What is Knockout Mode in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet? Explained

In the city of Alfornada, Trainers can challenge Gym Leader Tulip. Before you can challenge her, you must first pass the Gym Test, which involves “Emotional Spectrum Practice,” a special mini-game. ESP has some extra modes as well once you clear it for the first time, including a mode called Knockout Mode. Today, we’ll answer the question: What is Knockout Mode in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet ESP Modes Explained

In order to gain the rights to challenge Tulip, you must first pass the Gym Test. Alfornada’s Gym Test requires you to pass two rounds of “ESP,” or Emotional Spectrum Practice, which is basically a mini-game of sorts.

ESP is led by none other than Dendra, the Battle Tactics instructor back at Uva Academy. Turns out, she was childhood friends with Tulip, and she’s helping Tulip out by running the Gym Test.

The rules of ESP are simple: Dendra will shout out a command and emotion, and you just have to match the emotion. The four main face buttons (XBYA) are all mapped to an emotion, so press the right button. It’s basically Simon Says!

Once you complete two rounds of ESP, you’ll have to face off against two Trainers. Once you do that, you’re clear to challenge Tulip.

It doesn’t end there, though! Once you defeat Tulip and earn the Gym Badge, you can actually go back to Dendra and start another ESP session. This time around, you have two options to choose from: Standard and Knockout Mode.

In Standard Mode, you’ll play through an ESP session just like it was the Gym Test again. You can mess up a couple of times in this mode, and you won’t be penalized.

In Knockout Mode, your ESP session will immediately end as soon as you make your first mistake. How far can you go?

Related | How To Get Poison Jab (TM083) in Scarlet and Violet

Dendra will reward you with some small goodies if you manage to get far, so ESP is a fun distraction from your main adventure. Why not take a break and exercise those emotions?

We hope that answers your question about what is Knockout Mode in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. What’s your best score in ESP? Let us know in the comments below!