Although new characters and settings will be introduced in the upcoming Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC, the new content is also an opportunity for the return of some familiar faces. The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero is due to be released in two parts later this year, each part reintroducing Pokémon from previous Generations to expand Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s Pokédex. While these Pokémon will doubtlessly be a boon to Scarlet and Violet’s gameplay, some returning characters could do much the same for its story.
It has already been revealed that The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero will feature two new characters, Kieran and Carmine. Although little is known for certain about their role in the DLC, it seems clear that they will be prominent figures. And of course, with two entirely new settings to explore, the siblings will not be the only new faces to meet. Nevertheless, while the prospect of new characters is exciting, there are many existing Pokémon characters who deserve to return in the new Scarlet and Violet DLC as well.
12 Looker
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Looker is a familiar face in Pokémon’s post-game content, and has regularly appeared in games ever since his debut in Pokémon Platinum. Typically investigating various Teams as part of the International Police, Looker has also worked to protect the public from Ultra Beasts in Pokémon Sun and Moon. However, the trench coat-wearing detective has also been absent from the Pokémon games since Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon in 2017.
The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero presents some interesting opportunities for Looker. With new Legendary Pokémon on the way, the master of disguise could be charged with investigating some new incident related to them. Alternatively, as a festival is in full swing in Kitakami, Looker could take on a more casual role as a visitor to the festival, perhaps accompanying his partner Anabel.
10 Ingo
Although not associated with Paldea, the former Subway Boss of Nimbasa City would still be a welcome sight for many in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. The last time Ingo was seen, he was an amnesiac stuck in ancient Hisui, unaware of his origins and seemingly with no way home. However, after the player character competes their quest in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, it is possible that they could have brought Ingo home with them to his own time.
As it stands, Ingo’s ultimate fate is something of a mystery. Legends: Arceus provides no true resolution to his story, leaving many to wonder if he would ever reunite with his twin Brother Emmett. Ingo making an appearance in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, preferably alongside Emmett, would definitively put those fears to rest.
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8 Director Clavell
Director Clavell is an unusual man, clearly out of touch with the youth under his care but still dedicated to their success. In Starfall Street, he even disguises himself (somewhat poorly) as a student named Clive in order to investigate Team Star. As a result of this, Clavell could be considered something of a foil to Looker, fulfilling much the same role as Looker did in earlier games.
With the player character’s visits to Kitakami and Blueberry Academy being arranged through Naranja/Uva Academy, it is very likely that Clavell will be involved to some extent in the events of the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC. One interesting possibility is that events will conspire to have him reprise his persona as Clive. This could quickly become particularly entertaining should he encounter Looker in the process.
7 Raifort
Although a relatively minor character, Ms. Raifort plays an interesting role in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. As the Academy’s history teacher, she has a strong interest in the events of Paldea’s past, and lectures extensively on the history of Area Zero. As a result of her expertise, she is also the one to inform the player about Scarlet and Violet’s Legendary Treasures of Ruin, leading to the player character seeking out and capturing the quartet.
The new Legendary Pokémon in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero clearly have a strong connection to both the past and the Great Crater. The Heroes of Kitakami are folk heroes and therefore literal living legends, while Terapagos is clearly at the heart of Area Zero’s mysteries. As such, they are strongly within Raifort’s area of interest, and so her reactions to the protagonist’s encounters with these Pokémon are sure to be interesting. Much like with the Treasures of Ruin, Raifort may also introduce these new Pokémon to the player, providing valuable information on their natures.
6 Nemona
As the protagonist’s first friend in Paldea, Nemona is a constant presence throughout Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Their bond is such that she is all too happy to join them in exploring the Great Crater in the final part of the game. Having been a constant companion and rival until this point, it only seems fair that Nemona continues to have an impact in The Hidden Treasures Of Area Zero DLC.
