Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: Shattering the Mythical Tradition that Defined the Franchise

Highlights

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet break iconic traditions in the series, making them ground-breaking games with unique features.

The exclusion of Mythical Pokemon in the second DLC raises speculation about the potential omission of Mythicals in Gen 9 altogether. Should the Gen 9 games lack a Mythical Pokemon, it would mark the initial deviation from this well-established tradition in the mainline series.

Despite their mixed reception, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are considered groundbreaking games within the series due to the significant changes they made to the classic Pokemon formula and their divergence from iconic traditions. The DLC for these games also attempted to capture this uniqueness, with The Indigo Disk breaking a long-standing tradition of starter Pokemon and Elite Four battles. This suggests a promising future for the development of truly distinctive games. However, there is a possibility that the upcoming Gen 9 games may also deviate from a certain ritual related to the inclusion of Mythical Pokemon.

While Mythical Pokemon are often restricted from official competitions and known for their immense power, they play a vital role in keeping players connected to the Pokemon franchise beyond the mainline games. Players can obtain these elusive creatures through special events, limited-time codes, or even by watching new Pokemon movies in theaters. The most recent addition to the Mythical Pokemon roster is Zarude from the Sword and Shield era. Considering the discrepancies in the number of new Pokemon introduced in Scarlet and Violet, it raises the question of whether Gen 9 will completely forgo the inclusion of Mythical Pokemon.

Why Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Might Feature No Mythical Pokemon

8 new Pokemon were introduced in the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Teal Mask. These include the regional fakes Poltchageist and Sinistcha, the new form Bloodmoon Ursaluna, the cross-gen evolution of Applin called Dipplin, the Loyal Three, and the mysterious Ogerpon. The storyline in The Teal Mask suggests that Ogerpon's story will have further developments in The Indigo Disk, as it is believed that the Loyal Three have a master who granted them their powers and this same being may be "possessing" Kieran from the main storyline. Rumors also suggest that this new Pokemon will be one of the eight additions in The Indigo Disk.

Additionally, the Paradox forms of Raikou and Cobalion, known as Raging Bolt and Iron Crown, along with Archaludon and Terapagos, are part of the new Pokemon lineup. The second expansion of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Teal Mask will also introduce Dipplin's evolution, which is capable of using the Eviolite, a held item typically exclusive to Pokemon that are not fully evolved. Leaked information further reveals that The Indigo Disk will feature Paradox forms for Entei and Terrakion, completing the Legendary Beast trio and the Swords of Justice trio, except for Keldeo.

The following eight slots have already been filled based on leaks and datamining, leaving no space for an additional Pokemon that could potentially be Gen 9's own Mythical. This issue with the second DLC's Pokedex may mean that a hypothetical Mythical Pokemon could be introduced at a later date, explaining the absence of an assigned slot in the current game data. However, it is strange that there has been no mention of an upcoming Mythical in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet despite the numerous leaks and rumors circulating for months. Fans would have likely been excited to hear about it.

Taking these facts into consideration, it is possible that the Gen 9 games will be the first in the mainline series to not include a Mythical Pokemon. Thus far, the series has always featured:

Mew in Gen 1

Celebi in Gen 2

Jirachi and Deoxys in Gen 3

Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, and Arceus in Gen 4

Victini, Keldeo, Meloetta, and Genesect in Gen 5

Diancie, Hoopa, and Volcanion in Gen 6

Magearna, Marshadow, Zeraora, Meltan, and Melmetal in Gen 7

Zarude in Gen 8

If Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's The Indigo Disk does not feature a Mythical Pokemon or if datamines do not reveal any information about one, Gen 9 might potentially deviate from this longstanding pattern. Nevertheless, there have been instances in previous generations where Mythical Pokemon were introduced later in the generation's lifecycle, so it is not entirely implausible for Gen 9 to follow suit.

The Nintendo Switch versions of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are currently accessible for purchase.