How To Start Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Teal Mask: To Pokemon Violet

Learn how to start the Teal Mask DLC in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Check requirements, update your game, and begin your adventure in the land of Kitakami.

Alright, so you're ready to dive into the Teal Mask DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet? Awesome! It’s a pretty straightforward process to get started, but let's make sure you've got everything covered so you don't hit any snags. Think of this as your quick checklist before you head off to the land of Kitakami.

First things first, you absolutely need to have purchased and downloaded the 'The Hidden Treasures of Area Zero' DLC bundle. Make sure you grabbed the right version for your game – either the Scarlet or the Violet one. If that's all good, we can move on to the next bit.

Next up, let's talk updates. Your Pokémon Scarlet and Violet game needs to be updated to at least version 2.0.1. It's also a good idea to make sure your Nintendo Switch firmware is up-to-date (system version 16.1.0 or higher is recommended), and if you use Pokémon Home, give that a quick update too since it's now compatible with the latest generation. These updates aren't just for the DLC; they bring a bunch of quality-of-life improvements, like locking your mini-map so North always stays up (just open the map and press the Right Stick twice!), new camera settings in the Options menu, and the ability to tell your Pokémon companion to stay put by pressing the Left Stick. Plus, snapping photos in the camera app is easier with the A Button, and you can even play music with ZL or ZR to get your Pokémon's attention. Oh, and if you're playing with friends in Union Circle, you can share those photos! There's also a super handy filter for TMs in the TM Machines, showing only moves your specific Pokémon can learn. And of course, they've ironed out a bunch of bugs.

Now, if you're starting a brand new adventure from scratch, you'll need to play through about three hours of the main game. This gets you past all the initial story setup and into the main Treasure Hunt. Once you've done that, and assuming you've got the DLC downloaded and everything updated, here's how you officially kick off the Teal Mask DLC:

1. After loading up your Pokémon Scarlet or Violet game, your Rotom Phone will ring.
2. It'll be your favorite Homeroom teacher, Jacq, giving you a call.

And that's pretty much it! Jacq's call is your signal that the Teal Mask adventure is ready to begin. Easy peasy!