Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: What You Might Have Missed in the New Trailer

In the new trailer for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet that was released today, many details were revealed. Fans of the franchise got plenty of information about upcoming in-game features. However, there’s more than meets the eye…

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet‘s New Trailer

The trailer was published through The Pokémon Company‘s official YouTube channel on August 3, 2022. The only description (besides website, shop, and social media links) reads, “Fidough though. 🐶🍞” in reference to one of the newly revealed Pokémon—a bread-dog named “Fidough.”

The Disclaimer at the Beginning of the Video

In the first three seconds of the video (0:00 to 0:03), there is a disclaimer. It appears even before the Nintendo Switch logo. This indicates that the developers and publishers want to make certain that people cannot have valid complaints about aspects of the actual game being different than what is about to be shown.

Such a disclaimer is common practice these days, both for legal and moral reasons. However, it also means that everything in this trailer is subject to change. With the release date for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet currently being November 18, 2022, there’s plenty of time for gameplay adjustments. Furthermore, it’s always possible that the release date will get pushed back.

The large on-screen text that appears in the video is clearly not going to be in the actual game. Although, some fans are disappointed about the lack of in-game voiceovers.

There have never been full voiceovers in a main series Pokémon game to date. However, such an addition could have been great. Using popular voice actors could have lent a lot to the games. It’s not to say that there won’t be voiceovers in the games at all, but it’s doubtful when looking back on such aspects in past titles of this franchise.

Every Pokémon Shown in the Trailer

Here’s a list of all the Pokémon shown in the latest trailer (listed in order of appearance):

• Growlithe
• Arcanine
• Deerling
• Sawsbuck
• Houndour
• Houndoom
• Paldean Wooper (newly revealed Pokémon)
• Snowrunt
• Gyarados
• Murkrow
• Honchkrow
• Koraidon
• Miraidon
• Girafarig
• Mareep
• Flaaffy
• Skiddo
• Gogoat
• Drednaw
• Cufant
• Psyduck
• Fletchling
• Fidough (newly revealed Pokémon)
• Vigoroth
• Slaking
• Cacnea
• Cacturne
• Donphan
• Dragonair
• Pineco
• Misdreavus
• Mismagius
• Cubchoo
• Beartic
• Pikachu
• Pachirisu
• Drifloon
• Pincurchin
• Rockruff
• Cetitan (newly revealed Pokémon)
• Talonflame
• Sprigatito
• Fuecoco
• Quaxly
• Sylveon
• Scizor
• Altaria
• Eelektross
• Hatterene
• Lechonk
• Noibat
• Noivern
• Stonjourner
• Eiscue
• Golduck
• Hydreigon
• Hariyama
• Persian
• Azumarill
• Drifblim
• Lilligant
• Dragonite
• Lumineon
• Slowking
• Clawitzer

Throughout the trailer, which is just under three minutes, 65 Pokémon were shown. Besides Koraidon and Miraidon, a few new Pokémon in the Paldea region were shown. The three that have been revealed in this trailer are Paldean Wooper, Fidough, and Cetitan.

Paldean Wooper Information

Paldean Wooper is, as you can guess from the name, a Wooper that is exclusive to the Paldea region. It is Poison and Ground-type with either Poison Point or Water Absorb as its ability. In appearance, it is dark brown. Its whitish gills make Paldean Wooper’s head look somewhat like a skull and bones, which feels right for a Poison-type Pokémon.

The information given about Paldean Wooper on the official website indicates that this species was apparently pushed out of its watery environment by other species. This has led to Paldean Woopers developing a poisonous film to prevent them from drying out on land. Furthermore, this species also seems to have begun using this poisonous film to attack foes.

Fidough Information

Fidough, an adorable Fairy-type Pokémon, appears to be this generation’s attempt at a cute mascot. So far, its only ability is Own Tempo, which seems a bit odd unless you try to thematically connect timing with baking.

According to the official website description, this Pokémon has very malleable skin that can expand and contract when needed. Furthermore, Fidough can apparently exhale yeast. What survival application this has for a wild Pokémon is not known, however, this seems to have made the people of the Paldea region very fond of keeping Fidough around for cooking-related needs.

Cetitan Information

Cetitan is an Ice-type landwhale Pokémon. With the potential abilities of Thick Fat and Slush Rush, this species looks like it could be either an offensive or defensive party member.

Also, this gets elaborated on through the text of the official website. The description indicates that Cetitan is a physically powerful Pokémon due to needing lots of muscle to support its body on land. However, it also seems to have some special attack power as well, since the website goes on to say that it can launch mighty attacks full of ice energy from the horn on its upper jaw.

The Environments of the Paldea Region

There were plenty of different potential locations shown that had different Pokémon species. All of these shots imply that there will be a wide variety of environments for the player to explore. Furthermore, many structures can be seen throughout these landscapes.

These structures are all odd in shape and draw the viewers’ eyes. They definitely appear to be areas that players will be meant to explore. However, no interior shots were shown of these structures.

Additionally, there seems to be a night and day cycle. In what way it will be implemented, however, cannot be determined from trailer footage alone.

A Pokémon Academy?

Following the first 25 seconds, there are scenes of what looks like a castle or academy of some sort. There are then shots of a man with white hair addressing a crowd of children.

