The DLC of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet shows that the Terastal phenomenon has enormous impact on the series

The Terastal phenomenon is one of the key mechanisms introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, which are part of the 9th generation of games. This mechanic not only affects gameplay by adding a new strategic layer to battles and allowing trainers to change the type of their Pokémon, but it also plays a significant role in the games' storyline and the overarching lore of the series. The DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet further expands on the lore surrounding Terastalization, and revelations in "The Teal Mask" suggest that this phenomenon may not be limited to these games alone.

In recent generations of Pokémon games, there has been a trend of introducing a new gameplay mechanism that exists only for one generation and is then removed in the next. While Mega Evolution was possible in the sixth generation and carried over to the seventh generation, the Z-Moves from that generation and the Dynamax phenomena from the eighth generation were limited to the generation in which they were introduced. Most players expected the Terastal phenomenon to be exclusive to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, but an aspect of the DLC suggests a potential larger role for the mechanism in the future of the series.

The Teal Mask Suggests the Terastal Phenomenon Might Not be Limited to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

When players first start the DLC "The Teal Mask," they are greeted by Ms. Briar from Blueberry Academy, who tells them about her interest in the Terastal phenomenon and its connection to Area Zero. She wants to investigate Kitakami to search for the same type of crystals found in the depths of Area Zero, as they seem to hold the key to understanding Terastalization. Throughout the story of the DLC, players will find more of these crystals in the Crystal Pools on Mount Oni, which supports Briar's hypothesis that more of these crystals exist outside of Area Zero.

What makes this discovery so important for the Pokémon universe is the fact that it proves that the crystals responsible for the Terastal phenomenon exist outside of the Paldea region. Prior to this discovery, it seemed that these crystals were unique to Area Zero and the event that led to the formation of the Great Crater of Paldea. With the revelation that the crystals can also be found in other regions, the series could shape its lore in a way that incorporates the Terastal phenomenon in future games.

One possible scenario is that the Terastal phenomenon expands to the Unova region, as recent leaks and rumors suggest that the next entry after Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will somehow involve Unova. With the confirmation that Blueberry Academy is located in the Unova region, there is likely a connection between the region and the events of this DLC. A potential remake of Pokémon Black and White or even a Pokémon Black 3 and White 3 could involve the exploration of Terastalization after more crystals are discovered in the Unova region, although these games would likely still be part of the 9th generation.

From a design perspective, it would be much easier to continue this mechanism compared to past ones like Mega Evolution and Gigantamax, as they required completely new models for Pokémon. Most Terastalized Pokémon retain their familiar appearance and simply receive new basic textures. It is also possible that the Terastal phenomenon is intended to appear only in the rumored new Unova games, similar to how Mega Evolution was featured in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. While Mega Evolution played a prominent role in the remakes of the 3rd generation alongside a new variant of the mechanism called Primal Reversion, it took a backseat in the 7th generation and was completely removed in the 8th generation, which could also be the fate of Terastalization.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are available for Nintendo Switch. The DLC "Teal Mask" is also now available.