Although it seems Kieran and Carmine may well be new rivals for the player to contend with, Nemona’s infectious enthusiasm for battle is likely to remain unabated. With The Indigo Disk being set after the events of the main game, this DLC provides the perfect opportunity for Nemona to become an even stronger opponent in battle. After providing plenty of challenging battles for the player, it would be somewhat disappointing if Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s DLC now relegated her to being a background character.
5 Penny
The shy and intelligent leader of Team Star, Penny spent much of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet trying to tear down what she created. However, she only did so out of concern for her friends, who refused to return to the Academy in her absence. Fortunately, the protagonist and Director Clavell are able to resolve the situation, and Team Star even becomes an official part of the Academy by running battle training centers.
As another of the protagonist’s close friends, it is only natural that Penny will have some role to play in the DLC as well. Her impressive intellect could easily come to the rescue in any problems the protagonist may encounter. Moreover, with Penny having reconciled with Team Star and finally met them face to face by the end of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the DLC will provide an excellent opportunity to see the eclectic group interact with each other in The Indigo Disk.
4 Arven
Arven endures a lot in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. By the end of the game, he has discovered that not only has his parent died, but they were replaced with their own AI doppelganger. What’s more, the AI professor then sacrifices themself, leaving Arven without a parent in his life.
Arven and his family were at the very heart of Scarlet and Violet’s plot, but as it stands his story seems somewhat unfinished. It would be very gratifying to fully explore Arven’s feelings in the wake of his experiences in the Great Crater. Moreover, as he explicitly comments on how the origins of Paradox Pokémon seem impossible, he could also serve as a driving force in the plot as attention turns to Terapagos, which is heavily suspected to be behind their appearance.
3 Larry
The Gym Leader Larry has become a fan-favorite character for his comically underwhelming personality. In the vibrant world of Pokémon, his sheer mundanity paradoxically guarantees that he stands out. This has made Larry one of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s most memorable characters and by extension somebody whose presence would immediately improve the DLC in the eyes of many.
As a hard-working Pokémon League official juggling being both a Gym Leader and Elite Four member, Larry does seem unlikely to have a major presence in the plot of Scarlet and Violet’s DLC. However, his position could mean he will be asked to intervene should some new incident arise. Larry would no doubt stoically face such a task with minimum enthusiasm, in stark contrast to the probable reaction of his fans. Similarly, it is possible that the DLC will offer new challenges such as a battle facility, which Larry could also appear in.
2 Geeta
Paldea’s Top Champion sadly proved to be a notably disappointing opponent in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. And even in-universe, Geeta is far from well-liked by many. However, despite being one of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s worst bosses, Geeta’s shortcomings as a Champion-level trainer could still be greatly improved through this new content.
Similar to Nemona, the new DLC could easily give Geeta a stronger Pokémon team. A new and improved battle against La Primera would doubtlessly appeal to players, especially if it were to tie into the plot of the DLC. With Geeta’s implied involvement in the Area Zero research, she could also play a notable role in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, perhaps even as its antagonist.
1 Professor Sada/Turo
Professor Sada and Turo are a complicated subject in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Although they are both Arven’s parents, one leaves the family entirely while the other dies in Area Zero and leaves an AI double in their place. It is a complicated web of familial bonds and something which could be expanded upon in the DLC.
With the revelation of their former partner’s death, it is possible that Arven’s remaining biological parent could return to Paldea. Alternatively, the AI professor could be recovered through some means (perhaps through Arven’s wishes being brought to life in Area Zero). In either case, the return of Sada or Turo to Paldea would be an intriguing development.
There are many characters that would be welcome additions to The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC, returning from not only Scarlet and Violet but earlier titles as well. Not much is known about the plot of the upcoming DLC, but the involvement of characters like Ingo and Penny would undoubtedly improve the experience, and in many cases provide closure to leftover plot threads. Of course, only time will tell how many will actually be included in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s DLC, but any one of these characters would undoubtedly be a great asset.
