The upcoming DLC for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet could offer some much-appreciated expansions to the game as a whole. While the base game already has a lot fo offer, with several campaigns in addition to one of the most dramatic stories in the series, the next step could make Pokemon Scarlet and Violet an even grander experience. In particular, there are a few areas that the DLC could touch upon that could leave the game in a much better state.
There are already some details about Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's DLC expansion, The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, that have been revealed. A new location, Blueberry Academy, has been revealed, alongside a couple of new Paradox Pokemon based on Legendaries Suicune and Virizion. It's clear that The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero will have plenty of new things to offer from early information alone. The true question is how much more will it have to offer players.
Pokemon Scarlet And Violet DLC Could Bring Back Hisuian And Fossil Pokemon
One of the biggest aspects of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's story was time travel. After all, it was the whole reason why players were able to encounter Paradox Pokemon in the first place. The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero could expand further on that idea, not just with more Paradox Pokemon, but other Pokemon that are already known to hail from other time periods. With Sword and Shield's DLC greatly expanding its Pokedex, the possibility is there for Scarlet and Violet to do the same.
Just like past regional variants, Pokemon Legends: Arceus' Hisuian form Pokemon were a new takes on previous species. The difference was that Hisuian forms are versions of that Pokemon that hailed from the distant past. A lot of interesting Hisuian form Pokemon were introduced, but it was unclear if they could debut in a newer Pokemon game due to their circumstances. Fossil Pokemon are in a similar state, only available to players by reviving them from fossils rather than catching them normally.
Scarlet and Violet's DLC has a chance to not only lend more spotlight to the many fossil Pokemon throughout Pokemon's history, but let Pokemon from the past flourish once more. The sight of wild fossil Pokemon running freely, as well as Hisuian Pokemon returning from thousands of years in the past, would be a rewarding one for a lot of players. After Scarlet and Violet's Paradox Pokemon ran wild in Area Zero, other ancient Pokemon should get their chance as well.
Characters From Pokemon Scarlet And Violet Could Be Expanded Upon
Paldea is a Pokemon region full of memorable characters. In addition to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's new rivals, there is a host of NPCs who could have a lot to offer from an extended role in Teal Mask or Indigo Disk. Since the DLC will be including a new locale, there would be a few questions regarding how a few of Paldea's characters could find a way to be involved. Even so, that's no reason to assume that none of them will have a chance to participate in the DLC's events.
One character that immediately comes to mind is Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's battle-focused rival Nemona. While Nemona was the face of the gym challenge storyline, she didn't receive a lot of development as a character in that time. Plus, with Blueberry Academy having a focus on battling, it would make perfect sense for her to show up again. Another good candidate could be Rika of the Elite Four. She is around long enough to establish herself as a cool character, but didn't get to do much in the main game.
The strong cast of Scarlet and Violet can be a big boost to the DLC if they are involved. While Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's DLC needs new features, pulling a few elements from the base game could keep it connected to what came before while also expanding the stories of a few fan favorites. The DLC should feel fresh and new, but the presence of a few familiar faces would be appreciated all the same.
DLC For Pokemon Scarlet And Violet Could Revisit Old Gimmicks
A lot of Pokemon generations end up introducing their own gimmicks, with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Terastal mechanic being Generation 9's iteration of this trend. In many cases, these gimmicks only stick around for their debut generation, or occasionally slightly longer in the case of Mega Evolution. Although they may not last long, these gimmicks are a piece of Pokemon history. For that reason, it may make sense for Scarlet and Violet DLC to revisit them.
One frequently mentioned possibility from the past would be bringing back Pokemon's Mega Evolutions, which allowed certain Pokemon to temporarily evolve into stronger forms. However, with only a select few Pokemon being able to take advantage of Mega Evolution, some other past gimmicks may be worth their own return. Z-Moves and Dynamax only appeared in one generation apiece, but they could offer a twist on battles in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet already brought back Pokemon from the past, so some gimmicks from the past could be a pleasant surprise. While including them in the main game may not fit with the format, these gimmicks could make a return in the form of a side mode, similar to Pokemon Sword and Shield's Dynamax Adventures. A lot of Pokemon's old gimmicks still have their fans, so featuring them in a DLC could be a good move for Nintendo.
While the contents of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero will likely remain a secret until closer to its release date, the list of features that could be included could stretch on for pages. There are many paths that the DLC could take and ideas that could make players happy, but they will have to wait until Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Teal Mask DLC releases to experience it for themselves. Hopefully, The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero will be able to fulfill some of these wishes for pokemon Scarlet and Violet's future.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now for the Nintendo Switch.
