With Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's two-part DLC aiming to give further context to the Terastal phenomenon, one feature, in particular, could follow in the footsteps of the series' previous generation. As the rumor surrounding Pokemon Tera forms suggests potential appearance changes for Terastallized Pokemon in battle, looking to Gen 8's Gigantamax treatment may be a perfect inspiration.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet used its Terastal phenomenon not only to provide additional strategies for players in battle, but also as a way to further its narrative. Given the DLC's overarching title as 'The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero,' the importance of Terastallization seems to be an increasingly pertinent point for the stories and Pokemon that will soon be featured. Because of this, it is likely that Terastallization will play a key role in players' journeys across Kitakami and the Blueberry Academy, which may affect the appearances of both new and old Pokedex entries.
Rumored Tera Forms Can Mirror Pokemon Sword and Shield's Gigantamax Mechanic
Pokemon Sword and Shield heightened the success of its Dynamax feature through the inclusion of 'Gigantamaxing,' making a select few among its Pokemon roster change appearance during the mechanic's duration. The alteration of Pokemon designs through Gigantamaxing shared a notable parallel to Gen 6's Mega Evolutions, with both entries having to pick and choose which Pokedex entries would receive their respective treatments. Gen 8 settled on a few of Galar's most notable additions as well as some old fan favorites in order to showcase the feature, weaving in these unique forms through players' Gym challenges, with the spectacle of Gigantamaxing mirroring the gravitas of Galar's stadium arenas.
Sword and Shield increased its Gigantamax roster through the Isle of Armor DLC, which extended the alternate form treatment to the region's fully evolved starters. Scarlet and Violet's DLC may follow suit, putting a unique spin on its own starter trio among the Teal Mask and Indigo Disk's newest Pokedex entries. The potential form changes as a result of the Terastal phenomenon could serve as a way to further the narrative and environments of the two-part DLC, much like Gen 8 did. Players have already seen Paradox Pokemon emphasized through the two titles' focuses on the past and future, and by extension, Tera form appearances could follow similar conceits.
Scarlet and Violet's The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk DLCs seem to hold quite opposite atmospheres, with the former focusing on a more traditional setting and the latter feeling far more futuristic. This could be an opportunity to introduce alternate tera forms that play into the 'past versus future' motif of the titles' base games; perhaps the starter trio could receive tera forms that alter their appearance to look more prehistoric during players' travels to Kitakami, while going on to take a more robotic approach during their explorations into the Blueberry Academy. This would be reminiscent of Sword and Shield's treatment of Urshifu, who received different Gigantamax forms dependent on its learning of the Single Strike Style versus the Rapid Strike Style.
If Scarlet and Violet's two-part DLC decides to include appearance changes among its Terastallized Pokemon, it could incentivize players even further to experiment with the gimmick to its full potential. Additionally, following Gen 6 and Gen 8's selective treatment of alternate forms could be conducive to spotlighting some of Scarlet and Violet's most compelling Pokemon designs, making them even more unique through different looks and typings. Building upon the Terastal phenomenon will certainly be an exciting adventure for players across their journeys into The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk, though only time will tell what The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero will have to offer.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now for the Nintendo Switch.