The latestPokemonPresents event revealed tons of new information regarding upcoming main series titlesPokemon 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 thatPokemon Scarlet and Violetwould 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 fromPokemon Sun and Moonand the Dynamax and Gigantamax phenomena fromPokemon Sword and Shield.One gameplay gimmick,Mega Evolution, which was introduced inPokemon X and Y,has gone on to make appearances in other games including the mobile appPokemon GOas well asPokemon Let’s Go, PikachuandPokemon Let’s Go, Eevee.
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The gameplay gimmick ofPokemon Scarlet and Violetis 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 rareShiny 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 aFlying-typePikachu, 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. AsPokemon Scarlet and Violetwill 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 Violetwill release on May 24, 2025 for the Nintendo Switch.
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