Pokemon ScarletandVioletwas released in November 2022, but that’s not when content for the game stopped. Since launch, the game has featured downloadable content as well as live service content in the form of Tera Raid events. These features have helped extend the lifespan ofPokemon Scarlet and Violet.
Pokemon Legends: Z-Ais on the way, and it also has some important choices to make about post-launch support. It could followPokemon Legends: Arceus’ path and be released as a standalone game with minimal extras. Alternatively, it could learn a few things fromScarletandVioletand include some live service features.
The Post-Launch Support of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
After launch,ScarletandVioletreceived post-launch content in the form of Tera Raids events. In short, Tera Raids feature battles where players go up againstTerastalized Pokemonthat remain in that state until they are weakened enough. These Tera Raids are scattered throughout the Paldea region.
Tera Raid eventsare often held online, allowing players to team up with fellow fans around the world to battle a supercharged Pokemon. They also have the chance to catch these Pokemon. The Tera Raids typically feature rare Pokemon from other generations.
Tera Raid events are coveted because they give players a shot to catch Pokemon that aren’t in the game. However, others are opposed to Tera Raid events, as they are limited-time events that make it hard tocomplete the Pokedexif they don’t have someone they can trade with. Nevertheless, the Tera Raid events keep coming and have been supported for many months now.
Scarlet and Violet DLC
ScarletandVioletalso receivedtwo DLCs in the form ofThe Hidden Treasure of Area Zero. Part 1 of the DLC is the Teal Mask, which was released in September 2023. It features three Legendary Pokemon in the Kitakami region, namely Fezandipiti, Okidogi, and Munkidori. Part 2, the Indigo Disk, takes place at Blueberry Academy in the Unova region and was released in December 2023. It features the Legendary Pokemon Terapagos.
The DLC also features anepilogue titled Mochi Mayhem. It has players returning to Kitakami and encountering the Mythical Pokemon Pecharunt. It was made available in January 2024, and it requires a Mythical Pecha Berry.
The Post-Launch Live-Service Support of Pokemon Legends: Z-A
Pokemon Legends: Arceusswitches up the typicalPokemonformulaa bit, offering a new way for players to complete their Pokedex and engage in Pokemon battles. It didn’t receive full-blown DLC, but it did receive additional content in the form of the free Daybreak update which provides some post-game content.
DLC for Pokemon Legends: Z-A
Alternatively,Pokemon Legends: Z-Acould feature DLC released after the game’s initial launch. This is another to have players returning to the game after launch. It also gives the game the chance to complete the story and leave no loose ends. However, if the game is anything likeScarletandViolet, fans will have to pay for the DLC, which places another border between players and content.
Pokemon Legends: Z-Ais set to release in 2025 and it willtake players back to Lumiose City, which was also featured inPokemon XandY. It promises to answer questions that were left in Gen 6, so it is highly anticipated. Time will tell which route Game Freak will take with DLC and live service content, and there are positives and negatives to all possible paths.
Pokemon Legends Z-A
The sequel to Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Pokemon Legends: Z-A takes Pokemon trainers back to the Kalos region’s Lumiose City.
