Image Via Game Freak

Can You Change to Set Battle Style in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet? Answered

Ready, Set, Go?

There are casuals and hardcore gamers. In terms of Pokémon, I’m about as casual as it gets, but I believe there are certain scenarios in which I would embrace several settings, abilities or features that are most commonly associated to more “hardcore” or even professional types of Pokémon players. One of those variables is the “Shift” vs. “Set” dilemma. Here is a small explanation for the unfamiliar. Shift is a battle style in which, whenever your opponent’s Pokémon gets knocked out, their next Pokémon is announced. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to change your chosen Pokémon. “Set”, on the contrary, won’t announce the next Pokémon to be summoned to battle. And, of course, you won’t get the chance to change yours. I like that, I find it more exciting. However, can you use Set battle style in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet? Let’s find out.

Recommended Videos

Related: Will the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC Have Its Own Starters?

Can You Use Set Battle Style in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

While I truly believe that Set is the best way to play Pokémon, there is no way to change battle styles in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. That means that, for all your playthrough, you will be stuck with the Shift battle style as your default. That’s a shame, because the ability to change battle styles has been available since the times of Pokémon Red and Blue. It makes no sense to me, but let’s hope that they include the ability to use the Set battle style in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet in the future. However, if I’m totally honest with you, I think it will take a little while since Game Freak has to deal with several other “problems” before adding more content to the game.

Related: Does Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Have a Memory Leak Issue? Let’s Investigate

Anyway, my solution for this problem is to simply not change your Pokémon when prompted and close your eyes when the other trainer announces their next Pokémon. Ridiculous, right? I think getting rid of this mode is far more ridiculous than that, but anyway. Let it be. Thanks for reading!


Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is available on Nintendo Switch. If you like our Pokémon content, be sure to check out What Does Cheugy Mean in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet? Answered and How to Get Hisuian Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet.

Author
Image of Alejandro Josan
Alejandro Josan
A musician with a heart of a gamer, Alejandro's life has always been accompanied by adventures on Nintendo platformers, countless hours of fantasy RPGs and several third-party FPSs. Currently, he is studying Game Design and Development, preparing for a long career in the video game industry.