6 Advantages of Isle of Armor over Teal Mask

Article Key Points

The Teal Mask DLC in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet has a stronger story and a cliffhanger ending, setting it apart from the Isle of Armor DLC.

Ogerpon, the mascot Legendary with a Teal Mask, possesses stronger presence and distinct abilities when contrasted with Kubfu/Urshifu in Isle of Armor. Teal Mask introduces more refined characters such as Kieran and Carmine, resulting in a more captivating and immersive encounter compared to Klara and Avery in Isle of Armor.

The Teal Mask, the first part of Pokemon Scarlet & Violet's expansion pass called The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, is similar to Gen 8's Isle of Armor for Pokemon Sword/Shield. Fans anticipated that as Gen 9, the Teal Mask would offer more enhanced content such as a captivating story and well-developed characters, surpassing that of Isle of Armor. Like any other DLC, the Teal Mask has its advantages and disadvantages, but it excels in certain aspects compared to Isle of Armor.

Whether the Teal Mask of Scarlet/Violet is considered the superior part 1 DLC is subjective. However, it appears that the Teal Mask offers a lengthier storyline and a greater number of Legendary Pokemon to capture. Additionally, there are various other elements that set the Teal Mask DLC apart from its predecessor.

1. A Stronger Story

Kitakami vs. Isle of Armor

The story of the Teal Mask received high praise for its intriguing narrative. Throughout the Kitakami area, players delve into the region's rich history and unravel a fascinating revelation that challenges the villagers' long-standing beliefs. Furthermore, an exciting part of the storyline involves collaborating with Ogerpon to reclaim her stolen masks from the notorious "Loyal Three." This unique aspect allowed trainers to develop a deep bond with Ogerpon even before capturing her. The Teal Mask also leaves players on a suspenseful note, setting the stage for the dark and captivating continuation in the Indigo Disk, which serves as part two of the Scarlet/Violet's expansion pass. This unexpected turn offers a striking contrast to the uplifting conclusion of the Isle of Armor.

2. A Better "Mascot" Legendary

While Isle of Armor can be accessed as early as the "Teal Mask" in Sword/Shield, there is a lack of a substantial storyline for trainers to follow. The story mode entails completing various trials organized by Mustard, the dojo master of Isle of Armor. By successfully accomplishing these trials, trainers are rewarded with the Legendary Fighting-type Pokemon, Kubfu. To conclude the Isle of Armor's story, players must raise their Friendship level with Kubfu and then return to Mustard to undertake either the Tower of Darkness or the Tower of Waters. This final step is crucial in evolving Kubfu into Urshifu, whose form is determined by the tower that trainers select. In contrast to Teal Mask, Isle of Armor does not end with a cliffhanger. However, trainers can revisit the Isle of Armor after the postgame to engage in various tasks, including unlocking Urshifu's Gigantamax form.

Ogerpon vs. Urshifu

In terms of DLC stories, the Teal Mask showcases a much stronger presence of Ogerpon compared to the Isle of Armor with Kubfu/Urshifu. Both Pokemon are automatic catches, but there is a difference in obtaining them. While Kubfu is simply given, trainers must defeat Terastallized Ogerpon four times in a row before being able to use a Poke Ball. Furthermore, after this battle, trainers may face a rather challenging fight against Kieran, especially in the postgame.

Determining what makes one Pokemon "stronger" or "better" than another is mostly subjective, and both Ogerpon and Urshifu serve as good examples. Many trainers have found Ogerpon to be more useful due to her impressive Speed and Attack stats, but this does not diminish Urshifu's own strengths.

Ogerpon can acquire a secondary Typing by equipping the Wellspring Mask (Water-type), Cornerstone Mask (Rock-type), or Hearthflame Mask (Fire-type). Each Mask possesses its own unique Ability. However, the drawback to using the masks is that they occupy one of Ogerpon's item slots. If trainers wish to alter her Typing, she will not be able to hold any other battle item. On the other hand, Ogerpon's signature move, Ivy Cudgel, has a high probability of delivering a critical hit. Furthermore, the Typing of this move will adapt to match the Mask she is currently wearing.

Kubfu has the ability to evolve into Urshifu, which can take on two different forms: Single Strike Style (Fighting/Dark-type) or Rapid Strike Style (Fighting/Water-type). Being an evolution, Urshifu enjoys the benefit of being able to hold an item.

regardless of its Typing

Both of the Urshifus signature moves (Wicked Blow and Surging Strikes respectively)

always

land critical hits with

some

exceptions.

As Legendary Pokemon, their base stat total is 550, but the stat spreads are different:

Urshifu possesses superior Defense capabilities, although its Special Defense falls short. Despite its high Defense and HP, it remains vulnerable to being swiftly knocked out by special attackers, especially when targeted with Fairy-type moves, which inflict a staggering 4x damage to Single Strike Urshifu. Moreover, its considerable base speed of 97 is still insufficient to outpace swifter adversaries. On contrast, Ogerpon excels as a swift attacker, with her strongest attributes lying in Attack and Speed. While her Special Defense surpasses that of Urshifu, her low HP prevents her from serving as a formidable wall during battles. Nevertheless, for trainers seeking a Pokémon that can initiate an assault and potentially deliver a decisive knockout blow to the opponent, Ogerpon may prove to be the superior choice.

