Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: Reviving a Popular Spin-Off Feature

One of the most popular features in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are the Tera Raids. These raids allow players to team up and take down special versions of powerful mons. While co-op Dynamax raids were introduced in the previous generation, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet took it to the next level with 7-Star Tera Raid events featuring creatures that couldn't be obtained in the game otherwise. These raids have been a great way to showcase the Terastal Phenomenon of Gen 9. However, developer Game Freak could introduce an interesting twist by reintroducing the Shadow Pokemon mechanic that has so far only appeared in spin-off titles.

Shadow Pokemon were first introduced in the GameCube spin-off game Pokemon Colosseum, where players were tasked with purifying the hearts of these mons who had been altered to become more powerful for nefarious purposes. While these creatures have appeared in other spin-off titles since, they have yet to make an appearance in a mainline game. Given the nature of Tera Raids in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet and the above-average power of Shadow Pokemon, they seem like a perfect match for the formula of raids already present in Gen 9.

Shadow Pokemon Raids Would a Game-Changer for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

The concept of Shadow Pokemon was first introduced in 2003's Pokemon Colosseum and later in its sequel, Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness in 2005, which included the popular Shadow Lugia. Despite its popularity among fans, this unique feature was not revisited until 2016's Pokken Tournament, where Shadow Mewtwo was introduced. Recently, Pokemon Go has brought back Shadow Pokemon as a result of defeating Team Rocket members. This allows players to capture and purify the abandoned Pokemon, which were mistreated by their former trainers, leading to their development of shadow-filled hearts.

Pokemon Go's new Shadow Raid Bosses could be an excellent addition to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. These bosses offer a greater challenge compared to the typical Pokemon Go Raid Boss, as they can become enraged during the battle, increasing their attack and defense. Purified Gems can be used during the battle to calm the enraged monster. With enough coordination, players can bring the enraged monster back to its non-enraged state, making it much more manageable to battle.

The Shadow Pokemon mechanic in this iteration serves as a fantastic blueprint for upcoming Pokemon games such as Scarlet and Violet. Adapting this mechanic to fit the current Tera Raid model present in the games would enhance gameplay. The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC, releasing soon for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, presents a unique opportunity to introduce Shadow Pokemon to the mainline games for the first time. With the expansion likely to introduce a twist on previously established mechanics, Shadow Pokemon could start appearing in Tera Raids. This would give these special Pokemon a new place in the franchise canon and fill an interesting role in gameplay.

Shadow Pokemon are associated with mistreatment by their trainers, adding the potential for a compelling storyline after the events of the base game for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Despite their limited role in the series historically, being only available in spin-off titles, it's time to officially give them their debut in a mainline entry. With Shadow Pokemon becoming a greater part of Pokemon Go, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet could introduce these unique creatures with the launch of its DLC and allow players to transfer them from the mobile title to the Switch via Pokemon Home.