Pokémon Scarlet offers a very different experience compared to older Pokémon games. Instead of following a strict, linear path, players are dropped into an open world where they can explore freely. This freedom is exciting, but it can also be confusing, especially for new players or those returning after a long break. Many players ask about the best order to do things in Pokémon Scarlet so they can enjoy the story, avoid difficulty spikes, and make steady progress without frustration.
Understanding the Open-World Structure
Pokémon Scarlet takes place in the Paldea region, a large open world filled with towns, wild Pokémon, and multiple story paths. Unlike previous games, you are not locked into a single route. You can travel almost anywhere from early on, but that does not mean every challenge is equally balanced.
The game does not scale enemy levels dynamically, which makes the order to do things in Pokémon Scarlet especially important if you want smoother gameplay.
The Three Main Story Paths
One of the most important things to understand is that Pokémon Scarlet has three major storylines that run alongside each other. You can switch between them at any time.
- Victory Road (Gym Challenges)
- Path of Legends (Titan Pokémon)
- Starfall Street (Team Star Bases)
Knowing how to balance these three paths is key to deciding the best order to do things.
Victory Road Gym Battles
Victory Road follows the traditional Pokémon formula of battling Gym Leaders and earning badges. There are eight gyms scattered across Paldea.
Although you can challenge gyms in any order, each gym has a fixed level range. Visiting a high-level gym too early can lead to frustrating defeats.
Suggested Gym Progression
Many players prefer starting with lower-level gyms before exploring harder areas. This helps build a strong team and unlocks obedience levels.
Gym badges are essential because they allow higher-level Pokémon to obey you, which is crucial later in the game.
Path of Legends Titan Pokémon
The Path of Legends focuses on hunting Titan Pokémon, massive creatures guarding special Herba Mystica.
Completing these quests upgrades your ride Pokémon, Koraidon, unlocking new traversal abilities like dashing, swimming, and climbing.
Why Titans Matter Early
Many players recommend tackling at least a few Titan Pokémon early. Mobility upgrades make exploration much easier and allow access to new regions.
Improved movement also helps when deciding the order to do things in Pokémon Scarlet, as some areas are difficult to reach without upgrades.
Starfall Street Team Star Bases
Starfall Street involves taking down Team Star bases across Paldea. Each base has a specific type focus and difficulty level.
These missions are more challenging than they appear because they include auto-battles and a boss fight at the end.
When to Tackle Team Star
Team Star bases are best approached after gaining some experience through gyms and Titans. A balanced team and higher levels make these battles far more manageable.
A Balanced Order to Do Things
Rather than completing one storyline from start to finish, many players find success by mixing all three paths.
This balanced approach keeps your team strong, avoids level gaps, and ensures steady progression.
Early Game Focus
In the early game, focus on nearby gyms, the first Titan Pokémon, and at least one Team Star base. This helps unlock core mechanics and boosts your confidence.
Mid-Game Exploration
As your team grows, begin exploring more distant regions. Alternate between gyms, Titans, and Star bases to maintain balanced leveling.
Late-Game Completion
By the late game, you should have most movement abilities unlocked. This is the ideal time to clean up remaining gyms and tougher Team Star bases.
Level Management and Team Building
One of the challenges of Pokémon Scarlet is managing your team’s level progression. Because the world is open, it is easy to overlevel or underlevel accidentally.
Pay attention to wild Pokémon levels in each area. If enemies are much lower than your team, consider moving on.
Type Coverage Matters
Since gyms and Team Star bases are type-focused, building a team with good type coverage is essential.
Rotating Pokémon in and out of your party can help prevent overleveling while keeping battles interesting.
Exploration and Side Activities
Beyond the main story paths, Pokémon Scarlet offers plenty of side content, including Tera Raids, Pokédex completion, and item hunting.
While these activities are optional, they can make progression easier and more enjoyable.
Tera Raids
Tera Raids are a great way to earn experience, items, and powerful Pokémon. Doing raids between story objectives helps strengthen your team.
Pokédex Progress
Filling the Pokédex rewards you with useful items. Catching Pokémon along your journey naturally supports team flexibility.
Common Mistakes in Progression
Many players struggle because they rush into high-level areas too soon or ignore important upgrades.
- Skipping Titan Pokémon and lacking movement abilities
- Challenging high-level gyms too early
- Using only one Pokémon instead of a balanced team
A thoughtful order to do things in Pokémon Scarlet helps avoid these issues.
Freedom vs. Guidance
One of the game’s strengths is freedom, but it also places responsibility on the player to choose wisely.
Unlike linear games, Pokémon Scarlet rewards players who observe their surroundings and adjust their path accordingly.
Story Experience and Immersion
Mixing the three storylines creates a richer narrative experience. Characters reappear, and story elements feel more connected.
Following a flexible order makes the world feel alive rather than segmented.
Adapting to Your Playstyle
There is no single perfect order to do things in Pokémon Scarlet. Some players prefer focusing on story, while others enjoy exploration.
The best approach is one that matches your comfort level and curiosity.
Progression
Pokémon Scarlet’s open-world design encourages experimentation, but understanding progression order can greatly improve enjoyment. Balancing gyms, Titan Pokémon, and Team Star bases creates a smoother difficulty curve and keeps the game engaging.
By paying attention to levels, upgrading mobility early, and maintaining a balanced team, players can experience Paldea at their own pace without unnecessary frustration. The freedom to choose your path is the heart of Pokémon Scarlet, and with a thoughtful approach, that freedom becomes one of its greatest strengths.