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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero is the paid expansion for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. It contains two adventures: The Teal Mask in Kitakami and The Indigo Disk at Blueberry Academy. Buy the edition that matches your game—Scarlet DLC does not work with Violet, or vice versa. You can start The Teal Mask after unlocking the Treasure Hunt; The Indigo Disk has later story requirements.
What’s included in the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC?
The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero is a two-part expansion. The Pokémon Company describes it as adding new areas, characters, rivals, and Pokémon, alongside familiar Pokémon that were absent from the base games.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Pokémon Scarlet - Nintendo Switch - Standard Edition | $53.70 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![Nintendo Pokémon Scarlet Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Rl9wUF9CL._SL160_.jpg)
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Nintendo Pokémon Scarlet Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $59.88 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Pokémon Scarlet Bundle - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ffg0dePmL._SL160_.jpg)
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Pokémon Scarlet Bundle - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $94.98 | Buy on Amazon |
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| Part | Setting and premise | Release date |
|---|---|---|
| The Teal Mask | Kitakami, where the player goes on a school trip and investigates local folktales. | September 13, 2023 |
| The Indigo Disk | Blueberry Academy, an unusual school mostly located under the ocean, where battling is prominent in the curriculum. | December 14, 2023 |
The parts are separate story chapters within the same expansion. Nintendo lists both release dates and the available DLC editions on its DLC information page.
Which DLC version should you buy?
Match the expansion to the base game you own. The Scarlet expansion is for Pokémon Scarlet; the Violet expansion is for Pokémon Violet. The editions are not interchangeable. If you want the expansion in both games, you need the corresponding DLC for each.
#1 Best Overall
- New Pokémon to Discover - Learn new details about Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly—the three Pokémon from which you’ll choose your first partner—along with other wonderful new Pokémon, including the Legendary Pokémon Koraidon and Miraidon!
- The World of Pokémon Has Evolved - Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet offer an open-world experience that only the Pokémon series can deliver—one welcoming even to newcomers to the series.
- You can experience a new style of adventure, with a world that you’re free to explore at your leisure and not in an order dictated by the story. You will, of course, journey to hone your skills as a Pokémon Trainer, but many more discoveries and stories await you. Meet a variety of people and Pokémon, and adventure in the world of Pokémon the way you want to.
- A Deeper Experience with Multiplayer* Gameplay - Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet allow multiplayer gameplay with up to four players. Along with series staples, such as trading and battling Pokémon, you will be able to explore the various locations of the region in these games with other players. You can discover new Pokémon and explore unfamiliar areas with your friends and family, opening the door to an adventure more precious and fun than ever!
- Meet the characters - As one of the main characters, you’ll set off on your adventure. Your outfit will vary depending on whether you play Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet. Who knows what kind of story awaits you? For the first time in the series, one of two different professors will appear in your game depending on the version you choose to play.
- Own Pokémon Scarlet: buy The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero for Scarlet.
- Own Pokémon Violet: buy The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero for Violet.
- Own both games and want the expansion in each: buy both matching editions.
Nintendo’s access and troubleshooting guidance confirms that DLC must match the game version. The Pokémon Company also announced separate physical Pokémon Scarlet + DLC and Pokémon Violet + DLC bundles in September 2023. That announcement does not establish present-day retailer stock, so check the current listing carefully if considering a bundle.
How to download and access the DLC
- Check that you bought the matching edition. Confirm that the DLC is for the same version—Scarlet or Violet—as your game.
- Download the expansion. If it has not been downloaded, Nintendo says the in-game Downloadable Content icon can open Nintendo eShop. The DLC icon in the game menu can also help confirm installation.
- Unlock the Treasure Hunt to start The Teal Mask. You do not need to finish the base game’s main story first; the Treasure Hunt must be unlocked.
- Complete the story prerequisites for The Indigo Disk. Finish the base game’s main story, view the credits, and complete the events of The Teal Mask to access The Indigo Disk main story.
Nintendo’s DLC access guide covers installation, version matching, and these story gates. The New Uniform Set is available immediately after purchasing the DLC, even if you have not yet reached the story requirements for either adventure.
Rank #2
- Embark on a new Pokémon adventure
- Catch, battle, and train Pokémon in the Paldea Region, a vast land filled with lakes, towering peaks, wastelands, small towns, and sprawling cities
- Choose either Sprigatito, Fuecoco, or Quaxly, to be your first partner Pokémon before setting off on your journey through Paldea
- Embark on an independent study called the Treasure Hunt to gain new experiences, meet new people, and find your very own treasure
Does Pokémon HOME unlock The Indigo Disk?
No. Pokémon HOME compatibility and story access are separate. The Pokémon Company announced that Pokémon HOME version 3.2.1 added compatibility with The Indigo Disk on December 14, 2023, but Nintendo’s stated requirements for starting the expansion’s main story are owning and installing the matching DLC and meeting the game’s story milestones.
Sources: The Pokémon Company’s HOME compatibility announcement and Nintendo’s DLC access guide.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Only one code for a Hisuian Zoroark can be used in either the Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game. Upon purchase of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC, an email with your code will be sent to the email address registered to your Nintendo Account. From the in-game menu, go to the Poké Portal, then select Mystery Gift, select Get with Code/Password, and then enter your code.
- The Mystery Gift option can be found within the Poké Portal menu option in the X menu after you unlock the feature in the Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game. (This occurs after about 1 to 1.5 hours of gameplay, though individual gameplay time may vary.) An internet connection and a Nintendo Account is required to redeem the item in game. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is not required. Each item can only be redeemed once.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
