Pokemon ScarletandVioletcontinues to expand its Pokemon offerings through the use of Tera Raids, with special battle events being featured to keep the titles' additions fresh and exciting. This emphasis surrounding previousstarter Pokemonand even a few Legendaries begs the question of when Paldea’s Pokedex might open up to include these creatures as official entries among its roster.
Pokemon ScarletandVioletfeatured 400 Pokemon across its Pokedex for players to discover, battle, and catch. Much like the series' previous Generations, the Paldean Pokedex debuted its region’s newest creatures while sporting a few entries seen inScarletandViolet’s predecessors. From Kanto to Galar, some Pokemon favorites managed to return amidst Paldea’s open world, though others were given more special treatment through Tera Raid Battle Events. Despite their heavy spotlight, some of these Tera Raid Pokemon have yet to become an official part of the Pokedex.
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Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Pokedex is Still Up in the Air
As ever,the Pokedex of Paldeafeatured standard Pokemon like the region’s starter trio as well as a few Legendary selections. Moreover,ScarletandVioletmaintained the series' tradition of title exclusives to encourage trading, with Paradox Pokemon being an exciting new addition to its Dex’s roster. The inclusion of such Pokemon made Paldea’s Pokedex compelling in its own right, though there were some notable absences among its entries, particularly in the way of previous Generation starters. The titles' emphasis on the recent Tera Raid Battle Events has sought to remedy this by making them available to catch and battle, though their lack of official standing in the Pokedex feels a bit odd as this treatment continues.
Tera Raid Battle Eventshave been steadily debuting for quite some time now, spanning a number of Pokemon from older and newer Generations of the series. Some of these spotlighted creatures have been standard such as Eevee and Delibird, while others, like a few Legendaries and previous Gen starters, have served as non-Pokedex additions. Certain picks like Decidueye, Typhlosion, and Samurott offer a nod toPokemon Legends: Arceus, while Walking Wake and Iron Leaves, the Paradox forms of Suicune and Virizion respectively, introduced new designs for beloved past Legendaries. The Tera Raid treatment shows no signs of stopping, with the upcoming event surrounding Kalos' Chesnaught serving as yet another starter addition.
Because the Tera Raid Battle Events have moved far into the starters of the titles' predecessors,ScarletandVioletnow features many Pokemon that aren’t actually listed in the Pokedex. Their status as non-Dex entries has extended into their prohibited use in competitive play, meaning they’re in desperate need of Pokedex slots. This might be remedied inPokemon ScarletandViolet’s upcoming Teal Mask and Indigo Disk DLC, where it has been confirmed that a few past Pokemon will make a return. Though, even then, it will be interesting to see whether these DLC Pokemon will become part of Paldea’s Pokedex, given that the two-part DLC seems to take place outside of the region.
Pokemon ScarletandViolet’s Tera Raid Events have demonstrated that the titles will continue to include past Pokemon for players to add to their teams. The Walking Wake and Iron Leaves treatment could also mean that otherPokemon Legendaries might receive Paradox forms. If this is the case, then adding them to the Pokedex could cement them as more official creatures amongScarletandViolet’s world. It remains to be seen if this will be handled through the DLC or a standard update, but it’s clear these Tera Raid Bosses deserve a spot as entries.
Pokemon ScarletandVioletare available now for the Nintendo Switch.
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