Can Koraidon Ride on Its Wheels? Unveiling the Truth Behind Scarlet’s Legendary

The short answer is no, Koraidon cannot ride on its wheels. Despite its motorcycle-esque design, the iconic Scarlet Legendary relies on its paws for locomotion. The “wheels” are actually more akin to floating air sacs that hover slightly above the ground, serving primarily as an aesthetic design element rather than a functional part of its movement. This might seem counterintuitive given its appearance, but it’s a core part of Koraidon’s unique design and lore.

Koraidon: More Than Meets the Eye

Koraidon, the version-exclusive Legendary Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet, boasts a vibrant design reminiscent of a classic motorcycle, complete with what appears to be wheels. However, these “wheels” don’t actually touch the ground. Instead, Koraidon runs, climbs, swims, and eventually flies using its powerful legs and other adaptations. This makes it quite different from its counterpart, Miraidon, which does utilize its wheel-like structures for propulsion.

The design choice to have Koraidon’s wheels be non-functional is a deliberate one, reflecting the theme of the past prevalent in Pokémon Scarlet. Koraidon embodies a more primal, natural form of movement, relying on its physical prowess rather than technological enhancements. Its counterpart, Miraidon, embraces a futuristic aesthetic and does use its wheel-like structures for propulsion. This duality is central to the narrative and design of the two games.

Exploring Koraidon’s Abilities

Despite not using its “wheels” for movement, Koraidon is a highly versatile and capable Pokémon. Here’s a closer look at its abilities:

• Running and Climbing: Koraidon is incredibly agile on land, able to traverse diverse terrains with ease. Its powerful legs allow it to run at impressive speeds and scale steep cliffs.
• Swimming: Upon entering water, Koraidon seamlessly transitions to a swimming mode, using its limbs to propel itself through the water.
• Flying: In the later stages of the game and especially with the Indigo Disk DLC, Koraidon gains the ability to fly, further expanding its traversal options.
• Collision Course: Its signature move, Collision Course, is a powerful Fighting-type attack that showcases its raw power and explosive energy.

Understanding the Design Philosophy

The reason Koraidon does not use its wheels may be linked to its name. ‘Koraidon’ may be a portmanteau of the Japanese words ‘korai’, meaning ancient, and ‘raido’, meaning ride. This connection to the ancient past reinforces the theme of natural power and primal instinct that defines Koraidon’s character. It’s a reflection of the game’s narrative focus on tradition and history. This also ties in with the overall themes explored by the Games Learning Society, especially in how games can tell a story through mechanics and design. You can find more about how games utilize narrative elements on GamesLearningSociety.org.

Koraidon’s Strengths and Weaknesses

As a Fighting/Dragon-type Pokémon, Koraidon boasts a unique set of strengths and weaknesses in battle.

• Strengths: Koraidon’s high Attack and Defense stats make it a formidable physical attacker and a resilient defender. Its Fighting-type moves are effective against a variety of opponents.
• Weaknesses: Koraidon is vulnerable to Fairy, Flying, and Psychic-type attacks. Its dual typing makes it doubly weak to Fairy-type moves. When battling against Koraidon, it’s important to exploit these weaknesses to gain an advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Koraidon

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Koraidon, providing further insight into this fascinating Legendary Pokémon:

1. What is Koraidon based on? Koraidon is based on the Cuelebre, a mythological Dragon-Serpent from Northern Spain culture, most specifically Asturias.
2. What is the difference between Koraidon and Miraidon’s design? Koraidon resembles a rugged motorcycle with a fiery red coloration and a bulky physique. Miraidon, on the other hand, looks like a sleek, sci-fi jet bike with a more streamlined design.
3. Is Koraidon stronger than Miraidon? Based on their stats, Koraidon excels in Attack and Defense, while Miraidon excels in Special Attack and Special Defense. They are effectively opposites across the physical/special divide.
4. What types are good against Koraidon? Koraidon is weak to Fairy, Flying, and Psychic-type attacks, with a double weakness to Fairy-type.
5. Can Koraidon learn Collision Course? Yes, Collision Course is Koraidon’s signature move, a powerful Fighting-type attack.
6. Can you ride Koraidon like a bike? While it’s standard to ride Koraidon and Miraidon like a bike, Koraidon runs on its paws instead of using its wheels. You can, as the game progresses, upgrade their abilities.
7. What is the best held item for Koraidon? A Black Belt will increase the damage of its Fighting-type moves. Giving it the Fighting Tera Type can also be beneficial.
8. Can Koraidon fly in Scarlet? Yes, with the Indigo Disk DLC, Koraidon can perform full-blown flights.
9. Can Koraidon swim? Yes, swimming is unlocked after defeating the Open Sky Titan. You can jump into the water, and it will switch to swimming mode.
10. Why is Koraidon not a bike? Koraidon is not a bike because its “wheels” are actually air sacs used for floatation. It instead relies on its paws for movement, fitting the ancient theme.
11. Why does the Scarlet Legendary not use wheels? The reason Koraidon does not use its wheels, aside from the fact that they’re actually air sacs used for floatation, could be connected to its name: Koraidon may be a portmanteau of the Japanese words korai, meaning ancient, and raido, meaning ride, with don, a common dinosaur name suffix.
12. Can you ride Koraidon in Area Zero? No, Koraidon is frightened by Area Zero. Players won’t be able to ride on its back, climb, or glide.
13. Is Koraidon the most powerful Pokémon in Scarlet? Koraidon is one of the strongest Pokémon that players can catch in the game at launch.
14. Should I trade my Koraidon? If you want to get Miraidon, then you’ll need to trade your Koraidon. Consider trading with a trusted friend.
15. Does Koraidon only run? In every shot of the player using Koraidon to get around, the Pokemon is seen running along instead of using its wheels.

Conclusion: Appreciating Koraidon’s Unique Design

Koraidon’s design is a testament to the creative vision behind Pokémon Scarlet. While it may appear to be a motorcycle Pokémon, its reliance on its own physical abilities rather than its “wheels” sets it apart. This deliberate choice reflects the game’s themes of tradition, history, and natural power. Understanding Koraidon’s design and abilities allows players to appreciate the depth and complexity of this iconic Legendary Pokémon.