Synchronization is a gameplay feature that debuted with Pokemon Scarlet & Violet's Expansion Pass in part 2: The Indigo Disk. In short, Synchronization allows you to take control of your Pokemon. To use Synchronization, you will need a Key Item called a Synchro Machine.
The Synchro Machine can be unlocked in Terarium, the setting for Indigo Disk. Getting it is arguably one of Indigo Disk's easier quests, but the quest itself is easy to miss if you're not paying attention. Also, while Synchronization does add a new mechanic to Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, it isn't without its drawbacks.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: How to Start Indigo Disk DLC
Starting part 2 of Pokemon Scarlet & Violet's DLC, the Indigo Disk, requires a few steps that trainers must complete, so here's what to know.
Where to Find the Synchro Machine
In order to get the Synchro Machine, you will need to do the following:
- Have version 3.0.0 for Scarlet/Violet on Switch.
- Completed "Starfall Street," "Victory Road," "Path of Legends," and the Kitakami/Teal Mask story.
- Go to Naranja/Uva Academy to meet Director Cyrano, then go to Blueberry Academy in Unova.
- Defeat Lacey in order to "unlock" Teraium.
Once all of these have been completed, you should make way for the Central Plaza, which, as its name indicates, is right in the middle of Teraium's four biomes. You can set an objective marker to make it easier to find. If you decide to head to the Coastal Biome as prompted by Lacey, you will eventually get a call from Carmine after completing your first Blueberry Academy class. She'll want to meet up with you at Central Plaza, so while you're there, you may as well grab the Synchro Machine.
Next to the Pokemon Healing machine and the Union Circle, there is a scientist with a yellow speech bubble saying, "Sweet, sweet synchronization!". This is Synclaire, and you can speak to her to start the quest for unlocking Synchronization.
Synclaire's Trials
The trials for testing Synchronization are extremely easy. Once you agree to assist Synclaire, you'll be warped to another section of the Central Plaza. You'll then need to call out your lead Pokemon with ZR-button, then speak to her again.
When you first Synchronize with your Pokemon, you will need to complete the following tasks:
- Walk towards the tree in the center while playing as your Pokemon.
- Defeat 3 Pokemon while Synchronizing.
Afterward, Synclaire will give you the Synchro Machine key item.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: How to Catch Alolan Form Pokemon (Indigo Disk DLC)
Once you meet up with Lacey and the class at the Coastal Biome, you'll need to find an Alolan Form Pokemon for the teacher.
How to Play as Your Pokemon (How to Synchronize)
Once you have the Synchro Machine, you can Synchronize with your Pokemon by holding down L-button, then tapping R-button (while still holding L-button). You will then take control of your Pokemon. To exit Synchronization, you hold down L-button and tap R-button, the same way you would enter Synchronization.
If it isn't obvious that you've Synchronized with your Pokemon, you should check and see if there's a green Poke Ball icon over the Pokemon's head/icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen. You can exit out of Synchronization if you run into any difficulties.
The controls for playing your Pokemon are the same as when you're the trainer:
- You move with L-stick.
- Pick up treasures with A-button.
To battle while Synchronized, approach a wild Pokemon and press the Y-button to "Battle/Attack." Try to avoid battling Pokemon that greatly outlevel your lead Pokemon or that have a type advantage.
If you want to change the Pokemon you're synchronized with, go into your menu with X-button, then select the Pokemon you want to move and tap Y-button.
Can You Use the Synchro Machine in Paldea or Kitakami?
Unfortunately, you cannot use the Synchro Machine outside Terarium. So places such as Kitakami and Paldea are a no-go. It's unlikely this will be changed in Scarlet/Violet, but if the Synchro Machine makes a return to another Pokemon game, then perhaps Synchronization will shed its current limitations.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are available for Nintendo Switch.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
- Released
- November 18, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Game Freak
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo, The Pokemon Company
- Franchise
- Pokemon
- Platform(s)
- Switch
- Genre(s)
- RPG
