Highlights Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s upcoming DLC, The Teal Mask

Introduction

Leaked information about Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s upcoming DLC, The Teal Mask, has revealed new critters to catch and locations to explore in Kitakami.

Absence of Claydol

One notable missing Pokemon in the game is Claydol, the only Ground/Psychic type in the franchise. Its unique typing would have given it an advantage against several new creatures. The absence of unique type combinations like Claydol’s highlights the need for future Pokemon games to include Pokemon with unique typing or introduce new ones to avoid leaving gaps in the regional Pokedex.

The Teal Mask DLC

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s The Teal Mask DLC is set to release in a few days. It will likely include many new features and activities for players to enjoy while they wait for the final expansion, The Indigo Disk. The leaked information reveals the new critters that players will be able to catch and the various locations in Kitakami that will become available to explore.

Unfortunately, it has been confirmed that Claydol will not be available in Gen 9 games, including The Indigo Disk.

Regional Pokedex Controversy

Since Pokemon games reduced the regional Pokedex to a few hundred pocket monsters, some critters have been left out occasionally. This has caused controversy among players. However, expansions like those in Pokemon Sword and Shield have added more returning monsters, and the same will happen in Gen 9 games.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Home compatibility allows players to transfer some special forms from Pokemon Legends: Arceus and other creatures. However, one special Gen 3 species is missing from Paldea.

Claydol’s Advantage

Claydol’s unique Ground/Psychic typing would have made it particularly useful in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s The Teal Mask DLC. Several new creatures, such as Okidogi, Munkidori, Fezandipiti, and Bloodmoon Ursaluna, would have been weak to Claydol’s Ground or Psychic moves.

Other Pokemon in the DLC, such as Poltchageist, Sinistcha, Dipplin, and Ogerpon, would have also been affected by Claydol’s moves, although to a lesser extent.

Conclusion

In future Pokemon games, it is important to include Pokemon with unique type combinations or introduce new ones to avoid leaving gaps in the regional Pokedex. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s The Teal Mask DLC is an exciting addition to the game, but the absence of Claydol showcases the need for more diverse typings in the franchise.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are currently available for the Nintendo Switch.