type Pokémon can probably power through his team.
4. Open Sky Titan (Flying): Rec. Pokémon level of ~ 19
Bombirdier can be found in West Province (Area One). Its moveset and details are below:
Moves
- Rock Throw
- Wing Attack
- Pluck
- Torment
Details
- Level: 20
- Type: Flying / Dark
- Ability: Rocky Payload
Once you reach the top of the mountain Bombirdier is flying over, your battle with the Titan will begin. We recommend using Electric or Fairy-type Pokémon to take it down. During the second phase, Arven will join you with his Nacli.
Movement upgrade: Your Koraidon or Miraidon can now swim
5. Team Star: Seqin Squad’s Base (Dark Type): Rec. Pokémon level of ~ 21
Team Star’s Seqin Squad’s Base is located in the West Province (Area One) and is lead by Giacomo. The player will need to use auto battle to defeat 30 Pokémon in the base before they can challenge Giacomo.
Giacomo’s team
Pawniard (Lv. 21)
Type: Dark / Steel
- Metal Claw
- Fury Cutter
- Aerial Ace
Segin Starmobile (Lv. 20)
Type: Dark
- Wicked Torque
- Snarl
- Metal Sound
- Swift
Fighting, Fairy and Bug-type Pokémon are recommended to take down Giacomo’s team, but watch out for his Flying and Steel-type attacks that can be used against them.
6. Levincia Gym (Electric Type): Rec. Pokémon level of ~ 24
Gym Leader Iono’s team
Wattrel (Lv. 23)
Type: Electric / Flying
- Pluck
- Quick Attack
- Spark
Bellibolt (Lv. 23)
Type: Electric
- Water Gun
- Spark
Luxio (Lv. 23)
Type: Electric
- Spark
- Bite
Mismagius (Lv. 24)
Type: Ghost
Tera Type: Electric
- Charge Beam
- Hex
- Confuse Ray
Iono’s team consists of Electric type and Electric Tera Type Pokémon. Ground-type Pokémon should be able to defeat her quickly, but watch out for Bellibolt’s Water Gun.
7. Team Star: Schedar Squad’s Base (Fire Type): Rec. Pokémon level of ~ 27
Team Star’s Schedar Squad’s Base is located in East Province (Area One) and is lead by Mela. The player will need to use auto battle to defeat 30 Pokémon in the base before they can challenge Mela.
Mela’s team
Torkoal (Lv. 27)
Type: Fire
- Flame Wheel
- Smog
Segin Starmobile (Lv. 26)
Type: Fire
- Overheat
- Blazing Torque
- Screech
- Swift
Properly leveled Water, Ground or Rock-type Pokémon will be able to take on Mela’s team with relative ease. Be aware that the Segin Starmobile has the ability Speed Boost and will quickly get faster as the battle progresses.
8. Lurking Steel Titan (Steel): Rec. Pokémon level of ~ 29
Orthoworm can be found in East Province (Area Three). Its moveset and details are below:
Moves
- Iron Tail
- Headbutt
- Wrap
- Sandstorm
Details
- Level: 29
- Type: Steel
- Ability: Earth Eater
You’ll need to chase Orthoworm several times before you begin your battle. During the second stage, Arven will join you with his Toadscool.
Do not use Ground-type attacks against Orthoworm! Its ability Earth Eater will negate the damage and heal it instead. Fighting and Fire-type Pokémon are recommended.
Movement upgrade: Your Koraidon or Miraidon can now jump higher
9. Cascarrafa Gym (Water Type): Rec. Pokémon level of ~ 30
Gym Leader Kofu’s team
Veluza (Lv. 29)
Type: Water / Psychic
- Slash
- Pluck
- Aqua Cutter
Wugtrio (Lv. 29)
Type: Water
- Mud-Slap
- Water Pulse
- Headbutt
Crabominable (Lv. 30)
Type: Fighting / Ice
Tera Type: Water
- Charge Beam
- Hex
- Confuse Ray
Kofu’s team consists of Water type and Water Tera Type Pokémon. You can bring Grass and Electric-type Pokémon to take her down, just watch out for moves like Pluck and Mud-Slap that can threaten them.
10. Team Star: Navi Squad’s Base (Poison Type): Rec. Pokémon level of ~ 33
Team Star’s Navi Squad’s Base is located in Tagtree Thicket and is lead by Atticus. The player will need to use auto battle to defeat 30 Pokémon in the base before they can challenge Atticus.
