Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, the ninth Generation of the long-running monster-catching and battling video game series, brought many new changes that freshens up the franchise. One of the most outstanding features is the fully open-world map that lets you explore the Paldea region without being railroaded. And just like most open-world games out there, this game also has a weather system. Any Trainer who owns a Sliggoo in their party probably is waiting for Paldea to be raining since it can only evolve into Goodra when leveled up during a Rain starting at level 50. Now the question is, where and when does it Rain in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet?
Can You Force Rain in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet?
While previous Pokemon games’ time of day is connected to the console’s internal clock, the day and night, as well as the weather cycle of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, is tied to the in-game clock instead; with Day and Night last around 30 minutes in real-time. Changing the Nintendo Switch’s clock will not affect the game’s time passage and weather whatsoever.
This means the weather all across Paldea will change randomly. Nevertheless, it seems in most areas Rain will come every three to five minutes. Keep in mind that it’s impossible to Rain in the Asado Desert and snowy areas like Glaseado Mountain, where any weather effect will be replaced with Harsh Sunlight/Sandstorm and Snow, respectively. So if you want to wait for Rain to come, avoid running around those areas!
Since we are talking about the Rain and the weather of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, it’s important to note that there are four weather effects in the game. Each of them provides different buffs and nerfs during battles.
Harsh Sunlight:
- Buffs Fire-Type moves.
- Nerfs Water-Type moves.
- Nerfs the accuracy of Thunder and Hurricane.
- Select Grass-Type moves like Solar Beam and Solar Blade can be used instantly.
- Healing moves (such as Synthesis, Moonlight, and Morning Sun) are more effective.
- Abilities:
- Orichalcum Pulse: Buffs Attack.
- Chlorophyll: Buffs Speed.
- Leaf Guard: Become immune to status effects.
- Solar Power: Buffs Special Attack, loses HP each turn.
- Dry Skin: Loses HP each turn.
Rain:
- Buffs Water-Type moves.
- Nerfs Fire-Type moves.
- Thunder and Hurricane will always hit.
- Select Grass-Type moves like Solar Beam and Solar Blade to take an extra turn to charge.
- Healing moves (such as Synthesis, Moonlight, and Morning Sun) are less effective.
- Abilities:
- Swift Swim: Buffs Speed.
- Hydration: Instantly heals any status effects.
- Dry Skin: Gain HP each turn.
- Rain Dish: Gain HP each turn.
Snow:
- Buffs Ice-Type moves.
- Blizzard will always hit.
- Healing moves (such as Synthesis, Moonlight, and Morning Sun) are less effective.
- Abilities:
- Slush Rush: Buffs Speed.
- Snow Cloak: Buffs evasiveness.
- Ice Body: Gain HP each turn.
Sandstorm:
- Pokemon will take damage each turn.
- Ground, Rock, and Steel-Type are immune to Sandstorm damage.
- Buffs the Special Defense of Rock-Type Pokemon.
- Healing moves (such as Synthesis, Moonlight, and Morning Sun) are less effective.
- Shore Up is more effective.
- Nerfs Solar Beam.
- Abilities:
- Sand Force: Buffs Ground, Rock, and Steel-Type moves.
- Sand Rush: Buffs Speed.
- Snow Cloak: Buffs evasiveness.
Considering in any Pokemon game there are moves that can change weather effects during battle (Sunny Day, Rain Dance, Hail, etc), it would’ve been neat if we can use them outside of battles to force where and when it Rains in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Unfortunately, it does not and we just have to wait until the RNG blesses us with Rain.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are available on Nintendo Switch.
