Exploring the New Pokémon DLC in Scarlet and Violet: A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, you absolutely can play the new Pokémon DLC in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet! The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero is a two-part downloadable content pack, with The Teal Mask, the first part, already available since September 13, 2023. The second part, The Indigo Disk, is slated for release in Winter 2023, with all content expected to be available by April 30, 2024. However, note that the Scarlet DLC is only compatible with the Scarlet game and the Violet DLC is only compatible with the Violet game. Let’s delve deeper into accessing, playing, and troubleshooting this exciting addition to the Paldea region.

Diving into The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero

What is The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero?

The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero is a DLC expansion for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, split into two distinct parts: The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk. Each part introduces new locations, storylines, Pokémon, and characters, significantly expanding the world of the base games. These updates add depth, extend gameplay, and introduce fresh challenges for both new and seasoned players.

How to Access The Teal Mask DLC

Accessing The Teal Mask DLC is relatively straightforward, but here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Purchase the DLC: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero is not free; you must purchase it from the Nintendo eShop. Make sure to buy the correct version (Scarlet or Violet) to match your game.

2. Update Your Game: Ensure your Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game is updated to at least version 2.0. To do this, highlight the game on your Nintendo Switch home screen, press the “+” button, select “Software Update“, and then “Via the Internet.”

3. Progress in the Main Game: You need to have progressed far enough in the main game to unlock the Treasure Hunt. This typically involves completing the introductory stages of the game.

4. The Call from Jacq: Once the above steps are completed, Professor Jacq will call you in the game, inviting you to the land of Kitakami.

5. Head to the School Entrance Hall: Go to the entrance hall at Naranja Academy (Scarlet) or Uva Academy (Violet). There, you will meet the new characters and begin your adventure in Kitakami.

Navigating Performance Issues and Glitches

While the DLC offers an enriching experience, it’s essential to acknowledge the performance issues. Some players have reported poor frame rates, glitches, and rendering problems, mirroring the challenges present in the base games. These can include:

• Lag: Experiencing slowdowns, especially in areas densely populated with Pokémon.
• Screen Tearing: Visual artifacts during fast-paced scenes.
• Freezing: Occasional game freezes, potentially leading to lost progress.
• Missed Resources: Instances where interactable objects or Pokémon fail to load correctly.

Despite these issues, the core gameplay and story content remain engaging. Be patient, save frequently, and consider adjusting your expectations to enjoy the DLC fully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet DLC:

1. Is The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero compatible with both Scarlet and Violet?

   • No, Pokémon Scarlet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero is only compatible with the Pokémon Scarlet game, and Pokémon Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero is only compatible with the Pokémon Violet game. The same DLC cannot be used for both games.

2. When will The Indigo Disk be available?

   • The Indigo Disk is expected to be available in Winter 2023, with all content to be released by April 30, 2024.

3. How do I start The Teal Mask DLC in Pokémon Violet?

   • Update your game, progress to the Treasure Hunt in the main story, and then go to the school entrance hall after receiving a call from Jacq.

4. Why isn’t my Pokémon Violet DLC working?

   • Ensure your console is updated to the latest system menu version, you’ve progressed far enough in the game (unlocked the Treasure Hunt), and the DLC is downloaded and installed correctly.

5. Are there version-exclusive Pokémon in The Teal Mask?

   • Yes, The Teal Mask features version-exclusive Pokémon, so be aware of which ones are unique to your game.

6. Is The Teal Mask DLC free?

   • No, The Teal Mask DLC is part of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, which must be purchased.

7. Are there performance issues in The Teal Mask DLC?

   • Yes, the DLC suffers from similar performance issues as the base games, including poor frame rates and glitches.

8. Why am I not getting the call from Jacq for The Teal Mask?

   • Make sure you’ve completed the introductory stages of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet and begun your Treasure Hunt. Also, ensure your game is updated to the latest version.

9. Can I purchase The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk separately?

   • No, the DLC packs are only available as part of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero. They are not available for individual purchase.

10. Is the Violet DLC worth buying?

    • If you enjoy collecting Pokémon and appreciate the storyline, the DLC’s content is decent. However, be mindful of the performance issues.

11. How much does The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero cost?

    • The DLC typically costs $34.99 USD. It can be purchased in a bundle with either Scarlet or Violet for $94.99 USD.

12. How long does it take to complete The Teal Mask?

    • Focusing on the main objectives, The Teal Mask takes approximately 6½ hours to complete. Completing all aspects can take around 14½ hours.

13. Do I need to beat the main game to play The Teal Mask DLC?

    • No, you don’t need to beat the main story to enjoy the DLC. However, you must progress far enough to unlock the Treasure Hunt.

14. Are there any game-breaking bugs in The Teal Mask DLC?

    • Yes, some players have reported bugs that can prevent progress in end-game content, such as the Ogre Clan side quest. This is often related to the game’s limit on remembering defeated non-story trainers.

15. Are the Legendary Pokémon in The Teal Mask shiny locked?

    • Yes, all the Static Encounters are shiny locked.

Final Thoughts

Despite the noted performance issues, The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC provides a welcome expansion to Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, offering new adventures, Pokémon, and storylines to explore. By addressing common issues and following the steps outlined, players can maximize their enjoyment of this exciting content. The potential of gaming for educational purposes is significant. For additional insights, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.