Rumors are currently circling about potential new Legendary Pokemon being introduced inPokemon ScarletandVioletalongside Koraidon and Miraidon, something fans are expecting due toPokemontraditions. While earlierPokemongames typically utilized twoversion exclusive mascot Legendaries with a thirdappearing in an “ultimate” edition, such as Rayquaza forPokemon Emeraldor Giratina forPokemon Platinum, this formula hasn’t been explored as often since the series' fifth generation.
Following recent third Legendaries like Zygarde or Eternatus,Pokemon ScarletandViolet’supcoming new third Legendary should be more involved with the game’s story or mechanics. Owing toScarletandViolet’snon-linear game design, players would need to be encouraged to explore and seek out new Mythical or Legendary Pokemon, and associating these with integral parts of the games' design will help this. Based on what fans know ofScarletandVioletso far, its third legendary should be connected to Terastallization in some way.
RELATED:Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Terastal Phenomenon Could Loop In Kalos' Diancie
Third Legendary Storylines in Pokemon
The last time players had seen a third game released within one generation wasPlatinumversion alongsidePokemon DiamondandPearl.While fans had been hopeful thatPokemon Graywould be announcedfollowingBlackandWhite,Game Freak took the games in a different direction, releasingPokemon Black 2andWhite 2as direct sequels - a first for the series.Pokemon XandYnever saw a third version, thenPokemonSunandMoongot pseudo-remakes inUltra SunandUltra Moon. GivenSwordandShielddid away with the convention in favor of DLC, it’s likelyPokemon ScarletandVioletwill be no different.
However, Game Freak has compensated by creating storylines that would better engage with the third Legendary Pokemon instead of sidelining them (most of the time).Black 2andWhite 2took advantage of Kyurem by creatingfusions ofPokemonfor the first time, thenOmega RubyandAlpha Sapphireexpanded their story to include Rayquaza and its new Mega Evolution, as well as Deoxys. It stands to reason thatPokemon ScarletandViolet’sthird Legendary could fulfill a similar role.
A Legendary Terastal Pokemon
Game Freak has already confirmed thatScarletandVioletwill include three different storylines for players to investigate for themselves, with one being the traditional Gym battles seen across other games and the academictreasure hunt being another. Whether Terastallization factors into any of these remains to be seen, but it would be beneficial for Game Freak to capitalize on the unique mechanic that is being introduced, both for its striking visual aesthetic and its game-changing implications.
WhilePokemonhas traditionally played things fast and loose when it comes to the origins ofcertain gimmicks like Mega Evolution or Z-moves, it would be interesting to see Game Freak introduced a Legendary Pokemon that in some way connected to Terastallization akin toSwordandShield’s Eternatus. Whether it be the origin of the unique mechanic or a Pokemon permanently altered by Terastallization, introducing something inspired by and designed around the mechanics and aesthetic of the gimmick would serve as a justification for its existence.
For games that are going beyond the traditional, linear formula seen in previousPokemontitles, encouraging players to engage with and understand Terastallization could be achieved through a Legendary Pokemon. Not only would this set the goal of finding and capturing this monster, it could also educate players on how the mechanic works, how best to use it, and to seek out Pokemon with unique Tera types. This third Legendary could even beScarletandViolet’s potential Dragon/Fairy-type Pokemonthat fans are asking for, connecting it to both Miraidon and Koraidon as well as the gemstone visuals of Terastallization.
Pokemon ScarletandVioletare set to release on November 18, exclusively for Nintendo Switch.
MORE:Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Multiple Storylines Should Have Multiple “Endings”
