Summary
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Indigo Disk DLC has one piece of dialogue that, if not a throwaway, could lead to major changes in the status quo. The DLC release forPokemon Scarlet and Violetwas ambitious on its own in terms of scale, but the potential to affect later games would be an unexpected side effect. Of course, it is probably far too early to claim anything as concrete evidence forPokemon’s future, let alone what’s next forScarlet and Violet. However, what The Indigo Disk hints at could be a momentous change for the series going forward.
Among the manyimprovements brought byPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s DLCare several remarkable content additions. The most prominent example would be how each half of the DLC introduced an entirely new area, Kitakami from Teal Mask and Blueberry Academy from Indigo Disk. They also introduced multiple legendary Pokemon, with Ogerpon and the Loyal Three coming from Teal Mask, while Indigo Disk brought Terapagos. While it may not have included something as monumental as Crown Tundra’s Gigantamax Advenures,Pokemon Scarlet and Violetexpanded the Gen 9 games by a respectable amount. It helps that the DLC came with an overarching story as well.
One Piece of Dialogue Could Mean That Pokemon’s Gimmicks Won’t Stay in the Past
Briar is an Important Figure in Scarlet and Violet’s DLC
Briar is a teacher who is one of the severalcharacters introduced inPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s DLC, and arguably the most prominent of the DLC characters aside from Carmine and Kieran. She’s highly interested in the works of Heath, her ancestor who was one of the first people to explore Area Zero, and consequently, one of the first to have a recorded encounter with Paradox Pokemon. This led Briar to develop a strong desire to visit Area Zero for herself, which drives a significant part of her arc throughout the DLC. She gets her wish in Indigo Disk, with the protagonist tagging along.
Briar Wants to See Terastallization in Other Pokemon Regions
At one point in the game, Briar mentions a desire to bring the signatureTerastal gimmick ofPokemon Scarlet and Violetto regions outside Paldea. Terastallization is a new feature that first appeared inScarlet and Violet, and there’s no indication that it has appeared outside Paldea before. If Briar’s words are meant to be taken seriously, that could mean that many past gimmicks could come back in future generations rather than being restricted to their regions of origin. The list of gimmicks that could be brought back in this case includes:
Briar’s Words are Provocative, But Might Not Mean Anything
Unfortunately, Briar’s words might not be worth getting excited over just yet. While it would be fun to see some ofPokemon’s gimmicks from the pastmake a comeback, Briar’s words could ultimately be empty. After all, it’s pretty common for characters to mention ambitions that never get brought up again in later games. There’s also the fact that her excursion to Area Zero, which was her biggest ambition, nearly ended in disaster. That incident could have her second-guessing any future attempts to do something on a similar scale. Regardless, whether there is truly any weight to her words will only become clear in the future.
The Indigo Disk rounded outPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s DLC story, but it could have repercussions for later games. While it’s likely thatPokemonGeneration 10 will have its own gimmick, Briar’s words imply that some remnants from the series' past could be joining it. Of course, that’s only if one assumes them to be taken seriously. Since the DLC just came out, there’s no way to tell what will be coming next forPokemon. However, if players are meant to take Briar at her word, then players may not have seen the last of Terastallization.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
WHERE TO PLAY
The school that you’ve enrolled in as you playPokémon ScarletandPokémon Violethosts a special independent study project. The theme of this assignment is “A Treasure Hunt.” Explore the world and seek out your very own treasure!Three stories will be woven into your adventure while traversing the sprawling Paldea region. Along Victory Road, you will go to Gyms in different locations in order to to achieve Champion Rank. On the Path of Legends, you can join Arven in search of rare ingredients. And in ★ Starfall Street ★, you’ll challenge Team Star, a group of delinquents causing trouble for the school.These stories are set in an open world, so where you go is all up to you. A world teeming with Pokémon and people to meet is waiting for you—traverse the Paldea region wherever you heart desires.
