Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Indigo Disk DLC Leaks Paint a Bleak Picture for Completionists

Highlights

• The Indigo Disk DLC for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will introduce new characters, over 100 returning Pokemon, and new Paradox and Legendary Pokemon.
• Leaked information suggests that there may be time-gated content releases in The Indigo Disk, which has raised concerns among completion-minded players.
• There are several possible methods of distributing the new Pokemon, including Tera Raid battles, limited-time events, and tie-ins with other Pokemon spin-off games like Pokemon GO or Pokemon Sleep.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet has released its first DLC, The Teal Mask. One more DLC, The Indigo Disk, is scheduled to release on December 14, 2023. It will feature players traveling as exchange students to Blueberry Academy, where they will encounter new characters, over 100 returning Pokemon, and new Paradox and Legendary Pokemon. However, current leaks regarding The Indigo Disk have raised potential concerns among completion-minded Pokemon Scarlet and Violet players, as the DLC may feature multiple time-gated content releases.

The Indigo Disk’s New Pokemon May Be Released Over Time

Leaks currently indicate that eight new Pokemon will debut as part of The Indigo Disk. These include Archaludon, an evolution for Duraludon, Paradox forms of Raikou and Cobalion, and the Legendary Pokemon Terapagos. Rumors also suggest that Dipplin, an Applin evolution introduced in The Teal Mask, may be receiving a final evolution. There may also be a new Pokemon connected to The Teal Mask’s Loyal Three, possibly themed after Momotaro or “Peach Boy” from Japanese folklore.

Known Indigo Disk Pokemon

• Archaludon
• Raging Bolt (Paradox Raikou)
• Iron Crown (Paradox Cobalion)
• Terapagos (Normal and Terastal Forms)

Rumored Indigo Disk Pokemon

• Dipplin Evolution
• Paradox Entei
• Paradox Terrakion
• “Peach” Pokemon (Possibly Mythical or Legendary)

However, known Pokemon leaker Riddler Khu claimed that only three of these eight Pokemon will be available will be available when the DLC launches. Which three is unknown, although the officially confirmed Archaludon and Paradox Forms seems likely. Terapagos, as the “face” of The Indigo Disk, could also be made available immediately – although it is also possible that Nintendo will make fans wait for this powerful Legendary Pokemon.

How Will The Later Pokemon Debut?

While Riddler Khu definitely indicated that timed release would be utilized, they did not confirm exactly how the new Pokemon would be distributed. There are a few different ways Scarlet and Violet could approach it.

Via Tera Raid Battles

The most likely method of distribution for the five Pokemon not available when The Indigo Disk launches is via Tera Raid events. Since the release of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, there have been many limited-time Tera Raid events that allow teams of players to challenge and catch powerful Pokemon with unique Tera Types. These raids have been used to introduce many Pokemon from previous generations not currently available in Scarlet and Violet, such as Hisuian Decidueye, Delphox, and Greninja. However, so far, no brand-new Pokemon have debuted via Tera Raids; The Indigo Disk may change this.

Via Events

In the past, Pokemon has held many limited-time events through which certain rare Pokemon – usually Mythical Pokemon – have been distributed. The very first Mythical Pokemon, Mew, was first handed out via lottery before being made available through special events in later generations. Events have included in-store distributions, pre-order bonuses, and movie tie-ins. The rumored “Peach” Pokemon is the most likely Indigo Disk Pokemon to be handed out via an event, due to its possible Mythical status and connection to The Teal Mask.

Via Spin-off Tie-Ins

The last possibility is that one or more Pokemon in The Indigo Disk will be released as a tie-in with one of Pokemon’s ongoing spinoffs, such as Pokemon GO or Pokemon Sleep. It is even possible that a Pokemon may be distributed first in Pokemon GO and can only then be transferred or picked up in Scarlet and Violet, similar to Meltan and Melmetal.

It is unknown how long it will take for all eight new Pokemon to debut in The Indigo Disk – although it could be multiple months until they all arrive. This may leave Pokemon completionists feeling frustrated in their attempts to catch ’em all in Generation 9, possibly for quite a long time.