If you want to start fresh in Pokémon Scarlet, you are not alone. Many players look to reset the game to replay the story, choose a different starter Pokémon, correct early-game mistakes, or begin shiny hunting from scratch. However, Pokémon Scarlet does not include a simple “New Game” button, which can make resetting confusing.
This guide explains exactly how to reset Pokémon Scarlet, what happens to your data, safer alternatives, and common mistakes to avoid before deleting your progress.
What Does “Reset” Mean in Pokémon Scarlet?
In Pokémon Scarlet, “resetting” does not mean restarting from an in-game menu. Instead, it involves deleting your saved data at the system level or using a new user profile.
There are three common interpretations of “reset”:
- Full reset: Permanently deleting your save data and starting over
- Fresh playthrough without deletion: Using a new Nintendo Switch user profile
- Soft reset attempts: Reloading the game for better outcomes (largely limited in Scarlet)
Understanding the difference is important, because some actions are irreversible.
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Important Things to Do Before Resetting Pokémon Scarlet
Before deleting anything, pause and double-check the following:
1. Save Valuable Pokémon Using Pokémon HOME
If you have shiny Pokémon, event Pokémon, or high-IV team members, move them to Pokémon HOME.
Once your save file is deleted, all Pokémon stored in the game are permanently lost.
2. Understand Cloud Save Limitations
Pokémon Scarlet does not support Nintendo’s cloud save backup feature. This means:
- You cannot restore deleted save data
- Autosave does not create recovery points
- Deletion is final
3. Disable Autosave (Optional)
If you are planning multiple attempts or experiments, disabling autosave beforehand can prevent accidental overwrites—though it will not protect against full deletion.
How to Reset Pokémon Scarlet on Nintendo Switch (Main Method)
This is the only official way to completely reset the game on an existing profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Open System Settings on your Nintendo Switch
- Scroll down and select Data Management
- Choose Delete Save Data
- Select Pokémon Scarlet
- Choose your active user profile
- Confirm the deletion
Once confirmed:
- Your entire game progress is erased
- Story, Pokémon, items, and achievements are deleted
- You will start from the language selection screen when reopening the game
There is no undo option.
How to Restart Pokémon Scarlet Without Deleting Save Data
If you want to replay the game without losing your main save, this method is safer.
Use a New Nintendo Switch User Profile
- Create a new user profile on the console
- Launch Pokémon Scarlet using that profile
- The game will start fresh with a new save file
Advantages of This Method
- Keeps your original save intact
- Allows multiple playthroughs
- Ideal for trying different starters or challenge runs
Limitations
- Pokémon cannot be traded between profiles without Pokémon HOME
- Online features require a Nintendo account on the new profile
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Can You Soft Reset in Pokémon Scarlet?
In older Pokémon games, “soft resetting” (resetting the game without deleting save data) was common for shiny hunting or starter rerolls. In Pokémon Scarlet, this is largely restricted.
What Does Not Work
- You cannot soft reset starters for shinies
- Starter Pokémon are shiny-locked
- Reloading the game does not reroll starter stats once chosen
What Still Works
- Some raids can be reset by reloading before saving
- Mass outbreak shiny hunting relies on picnic resets, not traditional soft resets
In short, Pokémon Scarlet focuses more on open-world mechanics than classic soft-reset farming.
Can You Recover Deleted Save Data?
No. Once deleted:
- Save data cannot be restored
- Pokémon HOME cannot retrieve deleted Pokémon
- Nintendo Support cannot recover the file
This is why transferring Pokémon before resetting is essential.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Resetting Pokémon Scarlet
- Forgetting to move Pokémon to Pokémon HOME
- Deleting the wrong user profile
- Assuming autosave or cloud save provides a backup
- Thinking removing the game cartridge resets progress
- Resetting when a new profile would have been sufficient
Final Thoughts
Resetting Pokémon Scarlet is straightforward once you understand that it must be done at the system level. Whether you want a clean restart, a different starter, or a new challenge, choosing the right reset method matters.
Quick recommendation:
- Want to erase everything? Delete save data.
- Want to replay safely? Use a new user profile.
- Want to keep Pokémon? Transfer them to Pokémon HOME first.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does resetting Pokémon Scarlet delete DLC data?
No. DLC ownership remains linked to your Nintendo account. However, DLC progress within the save file will be deleted.
Can I reset Pokémon Violet the same way?
Yes. Pokémon Violet follows the exact same reset process.
Will resetting affect updates or online features?
No. Updates and online access remain unchanged.
How many times can I reset Pokémon Scarlet?
There is no limit. You can reset as many times as you want, as long as you accept the data loss.
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