3. Better Characters

Kieran & Carmine

In Teal Mask, Carmine initially demonstrates impatience towards the Naranja/Uva Academy students, including the player character. Kieran, on the other hand, begins as a meek character in contrast to his more outgoing sister, expressing admiration for the player's battling skills. However, as the Teal Mask narrative progresses, Kieran grows more distant from the player, leading Carmine to become the player's partner for the second half of the story. In the postgame, if playing Teal Mask, Kieran's final battle with the player showcases a team of fully evolved Pokemon equipped with competitive gameplay-worthy items. Ultimately, Kieran's character development culminates in him obsessing over the need to become stronger, leaving fans eagerly anticipating Part 2: The Indigo Disk.

In Isle of Armor, players encounter Klara (Sword) or Avery (Shield), who initially exhibit a cold attitude towards the player character. They go as far as rigging the stadium in their favor during their final battle with the player. However, upon being defeated, they recognize their wrongdoing and graciously accept their loss. Despite their growth, Klara and Avery lack the depth of backstory and involvement seen in Kieran and Carmine's storyline. When compared to the Crown Tundra DLC, where Peony and Calyrex play significant roles, Klara and Avery take a back seat in Sword/Shield's DLC Part 2.

4. Tougher Opponents

The Kitakami Ogre Clan

The Kitakami Ogre Clan presents an exceptional challenge to players in Kitakami. Their team boasts level 75+ Pokemon, and a notable portion of their lineup is equipped with valuable battle items. Furthermore, their astutely crafted movesets effectively exploit their Pokemon's typings. In contrast to other trainers in Kitakami, the Clan's levels remain fixed at level 75+, regardless of the player's progress in Scarlet/Violet's story. This unanticipated disparity can catch off-guard even the most seasoned trainers.

Isle of Armor only features trainers such as Klara/Avery, Mustard, and Honey. While the levels of their teams vary based on the player's progress in Sword/Shield's story, none of them carry battle items or berries. Hence, despite having a potential team level of 73+, they can be easily defeated and pose minimal challenges for players who have trained their Pokémon to higher levels.

5. More Legendary Pokemon

The Loyal Three

Trainers will have the opportunity to catch the Loyal Three, in addition to Ogerpon, upon completing Teal Mask's story. These legendary Pokemon will be at level 70, so it is advisable to challenge them only after obtaining all gym badges in Paldea. Unlike Ogerpon, catching them is not guaranteed, and trainers will need to battle them in the traditional manner. The inclusion of more legendary Pokemon in the DLC's initial part provides players with additional activities beyond the Teal Mask's storyline.

The Isle of Armor introduces Kubfu and Urshifu. The majority of legendary Pokemon are reserved for the Crown Tundra, where players can obtain Calyrex and Spectrier/Glastrier, as well as legendary Pokemon and Ultra Beasts through Dynamax Adventures. Unfortunately, after Kubfu evolves, there is not much else for trainers to do in the Isle of Armor apart from catching Pokemon, battling Clara/Avery or Mustard, or farming Max Mushrooms.

6. Side Quests

The Bloodmoon Ursaluna

Speaking to Perrin, the photographer with the Hisuian Growlithe, in Mossui Town unlocks a side quest in Teal Mask. Trainers who have registered 150 Pokémon in the Kitakami Dex can then challenge Perrin's level 60+ team, which includes a Noctowl and Leafeon. Upon completion, Perrin will recruit trainers to aid in the search for the elusive "Blood Moon Beast" in the Timeless Woods. This is where trainers have the opportunity to capture the Bloodmoon Ursaluna, a regional variant of the Ursalunas found in Hisui/Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Although not classified as a Legendary Pokémon, the Bloodmoon Ursaluna possesses its own unique Ability and a signature move. Capturing it is an essential requirement for completing the Kitakami Pokedex.

The Isle of Armor has no side quests. Despite having regional variants like Galarian Slowpoke, they are not associated with any side quest, unlike Bloodmoon Ursaluna. Nonetheless, if players venture to the Isle of Armor during the postgame, they will need to acquire Max Honey in order to access Urshifu's Gigantamax Form.

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet can be played on the Nintendo Switch.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Franchise PokemonPlatform(s) SwitchReleased November 18, 2022Developer(s) Game FreakESRB E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence

Editor's P/S

1. In my opinion, the Teal Mask DLC offers a more compelling storyline compared to the Isle of Armor. The intriguing narrative, set in the Kitakami area, delves into the region's rich history and presents a captivating revelation that challenges the villagers' long-standing beliefs. Moreover, the collaboration with Ogerpon to reclaim her stolen masks from the "Loyal Three" adds a unique aspect to the story, allowing trainers to develop a deep bond with her even before capturing her. The Teal Mask also leaves players on a suspenseful note, setting the stage for the dark and captivating continuation in the Indigo Disk, which serves as part two of the Scarlet/Violet's expansion pass. This unexpected turn offers a striking contrast to the uplifting conclusion of the Isle of Armor.

2. Another advantage of the Teal Mask DLC is the stronger presence and distinct abilities of its mascot Legendary, Ogerpon, compared to Kubfu/Urshifu in the Isle of Armor. While both Pokemon are automatically obtained, the process of acquiring Ogerpon involves defeating her Terastallized form four times in a row before being able to use a Poke Ball, adding an additional layer of challenge. Additionally, trainers may face a formidable battle against Kieran after this encounter, especially in the postgame. Ogerpon's impressive Speed and Attack stats make her a valuable asset to any team, further solidifying her significance in the Teal Mask DLC.