Pokemon Scarlet and Violet allows players to send out their Pokemon to auto-battle alone. If you’re wondering how to do that, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

If you want to make sure your auto-battling goes as smoothly as possible, then make sure you know how to fix low FPS and improve performance in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

How to Activate Auto-Battles in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

You can activate auto-battles by pressing the R button (right shoulder button) when near a wild Pokemon. You can only use the first Pokemon in your party in auto-battles.

Additionally, you can aim at enemy Pokemon by holding down ZL (left shoulder button), which locks onto them. If you send out your Pokemon while aiming, they’ll target that specific one.

If you wish to have your Pokemon battle more than one enemy on its own, you should try to send it out near a gathering of them. It will automatically attempt to defeat each one of them.

two Pokemon auto-battling in Scarlet & Violet

How to Win Auto-Battles in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

To win an auto-battle in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, your type and level must be superior to your opponent’s. If you’re auto-battling a water-type, then using a grass-type will guarantee you win.

Beyond that, you have no control. You can’t choose any moves or items, the two Pokemon will fight over one short round and either win or lose.

Fortunately, your Pokemon cannot faint during an auto-battle. If they lose, they will return to you with just 1HP and won’t be able to auto-battle again until their health is restored.

Of course, if you win every battle in an area, it will be helpful to know how to reset wild Pokemon spawns quickly so you can continue auto-battling.

Can You Catch Pokemon While Auto-Battling?

No, you cannot catch Pokemon during an auto-battle. If you instigate an auto-battle, your Pokemon will either defeat its opponent or lose and come back to you.

So, if you’re considering sending out your Pokemon to fight on its own, make sure it is not near something you actually want to catch.

the player aiming at a Hoppip

How to Walk With Your Pokemon in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

If you want your Pokemon to walk by your side in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, you just need to press R when you’re not near a wild Pokemon.

This only applies to the first Pokemon in your party, however. Once out of their Poke Ball, they will follow you around unless you stray too far away from them.

You can also do this when playing with friends, allowing you to explore together with your Pokemon by your side. Of course, you’ll need to know how to play online in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet first.

the player looking at their Pokemon next to a Poke Center in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

What is Let’s Go in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet?

Let’s Go is just the name of the auto-battling mechanic in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. It is likely a homage to the name of the Pokemon Red and Green remakes, Let’s Go Eevee and Let’s Go Pikachu.

It is still activated by pressing ZR on your controller and aiming with ZL at whichever Pokemon you wish to battle.

Former Staff Writer
Whether it's an indie platformer or a 100-hour JRPG, Tom loves talking about games. So much so, he made it his career. Since starting in 2020, he's covered a wide range of topics at sites including TheGamer and The Game Crater.