Unlock These 15 Color Game Tips and Tricks to Boost Your Score Instantly

I remember the first time I booted up Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, that familiar mix of excitement and slight impatience washing over me as the opening sequence began. Like many veteran players, I’ve been through these introductory routines countless times across different generations—waking up in my character’s room, meeting the inevitable rival, and choosing one of three starters. It’s a comforting ritual, but let’s be honest: after so many years, even the most well-designed tutorials can feel a bit overbearing. What struck me this time, though, was how swiftly Game Freak moved things along. Within what felt like 20 to 30 minutes, Nemona—that peppy, battle-hungry companion—cut me loose, and suddenly I was staring at a huge chunk of Paldea, free to explore, battle trainers at my own pace, and catch whatever wild Pokemon crossed my path. That early sense of freedom is exactly where many players either soar or stumble, and it’s also where smart gameplay strategies can turn a decent run into an unforgettable one.

Now, I’ve spent roughly 80 hours across both versions, experimenting with different playstyles, from speed-running to completionist approaches. Along the way, I’ve picked up a handful of tips and tricks that aren’t just about grinding—they’re about playing smarter, especially in those opening hours when every decision counts. Let’s start with something simple but often overlooked: your starter choice. While the classic advice is to pick based on type advantages, I’ve found that in Scarlet and Violet, Fuecoco offers the smoothest early game. Its Fire typing gives it an edge against several early route bugs and grass-types, and its eventual evolution into Skeledirge provides a reliable special attacker that can carry you through some tough gyms. But don’t just take my word for it—I tracked my progress with each starter and finished the first major story arc nearly 40 minutes faster with Fuecoco compared to Sprigatito or Quaxly.

Once you’re let loose in that first open area, it’s tempting to rush toward the closest town or follow Nemona’s suggestions. Resist that urge. Instead, spend an extra 15 to 20 minutes catching everything that moves. I’m not exaggerating when I say that filling out your Pokedex early pays off massively. Not only does it net you valuable experience points through the auto-battles and captures, but you also unlock critical rewards like Rare Candies and Technical Records (TRs) much sooner. On my second playthrough, I made it a point to catch at least 30 species before even challenging the first gym, and that early diversity made team-building feel less like a chore and more like a creative exercise.

Another thing I wish I’d known sooner: use the Let’s Go feature aggressively. Sending out your lead Pokemon to auto-battle wild ‘mons isn’t just a time-saver—it’s a strategic goldmine. For example, if you’re aiming to evolve a Pawmi into Pawmot (which requires walking 1,000 steps), you can multitask by having it roam alongside you while you gather materials or hunt for Tera Raid crystals. I timed it once: using Let’s Go, I evolved Pawmi in under 12 minutes without ever entering a traditional battle. Little efficiencies like that add up, especially when you’re trying to boost your score or clear objectives quickly.

Battling trainers is another area where small adjustments yield big returns. Early on, I used to avoid optional trainer battles, thinking they’d slow me down. Big mistake. On my third playthrough, I fought every single trainer I encountered in the South Province, and by the time I reached Cortondo, my team was, on average, 4 levels higher than in previous runs. That level cushion made the first gym feel almost trivial. And here’s a pro-tip: if you’re aiming for a high score in in-game tournaments or online ladder play, pay attention to EVs and IVs from the get-go. I know, it sounds sweaty, but using vitamins and feathers early—even just a handful—can shape your team’s long-term viability. In one experiment, I invested 25,000 Pokédollars in Protein and Iron for my Ceruledge before level 30, and it consistently outperformed my earlier builds by a noticeable margin.

Exploration is where Scarlet and Violet truly shine, and it’s also where most players miss out on hidden advantages. Climb every cliff, check behind every waterfall—I can’t stress this enough. On my first run, I skipped a lot of the vertical exploration, only to realize later that some of the best TMs and held items are tucked away in hard-to-reach spots. For instance, there’s a Thunderbolt TM hidden near a ruins site in West Province that I didn’t find until my second playthrough. Had I grabbed it earlier, it would have saved me at least five hours of frustration against water-type specialists.

When it comes to the three main questlines—Victory Road, Starfall Street, and Path of Legends—I’ve found that juggling them in a specific order maximizes both fun and efficiency. I usually tackle the Titan Pokémon first, since unlocking Koraidon or Miraidon’s movement upgrades makes backtracking less tedious. Then I mix gym battles with Team Star bases, adjusting based on my team’s levels. This approach cut my total playtime by nearly 10 hours compared to a strictly linear run. And if you’re the competitive type, don’t sleep on Tera Raids. I try to do at least one 5-star raid per session—the rewards, like Ability Patches and Herba Mystica, are game-changers for breeding and training.

Of course, not every trick works for everyone. I’ve seen players swear by hyper-aggressive speed-running tactics, like skipping all non-essential captures, but that style never clicked with me. I prefer a balanced approach—efficient but immersive, with room to enjoy the world. That’s the beauty of Scarlet and Violet: they give you the freedom to play your way, whether you’re a min-maxer or a casual explorer. Still, applying even a few of these strategies can transform your experience, turning a slow start into a dominant run. So go on—dive back in, tweak your approach, and watch your score climb. Trust me, it’s worth it.