Pokémon Scarlet and Violet How To Start The Teal Mask Quest DLC?

Wondering how to start the Teal Mask DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet? No problem. We’ve outlined everything you’ll need to consider before you begin the first half of the expansion.

The release date for the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is just around the corner. With The Teal Mask release fast approaching, Pokémon fans are excited to see new Pokémon and regions that await them. However, many are unsure where to start, as Paldea region offers up a host of its own content, including Gyms and Tera Raids. Fortunately, you won’t need to complete the main story to begin your new adventure in The Teal Mask. Here’s how to get started.

How to Start the Teal Mask DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Purchase the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero expansion for Pokémon Scarlet or Violet and update your game to get started on the Teal Mask DLC. Don’t forget to snag your Hisuian Zoroark with the complementary code in the process. If you haven’t completed the 3 main stories in Scarlet or Violet, then you first need to start the Treasure Hunt in either base game before you can begin the Teal Mask quest.

After you have started the Treasure Hunt, you will receive a call from Professor Jacq and will be invited to join the school trip to Kitakami as an exchange student. Once the call has ended, head to the school entrance and speak to Ms. Briar to start the DLC. When you’re ready to go, speak to Ms. Briar again to travel to Kitakami and officially start your Teal Mask quest.

If you have already completed the 3 main stories, then you will be able to access the new DLC without having to start the Treasure Hunt. After downloading the DLC, you will receive the call from Jacq straight after loading your game. Head over to the school entrance to speak with Ms. Briar and set out on your new adventure.

What is the Treasure Hunt in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

The Treasure Hunt allows players to freely explore Paldea and choose which order to complete the 3 different stories: Path of Legends, Starfall Street and Victory Road. After meeting Nemona, you will either study at Naranja or Uva Academy depending on whether you’re playing Scarlet or Violet. There, you will be able to start The Treasure Hunt.

What To Do Before Starting the Teal Mask DLC

Although it is not required to complete the 3 main stories before starting the Teal Mask DLC, we have some tips and tasks which will be worth doing before starting the new quest. This will give you a head start on your new journey in the land of Kitakami, where you’ll meet and battle Kieran and Carmine, students from Blueberry Academy in the Unova region. Here’s how to prepare. 

Defeat Gyms, Bases, and Titans

While beating Gyms, Team Star Bases, and helping Arven defeat the Titan Pokémon isn’t entirely necessary to start your adventure in The Teal Mask, you’ll want to reap the benefits of achieving these milestones. Making progress in the main story is the best way to earn cash and gain access to all sorts of helpful items and upgrades that will prove useful in the new region.

Train Up Your Team

Similarly, you’ll want to ensure that your team is up to snuff before your start The Teal Mask. You won’t need Level 100 monsters to make the most of the DLC, but having strong partners at your side will help you on your journey. Newly accessible Pokémon, like Poochyena and Poltchageist, appear at level 57 or higher in the wild. Not to mention, you’re bound to encounter several powerful new Legendaries, including Fezandipiti, Okidogi and Munkidori. Train up your team by battling, optimizing stats, and changing tera types to better your odds of catching these rare monsters.

Stock Up on Poké Balls

The Teal Mask is chock-full of new and classic Pokémon that weren’t available in Scarlet and Violet. To complete your Pokédex, you’ll need to catch as many of these monsters as you can. Needless to say, you’ll need a lot of Poké Balls to get the job done. Buy balls in batches of 10 or more to score a free Premier Ball in the process.

Upgrade Koraidon or Miraidon

To traverse the terrain of Kitakami, you’ll want to secure mobility upgrades for Koraidon or Miraidon. This goes hand-in-hand with defeating the various Titan Pokémon of Scarlet and Violet. At the very least, we recommend gaining the dash ability prior to starting the DLC. Not only will this help you get around quickly and efficiently, but it will also allow you to headbutt trees. This comes in handy when searching for Applin, which has recently gained a new evolution in The Teal Mask.

Whether you’re playing Scarlet or Violet, now is the time to prepare for the release of the DLC. With the help of these tips, you can make the most of Part 1: The Teal Mask. Pre-order now to partake in your new journey at launch. Read more of our Pokemon SV guides All New Legendary Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC, Is Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC Worth it? Everything You Need to Know, and Does Ogerpon Evolve in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet How To Start Teal Mask Quest – FAQ

Do I need to complete all the gyms before playing The Teal Mask?

No, you do not need to beat all eight gyms to play The Teal Mask. However, it helps to complete this milestone to build your team and earn Pokémon money before starting the DLC.

Should I upgrade Koraidon or Miraidon before starting The Teal Mask quest?

Yes, we recommend upgrading Koraidon or Miraidon so they have all their abilities. This will make it easier when exploring the new DLC.

Is Teal Mask DLC only for Pokémon Scarlet?

No, the Teal Mask DLC is not only for Pokémon Scarlet, but you will need to select the version you have when buying the DLC.