Are you tired of being spotted by Pokémon from a mile away in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet? Well, you’re not alone! It can be frustrating when you’re trying to sneak up on a wild Pokémon, but they keep running away the moment you get close. Don’t worry, though—today we’re going to dive into how to sneak up on a Pokémon in the game, and I’ll share some helpful tips and tricks to make sure you can catch them without alerting them!

The Struggle of Sneaking in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
So, let’s get real here—sneaking up on Pokémon in *Scarlet and Violet* isn’t as easy as it seems. When you’re out exploring the vast open world, you’ll often see Pokémon wandering around, just begging to be caught. However, it’s not as simple as throwing a Poké Ball from a distance. If you get too close, they’ll spot you and either run away or prepare to battle, which ruins your plans!
This sneaky gameplay mechanic adds a bit of realism, but it also makes things tricky. The question is, what can we do to improve our sneaky skills? Why are some Pokémon more alert than others? And how can we avoid that pesky “you were spotted” message?
Why Is It So Hard to Sneak?
Before we jump into solutions, let’s take a moment to understand the problem. In *Pokémon SV*, the world is wide open, and Pokémon have a much more realistic behavior compared to previous games. Some Pokémon are easily startled, while others are so relaxed they might let you sneak right up to them. The game has a hidden “sight range” mechanic that determines how far Pokémon can see you. And guess what? This range can be surprisingly large for some species.
Additionally, if you’re moving too fast or too loudly, you’ll definitely alert them. So sneaking isn’t just about getting close; it’s about moving slowly and carefully, and making sure nothing breaks your stealth.
How to Sneak Up Like a Pro
1. **Move Slowly and Cautiously**
The key to sneaking is to take your time. Don’t rush! You’ll want to hold down the button to move slowly and carefully. If you press the run button by accident, it’s almost guaranteed the Pokémon will see you.

2. **Use the Environment**
Use the terrain to your advantage. Tall grass and rocks can provide cover. Pokémon in *Scarlet and Violet* sometimes have trouble spotting you if you’re in the right spots, so hide behind objects when you can. This works especially well with Pokémon that are already focused on something else.
3. **Watch the Pokémon’s Behavior**
Take note of how the Pokémon behaves. Some might be too busy eating, sleeping, or playing to notice you right away. Others might be much more alert. You can tell when you’re getting too close by their body language. If they start to turn their head toward you or twitch their ears, it’s time to back off!
4. **Bring a Stealthy Pokémon**
There’s a fun little trick—use a Pokémon that can use moves like *Sweet Scent* or *Smokescreen*. These moves can either distract the Pokémon or reduce their ability to spot you, making it easier to get closer without being noticed. Consider bringing a sneaky partner along for the journey!
Player Feedback: What Do Others Think?
I’m not the only one who’s had a tough time sneaking up on Pokémon. A quick scroll through forums and social media shows that many players feel the same frustration. Some are calling it a “mystery” why certain Pokémon are so difficult to sneak up on, while others are sharing success stories about hiding in tall grass or using status moves like *Sleep Powder* to get the drop on their targets.
Many players also noted how rewarding it feels to finally catch a Pokémon after successfully sneaking up on it, describing the experience as “sneaky satisfaction.”

One player on Reddit said, “I spent 15 minutes creeping up on a Chansey, and when I finally got close enough, it was the best catch ever!”
So, What’s the Bottom Line?
Sneaking up on Pokémon in *Scarlet and Violet* requires patience, skill, and a good understanding of how the game’s stealth mechanics work. By moving carefully, using the environment, and watching the Pokémon’s behavior, you can greatly improve your chances of getting close without being spotted. And hey, don’t forget about bringing a stealthy Pokémon with you for some extra help!
Have You Tried Sneaking Up on Pokémon?
So, now that you know the tricks, I want to hear from you. Have you managed to sneak up on your favorite Pokémon in *Scarlet and Violet*? What methods have worked best for you? Do you have any sneaky tips to share with fellow players? Drop a comment below and let’s talk about it!
Final Thoughts
Successfully sneaking up on a Pokémon is one of the small but exciting challenges in *Scarlet and Violet*. It adds depth to the exploration and makes catching Pokémon feel even more rewarding. So, next time you spot a wild Pokémon, take a deep breath, slow down, and get ready to become the stealthiest Trainer in the region!