The Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC: A Game-Changer that Breaks All Comparisons!
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's DLC has the opportunity to surpass Sword and Shield's DLC, but it must learn from Gen 8's base games and avoid one crucial error Terapagos holds the key to a successful evolution
Highlights
The upcoming DLC for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet has the opportunity to improve upon the mistakes of the previous generation's DLC for Pokemon Sword and Shield.
Terapagos, the shining character in The Indigo Disk expansion, deserves more than just a solitary boss battle, similar to how Eternatus is handled in Pokemon Sword and Shield.
If the DLC introduces Tera Forms as a novel game element, it would be fitting for Terapagos to showcase its Tera Form capabilities during battles once it has been captured.
With the upcoming DLC for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet right around the corner, the series has a golden opportunity to rectify some of the mistakes made in the previous generation's Pokemon Sword and Shield DLC. While there are various ways in which The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet can address the shortcomings of the Gen 8 DLC, it is crucial for it to avoid falling into the same trap as the base games of Pokemon Sword and Shield did. The star of The Indigo Disk expansion, Terapagos, is anticipated to be a significant character. However, it must not suffer the same fate as Gen 8's Eternatus.
While the details about Terapagos' role in the plot of The Indigo Disk remain scarce, the rumored August Pokemon Presents event may shed more light on the role of this peculiar creature. Given its crystalline design and shell adorned with Pokemon-type symbols, it is likely that Terapagos will play a crucial part in unraveling the Terastal Phenomenon puzzle. Interestingly, Terapagos seems to possess two different forms that may be linked to the Terastal Phenomenon. However, it is crucial that, similar to Pokemon Sword and Shield's Eternatus, its Tera Form is not limited to just a single boss battle but can be accessed by players once it is captured.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Terapagos Can't Repeat the Same Mistake as Gen 8's Eternatus
In Pokemon Sword and Shield, the main gameplay mechanics were Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing, which allowed Pokemon to temporarily grow in size and sometimes change forms. Towards the end of the game's story, players had to battle the legendary Pokemon Eternatus in its powerful Eternamax form. However, players were disappointed to discover that Eternatus could not revert back to its Eternamax form outside of that specific battle.
A similar issue may arise in the DLC for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, specifically regarding the Pokemon Terapagos. Terapagos is likely to represent Gen 9's Terastal Phenomenon gimmick. Although another Pokemon resembling Terapagos appeared in the Pokemon anime, it is uncertain whether it is a pre-evolution or simply a different form of Terapagos. If it is indeed a different form, it is reasonable to believe that the Terapagos showcased in the marketing materials for The Indigo Disk is the Tera Form, which can only be accessed once the base form Terapagos undergoes Terastallization. These rumors add further support to the idea that multiple Pokemon will have Tera Forms in the DLC.
It would be disappointing if players are only able to experience a single boss fight, similar to Eternamax Eternatus in Pokemon Sword and Shield. While the battle against Eternamax Eternatus showcased the Dynamax mechanic, it felt lacking because players were unable to use this form themselves. If Tera Forms are introduced in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC, it is only fitting that the mascot mon of this mechanic can utilize its Tera Form in battles after being caught.
Without more information on The Indigo Disk and Terapagos' role in the DLC, it is difficult to have high expectations. Looking at past games and how they incorporated generational gimmicks provides some concern that Terapagos may end up like Eternatus. However, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have already addressed many of the shortcomings of Gen 8, so there is hope that the DLC will continue this trend and ensure Terapagos does not repeat the mistakes of Eternatus.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available for Nintendo Switch.
