Pokémon Scarlet & Violet DLC: The Indigo Disk - A Real Challenge Awaits

The Pokémon series has often been critiqued for its lack of difficulty in recent years. This issue became even more pronounced with the recent Part 1 DLC of the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero: The Teal Mask. However, it seems that The Indigo Disk, the second DLC for Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, is set to alter this trend dramatically.

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Hands-on Preview of The Indigo Disk

Thanks to a preview video released by the notable Pokémon content creator, Serebii, we're able to watch a hands-on demo of the pre-release DLC. You can watch the full video below!

The Indigo Disk: Elevating Difficulty in Pokémon

One of the key complaints from seasoned players has been the ease of gameplay, particularly in DLCs. Previously, DLCs were introduced to players who had spent considerable time in the main game, often possessing a roster of high-level Pokémon. This made overcoming new challenges less of a hurdle and more of a formality.

However, Serebii's video confirms The Indigo Disk is poised to change this perception. While the first-part DLC may have been less challenging for a high-leveled roster of Pokémon, The Indigo Disk looks to be stepping its game up.

Raising the Bar: Battle Dynamics in The Indigo Disk

The battles in The Indigo Disk are notably tougher. Pokémon levels are significantly higher than in the first DLC, equipped with competitive move sets and items. Even with a formidable team, players can expect to be rigorously tested. Some of the battle experiences have been likened to the Ogre Clan from Part 1 of the DLC, which offered trainers a substantially tougher challenge relative to the other aspects of Kitakami.

The Blueberry Academy Elite Four Challenge

Central to the DLC's narrative is the challenge against the Blueberry Academy Elite Four. The battles are expected to be extremely tough, featuring a two-vs-two competitive format and teams crafted by experts in Pokémon meta-game.

The Indigo Disk - Flying with Miraidon | Image: Serebii

Additionally, each Elite Four member presents unique puzzles, adding another layer of complexity to the gameplay. From the video, we're able to see an interactive challenge prior to the trainer's faceoff with Amarys, where you'll be able to fly through a set of targets. This experience is similar to the main game's activity where you participate in unique events prior to each gym battle.

DLC Background and Overview

If you're just getting up to speed on Pokémon Scarlet and Violet or the two-part DLC, The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, then this section is for you. There's a lot to unpack in the endgame.

Blueberry Academy: A New Challenge in Unova

The Indigo Disk DLC is set in Blueberry Academy located in the Unova region. Players are invited to explore this new locale and face some of the most formidable trainers in the Pokémon universe. An added treat is the access to a vast open-world Terarium, simulating diverse biomes like a coastal, polar, canyon, and savannah, which adds a new dimension to the gameplay.

The Indigo Disk - Biomes | Image: Serebii

Reviving Old Favorites in a New Light

During a preview session, it was evident that The Indigo Disk is not only a platform to reintroduce a plethora of fan-favorite Pokémon, including every starter Pokémon, but it's also a gateway to the intense main campaign battles. From the preview, it looks like the starters will be more rare to find, or they have not been added to the pre-release version of the game. We'll have to wait until the DLC releases to see more on this one.

Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet The Indigo Disc | Image: Nintendo

Terapagos: The Mysterious New Legendary Pokémon

The DLC is also set to introduce Terapagos, a new legendary Pokémon, central to the mystery of the 19th Tera-Type. While details were scarce in the preview, references to this and other aspects of the wider Pokémon world hint at a compelling narrative awaiting players in the final portion of the endgame.

Terapagos was also referenced during the initial Teal Mask scene with Briar, so she'll likely be playing a part in this stage.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Teal Mask - Disk Pokémon Terapagos | Image: Nintendo Supply

Conclusion: A Much-Anticipated Challenge for Pokémon Trainers

In conclusion, The Indigo Disk seems to be a response to long-standing requests from the community for a more challenging Pokémon experience. It promises to be a significant upgrade over The Teal Mask and is poised to introduce players to the true depths of Pokémon battling.

For those seeking a genuine challenge in the Pokémon universe, The Indigo Disk appears to be a much-awaited answer. Get ready for the DLC to release on December 14, 2023!

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