Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: Scald (TM188) Location & Crafting Guide

Pokemon in the world of Paldea learn new moves as they progress in level. However, not all moves acquired through leveling are ideal for battles. In such cases, it is advisable for trainers to make use of Technical Machines (TMs) to teach their Pokemon more advantageous moves or ones that provide better type coverage. If trainers aim to build a versatile and balanced team in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, utilizing TMs becomes crucial.

Included in the Teal Mask of the Scarlet/Violet expansion pass, namely The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, is TM188 - Scald. This move is highly regarded as one of the best Water-type moves for Pokemon that excel in special moves, characterized by their high Special Attack stat. However, it must be noted that not all Pokemon in Paldea can learn Scald, and trainers seeking TM188 will need to conduct a search in Kitakami.

TM 188 (Scald) Location (Infernal Pass)

Please go to the Entrance Hall in Naranja/Uva Academy and speak to Ms. Briar to receive a phone call from Jacq, informing Scarlet/Violet players who have purchased the expansion pass and started the Treasure Hunt that they have been chosen for a study abroad trip. This opportunity is available for those following the three main storylines: "Victory Road," "Starfall Street," and "Path of Legends." Additionally, please refer to the orange flag/objective marker on the image above to find the exact location of TM188.

Upon arrival in Kitakami, trainers must first become acquainted with the new characters, Carmine and Kieran, prior to embarking on their exploration with Koraidon/Miraidon. Once this introduction is complete, their mission will be to locate three signposts scattered throughout Kitakami that provide information on the history of the Loyal Three and the Ogre.

For those players solely interested in acquiring TM188, a trek up Infernal's Pass, situated on Oni Mountain, is necessary. A flight of stairs will guide them to the Crystal Pool, serving as a useful landmark. Adjacent to these stairs lies a stream which must be crossed, leading to the discovery of a Terastallized Lampent on the opposite bank. Near this Lampent, atop a small mound, a yellow Poke Ball awaits, containing TM188.

How to Craft Scald (TM188)

To obtain multiple Scald TMs, players must craft them as they can only be used once, similar to other TMs. Trainers can accomplish this by interacting with the green TM Machine located at Poke Centers. In order to successfully craft the Scald TM, trainers are required to have 8000 League Points (LP).

x3 Poltchageist Powder

x3 Slowpoke Claw

If trainers are just starting out, they probably won't have enough LP. To get more, they can do any of the following:

Defeat Team Star Bosses in Paldea.

Partake in Tera Raids.

Interact with Tera Raid Crystals in Paldea or Kitakami (note: trainers don't have to enter the den to get the LP).

Exchange materials for LP at the TM Machine.

Slowpoke Location (Casseroya Lake)

Regrettably for inexperienced trainers, Slowpoke can only be found at Casseroya Lake. On the map, this is the expansive lake situated in the upper-left region. The Slowpoke inhabiting Casseroya Lake have an approximate level of 35, making it advisable for trainers to enhance their skills and earn a few gym badges before attempting to battle them. Additionally, there are Slowbro present, which have a level of 45. If trainers manage to defeat a Slowbro instead of a Slowpoke, they will receive double the amount of Slowpoke Claws.

There are Slowpoke roaming the shores, but it is advisable to obtain Koraidon/Miraidon's surf ability before venturing to Casseroya Lake. This ability is the second power that trainers unlock in "Path of Legends." Although the Titan Pokemon can be battled in any sequence, it is recommended to defeat Titan Klawf first, followed by Titan Bombirdier.

Being Water/Psychic-type Pokemon, Slowpoke and Slowbro are vulnerable to Electric, Grass, Dark, and Bug-type moves. The most efficient method to acquire Slowpoke Claws is to deploy a Pokemon at a similar level to Slowpoke's and possesses a Type Advantage for Auto-Battle (R-button).

For those trying to complete the Paldea Dex, catching Slowpoke or Slowbro will also net a Slowpoke Claw or two.

Poltchageist Location (Reveler's Road)

Contrary to appearance, Poltchageist and its evolved form, Sinistcha, are not regional variations. They belong to distinct species and are necessary for the creation of TM188. Upon defeating or capturing Poltchageist, players will acquire Poltchageist Powder. To locate Poltchageist, it is advisable to search near the rock wall along Reveler's Road.

If trainers are struggling to find trainers, it may be advisable to prepare or purchase a meal with Encounter Power. The Klawf Claw Sandwich recipe offers Encounter Power: Grass (level 1), while the Classic Bocadillo provides Encounter Power: Ghost (Level 1). These recipes will only become accessible after earning a few gym badges. To unlock new sandwich recipes, visit one of the Every Which Way stores and speak to the man at the counter.

Similar to the Sinistea-line, Poltchageist and Sinistcha are Grass/Ghost-type Pokemon. As a result, they are vulnerable to Bug, Fire, Flying, Ice, Dark, and Ghost-type moves. Normal and Fighting-type moves have no effect on them.

Best Pokemon for Scald

Scald is a unique move that utilizes the user's Special Attack stat to inflict damage. Furthermore, its effectiveness is amplified against opponents vulnerable to Water-type moves or those with deficient Special Defense. Consequently, it is advisable to impart Scald to a Pokemon proficient in Special Attacks or special moves.

Scald can be taught to Pincurchin, an Electric-type Pokemon, as well as Polteageist and Sinistea, both Grass/Ghost-type Pokemon, despite it being a Water-type move. Trainers can confirm this by locating TM188 in their inventory. Pokemon in the Party that are capable of learning Scald will display a green "Can Learn" sign below their respective icons. Here are some recommended Pokemon for learning Scald:

Slowbro (Water/Psychic-type)

Vaporeon (Water-type)

Slowking (Water/Psychic-type)

Milotic (Water-type)

Dragalge (Poison/Dragon-type)

Goodra (Dragon-type)

Poltchageist & Sinistcha (Grass/Ghost-type)

It is advisable for players to refrain from teaching Scald to physical fighters such as Gyarados and Azumarill. Although Scald is a valuable move, it is not as effective on Pokemon with low Special Attack. Gyarados particularly suffers from a weak Special Attack stat, while Azumarill's Special Attack is the second lowest. Trainers can opt for Waterfall instead, a physical Water-type move that has the potential to make the opponent flinch.

Scald can be a useful move to teach to non-Water-type Pokemon such as Goodra and the Polteageist-line, as it provides them with additional coverage. In the case of Polteageist, having Scald allows it to have a move that is effective against one of its weaknesses: Fire-types.

As Polteageist and Goodra are not Water types, they do not receive the Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB) when using Scald. This means that when Polteageist or Goodra use Scald, it will only inflict base damage. However, if Scald is used by a Water-type Pokemon like Milotic or Vaporeon, it will cause more damage.

Scald is most effectively employed against Pokemon focused on physical moves, as there is a 30% likelihood of inflicting the Burn condition. This is because Burn significantly reduces a Pokemon's Attack by half. Consequently, the opposing Pokemon will not only suffer damage each turn but will also inflict less harm with physical moves such as Drain Punch or Take Down. Nintendo Switch users can enjoy the game Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.