Summary
The Terastal Phenomenon is one of the key mechanics ofPokemon Scarlet and Violetthat was introduced in the Gen 9 games. Not only does this mechanic have gameplay implications, adding a new layer of strategy to battles by allowing trainers to change the type of one of their mons, but it also plays a significant role in the plot of the games and the overarching lore of the series. The DLC forPokemon Scarlet and Violetcontinues to expand the lore surrounding Terastallization, and revelations in The Teal Mask suggest this phenomenon might not be limited to just these games.
Recent generations ofPokemongames have followed the trend of introducing a new gameplay mechanic that only exists for one generation before being removed in the next. While Gen 6’sMega Evolutionwas possible in Gen 7, the Z-Moves from that generation as well as Gen 8’s Dynamaxing have been limited to the generation in which they were introduced. Most players expected that the Terastal Phenomenon would be limited only toPokemon Scarlet and Violet, but one aspect of the DLC could be hinting at a bigger role for the mechanic in the series' future.
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The Teal Mask Suggests the Terastal Phenomenon Might Not be Limited to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
When players first start The Teal Mask DLC, they are greeted byMs. Briar from Blueberry Academywho tells them about her interest in the Terastal Phenomenon and its connection to Area Zero. She wants to investigate Kitakami for the same type of crystals that can be found in the depths of Area Zero as they seem to hold the key to understanding Terastallization. During the course of the DLC’s story, players will find more of these crystals atop Oni Mountain within the Crystal Pools, supporting Briar’s hypothesis that more of these crystals exist outside of Area Zero.
What makes this discovery so important to thePokemonuniverse is the fact that it proves that the crystals responsible for the Terastal Phenomenon exist outside of thePaldea Region. Prior to this discovery, it seemed like these crystals were unique to Area Zero and whatever event caused the creation of the Great Crater of Paldea. However, with the revelation that the crystals can be found in other regions, the series could be setting up the lore to include the Terastal Phenomenon in future games.
One possible scenario is that the Terastal Phenomenon extends to theUnova Region as recent leaks and rumorssuggest that the next entry afterPokemon Scarlet and Violetwill involve Unova in some way. Given that Blueberry Academy is confirmed to be located in the Unova Region, there is likely going to be some connection between the region and the events of this DLC. A potential remake ofPokemon Black and Whiteor even aPokemon Black 3 and White 3could involve research into Terastallization after more crystals are discovered in the Unova Region, although these games would likely still be part of Gen 9.
From a design perspective, it would be a lot easier to continue this mechanic than past ones like Mega Evolution and Gigantamaxing since they required all-new models for Pokemon. Most Terastallized mons keep their usual appearance with new simple textures applied. It’s also possible that the Terastal Phenomenon is only planned to appear in the rumored new Unova games likeMega Evolution was inPokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. While Mega Evolution played a prominent role in the Gen 3 remakes alongside the new variation of the mechanic known as Primal Reversion, it ended up as an afterthought in Gen 7 and cut completely in Gen 8, which could be the fate of Terastallization as well.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violetare available for Nintendo Switch. The Teal Mask DLC is also available now.
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