The Teal Mask DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, titled “The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero,” offers players a new adventure set in the idyllic village of Kitakami. This DLC can be accessed at any time, regardless of the player’s progress in the main game. Although the difficulty scales to the player’s experience level, it may not provide a significant challenge for those who have maxed out powerful Pokémon.
The storyline of The Teal Mask centers around the village’s reverence for three Pokémon known as the Loyal Three. These Pokémon, Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti, are said to have protected the village from an evil ogre Pokémon in the past. As players delve deeper into the village’s legends, they discover that Kitakami’s culture may be based on a lie.
Accompanied by Kieran, a local child, and his older sister Carmine, players unravel the truth behind the village’s folklore. The Teal Mask offers a quieter and more intimate storytelling experience compared to the main game. The dynamics within Kieran’s family, particularly between the shy yet eager brother and his protective sister, add depth and emotional resonance to the narrative.
While The Teal Mask introduces new Pokémon, they may not be groundbreaking for experienced players. However, fans of the series will enjoy encountering nostalgic creatures from earlier generations, such as Vulpix and Poliwag. The DLC also introduces new evolutions and reworks for existing Pokémon.
In contrast to the grand open-world scope of Scarlet and Violet, The Teal Mask focuses on the charm and intimacy of small-town life. While it may not be groundbreaking, it offers a vibrant experience that showcases the uniqueness of Kitakami and its inhabitants.
The Teal Mask DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero was released on Sept. 13 for the Nintendo Switch.
Sources:
– Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet’s The Teal Mask DLC on Polygon (source article)
