Pokémon Scarlet & Violet DLC Adds Fan-Favorite Cramorant

The latest Pokémon Presents broadcast brought a flurry of updates for the franchise, but for many dedicated players, one specific reveal stood out among the rest: the return of the fan-favorite Pokémon, Cramorant.

During the presentation, The Pokémon Company confirmed that The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, the expansion pass for Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, will see its first installment, The Teal Mask, arrive on the Nintendo eShop on September 13. The accompanying trailer offered a glimpse into the new setting, Kitakami, a mountainous region centered around a traditional annual festival. Tucked within the brief footage was the confirmation that Cramorant will inhabit this new area.

A Cult Classic Returns

First introduced in the Pokémon Sword & Shield generation, Cramorant quickly gained a reputation for its erratic and humorous behavior. The bird-like creature is defined by its unique “Gulp Missile” ability, which allows it to catch prey during battle—often, quite famously, a Pikachu.

The mechanics of this ability are as distinct as the Pokémon’s design. If players use “Surf” or “Dive” while the creature’s HP is below 50%, the animation triggers a comical visual sequence. As noted in the official Pokédex, the creature often ends up with a Pikachu lodged in its gullet, an occurrence the bird seems entirely unbothered by despite clearly struggling to swallow.

Why the Return Matters

Cramorant’s absence from the base Pokémon Scarlet & Violet games was a point of contention for many, especially given that the Paldea region draws inspiration from the Iberian Peninsula—a real-world location where cormorants are commonly found. Fans had long speculated that the bird’s omission was a missed opportunity for the developers at Game Freak.

Beyond its gameplay utility, the Pokémon has sparked various fan theories, particularly regarding its shiny variant. The distinct orange coloration of the shiny version has led some to draw parallels to real-world incidents where seagulls have accidentally fallen into vats of curry, a bizarre connection that only added to the creature’s quirky legacy.

With its inclusion in The Teal Mask, players will finally be able to reunite with this peculiar avian on September 13. Whether or not the expansion will address other community requests, such as expanded customization options for player characters, remains to be seen.