Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: Release date, Paldea region & Terastal Phenomenon
The ninth generation of Pokemon is almost here as Pokemon Scarlet and Violet get set to hit the Nintendo Switch. Here’s a look at everything Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will offer before its highly anticipated release.
It’s almost Christmas morning for Pokemon fans, as the Pokemon Company get set to release a brand-new mainline Pokemon adventure with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will deliver the ninth generation of Pokemon following 2019’s Pokemon Sword and Shield. Here’s everything you need to know about Pokemon Scarlet and Violet including the release date and gameplay details.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet release date
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will be available on the Nintendo Switch on November 18, 2022. This is the official date of the worldwide release, so fans across the globe can enjoy the new region on day one.
It’s expected that players who pre-ordered or purchase a digital version of Scarlet or Violet can access the game as of 9 PM PT (Nov 17) / 12 AM ET / 5 AM GMT.
A double pack with both versions included will also be available to players who truly want to discover everything that Scarlet and Violet have to offer.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Paldea region and gameplay
Paldea region
Thanks to several trailers and teasers, a ton of details concerning Pokemon Scarlet and Violet were shared with fans of the franchise. We know that the Paldea region is a coastal area with tons of color.
Players will be able to explore just about every type of landscape from lakes, to mountains, to frozen tundras. You can expect to encounter a wide variety of Pokemon across the region’s diverse environment.
Past regions have often been inspired by real-world countries like France and Japan, and this time players believe that Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Paldea region is akin to Spain.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet three stories explained
In Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet, players will have the opportunity to experience three separate journeys. Given the open-world nature of the game, they can tackle the three stories in any order they desire.
The first story contains the traditional Gym challenge that most players will be familiar with. Your goal will be to take on all of Paldea’s Gyms and eventually achieve the rank of Champion.
The second story will place players on the Path of Legends as you search for rare ingredients called Herba Mystica. These Herba Mystica are guarded by Titan Pokemon, which you’ll have to defeat in battle. Titan Pokemon are much bigger than their traditional counterparts.
Lastly, you’ll have the chance to head to Starfall Street where you’ll take on a group of troubled delinquents called Team Star. A Pokemon game is not without its notorious evil group and Team Star awaits you in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet starters
As with every new mainline Pokemon game, players will begin their adventure by selecting one of three starter Pokemon. Starter Pokemon are the faces of the new region and this time players will be introduced to Sprigatito, Quaxly, and Fuecoco (left to right).
Game Freak/The Pokemon CompanyIn addition to these three starter Pokemon, players will also have the chance to catch a ton of brand-new Pokemon. New Pokemon such as Lechonk have already made a strong impression on the fan base.
So far, twenty-one new Pokemon have been revealed, but players can expect many more including new evolutions of existing Pokemon or regional Paldean variants for Pokemon from other regions like Paldean Wooper.
Another new feature coming to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will be the inclusion of two professors. If you’re playing Scarlet you’ll meet Professor Sada (left), while Professor Turo (right) will be at the forefront of Violet.
Game Freak/The Pokemon CompanyPokemon Scarlet & Violet’s open-world gameplay
While Pokemon Sword and Shield introduced players to open-world sections called wild areas, Scarlet and Violet will be a completely open-world experience. This means you can work your way through the game in any order and take on challenges at your own pace.
This will mark a new chapter for the Pokemon franchise as they look to revolutionize gameplay and provide new experiences for long-time fans. You’ll be free to explore the new region in all its glory without feeling blocked by in-game borders.
In order to get around Paldea, Miraidon and Koraidon will offer their services as your partner. These Legendary Pokemon can traverse the ground, air, and water, giving you maximum exploration possibilities.
Four-player co-op experience
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will also support four-player co-op, but it remains to be seen what this new feature will entail in terms of gameplay apart from the obvious inclusion of Tera Raid Battles.
You’ll have to visit Union Circle to experience Scarlet and Violet’s co-op gameplay. Once there, up to three other players will be able to join your co-op session. It’s expected that the group of players will be able to explore Paldea and battle wild Pokemon found across the region.
What is the Terastal phenomenon?
Pokemon in Scarlet and Violet can Terastallize during battle. This shining and glimmering occurrence will grant Pokemon a major stat boost making them extremely powerful in battle.
Another result of Terastallization is the potential to change a Pokemon’s type thanks to a new concept called Tera types. Each Pokemon will have a traditional type and a Tera type. When a Pokemon Terastallizes, they adopt their Tera type. The Tera type can differ from the Pokemon’s traditional type which opens the door to new battling strategies.
For more news, you can check out how to connect Scarlet & Violet to Pokemon Home.
Image Credit: Game Freak / The Pokemon Company