Atticus’s team
Skuntank (Lv. 32)
Type: Poison / Dark
- Sucker Punch
- Toxic
- Venoshock
Muk (Lv. 32)
Type: Poison
- Sludge Wave
- Mud-Slap
Revavroom (Lv. 33)
Type: Steel / Poison
- Iron Head
- Sludge
- Assurance
- Bulldoze
Navi Starmobile (Lv. 32)
Type: Poison
- Spin Out
- Noxious Torque
- Flame Charge
- Smog
Atticus’s team can be taken down with Ground-type Pokémon or attacks, but take care not to get poisoned. It may benefit you to bring Antidotes or Full Heals.
11. Medali Gym (Normal Type): Rec. Pokémon level of ~ 36
Gym Leader Larry’s team
Komala (Lv. 35)
Type: Normal
- Yawn
- Sucker Punch
- Slam
Dudunsparce (Lv. 35)
Type: Normal
- Hyper Drill
- Drill Run
- Glare
Staraptor (Lv. 36)
Type: Normal / Flying
Tera Type: Normal
- Facade
- Aerial Ace
Larry’s team consists of Normal type and Normal Tera Type Pokémon. Fighting-type Pokémon or Pokémon that know Fighting-type attacks should be able to take down Larry pretty easily, just watch out for his status-inducing moves like Yawn and Glare and protect Fighting-type Pokémon from Staraptor’s Aerial Ace.
12. Montenevera Gym (Ghost Type): Rec. Pokémon level of ~ 41
Gym Leader Ryme’s team
Banette (Lv. 41)
Type: Ghost
- Icy Wind
- Sucker Punch
- Shadow Sneak
Mimikyu (Lv. 41)
Type: Ghost / Fairy
- Light Screen
- Shadow Sneak
- Slash
Houndstone (Lv. 41)
Type: Ghost
- Play Rough
- Crunch
- Phantom Force
Toxtricity (Lv. 42)
Type: Electric / Poison
Tera Type: Ghost
- Discharge
- Hex
- Hyper Voice
Ryme’s team consists of Ghost type and Ghost Tera Type Pokémon. You’re general safe to bring Dark-type Pokémon to fight her team, but be careful of Houndstone’s Fairy-type attack Play Rough. There are also some tricky moves like Sucker Punch and the increased priority move Shadow Sneak to watch out for. Your Pokémon may need to be prepared to take a few hits.
13. Quaking Earth Titan (Ground): Rec. Pokémon level of ~ 45
The Titan you face will depend on the version of the game you are playing: in Scarlet, players will face Great Tusk, while in Violet, players will face Iron Treads. Both will can be found in Asado Desert.
Great Tusk moveset and details
Moves
- Rapid Spin
- Brick Break
- Knock Off
- Stomping Tantrum
Details
- Level: 45
- Type: Ground / Fighting
- Ability: Protosynthesis
Your battle with Great Tusk will start soon after you find it. During the second stage, Arven will join you with his Scovillain.
Flying Pokémon are recommended to both take advantage of its weakness and avoid Ground-type attacks.
Movement upgrade: Your Koraidon or Miraidon can now glide
Iron Treads moveset and details
Moves
- Rapid Spin
- Iron Head
- Knock Off
- Stomping Tantrum
Details
- Level: 45
- Type: Ground / Steel
- Ability: Quark Drive
Your battle with Iron Treads will start soon after you find it. During the second stage, Arven will join you with his Scovillain.
Water, Ground or Fighting-type Pokémon can take advantage of Iron Treads’ weaknesses without getting Super Effective damage from its moves.
Movement upgrade: Your Koraidon or Miraidon can now glide
14. Alfornada Gym (Psychic Type): Rec. Pokémon level of ~ 45
Gym Leader Tulip’s team
Farigiraf (Lv. 44)
Type: Normal / Psychic
- Crunch
- Zen Headbutt
- Reflect
Gardevoir (Lv. 44)
Type: Psychic / Fairy
- Psychic
- Dazzling Gleam
- Energy Ball
Espathra (Lv. 44)
Type: Psychic
- Psychic
- Quick Attack
- Shadow Ball
Florges (Lv. 45)
Type: Fairy
Tera Type: Psychic
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Petal Blast
Tulip’s team consists of Psychic type and Psychic Tera Type Pokémon. Dark-type attacks will be helpful, but Dark-type Pokémon risk being hit by some of the Fairy-type moves her team has. Ghost and Bug-type Pokémon can also be helpful.
