Unveiling the Secrets of Paradox Pokémon: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you want to snag those elusive Paradox Pokémon in Scarlet & Violet, eh? You’ve come to the right place! The pathway to adding these intriguing creatures to your Pokédex involves a journey through time, dedication, and a healthy dose of adventure. You’ll get the answer right here and even more to come!
The core requirement is simple: you must complete the main story of either Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet. This means conquering all eight gyms, defeating the Titan Pokémon, taking down Team Star, and ultimately, finishing the Area Zero storyline. Once the credits roll and the post-game content unlocks, Area Zero becomes your hunting ground for the original Paradox forms. For the newer Paradox Pokémon introduced in The Indigo Disk DLC, you’ll need to progress through the DLC’s story and complete specific tasks to encounter them.
How to Get the New Paradox Pokémon in Scarlet & Violet
After completing the main story in either Scarlet or Violet, you’ll unlock access to the full depths of Area Zero within the Great Crater of Paldea. Here’s a breakdown of how to capture these temporal anomalies:
1. Complete the Main Story
This cannot be stressed enough. You absolutely need to finish the core narrative of your chosen game. This opens up the final section of the game and enables Paradox Pokémon spawns.
2. Explore Area Zero
Venture into the Great Crater of Paldea and descend into Area Zero. This is where the past and future collide, resulting in the appearance of Paradox Pokémon. Remember, the specific Pokémon you encounter will vary depending on which version of the game you are playing.
3. Identify the Right Version
Scarlet players will find Ancient Paradox Pokémon like Great Tusk, Scream Tail, and Walking Wake (via special events). Violet players will encounter Future Paradox Pokémon such as Iron Treads, Iron Bundle, and Iron Leaves (also via special events).
4. Look for Specific Locations
While Paradox Pokémon roam Area Zero, they tend to congregate in specific areas and levels. Experiment with different zones to discover where your desired Paradox Pokémon frequently spawn.
5. The Indigo Disk DLC Paradox Pokémon
To get the Paradox Pokémon introduced in The Indigo Disk DLC, you’ll need to progress through the DLC’s storyline. For example, to encounter Raging Bolt (Scarlet) and Iron Crown (Violet), you need to complete the main story of the DLC and participate in special quests involving a photographer named Perrin.
6. Prepare for Battle
Paradox Pokémon are powerful. Bring a well-rounded team of Level 60+ Pokémon, equipped with moves effective against their typing. Stock up on Ultra Balls, Timer Balls, and healing items. Status conditions like paralysis or sleep can significantly improve your catch rate.
7. Catch ‘Em All! (Or at Least the Ones You Want)
Once you find a Paradox Pokémon, engage it in battle. Weaken it strategically, inflict a status condition, and throw your best Poké Balls. Be patient, as these creatures can be tough to catch.
8. Participate in Tera Raid Events
Keep an eye out for Tera Raid events that feature Paradox Pokémon. These events offer opportunities to battle and catch special variants of these powerful creatures.
FAQs About Paradox Pokémon
1. What exactly are Paradox Pokémon?
Paradox Pokémon are unique creatures found in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. They are either ancient (Scarlet) or future (Violet) versions of existing Pokémon, with drastically different designs, typings, and abilities. For example, Walking Wake is an ancient Suicune and Iron Bundle is a future Delibird.
2. Are Paradox Pokémon considered Legendary?
They are categorized as Legendary Pokémon, but they can be found multiple times in the wild in Area Zero, unlike single-encounter legendaries like the Treasures of Ruin. Their power level and unique designs contribute to their Legendary status.
3. Can I get all the Paradox Pokémon in one game version?
No, you cannot. Scarlet and Violet each have exclusive Paradox Pokémon. To complete your collection, you’ll need to trade with someone who owns the opposite version of the game.
4. How many total Paradox Pokémon are there?
Including Koraidon and Miraidon, there are a total of 16 Paradox Pokémon in the base games, with additional ones added in The Indigo Disk DLC. Eight are exclusive to Scarlet and eight are exclusive to Violet.
5. Can you breed Paradox Pokémon?
Unfortunately, no. Paradox Pokémon belong to the Undiscovered Egg Group, meaning they cannot be bred at the Pokémon Daycare.
6. Can Paradox Pokémon be shiny?
Yes, Paradox Pokémon can be shiny. However, they are notoriously difficult to hunt due to their rarity and the lack of a traditional Masuda method breeding strategy. Using Sparkling Power sandwiches is highly recommended to increase your chances of encountering a shiny.
7. What are some good strategies for catching Paradox Pokémon?
- Level Up: Ensure your team is around Level 60 or higher.
- Type Matchups: Use Pokémon with type advantages against the Paradox Pokémon you’re hunting.
- Status Conditions: Inflict status conditions like paralysis, sleep, or freeze to increase catch rates.
- Poké Balls: Carry a variety of Poké Balls, including Ultra Balls and Timer Balls.
- Patience: Be prepared for a grind. Paradox Pokémon can be rare and difficult to catch.
8. What is the best location to find Paradox Pokémon in Area Zero?
There isn’t a single “best” location, as spawn rates can vary. However, exploring different areas and levels within Area Zero is key. Experimentation is your friend.
9. What are the version-exclusive Paradox Pokémon in Scarlet & Violet?
- Scarlet: Great Tusk, Scream Tail, Brute Bonnet, Flutter Mane, Slither Wing, Sandy Shocks, Walking Wake (via event), Raging Bolt (via DLC).
- Violet: Iron Treads, Iron Bundle, Iron Hands, Iron Jugulis, Iron Moth, Iron Thorns, Iron Leaves (via event), Iron Crown (via DLC).
10. Are Koraidon and Miraidon considered Paradox Pokémon?
Yes, Koraidon and Miraidon are also Paradox Pokémon. They are ancient and future forms of the common Pokémon, Cyclizar, respectively.
11. How do I encounter Walking Wake and Iron Leaves?
Walking Wake and Iron Leaves are available through special Tera Raid Battle events. Keep an eye on official Pokémon news channels for announcements about these events.
12. Where do I find Raging Bolt and Iron Crown?
Raging Bolt and Iron Crown are found after progressing through The Indigo Disk DLC. You need to complete the main story of the DLC and do quests with the NPC Perrin. They appear in Area Zero, so you’ll need to already have that location unlocked.
13. Are Paradox Pokémon strong in competitive battling?
Absolutely! Paradox Pokémon are known for their high stats, unique abilities, and diverse movepools. They are a force to be reckoned with in competitive battling.
14. What types are Raging Bolt and Iron Crown?
Raging Bolt is an Electric/Dragon type, while Iron Crown is a Steel/Psychic type.
15. Where can I learn more about the mechanics and lore behind Paradox Pokémon?
You can find more information about the story and mechanics of Paradox Pokémon by playing through Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. You can also explore community forums, fan wikis, and even academic sources on game design and storytelling, such as the work done by members of the Games Learning Society, whose research explores the educational and cultural impact of gaming. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to discover more about this fascinating field.
The world of Paradox Pokémon is deep and engaging, offering a unique and thrilling challenge for trainers in Scarlet & Violet. So grab your gear, head into Area Zero, and start your quest to catch these temporal titans!