Do You Have to Buy Scarlet and Violet DLC Twice? Your Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The short and direct answer is: Yes, you have to buy the Pokémon Scarlet DLC and the Pokémon Violet DLC separately. If you own both versions of the game and want the DLC content for both, you’ll need to purchase The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero for Pokémon Scarlet and The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero for Pokémon Violet individually. This “double dipping” is a deliberate design choice by Nintendo and Game Freak.
Understanding the DLC Structure
The Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet DLC, titled The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, is divided into two parts: The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk. When you purchase The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero for either game, you get both of those parts. However, that purchase is tied to the specific game version. It doesn’t unlock content in the other game version you own.
This separation mirrors the structure of the base games themselves. Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet have version-exclusive Pokémon, characters, and even slight story differences. The DLC continues this trend, with some Pokémon and minor content variations between the two versions.
Why the Double Purchase?
While it might feel frustrating to some players, the double purchase is rooted in the concept of version exclusivity. Nintendo and Game Freak want players to choose a version they prefer and potentially trade with others who have the opposite version to complete their Pokédex. By making the DLC version-specific, they encourage this interaction and the overall community experience that’s at the heart of the Pokémon franchise. Understanding how games build communities is essential, and that’s something organizations like the Games Learning Society work towards. You can explore more on this topic by visiting their site at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
What You Get with Each DLC Purchase
Each purchase of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero (for Scarlet or Violet) includes:
- The Teal Mask: This first part of the DLC takes you to the land of Kitakami for a school trip, where you’ll uncover local legends and meet new Pokémon.
- The Indigo Disk: The second part transports you to Blueberry Academy, an underwater school with unique training facilities and even more Pokémon to discover.
- New Uniform Set: This cosmetic item is available immediately after purchasing the DLC and can be used in the base game.
How to Access the DLC Content
Once you’ve purchased and downloaded The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, accessing the content is relatively straightforward:
- Update Your Game: Ensure your Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game is updated to the latest version.
- Progress in the Main Story: You must have unlocked the Treasure Hunt in the base game before you can begin The Teal Mask portion of the DLC.
- In-Game Event: After progressing to the appropriate point, you’ll receive a phone call from Jacq, who will invite you to Kitakami.
- Go to the Academy Entrance: Head to the entrance hall at the school to begin The Teal Mask storyline.
Troubleshooting DLC Activation Issues
If you’re having trouble activating the DLC after purchasing it, here are some common troubleshooting steps:
- Verify System Update: Ensure your Nintendo Switch console is updated to the latest system menu version.
- Redownload the DLC: In the Nintendo eShop, find the DLC and redownload it.
- Restart Your Switch: A simple restart can sometimes resolve minor software glitches.
- Check Game Progress: Make sure you’ve progressed far enough in the game to unlock the DLC content.
- Check the Region of your Nintendo Account and game: If they are different it can cause issues with DLC not working properly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet DLC to further clarify any confusion:
1. Can I buy the Pokémon Scarlet DLC separately?
Yes, you can purchase The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero for Pokémon Scarlet separately. You’ll need the full version of the Pokémon Scarlet game to play it.
2. Do I get the DLC and uniforms if I buy the DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Yes, when you purchase The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero for either Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet, you’ll get both parts of the expanded adventure and the New Uniform Set. However, the purchase of the Scarlet DLC gives you the DLC and Uniforms for the Scarlet game only. Similarly, purchasing the DLC for Violet grants the DLC and Uniforms for the Violet version only.
3. Why isn’t my Scarlet DLC working?
Ensure your console and game are updated, you’ve progressed far enough in the game to access the DLC (unlocked the Treasure Hunt), and you’ve restarted your Switch. Redownloading the DLC from the eShop can also help. Also ensure the region of your Nintendo account matches the region of your game.
4. How do I access the Scarlet and Violet DLC?
After purchasing and downloading, head into Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet. You’ll receive a phone call from Jacq, inviting you to Kitakami. Go to the entrance hall at the school to begin The Teal Mask.
5. Why isn’t my Pokémon Violet DLC activating?
Double-check that your console and game are updated, you’ve unlocked the Treasure Hunt, and you’ve restarted your Switch. If issues persist, redownload the DLC.
6. How do you activate the DLC in Pokémon Violet?
Similar to Scarlet, once updated and ready, head into Pokémon Violet. Jacq will call, inviting you to Kitakami. Go to the entrance hall at the school.
7. How do you activate the DLC for Scarlet?
You can open the Nintendo eShop from the Nintendo Switch main menu to find the DLC, or you can open your copy of Pokemon Scarlet From there, open the menu and connect to the internet by pressing L. You should see a “Downloadable Content” button on the bottom right.
8. Why isn’t my DLC working on Switch?
Restart your console, redownload the DLC, and ensure your Nintendo Account purchased the DLC in the first place.
9. Why is my Pokémon DLC not working?
If the issue persists, delete and redownload the software that isn’t recognizing the DLC. Remember, this won’t delete your save data.
10. Is The Scarlet DLC worth it?
The value depends on your priorities. If you love collecting Pokémon and enjoy the story, it might be worthwhile. However, be aware of potential performance issues.
11. Is The Teal Mask out yet?
Yes, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: The Teal Mask was released on September 13, 2023.
12. When can you play Scarlet and Violet DLC?
You can play once you’ve progressed far enough in the game. The New Uniform Set is immediately available. You must have unlocked the Treasure Hunt before you can access The Teal Mask.
13. Do I have to buy the Pokémon DLC twice for Sword and Shield?
For Sword and Shield, you need to buy the Expansion Pass. You can put it on either Sword or Shield. You need to buy it twice to put it on both.
14. Is Hidden Treasure of Area Zero out?
Yes. The first part, The Teal Mask, was released on September 13, 2023, and the second part, The Indigo Disk, is planned to be released on December 14, 2023.
15. What happens when you buy the Pokemon Violet DLC?
You get both parts of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero and the New Uniform Set for use in the Pokemon Violet game.
Conclusion
While the requirement to purchase the Scarlet and Violet DLC twice might seem inconvenient, it aligns with Nintendo’s overall strategy of version exclusivity and encourages community interaction. By understanding the DLC structure and troubleshooting common issues, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience with The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, regardless of which version you choose (or choose to buy twice!).