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Is Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC Free? Unveiling the Truth About the Expansion Pass

No, the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC is not free. The downloadable content, officially titled The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, is a paid expansion pass that enhances the base games with new stories, areas, Pokémon, and features. This expansion is divided into two parts: The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk, both of which require a purchase to access. It’s important to clarify that unlike some updates that may include bug fixes and minor adjustments, the DLC is considered additional content that significantly expands the game, therefore requiring a fee.

Understanding the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero

The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero is the comprehensive DLC package for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, offering a richer experience beyond the core game. It’s not a simple add-on; rather, it is a substantial expansion that includes new storylines, environments, Pokémon, and more. This DLC is purchased as a single pass, granting access to both parts upon their release. Currently, both parts are available.

What’s Included in the DLC?

The DLC is sold as an Expansion Pass, and it grants access to the following:

The Teal Mask: The first part of the DLC, which takes trainers to Kitakami, a new region based on traditional Japanese countryside.
The Indigo Disk: The second part of the DLC, featuring a new location known as the Terarium and introduces players to the Blueberry Academy.
New Story Content: Both parts of the expansion feature engaging narratives with new characters and challenges.
New Pokémon: Discover new Pokémon and meet regional variants unique to the DLC regions.
Uniform Set: Upon purchase, players receive a new uniform set that they can use immediately in the base game.
Additional Features: The DLC also expands on gameplay with various features and gameplay mechanics.

Why is the DLC Not Free?

The primary reason why the DLC is not free is that it involves significant new content, requiring resources and development efforts from the game studio. The Expansion Pass model allows the developers to continue to support the game with significant new additions, rather than making it free for all players. This model ensures continued support and provides gamers with an extended experience.

How to Purchase and Access the DLC

To access the DLC, you must purchase the The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Expansion Pass. This pass is available for purchase on the Nintendo eShop.

Purchase Steps:

Navigate to the Nintendo eShop: Access the eShop from the Nintendo Switch main menu.
Search for the DLC: Type “The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero” or “Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC” in the search bar.
Select the Expansion Pass: Choose the appropriate pass for either Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet.
Complete the Purchase: Follow the prompts to purchase the DLC.
Download the DLC: After purchase, you may need to close the game to start the download.

Starting the DLC In-Game

Once you have purchased and downloaded the DLC:

Update your game: Make sure your Pokémon Scarlet or Violet is updated to the latest version. A 1.2 patch or later is typically required.
Launch the game: Open your copy of Pokemon Scarlet or Violet.
Wait for the call: Jacq will call you, inviting you to the land of Kitakami (for The Teal Mask) or to the Blueberry Academy (for The Indigo Disk).
Head to the School: For The Teal Mask, go to the entrance hall at the school. For The Indigo Disk, head to the Blueberry Academy through the airport in Mesagoza.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC:

1. How much does the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC cost?

The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Expansion Pass costs $34.99 USD. This price is the same for both Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. There are also bundled options when purchasing both the main game and the DLC.

2. Can I buy The Teal Mask or The Indigo Disk separately?

No, The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk cannot be purchased separately. They are only available as part of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Expansion Pass.

3. Do I need to buy the DLC for both Scarlet and Violet if I own both games?

Yes, if you want to play the DLC on both versions, you’ll need to purchase the DLC for each version of the game separately. The purchase is tied to your Nintendo Account and the game it’s intended for.

4. What is the release date of The Teal Mask DLC?

The Teal Mask DLC was released on September 13, 2023.

5. What is the release date of The Indigo Disk DLC?

The Indigo Disk DLC was released on December 14, 2023.

6. What do I receive when I purchase the DLC?

Besides the two new areas and stories, you also receive a New Uniform Set, which you can use immediately in your Pokémon Scarlet or Violet game. Players who purchased the DLC before October 31, 2023, also received a special Dark Tera Type Hisuian Zoroark as a pre-order bonus.

7. Do I need to finish the main story to access the DLC?

You need to have completed the introductory stages of Pokemon Scarlet & Violet and started your treasure hunt to begin The Teal Mask DLC. The Indigo Disk requires the completion of the main story of the base game and The Teal Mask story.

8. Is the DLC worth the price?

Whether the DLC is worth it depends on individual preferences. If you enjoy collecting Pokémon, exploring new regions, and engaging in new storylines, you may find the DLC to be a worthwhile purchase. However, some players have noted that the performance issues found in the base games still remain in the DLC.

9. How long is the DLC content?

The story for The Teal Mask is estimated to be around 5 hours long, but this can vary based on individual player styles. The Indigo Disk is also similar in length.

10. Is there version exclusive content in the DLC?

Yes, similar to the base games, The Teal Mask DLC has version-exclusive Pokémon that you should be aware of, whether you are playing Pokémon Scarlet or Violet. The same applies to The Indigo Disk.

11. What if I share a console with other players, do they also get the DLC?

Once the Expansion Pass is purchased by one player on the system, the DLC will also be available to other players on the same console. This is provided that the other user uses an account that has been created on that device. However, it must be purchased by the account that owns the specific game copy it’s meant to be used with.

12. How do I claim the pre-order bonuses?

To claim the pre-order bonuses, you’ll need to connect your game to the internet. Then, access the Mystery Gift option and use the Get with Code/Password option to input your code.

13. Are the performance issues fixed in the DLC?

Unfortunately, many players have noted that the performance issues and bugs present in the base game also exist in the DLC. It may not be a significant change for players seeking technical improvements.

14. Will there be more DLC released in the future?

There are no further DLC plans officially announced for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

15. Can you get the DLC as a gift through a digital code?

Yes, the Expansion Pass can be gifted to others by purchasing a digital code from participating retailers. This code can then be redeemed on the Nintendo eShop.

Conclusion

The Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC, while not free, offers a substantial amount of new content for those seeking more adventures in the Pokémon world. Understanding the pricing, content, and how to access it can help players decide if the purchase is right for them. Remember, the DLC is not a small add-on; it’s a robust expansion designed to enrich and extend your Pokémon experience.

Is Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC free?