Pokemon Scarlet & Violet have become absolutely game-changing for the Pokemon franchise, featuring the game series' first entirely open-world setting. However, fans have much more content heading their way with two DLC expansions set to release in Fall and Winter 2023: The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk.
Both DLC expansions are labeled as The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, and are currently available for pre-order, though very little is known about either expansion. That hasn't stopped fans from speculating what surprises lie in store for them in these DLC storylines. Out of all the fan theories, these seem the most plausible, yet remain unconfirmed.
8 New Starters
In the trailer for The Teal Mask, Pokemon fans were observant enough to notice three statues resembling new Pokemon: Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti. Given the franchise's penchant for trios, this could either be a new Legendary trio like Moltres, Articuno, and Zapdos, or, more excitingly, a new trio of starter Pokemon to kick off the DLC adventure.
There's precedent for giving players a second shot at starters. In the DLC expansion Isle of Armor attached to Pokemon Sword & Shield, players are given the Fighting-type Pokemon Kubfu during the DLC's first half. This could potentially be repeated with the choice of a starter at the top of The Teal Mask when it releases in fall 2023.
7 Japanese Mythology Inspiration
The most notable aspect of The Teal Mask from early trailers and art is the lack of Spanish influence, which was prevalent throughout the Paldea region in Scarlet & Violet. The Teal Mask promises players a new land to explore: Kitakami, which by appearance seems to be based on Japan, sharing its namesake with a mountain region on the island of Honshu.
Some fans have theorized that The Teal Mask, with the mysterious legendary Ogerpon at the center of it, may take inspiration from Japanese folklore. Ogerpon in particular may be based on Momotaro, a child born from a peach who saves Japan from evil spirits. Perhaps this story will tie into the origins of Ogerpon and the reverence for it in the Kitakami region.
6 The Importance Of Herba Mystica
Those who have played through Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are well acquainted with the Herba Mystica via the Path of Legends story line. By defeating the Titan Pokemon, players acquire Herba Mystica, which is used to heal Arven's Mabostiff, as well as imbue the box art legendary with new powers like flying and swimming across water.
Some fans of the series have also noted the leafy mask and patterns of Ogerpon's design in promo art for The Teal Mask. Potentially, the Pokemon may have some connection to the Herba Mystica, even though its origin may lie outside the Paldea region. However, the glow marks on its head appear to resemble Terastallization crystals.
5 A Lost Event Pokemon Returns
Some leakers who were proven correct by the release of Scarlet & Violet have indicated that there will be an important callback in the DLC expansions. To understand this theory, fans will have to look back at the Gen 6 titles Pokemon X & Y. That game's story centered on the mysterious AZ, the former king of Kalos who reunites with his long-lost companion, Floette.
Although AZ's uniquely-colored Floette was meant to be an Event Pokemon in X & Y, it never released. However, this Floette's design is included in the code of Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, indicating it will somehow return in one of the DLC expansions. Furthermore, some fans have pointed out the correlation between AZ's name and Paldea's aptly-titled Area Zero.
4 Terapagos Looms Large
Terapagos is confirmed to be the mascot legendary Pokemon for The Indigo Disk, the second DLC expansion for Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. His design has raised a lot of questions, but none more so than what Terapagos' actual size is. Some eagle-eyed fans pointed out the similarity between Terapagos' shape and the Paldea region itself.
Terapagos' design has also drawn comparisons to mythological creatures like the World Turtle, which could explain its uncanny resemblance to the continent of Paldea. It's fairly hard to unsee, especially when considering that Paldea's southwest corner looks identical to the tiny head of a turtle, which Terapagos is certainly based on.
3 A Focus On Terastallization
It also shouldn't be unnoticed that Terapagos' name seems to originate from Terastallization, potentially linking the Pokemon with the new game mechanic. However, fans also clearly pointed out how Terapagos' back contains symbols for each type available in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, potentially meaning Terapagos could be an incredibly unique Pokemon.
While some have argued that Terapagos, whose current type is unknown, could be every type, others have had different theories. One is that, like Arceus, Terapagos' type can be influenced through an item, while others have speculated that Terapagos will be able to change its type willingly in battle through Terastallization or even its own Ability.
2 Paradox Pokemon Lore
Some fans still have many questions about Paradox Pokemon that Scarlet & Violet haven't answered yet. Although the game seems to imply that these are ancient and futuristic relatives of currently-known Pokemon, others have doubted the validity of this idea. Most of these theories sprouted from the existence of Paradox forms for Legendaries Suicune and Virizion.
Knowledgeable Pokemon fans will remember that Suicune's existence in the world of Pokemon is closely tied to the burning of the Brass Tower, a myth explored in Gold & Silver. Therefore, it makes little sense for it to have an even more ancient form, perhaps suggesting that Paradox Pokemon's origins are the results of human experimentation like Mewtwo.
1 Deeper Into Area Zero
Given that the DLC expansions are titled The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, one can assume that fans will learn more about the mysterious locale in the two DLC stories. However, many fans wonder how much left there is to learn about Area Zero, given that the post-game of Scarlet & Violet lets players explore the area to their heart's content.
The answer, however, may lie outside the known depths of the research facility. The deepest caves seem to be the source of Terastallization energy, but perhaps there's a way for players to explore even further below. Whatever the case may be, there are truly many secrets left to uncover about the future DLC packs for Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.