15. Glaseado Gym (Ice Type): Rec. Pokémon level of ~ 48
Gym Leader Grusha’s team
Frosmoth (Lv. 47)
Type: Ice / Bug
- Blizzard
- Bug Buzz
- Tailwind
Beartic (Lv. 47)
Type: Ice
- Aqua Jet
- Icicle Crash
- Earthquake
Cetitan (Lv. 47)
Type: Ice
- Ice Spinner
- Liquidation
- Ice Shard
Altaria (Lv. 48)
Type: Dragon / Flying
Tera Type: Ice
- Ice Beam
- Dragon Pulse
- Moonblast
- Hurricane
Grusha’s team consists of Ice type and Ice Tera Type Pokémon. His team has attacks that will take advantage of the weaknesses of Fire, Fighting, Rock and Steel-type Pokémon. Just make sure that you are levelled up and can take a few hits. Don’t forget that Cetitan’s Thick Fat ability will negate its Fire-type weakness.
16. Team Star: Ruchbah Squad’s Base (Fairy Type): Rec. Pokémon level of ~ 50
Team Star’s Ruchbah Squad’s Base is located in North Province (Area Three) and is lead by Ortega. The player will need to use auto battle to defeat 30 Pokémon in the base before they can challenge Ortega.
Ortega’s team
Azumarill (Lv. 50)
Type: Water / Fairy
- Aqua Tail
- Play Rough
- Bounce
- Charm
Wigglytuff (Lv. 50)
Type: Normal / Fairy
- Body Slam
- Play Rough
- Gyro Ball
- Charm
Dachsbun (Lv. 51)
Type: Fairy
- Crunch
- Play Rough
- Baby-Doll Eyes
- Mud-Slap
Ruchbah Starmobile (Lv. 50)
Type: Fairy
- Steel Roller
- Magical Torque
- Confuse Ray
- Spin Out
Ortega’s team can be taken down with Steel or Poison-type Pokémon or attacks.
17. False Dragon Titan (Dragon): Rec. Pokémon level of ~ 56
This fight is unique compared to other Titans that players face. You will need to face both Dondozo (twice) and then Tatsugiri.
Dondozo, who players will initially fight, can be found in Casseroya Lake. You will battle it twice. Its moveset and details are below:
Moves
- Aqua Tail
- Body Slam
- Water Pulse
- Order Up (Second battle only)
Details
- Level: 56
- Type: Water
- Ability: Oblivious
Due to its pure Water typing, players can use Electric or Grass-type Pokémon to take it out.
After defeating Dondozo twice, you’ll finally be able to battle the true Titan Pokémon: Tatsugiri!
Moves
- Muddy Water
- Icy Wind
- Taunt
- Dragon Pulse
Details
- Level: 57
- Type: Dragon / Water
- Ability: Commander
Tatsugiri is weak to both Dragon and Fairy-type moves, but due to it packing both Ice and Dragon-type attacks, we recommend having a Fairy-type Pokémon on hand to take it down.
Movement upgrade: Your Koraidon or Miraidon can now climb up steep terrain
18. Team Star: Caph Squad’s Base (Fighting Type): Rec. Pokémon level of ~ 56
Team Star’s Caph Squad’s Base is located in North Province (Area Two) and is lead by Eri. The player will need to use auto battle to defeat 30 Pokémon in the base before they can challenge Eri.
Eri’s team
Toxicroak (Lv. 55)
Type: Poison / Fighting
- Poison Jab
- Brick Break
- Sucker Punch
Passimian (Lv. 55)
Type: Fighting
- Close Combat
- Rock Tomb
- Seed Bomb
Lucario (Lv. 50)
Type: Fighting / Steel
- Dragon Pulse
- Aura Sphere
- Dark Pulse
Annihilape (Lv. 56)
Type: Fighting / Ghost
- Rage Fist
- Close Combat
- Ice Punch
- Fire Punch
Caph Starmobile (Lv. 56)
Type: Fighting
- Combat Torque
- Spin Out
- Shift Gear
- High Horsepower
Eri’s team can be taken down with Flying, Fairy and Psychic-type attacks or Pokémon, but watch out for her team’s moves that counter those types.