The latest Pokemon Presents event revealed tons of new information regarding upcoming main series titles Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Among the information revealed were new Pokemon, new regional types, new characters, and the games' new gimmick, which will be unique to the Paldea region. Fans were predicting that Pokemon Scarlet and Violet would feature a gameplay gimmick, as many previous main series games had done so.
Gameplay gimmicks generally allow Pokemon to perform stronger moves or receive a boost in stats under certain circumstances. Previous gameplay gimmicks have included Z-Moves from Pokemon Sun and Moon and the Dynamax and Gigantamax phenomena from Pokemon Sword and Shield. One gameplay gimmick, Mega Evolution, which was introduced in Pokemon X and Y, has gone on to make appearances in other games including the mobile app Pokemon GO as well as Pokemon Let's Go, Pikachu and Pokemon Let's Go, Eevee.
The gameplay gimmick of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is known as the "Terastal" phenomenon, which was discovered in the Paldea region. It allows Pokemon to take on a sparkling form in which they appear to be made from crystals and gemstones. According to the newest trailer for the game, all Pokemon appearing in the Paldea region will be able to take on this special form, which is also known as a Tera Form. Unlike the rare Shiny Pokemon, which have appeared in multiple games across the franchise, Tera Pokemon do not change color but instead appear faceted like gemstones and don a unique sparkling headdress.
A Pokemon that has Terastallized will have enhanced stats and be able to perform more powerful moves in battle. Some Pokemon will be able to change their type, a phenomenon known as "Tera Typing." The trailer showed off a Flying-type Pikachu, a Fire-type Drifblim, and several other Pokemon that were able to take on different Tera Types. The Tera Type of the Pokemon is indicated by the style of headdress they wear, with Grass-type Tera Pokemon having flowers blooming from their heads and Flying-type Tera Pokemon appearing to float via attached balloons.
Different Pokemon of the same species may be able to take on different Tera Types, as shown in the trailer with Grass-, Fire-, and Water-type Terastallized Eevee in addition to the standard Normal-type. Because of this, players are encouraged to search the Paldea region for Pokemon with rare Tera Types to add to their team. As Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will be open world RPGs, presumably players will have to explore the wilderness in order to find different Tera Pokemon as part of the game's "Treasure Hunt" story. Additionally, teams of up to four players will be able to work together to battle against and potentially capture extra-powerful Terastallized Pokemon.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will release on November 18, 2022 for the Nintendo Switch.