Howdy, howdy hey! What's red, purple and has a fancy name to go with a bunch of fancy new news? The latest Pokemon Presents Scarlet and Violet info!

Let's do dis. 💪

Scarlet and Violet news showcased in the latest Pokémon Presents Stage

Holy Woopers, where to begin? The latest Pokémon Presents on August 3 gave us a whole grundle of new info about the Gen 9 games, Scarlet and Violet. From new Pokémon, a world map, more info on the legandaries and the new mechanics, there's a ton of stuff to cover.

New region name, who dis?

Welcome to Paldea (Spansh "aldea" meaning village plus a P, probably for Pokémon), "a land of vast—anyone else triggered by the v-world since Legends Arceus?—open spaces dotted with lakes, towering peaks, wastelands, and mountain ranges."

"In the center of Paldea sits the largest city in the region: Mesagoza. It’s here that players will find either Naranja Academy or Uva Academy. In Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, the name of the school, its emblem, and its uniforms and other details will differ depending on which version of the game is played."

Now, first off, this map is HUGE and the file on the site is high-res, meaning you can zoom in and get quite a few details. I highly recommend this Full Map Analysis video by Austin John Plays if you want to get a rundown.

As was previously revealed, this is an open-world game, indicating most areas should be ready for exploration right away. I'll cover the legendary build/mode forms that will help to glide/surf/climb in a bit. Chances are, those will still have to be unlocked to reach different areas like caves and such.

Last, outdoor Pokémon Centers are confirmed as one-stop shops for healing, item purchasing and also multiplayer linking with the Poké Portal (trading and battling) and Union Circle (used for multiplayer play).

Gyms

The gym challenge can be complete in any order, though there is still no word on if the gym leaders scale depending on how many badges you already have. By my standards, scaling is a MUST, otherwise what's the point? We're assuming that they aren't deviating from the standard 8 gyms, though this is also not confirmed. So far, only one leader is confirmed:

Gym Leader of the Glaseado Gym, Grusha. Grusha used to be a professional snowboarder, but he is now the Gym Leader of the Glaseado Gym full time. He is an Ice-type specialist who has Cetitan as his partner.

Post gym challenge, it looks like there'll be some kind of new Pokémon League setup, based on the following:

The Paldea region has a Pokémon League and a special class of pro-rank Pokémon Trainers who have achieved the Champion Rank... If you beat all eight Gyms spread across the region and collect their Gym Badges, you will be able to take on a special test called the Champion Assessment. If you successfully pass the assessment, your strength will be acknowledged and you will be given the Champion Rank, making you an object of admiration for other Trainers.

2 more "Grand Stories"

Aside from gyms, there are two other key storylines that haven't been revealed yet. In the trailer, one of these is possible referenced as an independent study assignment called the Treasure Hunt.

Based on hints in the trailers, one seems tied to these tower/lighthouses spread across the world, which may also relate to a material-gathering quest with one of the characters I'll cover later. According to the main site, players can "freely go back and forth between all three stories, allowing your adventure to develop in the way you want it to."

The other may have ties to some sort of race, or perhaps the region's evil team. Crossed flags and one town in Paldea both feature a star logo with a lightning bolt inside it. This is also feature on the following vehicle. No one is driving it, so does that mean its a new, unannounced Pokémon?

Introducing Terastal Phenomenon and Tera Raid Battles

Since the first teaser, fans have speculated this games special mechanic aka "gimmick" would be related to type change. Your guesses were right... but not quite how we all imagined.

When a Pokémon "Terastallizes" (what a mouthful), it is covered in crystal armor and gets a fancy (or goofy, depending on your taste) crown that's based on it's new type. For example, you could have an Evee that's normal type, but may have a water-type Terastal form. If it knows a water move, it will get the 1.5x damage bonus for being a water type as long as it's in the Terastal form.

ALL Pokémon in-game can Terastallize. There are 18 Terastal types and all indications are that that individual Pokemon will vary in which Terastal type they get (aka, you could find a Dark Evee, a Fire Evee and a Dragon Eveen, potetinally). Some will no doubt be rarer than others. (I can't wait to see someone attempt a shiny dex of each Pokemon with each Terastal type #madness).

You can use this function once per battle and the transformation lasts until the battles ends (or that Pokémon is knocked out, probably). You'll need a Tera Orb to use this, which will probably introduced similar to Z Moves or Dynamaxing. After using the Tera Orb, it has to be recharged at a Pokémon Center OR by touching a crystal that has Terastal Energy. Mark my words, this is gonna make some waves in the competitive scene!

Tera Raid Battles

Raid battles are back but instead of Dynamaxed Pokémon, we get Terastalized Pokémon. These are still limited to a max of four players BUT you no longer have to wait for other trainers to take their turn, meaning the pace will be much faster than previous Raid Encounters from Gen 8. In addition, you can now use cheers that boost Attack, Defense or heal your Pokémon, or another Pokémon in your raid group. These battles are also timed.

