Highlights
Upcoming DLC expansions for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, titled The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk, will enhance players' experience by providing additional content. This includes the exciting prospect of encountering and capturing new creatures such as Archaludon.
Archaludon's design is a tribute to the bridges found in Pokemon Black and White's Unova region, with a particularly striking resemblance to the Skyarrow Bridge.
The presence of Archaludon, along with its themes of time travel and its connections to characters from Pokemon Black and White, strongly suggest the potential for a future Gen 5 game or a Pokemon Legends Unova game.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet broke numerous traditions while reinventing the classic Pokemon formula, a feat also accomplished by Gen 8 titles and Pokemon Legends: Arceus to varying extents. Despite this, there is still more to come for Gen 9 with the upcoming DLC expansions, The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk, launching in the following months. The Teal Mask is set to release as early as September 13. These expansions are expected to offer a plethora of new content for players to enjoy, including the addition of completely new creatures. Among them is Archaludon, featured in The Indigo Disk DLC, which appears to set the foundation for a potential Pokemon Legends Unova game and the rumored Gen 5 remakes.
There is a compelling argument to suggest that Gen 5, more specifically Pokemon Black and White, could be the next in line to receive attention from The Pokemon Company. This stems from the fact that after Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, a remake of Pokemon Black and White seems like the logical progression. Additionally, Riddler Khu, a reputable Pokemon leaker, has been dropping hints about the possibility of a new title set in the Unova region. The inclusion of Archaludon in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet may just be one piece of the puzzle in this speculation.
How Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Indigo Disk Hints at a New Gen 5 Game
Duraludon's evolution in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is drawing attention due to its design, which appears to be a tribute to the various bridges in Unova from Pokemon Black and White. The Skyarrow Bridge in particular shares a striking resemblance to Archaludon when it performs its signature move and changes its pose.
This similarity is just one aspect of Archaludon's introduction that could be hinting at new Generation 5 games. Time travel is a prominent theme in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, with a focus on the contrasting Paradox Pokemon from the past and future. This concept is reminiscent of the Black City and White Forest in Pokemon Black and White.
Furthermore, both Pokemon Black and White feature exclusive Gym Leaders, with Drayden specializing in Dragon-type Pokemon in Black. The protagonist in Scarlet and Violet, named Drayton, is a young trainer with white hair similar to Drayden. Archaludon, associated with the Indigo Disk, serves as Drayton's signature Pokemon.
It is highly likely that this is not a coincidence, and there is a possibility that another trainer will receive a different creature that is more connected to Pokemon White and the White Forest, rather than having a futuristic appearance. The resemblance between Archaludon and the Skyarrow Bridge from the fifth generation games, as well as its association with a character likely related to Drayden from Pokemon Black and White, strongly hint at something related to Unova that will occur soon.
Considering the themes of time travel and the contrast between the past and future, it would make sense for a future installment of the Pokemon series to explore a Pokemon Legends game set in Unova that connects these elements. Pokemon Legends: Arceus delved into the history of Sinnoh and its inhabitants, even featuring a different region name - Hisui - and introducing Pokemon not previously seen in Generation 4. Taking into account the details revealed in The Indigo Disk DLC for Generation 9 and the series' past, it appears that Game Freak's next major Pokemon game could revolve around Unova.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now for the Nintendo Switch.