Table of Contents

Teal Mask vs. Indigo Disk: Which Pokémon Scarlet & Violet DLC Reigns Supreme?

It’s the question on every Pokémon Trainer’s mind: Is The Teal Mask or The Indigo Disk the superior DLC for Pokémon Scarlet & Violet? The straightforward answer, based on critical reception, player experience, and the sheer scope of content, leans towards The Indigo Disk. While The Teal Mask introduces a compelling new region and characters, The Indigo Disk builds upon this foundation with a more expansive narrative, a greater variety of returning Pokémon, and more engaging post-game content. However, the “better” DLC truly depends on what you’re looking for in your Pokémon adventure.

A Deep Dive into Kitakami and Blueberry Academy

Both DLCs offer unique experiences. The Teal Mask takes players to the rustic region of Kitakami, a land steeped in folklore and tradition, where they investigate the tale of the Loyal Three and the ogre, Ogerpon. This expansion introduces new characters like Kieran and Carmine, siblings with complex motivations, and a more intimate, character-driven narrative.

The Indigo Disk, conversely, transports trainers to the futuristic, underwater Blueberry Academy, a school dedicated to Pokémon battling. Here, you become an exchange student and compete in the BB League, battling against a new Elite Four and uncovering the secrets of the legendary Pokémon Terapagos. The scale is larger, the challenges more intense, and the focus shifts towards competitive battling and strategic team building.

Key Differences and Deciding Factors

Several factors contribute to The Indigo Disk’s slightly elevated standing:

Pokémon Variety: The Indigo Disk boasts a larger and arguably more desirable selection of returning Pokémon, appealing to long-time fans hoping to reunite with their favorites. The Teal Mask introduces over 100 returning Pokémon with Teal Mask, though some are only obtainable through Pokémon HOME transfers.
Post-Game Content: The Indigo Disk provides a more substantial post-game experience, with the BB League offering challenging battles and opportunities for strategic team building.
New Mechanics and Features: The Indigo Disk introduces features like Synchro Machine, allowing players to experience the world from the perspective of their Pokémon, adding a unique and immersive element to the gameplay.
Legendary Pokémon Focus: Both DLCs offer Legendary encounters, but The Indigo Disk’s Terapagos seems to be more intricately woven into the overarching narrative, providing a greater sense of discovery and importance.
Performance Improvements: While both DLCs share the base game’s technical limitations, some players have reported subtle performance improvements in The Indigo Disk compared to The Teal Mask.

However, The Teal Mask shouldn’t be dismissed. Its strengths lie in its:

Character-Driven Narrative: The relationship between the player and Kieran and Carmine is a highlight, offering a more emotionally resonant storyline than The Indigo Disk’s. The rivals Kieran and Carmine are strengthened by appearing together.
Atmospheric Setting: Kitakami offers a visually distinct and culturally rich environment, drawing inspiration from Japanese folklore and traditions.
New Pokémon Designs: The new Pokémon introduced in The Teal Mask, such as Dipplin and Poltchageist, have been generally well-received for their unique designs and concepts.

Ultimately, the choice between The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk depends on individual preferences. If you prioritize a compelling story and a unique setting, The Teal Mask might be your preferred choice. If you’re looking for a more extensive roster of Pokémon, challenging battles, and innovative new features, The Indigo Disk delivers a more complete package.

Conclusion

Both The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk offer worthwhile additions to the Pokémon Scarlet & Violet experience. However, The Indigo Disk emerges as the slightly stronger contender due to its greater Pokémon variety, engaging post-game content, and innovative new features. Regardless, both DLCs provide hours of entertainment and expand the world of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet in meaningful ways. Consider your personal preferences as a player when deciding which is “better” for you. Both are included in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, and for $35 for both, you can’t go wrong!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Teal Mask and Indigo Disk DLCs for Pokémon Scarlet & Violet.

1. How much do the Teal Mask and Indigo Disk cost?

The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk are both included in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, which costs $34.99. Considering the price of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, this is a decent amount for DLC.

2. Are the Teal Mask and Indigo Disk exclusive to Scarlet or Violet?

No, both The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk are compatible with both Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. The Teal Mask has a selection of version exclusive Pokémon that you should be aware of no matter whether you’re playing Pokémon Scarlet or Violet.

3. What new Pokémon are introduced in the Teal Mask?

The Teal Mask introduces several new Pokémon, including Dipplin (Grass/Dragon), a cross-gen evolution of Applin; Poltchageist (Grass/Ghost), a regional fake of Sinistea; Sinistcha (Grass/Ghost), a regional fake of Polteageist; Okidogi (Poison/Fighting); Munkidori (Poison/Psychic); and Fezandipiti (Poison/Fairy).

4. What legendary Pokémon are featured in the Indigo Disk?

The Indigo Disk features the new Legendary Pokémon Terapagos. The Indigo Disk could be larger than its predecessor, with more legendary Pokemon and new forms to find.

5. What is the storyline of the Teal Mask about?

In The Teal Mask, you’ll be exploring Kitakami to help uncover the mystery behind a legendary folktale passed down for generations. During your adventure, you’ll come across a number of new Pokemon, including the new legendary Pokemon Ogerpon.

6. What level are the Pokémon in the Teal Mask?

If you have completed the main story of Pokemon Scarlet or Pokemon Violet, the levels of Pokemon in The Teal Mask DLC will be around Level 55 to start.

7. Can you catch Milotic in The Teal Mask?

Yes, you can catch Milotic in The Teal Mask. Defeat Milotic in a Tera Raid Battle.

8. What is the Blueberry Academy in the Indigo Disk?

The Indigo Disk will take trainers to the oceanic Blueberry Academy as an exchange student and will feature the new Legendary Pokémon Terapagos, as well as a new Duraladon evolution called Archaludon. Further, trainers will battle the BB League, which has its own Elite Four.

9. How many returning Pokémon are in the Teal Mask?

There are over 100 returning Pokémon with Teal Mask, though some are only obtainable through Pokémon HOME transfers.

10. Is the Teal Mask playable in multiplayer?

Yes, The Teal Mask features multiplayer activities. The minigame can be played with up to three other players online or via local play. You’ll receive Mochi as a reward, which can be used to increase the base stats of your Pokemon.

11. What Pokémon evolve in a special way in The Teal Mask?

There are 6 evolution lines new to The Teal Mask that evolve via trade: Poliwhirl into Politoed, Feebas into Milotic, Graveler into Golem, Gurdurr into Conkeldurr, Phantump into Trevenant, and Dusclops into Dusknoir.

12. Is the Teal Mask difficult to play?

The DLC’s difficulty will scale to your experience level, but based on my playthrough, the highest it’ll go is roughly to Lv. 75.

13. What new features are introduced in the Indigo Disk?

The Indigo Disk introduces features like Synchro Machine, allowing players to experience the world from the perspective of their Pokémon.

14. Who are the rivals in The Teal Mask?

While Scarlet & Violet’s characters benefitted from staying in their own storylines and thus not feeling intrusive, The Teal Mask’s rivals Kieran and Carmine are strengthened by appearing together.

15. Where can I learn more about the design and impact of games on education?

You can explore the Games Learning Society and its publications at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for research and insights on how games contribute to learning and development. GamesLearningSociety.org provides valuable resources for educators and researchers alike.

The Teal Mask DLC added more Pokemon, including both returning ones and 8 new pocket monsters. The buffed versions of Rillaboom, Empoleon, and Torterra in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are stronger and have new abilities, making them valuable additions to the game.

Is teal mask or indigo disk better?