After the Pokemon Sword and Shield's Expansion Pass introduced new Gigantamax forms, it's understandable for fans to assume that Pokemon Scarlet and Violet could do the same. In terms of the two additional content packages, there are already a number of similarities between Generation 9's and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's. Reliable leakers have not only confirmed that the DLC packs are similar, but have also more or less confirmed new Tera forms.
When The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC was officially revealed, fans saw the new turtle Pokemon Terapagos and took note of its shell, which features symbols representing every type in the franchise. Due to how it features the symbol seen on each Tera Gem on its back, many players assumed that Terapagos is the creature responsible for Terastallization, and is therefore responsible for the new Tera forms that will be added to the game. However, there's a strong possibility that these forms are connected to Ogerpon instead.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: What Lies in Ogerpon's Mask
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's The Teal Mask expansion seems to be a prime example of the series going back its classic inspirations. Based on Japanese festivals, the land of Kitakami aims to tell the folk tale of Momotaro through the player character and some Pokemon companions. Ogerpon supposedly plays the villain character, and shown to hide behind what's said to be a "fearsome mask." Though, it doesn't look very intimidating.
However, there's a chance that what's been revealed about Ogerpon isn't all there is to see. The new, specialized Tera forms have yet to be formerly announced as part 1 of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero is still in development. While Terapagos took the spotlight as the possible cause for Terastallization, Ogerpon's mask may be the very thing that allows these new Tera forms to occur, which would tie-in rather well with Kitakami's festival themes.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: The Secrets of the Teal Mask
With what's known about the Teal Mask DLC so far, it would make plenty of sense that the first of Scarlet and Violet's expansions would add features that could help newer players. On the official Pokemon Scarlet and Violet website, it states that part 1 of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero will be playable as soon as the Treasure Hunt starts in-game. The second part, however, can only begin once the entire main story is completed.
This leaves plenty of room for Pokemon to introduce new Tera forms in The Teal Mask that fans can then use throughout the game while making their way towards The Indigo Disk. It's a great incentive that has plenty of benefits, and may even reward players for picking up the game later rather than sooner. This way, early adopters can get new content to keep them playing while the DLC pulls in new fans and helps sales numbers.
Of course, this doesn't mean that Terapagos has no connection to the Terastal phenomenon. It most likely means that whatever is happening with Ogerpon is just a taste of what awaits for fans to explore in Area Zero, with Terapagos being connected to what ties the DLC and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's main campaign together at the end of it all. The Teal Mask may also have a few surprises of its own waiting in Area Zero, as fans have noticed a teal door in the Zero Gate that is currently broken in the base game.
There's also potential that there may be more to the general story of The Teal Mask, as the reveal trailer made its Momotaro-inspired story so clear to viewers that there may be something lurking underneath what it appears to be. Beyond that, though, not much is known about these DLC waves just yet. Fans can expect more info from Nintendo and Game Freak later this year as both waves are set to release in the later half of 2023.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now for the Nintendo Switch.
