Given the huge success of thePokemon Sword & ShieldExpansion Pass, it came as no surprise when Nintendo announced thatPokemon Scarlet & Violetwould also be getting their very own DLC. The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero is broken up into two episodes, with the first part, The Teal Mask, released in September of 2023.
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In order to start playing the Teal Mask DLC, trainers will need to have completed the introductory stages ofPokemon Scarlet & Violetand begun their treasure hunt. Assuming they’ve done so and have downloaded the game’s 2.0.1 update, the process for starting the Teal Mask DLC is actually remarkably straightforward.
How to Start the Teal Mask DLC in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
Assuming that they’ve downloaded the latest update and started the treasure hunt section of the game, booting up the game will result in players getting a phone call from Jacq. He’ll explain that the player has been randomly chosen to take part in a special field trip and will instruct them to make their way to the lobby of the academy. Once he hangs up, players shouldfly to the academyif they’re not already nearby and thenhead to the lobby area.
There, standing in the center of the lobby, players will meet a woman named Briar, who they’ll need to speak with in order to progress. She’ll explain who she is and provide a little more information about the field trip, after which, players will need to speak with her once again whenever they’re ready to leave. Doing so results in a short cutscene, after which, players will find themselves in the land of Kitakami and the quaint little town of Mossui.
Although players won’t need to complete the main story to begin the Teal Mask DLC, it’s a good idea to do so, as most of the Pokemon that they’ll encounter on their new adventure are level 50 or higher.
What to Do After Starting the Teal Mask DLC in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
Immediately after starting the Teal Mask DLC, players will need to make their way up the road that leads to the Mossui Town community center. As they approach the building, they’ll be challenged to a trainer battle. Win or lose, the caretaker who they’d been sent to come and find will appear and instruct the player to make their way into the community center. There’ll then be a few more cutscenes followed, by an opportunity to explore this new location.
Once they’re ready to progress, players should head to the room at the back of the community center to get some rest, which will end the introductory section of the DLC. When they wake up, they’ll buddy up with a partner from Blueberry Academy and their Kitakami adventure will officially begin. It’s a bit of a slow burner, but this should be ideal for those who haven’t really played the game much since launch, as it provides ample opportunities to refamiliarize oneself withthe games' mechanics.
