Highlights
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet introduced a nineteenth Pokemon type through their DLC, breaking traditions and bringing new possibilities to the franchise.
The Tera type, also called the Tera type, enables players to modify their Pokemon's types using Terastallization, presenting captivating prospects for personalization and intense battles. The unidentified nineteenth type seems to incorporate elements from all currently existing types, potentially granting the user STAB damage with every move or the ability to deal supereffective damage irrespective of the opponent's type. On the defensive side, it may only exhibit weakness to Rock or sustain neutral damage from all moves.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet were highly anticipated upon their launch, but many players were left disappointed due to performance issues that post-release patches were unable to fully resolve. Despite this setback, Gen 9 marked a significant milestone and turning point for the franchise as a whole. The games broke many traditions that had been established over the past 25 years, as Game Freak attempted to revamp and perfect the classic Pokemon formula. While this isn't the first time Game Freak has tried something unique, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet stood out in various aspects. Now, the upcoming DLCs are poised to further push boundaries by introducing a nineteenth Pokemon type to the series.
There have been numerous theories and predictions about the possibility of a nineteenth type ever since Fairy-type Pokemon were introduced in Gen 6. There are strong contenders that would fit seamlessly within the Pokemon universe for various reasons. However, The Indigo Disk DLC for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is set to introduce a type that deviates from the established template and appears to be tied exclusively to the game's new battle gimmick called Terastallization. This raises several intriguing questions about the potential implications of this nineteenth type becoming a staple in Gen 10, as well as how it would function within the game.
How Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Nineteenth Type Will Work in The Indigo Disk
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet introduce Tera types, which are exclusive battle features in Generation 9. These Tera types allow players to change their Pokémon's types through Terastallization. This opens up numerous possibilities for competitive battles and customization, leading to the emergence of new strategies. However, the latest trailer for the Generation 9 expansions reveals an unnamed nineteenth type that is distinct from the existing eighteen types.
The trailer showcases a unique Tera type that combines all existing types into one. The Tera type's icon is reminiscent of the multi-colored shell found in the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC's Terapagos. Although there is no official explanation yet, there are several potential ways this new type could function within the games. It's crucial to differentiate between its offensive capabilities and its possible defensive strengths since it appears to be a prismatic representation of the existing 18 types rather than an entirely new type.
Considering that this iridescent type likely encompasses all types of Pokemon, it can have either of two effects - the user can have enhanced damage on every move they make or they can deal highly effective damage regardless of the opposing Pokemon's type. The first option seems more probable as STAB damage is always crucial in Pokemon games and it would allow Pokemon with diverse move sets to be more formidable when Terastallized. On the other hand, the second option would likely be excessively powerful in all situations.
Regarding defenses, there is a theory that if the legendary Pokemon Arceus utilized the Legend Plate found in Pokemon Legends: Arceus and became an "omni-type," it would only be weak against Rock type moves. This is because combining all the weaknesses, resistances, and immunities from the 18 types would result in the Pokemon having extremely strong defensive capabilities, with its only vulnerability being Rock type moves. However, it is more plausible that Terastallization in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will make the 19th type user only take neutral damage from all moves, or possibly ignore enhanced damage from opponents. This would be the most logical choice in terms of gameplay, and it is what players should anticipate prior to the release of The Indigo Disk.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now for the Nintendo Switch.