Pokémon Scarlet and Violet could break a longstanding tradition of Mythical Pokémon in the franchise

Although Pokémon Scarlet and Violet did not start with overwhelmingly positive reviews, they undoubtedly belong to the most groundbreaking games in the series, thanks to all the changes made to the classic Pokémon formula and the breaking of iconic traditions. This is something that both DLCs aim to emulate in their own ways, and the Indigo Disc also breaks a massive starter tradition as well as an Elite Four tradition, promising uniqueness for future games. However, there is another small ritual that the Gen 9 games might deviate from, and it has a lot to do with mythical Pokémon.

Although they are often not allowed in official competitions and are among the most powerful Pokémon in the franchise, Mythical Pokémon are a healthy way to engage players with the series outside of the main games. These creatures are frequently obtained through participation in special timed events, redeeming codes for limited periods, or even by watching new Pokémon movies at local theaters. The latest Mythical Pokémon is Zarude from the Sword and Shield era, and since the new Pokémon revealed in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet do not account for Mythical Pokémon, the question arises whether Gen 9 will completely skip Mythical Pokémon.

Why Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Might Feature No Mythical Pokemon

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Teal Mask added 8 new Pokemon to the mix. These include the regional fakes Poltchageist and Sinistcha, the new form Bloodmoon Ursaluna, the Applin evolution from another generation called Dipplin, the Loyal Three, and finally Ogerpon. Ogerpon's story in The Teal Mask hints at further developments in The Indigo Disk, as it is said that the Loyal Three have a master who bestowed powers upon them, and that the same creature "possesses" Kieran from the main story. Rumor has it that this Pokemon will be among the eight new creatures in The Indigo Disk, alongside the ones already known.

These Pokémon include Raging Bolt and Iron Crown as Paradox forms of Raikou and Cobalion, respectively, as well as Archaludon and Terapagos. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's Teal Mask also confirm that Dipplin's evolution is planned for the second expansion, as the Pokémon is capable of utilizing the Eviolite, an item typically available only for non-fully evolved Pokémon. Additionally, multiple leaks suggest that The Indigo Disk will also feature Paradox forms for Entei and Terrakion, completing the trio of Legendary Beasts and the trio of Justice Swords, without including Keldeo.

What follows is that all eight slots have already been assigned, based on leaks and datamining, and there is no room for an additional Pokémon that could be Gen 9's own Mythical Pokémon. Given this issue with the Pokédex of the second DLC, a hypothetical Mythical Pokémon could be added later in Gen 9 to explain the absence of an allocated slot in the current game data. However, it is extremely peculiar that despite the leaks and rumors circulating for months, there has been no mention of an upcoming Mythical Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, which would likely have excited fans greatly.

The combination of these facts makes it seem possible that the Gen 9 games will be the first in the entire main series to not include a mythical Pokémon. So far, the series has included:

• Mew in Gen 1
• Celebi in Gen 2
• Jirachi and Deoxys in Gen 3
• Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, and Arceus in Gen 4
• Victini, Keldeo, Meloetta, and Genesect in Gen 5
• Diancie, Hoopa, and Volcanion in Gen 6
• Magearna, Marshadow, Zeraora, Meltan, and Melmetal in Gen 7
• Zarude in Gen 8

If Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's The Indigo Disk does not include a mythical Pokémon, or at least if dataminers do not find any indications of its presence, Gen 9 could indeed be the first to break this longstanding pattern. However, it's worth noting that certain mythical Pokémon have been added late in the course of specific generations, so it's not entirely ruled out that it could be the case in Gen 9 as well.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are now available for the Nintendo Switch.