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Synchronization is a gameplay feature that debuted withPokemon 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 toPokemon Scarlet & Violet, it isn’t without its drawbacks.
Where to Find the Synchro Machine
In order to get the Synchro Machine, you will need to do the following:
Once all of these have been completed, you should make way for theCentral Plaza, which, as its name indicates, is right in the middle of Teraium’s four biomes. you’re able to 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 machineand theUnion Circle, there is a scientist with a yellow speech bubble saying, “Sweet, sweet synchronization!”. This isSynclaire, and you can speak to her to startthe 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 tocall out your lead PokemonwithZR-button, then speak to her again.
When you first Synchronize with your Pokemon, you will need tocomplete the following tasks:
Afterward, Synclaire will give you theSynchro Machinekey item.
How to Play as Your Pokemon (How to Synchronize)
Once you have the Synchro Machine, you can Synchronize with your Pokemon byholding down L-button, then tapping R-button (while still holding L-button). You will then take control of your Pokemon. Toexit 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 agreen Poke Ball iconover the Pokemon’s head/icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen. You can exit out of Synchronizationif you run into any difficulties.
The controls for playing your Pokemon are the same as when you’re the trainer:
Tobattle while Synchronized, approach a wild Pokemon and press theY-buttonto “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 tapY-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 inScarlet/Violet, but if the Synchro Machine makesa return to anotherPokemongame, then perhaps Synchronization will shed its current limitations.
