Can You Still Catch Paradox Pokémon After Stopping the Time Machine?
Yes, absolutely! Even after the dramatic climax of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet where you assist in shutting down the time machine in Area Zero, the Paradox Pokémon are still readily available for capture. The game’s narrative might focus on stopping the machine, but the post-game content ensures that the thrill of finding and catching these unique creatures continues. This is a key feature of the game, allowing players to fully explore the depths of Area Zero and build their ultimate teams. In essence, stopping the time machine doesn’t halt the appearance of Paradox Pokémon; instead, it unlocks their more frequent spawning within Area Zero.
Post-Game Paradox Encounters: What to Expect
The conclusion of the main storyline isn’t the end of your adventure. Once you’ve completed the primary missions, you are granted free access to Area Zero. This is where the real fun begins for Paradox Pokémon collectors. You’ll discover that, upon returning to the crater, more Paradox Pokémon have emerged, and they are available to catch. In fact, they become a rather common spawn, making it possible to acquire multiples of the same species. This differs from the main story, where they appear in a more scripted manner during certain plot points. The post-game allows for free roaming and continuous hunting for these rare creatures, offering endless possibilities for team building and shiny hunting.
Multiple Catches: How Many Paradox Pokémon Can You Obtain?
The great news is that there is no limit to the number of Paradox Pokémon you can catch. You can get as many as you want. This is a vital part of the game’s post-game appeal. You’re not restricted to only encountering a single instance of each, like some legendary Pokemon. This open-ended system allows you to experiment with different natures, abilities, and even shiny hunt for your favorites. It’s a crucial element that extends the lifespan of the game well beyond the main story. Players can create multiple teams of Paradox Pokémon and engage in competitive battles to their heart’s content, keeping the game fresh and exciting.
Catching Challenges: Are Paradox Pokémon Hard to Catch?
While many Paradox Pokémon share similar catch rates, some can indeed be more challenging to capture than others. This is partly due to specific characteristics that make them more elusive. The battle strategies you employ will vary depending on the specific Paradox Pokémon you’re facing. Some may have higher speeds, making it difficult to land a crucial status move, while others might have powerful attacks that could quickly deplete your team. Therefore, coming prepared with diverse strategies and a varied team is highly recommended. Furthermore, some players may find that specific Paradox Pokémon are harder to find in the wild.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paradox Pokémon
1. When Can I Start Catching Paradox Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet?
Unfortunately, you must complete the main story, including obtaining all 18 badges and finishing the final missions and quests, before you can access Paradox Pokémon in Area Zero. They are exclusively a post-game encounter.
2. Why Don’t Paradox Pokémon Have “Real” Names?
Paradox Pokémon are given names by the Professor (or the AI Professor) based on their studies of them in Area Zero. It is likely that these “code names” were developed because there were no other inhabitants in the area.
3. Are Paradox Pokémon Pseudo-Legendary or Legendary?
Paradox Pokémon generally have a base stat total of 570, slightly below the standard for pseudo-legendaries. While they are powerful, they are not on the same level as legendary Pokémon, although they are considered very strong and some can outperform certain pseudo-legendaries.
4. Can Paradox Pokémon Be Shiny?
Yes! Shiny Paradox Pokémon are available to hunt, adding a significant layer of replayability to the game. They are among the hardest shinies to encounter, but the potential rewards and the sheer challenge makes the hunt worthwhile.
5. Can Paradox Pokémon Breed with Ditto?
No, Paradox Pokémon cannot breed, even with Ditto. This makes their IV training a bit more difficult and makes shiny hunting even more sought after.
6. How Many Total Paradox Pokémon Are There?
There are a total of 16 Paradox Pokémon, including the version-exclusive legendary riders, Koraidon and Miraidon, spread across both Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. You will likely need to trade with players of the opposite version to complete your collection.
7. What are Some of the Best Paradox Pokémon for Battling?
Some top Paradox Pokémon for battles include Flutter Mane, Iron Bundle, Walking Wake, Great Tusk, Koraidon & Miraidon, Roaring Moon, Iron Hands, and Iron Valiant. Their unique typings and high stats make them formidable opponents.
8. Are the Legendary Paradox Pokémon Limited?
Walking Wake and Iron Leaves are limited-time event Pokemon. So, if you miss the event to capture them, they may not be available at all until another event is released.
9. What is the Lore Behind Paradox Pokémon?
Paradox Pokémon are described as being from the ancient past (in Scarlet) or distant future (in Violet) and are discovered within the mysterious Area Zero in the Paldea region. There is a theory that they may not be from time, but instead, they came from the human imagination using Terapagos’s power.
10. What Was the Problem With the Time Machine?
The time machine was described as being out of control, causing Paradox Pokémon to leak into the world. The AI Professor requests you to destroy it before chaos ensues but ultimately you learn that the AI professor was programmed to stop anyone from interfering with the project causing you to have to battle it.
11. What’s the Rarest Pokémon to Find in Scarlet and Violet?
While it can be subjective, some of the rarest include Walking Wake/Iron Leaves, Antique Sinistea/Polteageist, Family of 3 Maushold/3 Segment Dudunsparce, Gholdengo, Roaring Moon/Iron Valiant, and Blaze/Aqua Breed Tauros.
12. Why are Paradox Pokémon Banned in Competitive Play?
Paradox Pokémon are significantly powerful, boasting high stats. Their presence can significantly alter competitive battling, necessitating adjustments in strategies and team composition.
13. What is the Paradox Form of Lugia?
A fan created a concept called “Iron Dive,” changing Lugia’s Flying typing to Water and incorporating its oceanic habitat into the design. This is not an official Paradox Pokemon.
14. How Did Paradox Pokémon Exist Before the Time Machine?
The theory is that the time machine is actually a device that is capable of turning imagined things into reality, with the help of Terapagos. The Professors just assumed they were from the past or future, when, in fact, they may just be creatures created from the imagination.
15. How did Professor Turo (or Sada) Die?
Turo died protecting Miraidon from an aggressive second Miraidon. The Professor put themself in the line of attack and was injured severely and eventually died.
By understanding these aspects of Paradox Pokémon and how they become available in the post-game of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, players can get the most out of their experience in Area Zero and beyond. The post-game offers a vast array of catching and battling opportunities. Happy hunting!