Highlights

  • Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Indigo Disk DLC provides steps forward in the right direction for Gen 9 content, but falls short of players' hopes for farming and accessibility.
  • The DLC introduces a new Mythical Pokemon, Pecharunt, which has a unique set of stats and a Ghost/Poison type combination, challenging the uniqueness of the Gengar line.
  • Pecharunt's Ability confuses any Pokemon it inflicts Poison upon, making it a strong tool in battle, and its bulk makes it suitable for stall-oriented team compositions. However, Gengar still remains a powerful glass cannon with its high offensive capabilities.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's The Indigo Disk DLC is finally here, and it seems to put a nice wrap on Gen 9 content for the remainder of its activity ahead of Gen 10 games. While The Indigo Disk is not the be-all, end-all kind of expansion that players hoped for in terms of farming, entertaining activities, and accessibility, it does make several steps forward in the right direction, and it also seems to come with its own Mythical Pokemon - although it remains unavailable for now. This is because Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Indigo Disk has cut content and a missing epilogue that have been datamined alongside information for the new Mythical, which is set to "dethrone" a fan-favorite Gen 1 Pokemon.

At first, based on leaks, it seemed like Pokemon Scarlet and Violet wouldn't have a Mythical Pokemon, but this was later debunked with information regarding an alleged "master peach Pokemon." This is even alluded to in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Indigo Disk, with Drayton telling Kieran his behavior is "peachy," likely to set the stage for the final reveal of the datamined epilogue. The new Mythical seems to be indeed called Pecharunt and to be the Loyal Three's master, but its type combination may be bad news for fans of the Gengar evolution line.

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Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Pecharunt is set to become an interesting pocket monster to have, although it remains unclear how the epilogue will pan out exactly, seeing how it's datamined to be a one-hour event with battles, story beats, and then a chance for players to catch the new Mythical. Based on the leaks, Pecharunt will have a rather unique set of stats, with every stat being equal to 88 except for Defense, which is 160. This is likely to represent chains, as it's part of the theme and identity of the critter, although it could make it less desirable in battle.

How Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Mythical Pecharunt Compares to Gengar

Stat Name

Pecharunt's Stats

Gengar's Stats

HP

88

60

Attack

88

65

Defense

160

60

Sp. Attack

88

130

Sp Defense

88

75

Speed

88

110

Base Stat Total

600

500

As it stands, Pecharunt is going to be the first Ghost/Poison Pokemon since Gengar and its pre-evolutions were introduced all the way back in Gen 1. This is a big break from past conventions, and in a way, a new Mythical Pokemon being the only other Ghost/Poison critter in the series makes the Gengar line's former signature type less outstanding. It doesn't mean that Pecharunt will be better than Gengar and friends at any stage, especially since its battle prowess has yet to be determined, but it does put a dent in the unique appeal of the Gengar line.

Pecharunt also seems to have an interesting Ability, which confuses any Pokemon it inflicts Poison upon. This can make for a pretty powerful tool in battle, and it's something unique to the new Mythical in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet - and it's also in line with the Loyal Three's Toxic Chain Ability from The Teal Mask.

Although Gengar has much stronger offensive capabilities thanks to its 130 Sp. Attack and 110 Speed, Pecharunt has a lot more bulk, which is perfect for more stall-oriented Pokemon team compositions and pairs nicely with its Ability. In comparison, Gengar is the so-called glass cannon, which is not necessarily a bad thing, especially since it makes its niche much different than that of Pecharunt. Overall, the two will likely still have their own uses in different teams and rulesets, but it remains true that Pecharunt's type combination now makes Gengar's a repeat pick, possibly further opening it to be featured on different creatures in future games.