One popular feature ofPokemon Scarlet and Violethave been Tera Raids that allow players to team up and take down special versions of powerful mons. Co-op Dynamax raids were introduced in the previous generation, butPokemon Scarlet and Violetupped the game with its 7-Star Tera Raid events featuring creatures that couldn’t be obtained in the game otherwise. While these raids have been a great way to showcase the Terastal Phenomenon of Gen 9, developer Game Freak could throw an interesting twist on them by reintroducing a mechanic that has so far only appeared in spin-off titles.
Shadow Pokemon were first introduced as a concept in theGameCube spin-off gamePokemon Colosseum, where players were tasked with purifying the hearts of these mons who had been altered to become more powerful for nefarious purposes. While these creatures have appeared in other spin-off titles since, they have yet to appear in a mainline game. Given the nature of Tera Raids inPokemon Scarlet and Violetand the above-average power of Shadow Pokemon, the two seem like a perfect match for the formula of raids already present in Gen 9.
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Shadow Pokemon Raids Would a Game-Changer for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
Following their introduction in 2003’sPokemon Colosseum, Shadow Pokemon would appear again in its sequel, 2005’sPokemon XD: Gale of Darkness, which featured the iconic Shadow Lugia. While a novel concept for the series and one that became quite popular among fans, these shadowy forms would not appear again until the spin-off titlePokken Tournamentin 2016 which introduced Shadow Mewtwo. Their most recent incarnations come fromPokemon Gowhere defeating Team Rocketmembers gives players the chance to capture and purify the mons left abandoned by their former trainers, following the theme of mistreatment leading these mons to develop shadow-filled hearts.
Pokemon Go’s latest use of Shadow Pokemon could be a great model forPokemon Scarlet and Violetto borrow as it has recently introduced Shadow Raid Bosses for players to take on. These bosses offer a greater challenge than the typicalPokemon GoRaid Boss with the ability to become enraged during the battle, boosting their attack and defense.Pokemon Goplayers can use Purified Gemsduring the battle to soothe the enraged monster, and with enough coordination can bring it back to its non-enraged state, making it much more manageable of a battle.
This iteration of the Shadow Pokemon mechanic is a great blueprint forPokemon Scarlet and Violetto follow since it could be adapted to fit the current Tera Raid model present in the games. The upcoming Hidden Treasure of Area ZeroDLC forPokemon Scarlet and Violetis a great chance to bring Shadow Pokemon to the mainline games for the first time since the expansion is likely to introduce a twist on previously established mechanics. Perhaps Shadow Pokemon will start appearing in Tera Raids due to some part of the plot for the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC, not only giving the mons a new place in the canon lore of the franchise, but filling an interesting role in its gameplay.
The association Shadow Pokemon have with being mistreated by their trainers opens up the potential for a compelling storyline after the events of the base game forPokemon Scarlet and Violetthat the DLC should capitalize on. While Shadow Pokemon have played a limited role in the series historically, being limited to spin-off titles, it’s time to officially give them their debut in a mainline entry. With their presence becoming a greater part ofPokemon Go,Pokemon Scarlet and Violetcould introduce these altered beasts with the launch of its DLC and allow players to transfer them from the mobile title to theSwitch viaPokemon Home.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violetare available now for Nintendo Switch.
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