How to start the Pokemon Scarlet & Violet DLC epilogue – all requirements, listed

The epilogue for Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero is officially available now. As you might have guessed, this is a bonus story chapter for those who have finished both DLC packs. However, the actual requirements to access this can be a bit confusing unless you’re told specifically what to do.

To unlock the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero epilogue, players will need to complete the main story of the Generation IX games, as well as the main stories of each DLC campaign. Technically, you needed to beat the game to access The Indigo Disk anyway, but The Pokemon Company lists it as a requirement, so we will too. You’ll also need to “complete a certain postgame event in your Pokemon Scarlet & Violet game,” which is admittedly vague. My guess is that this is either the Academy Ace Tournament, or it’s talking about a secret in The Teal Mask itself.

To be safe, let’s go through those requirements. The Academy Ace Tournament quest unlocks after completing “The Way Home” endgame story, and involves rematching the gym leaders around Paldea. This will bring you back to the Academy, where you’ll engage in a tournament against both friends and faculty.

How to access the other secret in The Teal Mask

Meanwhile, the secret scene in The Teal Mask is surprisingly cool, but easy to miss. To access it, go back to the Crystal Pool in Kitakami after you and Kieran make things right again after visiting Area Zero. Walk towards the piece of ground jutting the furthest into the lake (pictured above), and you’ll trigger a scene with a certain familiar character. This will bring you back to the title screen.

Reload your save file, and you’ll find yourself back in the academy. Here, you’ll have some business once again with members of Team Star. However, you might not notice them out of their usual outfits. Talk to them and watch what unfolds after!

How to start the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero epilogue

With all the above sorted, you’ll want to open the Mystery Gift menu. In case you forget how to do this, open the Poke Portal in the in-game main menu. Select Mystery Gift, and then choose the Get via Internet option.

From here, you should see an option for the Mythical Pecha Berry Gift. Technically, you can get this Mystery Gift even without the DLC, but it won’t do anything until you’ve finished The Teal Mask. If you don’t see the Mythical Pecha Berry Gift, there’s a chance you already grabbed it. To check, it should be in your bag under Key Items.

With all that sorted, head back to Mossui Town in Kitakami. From the fast travel point, walk over to Peachy’s shop, on the right side of the town. You’ll want to not talk to Peachy, but interact with the small item slightly on the left side of the stand (pictured below). This will trigger a unique conversation.

Afterwards, Arven will give you a call, and you’ll receive your next instructions. Congratulations, you’re officially in Mochi Mayhem!