This setup could indicate that there is a school-like setting—possibly with multiple Pokémon professors. On top of that, there seems to be a focus on “treasure hunts.” The latter is likely a hint about the crystalized Pokémon exclusive to the Paldea region.

Traveling Around in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

The developers are including a mount system, which is not unlike what was in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Although, there are notable differences. Players will be able to ride motorcycles that are actually alternate forms of Koraidon and Miraidon.

When the trailer progresses a bit more, it is shown that these motorcycle Pokémon can also grow wings and fly. There are plenty of shots of the player riding and flying around on these transforming mounts. There’s also a shot that implies you will be able to ride up a cliff at a 90-degree angle (0:43 in the video). It’s clear that this will be your main way to travel in-game.

Transformer Pokémon

However, there are a lot of implications here. It’s not new to have Pokémon with alternate forms. But this is the first time that such forms are so accommodating to the player.

In the past, you could ride on a Pokémon’s back not unlike how people ride horses in the real world. But none of those ridable Pokémon ever transformed into a vehicle that seems solely designed to let individual humans ride them.

Also, towards the end of the trailer, there are shots of Koraidon and Miraidon transforming again. When taking a look at the Legendary Pokémon page on the official Pokémon Scarlet and Violet website, Koraidon and Miraidon apparently have new forms for all kinds of environments.

When also taking into consideration the proper time to introduce a mount system to players in-game, it makes sense to assume that you’ll get your transforming mount Pokémon early on in your adventures.

Getting Legendaries Early in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Next, it’s important to note that Koraidon and Miraidon are the box legendaries of Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet respectively. Usually, legendary Pokémon are put on a pedestal in that players are challenged to find and capture them.

Contrarily, it seems like the box legendaries will be given to you near the beginning of the games. This is a pretty big break from the Pokémon gameplay formula—if things actually unfold in that manner.

A Mysterious Truck…and a Tricked-Out One

Vehicles besides those made of Pokémon seem to be more common in Paldea than in other regions. At 1:25 in the trailer, a yellow truck can be seen on the left of the screen. This is the first time in the trailer that a vehicle like this is shown. However, not long later, at 1:37, a highly-customized truck makes an appearance.

Although there could be logical gameplay reasons for such trucks, some players may be reminded of the mysterious truck near the Vermillion City docks in the Generation I games.

It seems odd that the majority of environments seem to be without paved roads, yet large trucks are seen multiple times. Even within the cities shown in the trailer, there don’t seem to be any actual vehicle-accommodating streets.

As such, it’s unclear how non-Pokémon vehicles will be involved in the gameplay—but it’s something for which to keep an eye out. Such trucks could be fast travel options or other unknown features.

The Rotom Pokédex Returns

In some older Pokémon games, as well as the anime and manga, some characters have a Rotom Pokédex. This is both a device for researching Pokémon as well as a Pokémon itself.

When seen in the trailer (1:49), it could at first confuse some viewers, as not all players may have played the games the Rotom Pokédex appeared in. However, it makes sense to be in the Paldea region.

This region seems to be somewhat focused on Pokémon that can change shape to accommodate human needs. As such, having a Rotom Pokédex—whose entire gimmick is doing that exact thing—feels appropriate alongside legendaries that can transform into motorcycles.

Multiplayer

The trailer makes it clear that players will be able to adventure around Paldea with their friends. This is claimed to be possible via both online gameplay and local gameplay.

While battling and trading Pokémon this way has been a staple feature in past Pokémon games, this is the first time that gamers will be able to make their journey through the main game with up to three real-life friends. Therefore, it’s breaking new ground.

The way players will be able to battle and trade with friends seems to be through something called the “Poké Portal.” However, according to the Multiplayer page on the official website, to adventure around with up to three pals, you’ll seemingly need to use a feature of the Poké Portal called the “Union Circle.”

New Kinds of Pocket Monsters in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Every generation has a new kind of Pokémon. For example, in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, there were Hisuian Pokémon. In the upcoming Pokémon games, this niche will be held by Terastal Pokémon.

Terastal Pokémon are crystalized pocket monsters that possess a Tera type in addition to their regular typing. Therefore, you’ll find a ton of different Pokémon with new type combinations. Tera types are drawn from the 18 existing types, but get attached to Terastal Pokémon in unpredictable ways.

This new kind of Pokémon seems to have come about through “Terastal” energy being abundant in the Paldea region. You can harness this energy by using Tera Orbs on your Pokémon to transform them.

The official website states that you’ll be able to transform a Pokémon this way once per battle. Furthermore, it’s also stated on the Terastal Phenomenon page that using a move that matches both a Pokémon’s Tera type and its original type will make that move much more powerful. This is a new addition to the STAB (same type attack bonus) mechanic that has been important in the Pokémon games since their inception.

Like the Max Raid Battles in Pokémon Sword and Shield, you’ll be able to find powerful Terastal Pokémon in the wild. Additionally, you’ll be able to battle them with friends at your side.

Early-Purchase Bonus for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

When you purchase Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, you can possibly get a special Terastal Pikachu. To access this special pocket monster, you’ll have to use the Mystery Gift feature, which will take about one to one and a half hours of gameplay to unlock.

Despite seeming like a pre-order bonus, it’s actually not. This is an “Early-Purchase Bonus,” which is not restricted by pre-order bonus rules. Therefore, it will be possible to get this special Pikachu up until February 28, 2023—according to the Preorder page on the official website.