Why Am I Not Getting the Call for the DLC in Pokémon Violet?
If you’re eagerly awaiting the call from Professor Jacq to kick off your adventure in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Pokémon Violet, and that call just isn’t coming, you’re not alone. This can be frustrating, but the issue usually stems from a few common culprits. The primary reasons you might not be receiving the crucial phone call are:
- Insufficient Game Progress: You need to have progressed far enough in the main story to unlock the Treasure Hunt. This means completing the initial prologue and reaching the point where the game opens up, allowing you to freely explore the Paldea region.
- Outdated Game Version: Your Pokémon Violet game must be updated to the latest version. DLC compatibility hinges on having the most recent patches installed.
- Unpurchased DLC: While this may seem obvious, the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC is a separate purchase, not a free update. You must have purchased and downloaded the DLC to access its content.
- Incorrect System Update: It’s vital to ensure your Nintendo Switch system software is also up to date. An outdated system can cause compatibility issues with game DLC.
- Installation Issues: Sometimes, the DLC might be purchased but not correctly installed. This can often be resolved by checking for and completing any pending downloads related to the game.
Let’s break down these points further and look at some common troubleshooting steps.
Checking Your Game Progress and Updates
Game Progress Check
The most common reason for not receiving that important call is failing to meet the game progress criteria. To put it simply, you must have unlocked the Treasure Hunt in the main game. This happens relatively early in the game. If you have just started your Pokemon journey, keep playing through the initial story content until you are set free to roam the region. This is usually after the opening school scenes and some initial battles.
Checking Your Game Version
To verify that your game is updated to the most recent version, follow these simple steps:
1. From the Nintendo Switch Home Menu, hover over the Pokémon Violet game icon.
2. Press the + button to access the Options menu.
3. Select Software Update.
4. Choose Via the Internet to check and install any available updates.
It is crucial that your game is at least on Version 2.0 or later to be compatible with the Teal Mask DLC.
System Update Check
Your Nintendo Switch’s system software needs to be updated as well. To check for system updates, you should:
1. Go to System Settings on your Nintendo Switch.
2. Navigate to the System tab.
3. Choose System Update to check and install any pending system updates.
Dealing with DLC Purchase and Installation Issues
Confirming DLC Purchase
Make sure you have actually purchased the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC. You can double-check this on the Nintendo eShop.
- Launch the Nintendo eShop on your Switch.
- Select your account profile icon in the top right corner.
- Go to Redownload and review your previous purchases to ensure the DLC appears in the list.
Ensuring Correct DLC Download
If the DLC has been purchased but not downloaded correctly, you may have to redownload it. You can do this by:
1. Going to the Nintendo eShop.
2. Selecting your profile in the upper right corner.
3. Choose Redownload.
It’s important to note that you’re not deleting save data but the software itself which has been bought and is linked to the console’s eShop account.
Addressing Other Potential Issues
Checking the in-game menu for the DLC items
When the DLC is correctly downloaded, you should have access to the New Uniform Set immediately upon launching the game. If you can’t find the new outfit in your in-game menu that may indicate a problem. Check to see if you can see it and use it as this indicates that the DLC is correctly installed.
Checking for Corrupted Files
On occasion, files may become corrupted. If the above methods don’t work, try deleting the game software (not save data!) and then re-downloading it from the Nintendo eShop. This process will remove the application files from your system, including the DLC, and allow you to start fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Teal Mask DLC only for Scarlet?
No, the Teal Mask DLC is available for both Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. However, there are version-exclusive Pokémon found in the DLC, meaning you’ll encounter different Pokémon depending on which version of the game you have.
2. How do I access the DLC in Pokémon Violet?
After purchasing and downloading the DLC, and having made sufficient progress in the main game, you will receive a call from Professor Jacq when you load your game. This will prompt you to begin the Teal Mask quest line.
3. What does the Teal Mask DLC add to Pokémon Violet?
The Teal Mask DLC adds a new area to explore (Kitakami), new characters, new Pokémon (including some returning ones and 8 new Pokémon), and a new storyline. It also lays the groundwork for the second part of the DLC, The Indigo Disk.
4. How long is the Teal Mask DLC?
The main storyline of the Teal Mask DLC is roughly 6½ hours long. However, completing all aspects of the DLC, including side quests and collecting all Pokemon, can take about 14½ hours.
5. What is the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC?
The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC is the bundle that includes both the Teal Mask DLC and the upcoming Indigo Disk DLC. You cannot purchase the two parts separately and must buy this bundle if you wish to experience either of the DLC’s.
6. How much does the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC cost?
The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC typically costs $34.99 USD.
7. Is the Violet DLC worth buying?
Whether or not the DLC is “worth it” is subjective. It offers a decent amount of content, including new Pokémon and a new story. However, the DLC also suffers from performance issues similar to the base game. If you enjoy collecting Pokémon and engaging in new stories and aren’t too bothered by frame rate and glitches then it is likely to satisfy you.
8. Does the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have performance issues?
Yes, both Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, as well as the Teal Mask DLC, are known to have performance issues, including poor frame rates and glitches. Though some bugs have been resolved with patches, it is still a potential problem players will need to consider.
9. What is the DLC glitch in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet?
There was a bug related to a hard cap of saving 300 non-story trainers defeated which could cause progression problems within the DLC’s side quests and end game content. However, this has been resolved with a patch so long as your game is updated.
10. My Pikachu isn’t evolving in Pokémon Violet. Why?
Pikachu evolves from Pichu based on its friendship level. Ensure you’re keeping Pichu in your party, battling, healing it, and interacting with it outside of its Pokéball to raise its friendship and trigger evolution.
11. How do I redownload DLC on Nintendo Switch?
Go to the Nintendo eShop, select your account profile, and then navigate to Redownload to download any purchased DLCs.
12. What does the New Uniform Set do?
The New Uniform Set is available immediately after purchasing the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC as a cosmetic item. It provides a new outfit that can be worn by the player character.
13. Are there any cheats for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
There are no official cheats for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, but there are some glitches and workarounds that can be exploited for some in-game benefits. These can usually be patched out in later releases.
14. Do I need to complete the main story to start the DLC?
You don’t need to complete the entire main story, but you do need to progress far enough to unlock the Treasure Hunt before you can access the DLC. You must also have opened the overworld where you’re allowed to travel freely in the main game to be eligible for the DLC to trigger.
15. Is The Teal Mask DLC free for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet?
No, the Teal Mask DLC is not free. It is available as part of the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC, which is a paid purchase.
By working your way through this comprehensive guide and troubleshooting advice, you should be able to get Professor Jacq’s call and begin your Teal Mask DLC journey soon. Happy Pokémon training!