The official site states "Pokémon that appear in Tera Raid Battles may have a Tera Type that differs from their usual type or types." So one can assume that probably means rarer Tera Types in some cases.

Other Multiplayer Stuff

Using the Union Circle, up to four players can "adventure together in the same space." While there's been no indication that you can progress in the stories together, it does appear that you'll be able to roam at least some open spaces to catch Pokémon together and maybe(??) battle.

From the official site: "...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."

New Pokémon (and much awaited returning ones)

Speaking of new Pokémon, we learned about three more (including a regional variant). Here's their dex entries.

Fidough: Fidough’s skin has elastic qualities and is both firm and soft at the same time. When these Pokémon become excited, they intimidate their opponents by puffing up their bodies to appear bigger. Fidough ferments things in its vicinity using the yeast in its breath. The yeast is useful for cooking, so this Pokémon has been protected by people since long ago. (Type: Fairy)

Paldean Wooper: In ancient times, Wooper lived underwater in the Paldea region. After losing in a struggle for territory, it seems they began living in bogs on land. To keep from drying out while living on land, they began to cover their bodies with a poisonous film. Their gills have hardened thanks to living on land for so long. Their bodies are heavy and they move slowly, but they can protect themselves by shooting powerful poisonous liquid from their gills. (Type: Poison/Ground)

Cetitan: Cetitan need to have tough muscles to be able to support their immense bodies, and physical attacks using their bodies have incredible power. They also migrate around the snowy regions, protected by a thick layer of fat. (Type: Ice)

We've also got some Pokémon returning for the first time since their original games. Footage confirms that Gogoat (and it's pre-evolution, Skiddo, most likely) are appearing for the first time since introduced in X and Y.

We also caught sight of Deerling and Sawsbuck, which only appeared in Gen 5's Black and White plus their sequels, Black 2 and White 2. Based on the different geographic areas of Paldea, you'll likely have to catch the Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall forms in different areas of the map.

Personally, I was thrilled to see Houndour and Houndoom back after they were left out of Sword and Shield and Legends Arceus. Hoping the appearance of Growlithe means we'll be able to bring in other Hisuian forms too, since Hisuian Zoroark has been shown in-game.

Version Exclusives

Aside from the obvious box-cover legendaries (Koraidon in Scarlet, and Miraidon in Violet), we got a few details on version-exclusive Pokémon, which may help you decide which version of the game to buy.

Violet Exclusives: Bagon-line and Eiscue.Scarlet Exclusives: Larvitar-line and Stonjourner.

New legendary exploration mechanics

Similar to the riding Pokémon in Legends Arceus, Scarlet and Violet introduces the box-cover legendaries as ridable companions. You heard that right. From what appears to be a pretty early point in the story, you'll unlock your version's respective legendary to cruise around on. Leaks suggest that you won't get to use them in battle until much later in the game, however.

Players can probably except the different build/modes to be unlocked as you progress through the story, which was also the case in Legends Arceus. Koraidon has a wheel design but actually waddles, swims and climbs around on his legs whereas the futuristic Miraidon converts into a jet glider, jet ski and tron-bike.

The three utilities are Sprinting, Swimming and Gliding. Climbing is NOT listed in the different functions but was shown in-game.

Cast of Characters

First off, to everyone not thrilled about playing as an 8-year-old: I think there's hope. Check out this line: Age is not an issue in enrollment here, so a wide range of age groups—from children to adults—take the same classes.

Now, I wouldn't bet on this yet, but given that we'll be able to "make changes to your character’s eye shape, mouth shape, and more" there's a chance age could also be an unannounced customization option.

Of course, taller players could mess up the riding models for the legendaries, so take my guess for what it's worth. Here's to my hope of being a 90-year-old bro taking Paldea by storm.

All the other new peeps (so far)

• Clavell - the director of the academy you attend in either game. "He seems to be a friend of Professor Sada and Professor Turo."

• Mr. Jacq - your homeroom teacher (aww yeah, back to homeroom!). He teaches biology and also developed the Rotom phone. Pretty good chance he'll be giving you the Rotom Pokédex, I'd say.

• Arven - an upperclassman at the academy, who likes to cook and come up with recipes to "make Pokémon feel better." There's a shot in the trailer of the main character and Arven gathering some glowing plant, so you'll probably be helping him out. Also his hair is WACK.

• Penny - She's the same grade as you and is apparently shy. Aside from the floofy Evee backpack she wears, her red and blue leggings patterns and hair indicate she'll probably have a Plusle and Minun on her team. "For some reason, she doesn't come to the academy very often." MYSTERY ALERT.

• And don't forget your battling friend, Nemona, and Professors Sada and Truo, previously introduced.

Pre-Order Bonus

If you snag a copy of the game before release, you'll get special Pikachu that knows Fly and also has the Tera Type of Flying (cue up 99 Red Balloons).

Other Pokéstuff you might have missed

• The final Poketoons episode is out now

• Our lord and savior Buzzwole is now available in UNITE

Obscure Pokémon Fact of the Day (from u/Mx_Toniy_4869)