Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Teal Mask DLC is finally here, but how do trainers start their grand adventure to the far, faraway land of Kitakami? There’s a handful of stipulations and recommendations to take care of before jet-setting, so let’s get straight into it.

Teal Mask DLC Unlock Requirements¶

The first thing to check is whether The Hidden Treasures of Area Zero DLC bundle has been bought and downloaded from the Nintendo Switch eShop. Specifically, the correct version of the DLC needs to be purchased for a user’s game, so Pokémon Scarlet or Violet. All good? Let’s move on.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will need to be updated, as will the Nintendo Switch’s firmware and Pokémon Home, which is now compatible with the latest generation of Pokémon. For those unsure, the game version should be version 2.0.1 minimum, and the Switch Firmware version should be at least system version 16.1.0. There’s a plethora of quality improvements in this update as well as unlocking the Teal Mask DLC:

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It doesn’t take long for The Teal Mask DLC to throw trainers into a battle and seeing brand-new Pokémon.jpg

• The mini-map that appears during field exploration can now be locked, ensuring that the north always points up. This can be activated by opening the map app and pressing the Right Stick twice to select the option for locking the app and mini-maps.

• The Options menu has introduced new camera settings, controlling how the camera behaves during adventures.

• A feature has been added to signal an accompanying Pokemon to halt and remain in its current position by pressing the Left Stick.

• Capturing moments has become more convenient with the ability to snap photos by pressing the A Button within the camera app.

• For added ambience, music can be played using the camera app by pressing either the ZL Button or ZR Button. Remember that both Pokemon traveling alongside and nearby individuals may respond to the tunes.

• During Union Circle sessions, Trainers can now share photos taken with the camera app with friends participating.

• A helpful feature has been integrated into TM Machines, allowing moves that your Pokemon can learn to be filtered. When interacting with a TM Machine and selecting the option to filter by learnable moves, only TMs containing moves that a specific Pokemon can acquire will be displayed.

• Various bug fixes and adjustments have been made to enhance the overall experience.

Those starting a new playthrough of Pokémon Scarlet or Violet will need to play around three hours of the game to unlock the Teal Mask DLC. This covers all the opening scenes and story set-up, taking fresh-faced trainers on their Treasure Hunt.

Starting the Teal Mask DLC¶

Providing trainers have all of the above covered, the following sequence of events will unfold:

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(1 of 6) After loading up Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, everyone’s favourite Homeroom teacher Jacq rings the trainers Rotom Phone.