The long-awaited release date for the first half of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s two-part DLC, "The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero," has finally been announced. The Pokémon Company revealed during today's Pokémon Presents stream that "The Teal Mask," the initial major DLC drop, is slated for release on September 13th, bringing fresh gameplay features and introducing new Pokémon.
Set in the land of Kitakami, players will embark on a joint school trip coinciding with a local festival that celebrates the Loyal Three — Kitakami’s legendary trio — and Ogerpon, a newly introduced masked legendary monster. This festive backdrop sets the scene for an engaging adventure.
"The Teal Mask" highlights include:
- New Characters: A photographer named Perrin will guide players on photo-focused side quests in Kitakami's wilderness to capture pictures of wild Pokémon.
- New Features: The innovative Roto-stick enables players to take wide-angle selfies using the game's built-in cameraphones.
- New and Classic Pokémon: Kitakami offers a mix of Pokémon from older generations and all-new creatures, such as Dipplin, an Applin evolution resembling a candy apple but maintaining its dragon type.
The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC
The trailer also teases a new trainer, Kieran, who appears to be a fan of Dipplin. He's part of Blueberry Academy, an underwater school that will play a vital role in the second half of the DLC, known as "The Indigo Disk." This segment promises exciting adventures in various artificial biomes filled with diverse Pokémon species. The academy's battle ranking system, the BB League, and a unique set of Elite Four trainers add to the intrigue.
One captivating element is the apparent capability for legendary ride Pokémon to unlock "latent powers," such as full-on flight. This enhancement might dramatically alter how Scarlet and Violet play in the future, aligning with Nintendo's broader goals for the DLC.
While the full impact of these changes on Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's overall experience remains to be seen, the evident effort by The Pokémon Company to reinvigorate interest in the games is promising. While "The Teal Mask" is ready for its September debut, the release date for "The Indigo Disk" has yet to be announced.
Source: YouTube