Revolutionary DLC Unleashes Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Ultimate Starter Power!

Highlights

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet introduced new critters and brought back old favorites, making a total of 400 in the Pokedex.

The Teal Mask DLC introduced additional Pokemon, featuring a combination of familiar favorites and 8 brand new pocket monsters.

In Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, the enhanced forms of Rillaboom, Empoleon, and Torterra not only possess greater strength, but also showcase fresh abilities, which significantly elevate their worth as prized assets within the game.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet introduced a plethora of new creatures alongside the existing ones, resulting in a total of 400 Pokemon in the Pokedex. This count does not include the Pokemon obtained from special Tera Raids, such as Charizard and the recent Hisuian Decidueye. The Teal Mask DLC further expanded the roster with over a hundred Pokemon, consisting of both returning favorites and 8 new pocket monsters. Although the Kitakami Pokedex officially lists 200 Pokemon, the actual number is higher due to the inclusion of regional forms and starters that can now be transferred from Pokemon Home. Additionally, three returning starters have been significantly boosted in terms of strength.

Gen 9 games introduced several new features that have made the competitive scene in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet more accessible to all players. This includes the ease of obtaining Mints and battle items, as well as the improvements made to underused monsters. As demonstrated by Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Ogerpon, not all pocket monsters are equally skilled in battle, and the story-related Legendary can be considered one of the most overpowered Pokemon in Gen 9. Therefore, the return of past generation Pokemon in more powerful forms is a welcome change, bringing joy to fans of Rillaboom, Empoleon, and Torterra.

How The Teal Mask Buffs Rillaboom, Empoleon, and Torterra in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

The initial reception of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's 7-Star Tera Raids was highly positive, thanks to the challenging nature of the events and the impressive selection of creatures such as Charizard and Cinderace. However, Rillaboom's arrival was rather unremarkable due to its lack of the powerful priority move, Grassy Slide, which greatly enhanced its abilities in Generation 8. Despite low expectations, The Teal Mask eventually added Grassy Slide as a TM.

This single addition significantly bolstered Rillaboom's prowess in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, despite the move's decreased base power. Another standout starter that received a substantial upgrade through The Teal Mask DLC is Empoleon. Not only did Empoleon gain the egg move Roost, allowing it to act as a resilient tank capable of regaining its own HP, but it also acquired Flip Turn, enabling it to return to its trainer while delivering an attack. Moreover, Empoleon obtained a new Hidden Ability, surpassing its previous Defiant Ability, which heightened its Attack when its stats were lowered.

Empoleon now has a new Hidden Ability called Competitive, which increases its Special Attack when its stats are lowered. This makes Empoleon a valuable sweeper against teams that heavily rely on Intimidate or moves that decrease stats. In addition, the Indigo Disk in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will bring back all starter Pokémon, making it easier to acquire them and potentially changing the metagame with the return of Incineroar. Empoleon is a strong counter against Incineroar. Lastly, Torterra, the third starter to receive a buff in The Teal Mask DLC, has a good Grass/Ground typing and gained powerful moves. Shell Smash boosts its Attack, Special Attack, and Speed, potentially allowing it to sweep opponents alone. Iron Defense, combined with Body Press, deals significant damage. Headlong Rush is a single-target alternative to Earthquake, and with Loaded Dice, Torterra can effectively use Bullet Seed and Rock Blast. Despite the ever-changing meta in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet due to the addition of new Legendaries and monsters, the return of Rillaboom, Empoleon, and Torterra should not be underestimated.

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