Astonishing Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Feature - A Double-Edged Sword!

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet set out to create a more extensive version of Paldea, incorporating an open-world approach to enhance the sense of exploration. A notable feature was the freedom for players to travel across the land, sea, and sky at their own pace, encouraging and rewarding their curiosity. The games introduced the Legendary Quartet, consisting of the four Treasures of Ruin, which required the player to extract the stakes from their shrines in order to set them free. Successfully accomplishing this task required the player's dedication and effort.

In each of the games, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, the Legendary Quartet scattered eight stakes throughout the region, turning the quest into a literal treasure hunt to obtain the Treasures of Ruin. This implementation cleverly utilized Miraidon/Koraidon's mechanics, relying on players to progress sufficiently in Arven's storyline to navigate the diverse terrains of Paldea. While the stakes were visibly noticeable due to their glowing colors from a distance, their strategic placements made it challenging for players to locate them solely through their own search, often requiring external assistance.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Legendary Quartet Stakes Can Be Difficult to Complete Without External Help

Finding and removing the stakes of the quartet in the vast and widespread Paldea region was an arduous task due to their abundance. Many players had to rely on guides to locate Scarlet and Violet's stake placements, which diminished the enjoyment of the feature. While the concept of stake hunting added intrigue and promoted exploration, its execution heavily relied on thoroughness; even after hours of searching, stakes could still be overlooked.

The stakes were typically found near their corresponding shrines, but their placements were somewhat random in relation to the terrain. Some were concealed behind trees or situated on the edges of cliffs. The Treasures of Ruin also featured intriguing locations, such as the Firescourge Shrine hidden inside a cave behind the Fury Falls, creating an atmosphere of mystery and otherworldliness. These placements felt intentional and purposeful, unlike many other stakes in the game that seemed hidden for the sole purpose of providing a challenge.

Some argue that this issue highlights Scarlet and Violet's open-world approach, as the Paldea region lacks notable landmarks, resulting in stakes being placed randomly. This can make it challenging for players to remember each stake's location, leading to dependence on guides. As a result, acquiring the Treasures of Ruin can be a mixed experience, both exciting and frustrating.

As The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero moves away from the Paldea region, it's uncertain if a similar feature will be included in the DLC. It's likely that the content will introduce something new to make exploration unique. Nevertheless, players can expect another treasure to discover based on the title. The extent to which exploration will be involved remains unknown, but players won't have to wait long to find out.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now for the Nintendo Switch.