The open-world setting of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet has required many changes to staple mechanics of the Pokémon series, including Pokémon Centers. In the first trailer for the upcoming Generation 9 games, open-world gameplay in Scarlet and Violet was confirmed. While past games like Sword and Shield and Pokémon Legends: Arceus have contained open-world-inspired gameplay, this will be the first time a true open-world map will be used in a Pokémon title. However, it has required many core features of a Pokémon region to be redesigned for accessibility.

Every modern Pokémon region has a few key features players use regularly while working through their trainer journey. This includes the Poké Mart used for purchasing gear and items and the Pokémon Center needed for healing Pokémon partners. In the earlier games of the series, both locations were in separate buildings, colored blue and red respectively. However, in more recent games, the businesses have been combined in one building, with the player easily able to heal a Pokémon party and purchase Poké Balls by visiting two different counters.

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In a new gameplay trailer for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, players were given a glimpse of the new open-world exploration mechanics, including a quick look at a modernized Pokémon Center. The new building is more like a kiosk or pitstop, removing the need for a large building. The Pokémon Center kiosk possesses a large, red roof with the classic Pokémon Center logo, as well as vibrant lighting to help it stand out in large areas. It is likely these kiosks will be scattered throughout the wild terrain of the Gen 9 region, giving players easy access to items and healing for their Pokémon parties as needed.

How Pokémon Centers In Scarlet & Violet Are Different

Fuecoco smiling while standing in front of an apple in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Unfortunately, it isn't clear if these Pokémon Center kiosks will completely replace the classic buildings in Scarlet and Violet's cities. It also isn't known if players will have a limited selection of services at these stops, or if it will provide all the shopping, healing, and storage options currently available in the building format of previous games. However, it does appear that players participating in 4-player co-op sessions will be able to use the host's Pokémon Center kiosks, making exploration as a team in co-op groups easy and immersive.

Currently, there is still no information on what Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's towns will look like. While it has been confirmed that each version of the Gen 9 games will have its own professor, and that a theme regarding the past and the future is likely going to be used, other details have remained minimal. However, the new games have been confirmed for release on November 18, 2022, meaning Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will likely continue releasing updates and teaser trailers throughout the summer. Hopefully, these updates will include further details on the region, and give insight into what new adventure will be in store for fans of the series.

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