Highlights
- Pokemon Scarlet and Violet break iconic traditions in the series, making them ground-breaking games with unique features.
- The possible absence of Mythical Pokemon in the second DLC raises the question of whether Gen 9 will skip Mythicals entirely.
- If Gen 9 games do not include a Mythical Pokemon, it will be the first in the mainline series to break this long-standing pattern.
Even though Pokemon Scarlet and Violet didn't launch to overwhelmingly positive reviews, they are arguably among the most ground-breaking games in the series thanks to all the changes to the classic Pokemon formula and their breaking iconic traditions. This is something both DLC try to emulate to a degree, and The Indigo Disk is breaking a massive starter tradition as well as an Elite Four tradition, which bodes well for how unique future games can be. However, there is another little ritual that Gen 9 games might be breaking away from, and that has a lot to do with Mythical Pokemon.
Although they are often not allowed in official competitions and are also among the most powerful Pokemon in the franchise, Mythicals are a healthy way to keep players engaged with the series even outside of mainline games. These critters can often be obtained by partaking in special timed events, redeeming limited-time codes, or even watching new Pokemon movies at a local theater. The latest Mythical Pokemon is Zarude from the Sword and Shield era, and with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's new Pokemon numbers not adding up, it bears the question as to whether Gen 9 will entirely skip Mythicals.
Why Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Might Feature No Mythical Pokemon
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Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Teal Mask added 8 new Pokemon to the mix, with them being the regional fakes Poltchageist and Sinistcha, the new form Bloodmoon Ursaluna, the cross-gen Applin evolution Dipplin, the Loyal Three, and finally Ogerpon. Ogerpon's story in The Teal Mask calls for more developments in The Indigo Disk, as the Loyal Three are said to have a master who gave them their powers, and that same creature might be "possessing" Kieran from the main storyline. This Pokemon is rumored to be part of The Indigo Disk's eight new critters alongside the already-known ones.
These Pokemon include Raging Bolt and Iron Crown as Paradox forms of Raikou and Cobalion, respectively, and then Archaludon and Terapagos. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Teal Mask also confirms Dipplin's evolution is slated to come in the second expansion, as the creature is capable of using the Eviolite, a held item normally only available to Pokemon that are not fully evolved. Then, it's been leaked multiple times that The Indigo Disk will also include Paradox forms for both Entei and Terrakion to respectively complete the Legendary Beast trio and the Swords of Justice trio, minus Keldeo.
What follows is that the full eight slots are already assigned, based on leaks and datamining, and there is no room for an additional Pokemon that could be Gen 9's own Mythical. Given this issue with the second DLC's Pokedex, a hypothetical Mythical Pokemon in Gen 9 could be added further down the line, explaining the lack of an assigned slot in the game's current data. However, with all the leaks and rumors going around for months, it seems extremely odd that there has been no mention of an upcoming Mythical in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, whereas this piece of news would have been most likely met with excitement by fans.
Piecing these facts together makes it possible that Gen 9 games will be the first in the entire mainline series to not feature a Mythical Pokemon. So far, the series featured:
- Mew in Gen 1
- Celebi in Gen 2
- Jirachi and Deoxys in Gen 3
- Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, and Arceus in Gen 4
- Victini, Keldeo, Meloetta, and Genesect in Gen 5
- Diancie, Hoopa, and Volcanion in Gen 6
- Magearna, Marshadow, Zeraora, Meltan, and Melmetal in Gen 7
- Zarude in Gen 8
If Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's The Indigo Disk doesn't include a Mythical, or at the very least datamines don't find residual information regarding one, Gen 9 could very well be the first to break this long-time pattern. However, some Mythical Pokemon were added late into a given generation's lifespan, and it's not impossible that Gen 9 will be the same.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now for the Nintendo Switch.
