Unlocking the Academy Ace Tournament in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: Everything You Need to Know

After completing the base game storyline in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, you may be wondering what's next. One major post-game component is the Academy Ace Tournament. In this article, we'll break down everything you need to know about the tournament, including how to start it, what to expect, and the rewards you can earn.

Is the Academy Ace Tournament Worth It?

While the Academy Ace Tournament may seem like just another battling event, it actually unlocks several post-game features, including higher-level Tera Raids and cutscenes with the friends you made along the way. So, if you want to get the most out of your Pokémon Scarlet & Violet experience, unlocking and completing the Academy Ace Tournament is definitely worth it.

How to Start the Academy Ace Tournament in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

To start the Academy Ace Tournament, you'll need to finish the base game storyline first. You also need to complete Geeta's request to inspect all of the Pokémon Gyms in the region as the newly crowned Champion of Paldea. This will involve rematching the Gym Leaders, who have leveled up their Pokémon and use slightly different teams. Most leaders are working with Level 68 Pokémon in these rematch battles.

After defeating the final Gym Leader rematch, you'll receive a call from Geeta asking you to meet her back in the entrance hall of your academy. She'll ask you a few questions about your battles, then suggest you get some rest. To spark the start of the Academy Ace Tournament, go interact with the bed in your dorm room.

Once you speak with Nemona in the Entrance Hall, she and a staff member will explain the tournament rules. After that, you're all set to speak to the man behind the desk to enter the tournament for the first time.

What is The Academy Ace Tournament?

The Academy Ace Tournament is a battling event where you'll need to defeat four trainers in a row without losing a battle. Your Pokémon get healed between battles, so it's not particularly challenging if you have a high-level team. The first time you participate, your opponents are static and all players face the same four opponents: Arven, Jacq, Dendra, and finally, Geeta.

For all subsequent attempts, the Academy Ace Tournament will give you four random opponents, so you won't know exactly what to expect going in. These opponents are a mix of faculty and students.

Can You Participate in the Academy Ace Tournament More Than Once?

Yes, you can take on the Academy Ace Tournament multiple times. After you complete the initial tournament, Director Clavell will announce that the tournament isn't a one-off event, but rather something that will be held regularly. You can talk to the same staffer at the front desk in your academy's Entrance Hall to enter the tournament again.

Academy Ace Tournament Rewards

For the first time you win the tournament, you'll get cash, XP, and a special Sporty Cap. You will also receive a ribbon for your achievement. Completing the Academy Ace Tournament also unlocks several more post-game features. Any subsequent entries into the Academy Ace Tournament will give you various items as rewards, such as Rare Candies, Mint, and Tera Shards.

Additional Post-Game Content Unlocked After You Finish the Academy Ace Tournament

When you win the Academy Ace Tournament for the first time, you will get a phone call from Jacq and Director Clavell letting you know about more powerful Tera Raids. From this point on, you will see more 5-star Raids and new 6-star Raids on your map in Paldea, giving you the chance to catch more powerful Pokémon.

Completing the Academy Ace Tournament also unlocks epilogues for your friends' stories, letting you know what happens next for Nemona, Arven, and Penny. You'll get special scenes with each of them, furthering their stories. Finishing these cutscenes for Penny is required if you want to enjoy the post-Indigo Disk fun of tutoring Team Star to unlock special avatar items.

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