ModernPokemongames have become notable for their battle gimmicks as much as the design work that goes into each new region.Pokemon XandYintroduced Mega Evolution,SunandMoonintroduced Z-Moves, andSwordandShieldintroduced Dynamaxing. During the August 2022 Pokemon Presents, Game Freak revealed the gimmick that will characterize Generation 9’s headlining titlesPokemon ScarletandViolet: the Terastal phenomenon.
InPaldea, the official name ofScarletandViolet’s region, powerful crystals allow Pokemon to Terastallize for a select few trainers. In typicalPokemonfashion, this means the player character will have access to this mechanic, helping Professor Sada (inScarletversion) or Professor Turo (inVioletversion) with their research. Plenty more information was revealed during Pokemon Presents, such as Koraidon and Miraidon serving the role of players' bikes, but the crystaline Terastal Pokemon are especially interesting to consider based on the presumed connections between Paldea andXandY’s Kalos region.
RELATED:Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: Predicting New Pokemon Evolutions
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Terastal Phenomenon
Except for Mega Evolution, which appeared in Kalos, Hoenn, and Alola, every major battle gimmick in thePokemonseries has been intrinsically tied to its originating region. The Z-Rings required to use Z-Moves could only be developed with stones offered up by Alola’s Tapu, the guardian dieties of each island - and it’s theorized the required energy came from Necrozma inUltra SunandUltra Moon.Power Spots that facilitate Dynamaxing in Galarwere similarly formed by “Galar Particles” emitted by Eternatus, a Legendary whose true cataclysmic form created the “Darkest Day” in ancient times.
The Terastal phenomenon is similar exclusive to Paldea, according toPokemon ScarletandViolet’s website, being the result of “Terastal energy” that seeps from the ground. Trainers who have access to the Tera Orb can activate the Tera Type inherent to “all Pokemon in Paldea,” which coats their bodies like a cut gemstone while forming a Tera Jewel crown above their head. If the Pokemon’s Tera Type matches one of its original typings, it provides them a stronger Same-Type Attack Bonus (STAB).
However, Pokemon can have a Tera Type matching any of the 18 available, leading to “countless combinations” such as a specialpre-order Pikachu with a Flying Tera Type. Players are more likely to find unique combinations in Tera Raid Battles that streamlineSwordandShield’s Dynamax Raids. Game Freak has essentially set up a system where players can search for over a dozen Gigantamax variants, but instead of gaining limited-time attack and health bonuses, Terastallized Pokemon permanently change their type and STAB for the duration of an encounter (reminiscent of Mega Evolution).
As mentioned, thePaldea region’s dual professorsare researching this phenomenon. Naranja or Uva Academy director Clavell (again depending onScarletorVioletversion) is said to be a friend of the professors in his official website bio, which is likely how the player - an academy student - gets involved with their research via an “independent study project.” There will be three overarching stories inScarletandVioletfor players to tackle at their own discretion, one of which is the more open-ended Pokemon League challenge. Another will undoubtedly be researching the origins of Terastal Pokemon, which will probably be connected to a yet-unnamed Legendary.
RELATED:Opelucid City Could Be a Template for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Version Differences
Paldea’s Connection with Kalos
Though the source of the Terastal phenomenon is a secret Game Freak will hold untilScarletandVioletlaunch, long-time fans can begin to draw comparisons with prior entries. An obvious place to begin looking is theKalos region, based on France. Paldea is similarly based on Spain and the wider Iberian Peninsula going by in-game architecture, the Spanish-inspired names of Pokemon like Sprigatito, and the shape of its newly released regional map.
Regions characterizing the first fourPokemongenerations -Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh- are all based on different parts of real-world Japan. This explains some interconnected elements, like Kanto and Johto being next-door neighbors or the Sinjoh Ruins that link Johto and Sinnoh inHeartGoldandSoulSilver. Kalos and Paldea could fit the same mold based on France and Spain’s proximity, and the official map of Paldea hiding more landmass behind cloud cover in its northeastern corner has led many to assume Kalos is just beyond the border. Yet connections can also be drawn via Kalos' gem-themed Mythical Pokemon, Diancie.
Diancie’s Crystaline Properties and Terastal
Diancie is a Rock/Fairy-type Pokemon introduced afterXandYlaunched in 2013, and is the only Mythical Pokemon capable of Mega Evolution. Unlike fellowGeneration 6 Mythicals Hoopaand Volcanion, Diancie is clearly linked to the Kalos region. ItsPokemon XandOmega RubyPokedex entries state Diancie is a “sudden transformation” of Carbink. Both are classified as the “Jewel Pokemon,” and they appear to be based on the Carbuncle of South American folklore.
The Mythical Pokemon is said to create diamonds by compressing carbon molecules in the air, which facilitates its signature attack Diamond Storm. In the anime filmDiancie and the Cocoon of Destruction, Diancie is even treated akin to a queen who lords over Carbink in the Diamond Domain. Paldea’s likely proximity with Kalos could point to Terastal energy being linked with Diancie and the Carbink species. Even if it isn’t Kalos' Diancie, a regional variant akin toGalarian Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltrescould be responsible for crystallizing other Pokemon. Game Freak could also take a page from the anime and introduce a new Carbink mutation acting as the “king” to Diancie’s “queen.”
As of this writing there are plenty of unknowns regarding the Terastal phenomenon, which means other theories could be equally valid. For example, fans on social media have pointed out that the hexagonal icon representing Terastallized Pokemon is reminiscent ofSuicune’s crest. This could indicate the Gen 1 birds getting regional forms in Gen 8 will be followed by the Gen 2 beasts in Gen 9. The world will just have to wait and see what details are revealed next, but the latest Pokemon Presents certainly opens up a lot of exciting speculation.
MORE:The Biggest Announcements from Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s August Trailer
