Will Scarlet and Violet Have Kalos DLC? A Deep Dive into the Possibilities

The burning question on every Pokémon fan’s mind since the release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is this: Will we finally get that Kalos DLC we’ve been dreaming of? While initial rumors pointed strongly towards the Kalos region making an appearance, the official reveal of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC threw a Curveball. The answer is a bit nuanced: No, Scarlet and Violet do not have a dedicated Kalos-based DLC in the traditional sense. The DLC takes players to new locations – Kitakami in The Teal Mask and Blueberry Academy in The Indigo Disk – which are not explicitly Kalos. However, the presence of Kalos Pokémon, potential narrative ties, and the overall structure of the DLC leave the door open for subtle Kalosian influences and references, even if a full-fledged Kalos region isn’t explorable.

Unpacking the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero

The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero is a two-part DLC that expands the world and story of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. The Teal Mask, the first part, takes players to Kitakami, a new area inspired by Japanese folklore. The Indigo Disk, the second part, transports players to Blueberry Academy, an underwater school dedicated to Pokémon battling.

While neither location is directly connected to Kalos geographically, the inclusion of Kalos Pokémon in both parts of the DLC is undeniable. This suggests that while we may not be traversing the streets of Lumiose City, Kalos is still present in the game’s ecosystem.

Why Kalos Dreams Persisted

The persistent rumors surrounding a Kalos DLC stemmed from several factors:

• Fan Desire: Kalos is a beloved region with a rich lore and a passionate fanbase eager to revisit it.
• Unresolved Plot Threads: Pokémon X and Y left some narrative threads dangling, particularly concerning the Ultimate Weapon and the origins of Mega Evolution, fueling speculation that these could be explored further.
• Data Mining and Leaks: Throughout 2022, several data mines and supposed leaks hinted at the inclusion of Kalos elements in Scarlet and Violet. While these proved inaccurate in terms of a dedicated region, they may have reflected early development plans or misinterpretations of the final product.

Kalosian Echoes in Paldea

Despite the absence of a direct Kalos visit, Scarlet and Violet subtly incorporate elements reminiscent of the Kalos region. The presence of Kalos Pokémon in the Paldea region is the most obvious example. With only 16 Kalos Pokémon in the base game, the DLC’s expansion to the Paldea Pokedex will increase the availability of Kalos Pokémon and offer new breeding opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify further the Kalos DLC situation and related topics:

1. Will Mega Evolution return in Scarlet and Violet DLC?

   As of the current information available, Mega Evolution has not been confirmed for Scarlet and Violet DLC. While many fans hope to see its return, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that it will be implemented. This is just one area where a Games Learning Society could study the psychology of player expectations and desires versus the actual game design choices.

2. Are there any new Pokémon from Kalos being introduced in the DLC?

   While the DLC doesn’t introduce entirely new Kalos Pokémon, it will likely increase the presence and availability of existing Kalos Pokémon within the Paldea region. Keep an eye out for specific announcements from The Pokémon Company closer to the release dates for confirmation.

3. Will the Kalos starters (Chespin, Fennekin, Froakie) be easier to obtain in Scarlet and Violet after the DLC?

   Likely, yes. While Froakie is obtainable through breeding Greninja with a Ditto, the DLC adding more Kalos Pokémon to the ecosystem opens up opportunities to add other methods to get all three Kalos starters.

4. What Kalos Pokémon are currently available in Scarlet and Violet?

   Initially, Scarlet and Violet featured a limited number of Kalos Pokémon, only 16. With the release of the DLCs, you can expect more Kalos Pokemon to arrive.

5. Could future updates or events introduce more Kalos content?

   It’s always possible. While there are no official announcements, The Pokémon Company has a history of adding content through updates and events. A surprise appearance by a Kalos character or a special Tera Raid event featuring a Kalos Pokémon could be a way to inject more Kalos flavor into the game.

6. Is there any connection between the Blueberry Academy and Kalos?

   Currently, there’s no explicitly stated connection. However, the Blueberry Academy’s focus on Pokémon battling could provide a context for characters or storylines that indirectly reference Kalos or its Pokémon League.

7. Why did the Kalos DLC rumors become so widespread?

   The rumors gained traction due to a combination of factors: strong fan desire for a Kalos revisit, unresolved plot points from X and Y, and speculation fueled by data mining and supposed leaks.

8. How many DLC packs are there for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

   There are two DLC packs that are bundled in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero that include both The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk installments.

9. What does DLC mean?

   DLC stands for Downloadable Content. It refers to additional content that players can download for a video game after its initial release.

10. What legendary Pokemon are in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet?

    Koraidon and Miraidon are the legendary Pokémon available in Scarlet and Violet, and players will initially gain access to these at the start of the game.

11. What is a paradox Pokemon?

    Paradox Pokémon are creatures that are based on existing Pokémon, but are from either the distant past or the far future. Raging Bolt is an example, being a paradox Pokemon clearly inspired on Raikou.

12. What are the Scarlet and Violet game versions?

    The game versions are Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet which feature unique elements such as specific Pokemon and characters.

13. Can you breed Hisuian Pokemon in Scarlet and Violet?

    Yes, you can breed Hisuian Pokemon in Scarlet and Violet and you will need either a Ditto or a Paldean Zoroark to breed Hisuian Zorua.

14. What is the most popular starter from Gen 3?

    Mudkip is by far the most popular starter from Gen 3 due to the final evolution of Swampert which is a very powerful starter.

15. How many Pokemon were removed from Scarlet and Violet?

    Over 600 Pokemon were removed from Scarlet and Violet at launch.

The Future of Kalos in Pokémon

While Scarlet and Violet’s DLC may not deliver the Kalos experience many fans envisioned, it doesn’t necessarily close the door on future explorations of the region. The Pokémon Company is known for revisiting past regions in various ways, whether through remakes, sequels, or spin-offs. The enduring popularity of Kalos ensures that it will likely remain a subject of speculation and hope for years to come. Until then, we can appreciate the subtle Kalosian influences within Scarlet and Violet and continue to dream of a full-fledged return to the region of beauty and mystery. And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, a future game or update will finally grant our wish. Consider the role that GamesLearningSociety.org plays in understanding such a complex community-driven phenomenon.