With the release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, came a brand new form of Pokémon, Paradox Pokémon. While these Pokémon may seem somewhat familiar, with similarities to Pokémon we know and love, they are entirely new Pokémon, with new Pokedéx entries, from either the distant past, or the future.
The different types of Paradox Pokémon are specific to each game, with Pokémon Scarlet having the past forms, and Pokémon Violet having the future forms. In these main series games they have no gender, and cannot breed or evolve. The first sightings of these elusive Pokémon took place 200 years ago, in a place called Area Zero in the Paldea region, and were initially believed to have been made up by a scientist known as Heath. Using a time machine, Professor Sada/Professor Truro sent Pokéballs into either the past or the future, in order to bring these Pokémon into the Paldea region.
These Pokémon will eventually make an appearance in Pokémon GO in years to come, so let’s take a look at them!
Ancient Paradox Pokémon
The Ancient Paradox Pokémon all share abilities affected by Harsh Sunlight in battle. With the exception of Koraidon who has the ability Orichalcum Pulse, they all share the Protosynthesis Ability. They have many design aspects reminiscent of dinosaurs, and are said to potentially be a billion years old. All of the Ancient Paradox Pokémon are physically larger than their modern counterparts.
Koraidon
Koraidon
Koraidon is the Pokémon Scarlet Legendary, and the very first Paradox Pokémon you encounter in the game. It bears a resemblance to a new Paldean Pokémon known as Cyclizar, and is considered to be an ancient relative of it. It is a dual Fighting and Dragon type, and you have the ability to ride the Pokémon. It can run, climb walls, jump, swim, and even fly, whilst carrying you on your journey. It is unusual in that while you obtain your original Koraidon incredibly early in the story, you can also obtain another Koraidon post-game. It is also known as the Winged King.
It will likely feature as a Legendary five-star raid boss when it debuts in Pokémon GO.
Their Pokédex entries read as follows:
| Scarlet | This seems to be the Winged King mentioned in an old expedition journal. It was said to have split the land with its bare fists. |
|---|---|
| Violet | This Pokémon resembles Cyclizar, but it is far burlier and more ferocious. Nothing is known about its ecology or other features. |
Great Tusk
Great Tusk
In Pokémon Scarlet, Great Tusk is the only other Paradox Pokémon you can encounter outside of Area Zero. It has consumed Herba Mystica to become the Quaking Earth Titan, and has a future Paradox counterpart known as Iron Treads. Both resemble Donphan, but have no known pre-evolution. Great Tusk has the look of a Woolly Mammoth, truly earning the name Great Tusk, and is a Ground and Fighting type Pokémon.
Their Pokédex entries read as follows:
| Scarlet | Sightings of this Pokémon have occurred in recent years. The name Great Tusk was taken from a creature listed in a certain book. |
|---|---|
| Violet | This creature resembles a mysterious Pokémon that, according to a paranormal magazine, has lived since ancient times. |
Scream Tail
Scream Tail
The adorable Scream Tail is an obvious past version of Jigglypuff, and is a dual Fairy and Psychic type. It is described as being ferocious, and as having a distinctive scream, and tail, hence the very imaginative name! It is still very cutesy like Jigglypuff, but gains little vampiric teeth. Of all the Paradox Pokémon, Scream Tail has the biggest stat increase, and literal size increase, when compared to their original counterpart.
Their Pokédex entries read as follows:
| Scarlet | There has been only one reported sighting of this Pokémon. It resembles a mysterious creature depicted in an old expedition journal. |
|---|---|
| Violet | It resembles a mysterious Pokémon described in a paranormal magazine as a Jigglypuff from one billion years ago. |
Brute Bonnet
Brute Bonnet
Brute Bonnet is a Grass and Dark type, and is an ancient relative of Amoonguss. Despite being an ancient version, it still bears the resemblance to Pokéballs, and is rumoured to have dinosaur ancestry. It gains spikes on its head, and appears to be growing moss on its body.
Their Pokédex entries read as follows:
| Scarlet | It is possible that the creature listed as Brute Bonnet in a certain book could actually be this Pokémon. |
|---|---|
| Violet | It bears a slight resemblance to a Pokémon described in a dubious magazine as a cross between a dinosaur and a mushroom. |
Flutter Mane
Flutter Mane
Flutter Mane is the past Paradox version of Misdreavus, gaining more elaborate hair feathers, and spikes on its head. It is a dual Ghost and Fairy type, and is referred to in a magazine in the main series as potentially being the ghost of a pterosaur. Flutter Mane has the highest base Special Defense stat of all Paradox Pokémon, but also has the lowest base HP, Attack, and Defense of all Paradox Pokémon.
Their Pokédex entries read as follows:
| Scarlet | This Pokémon has characteristics similar to those of Flutter Mane, a creature mentioned in a certain book. |
|---|---|
| Violet | It has similar features to a ghostly pterosaur that was covered in a paranormal magazine, but the two have little else in common. |
Slither Wing
Slither Wing
Slither Wing is the ancient Paradox version of Volcarona, and it has a future Paradox counterpart in Iron Moths. Unlike Volcarona, it does not seem that Slither Wing can fly, as it is only ever shown walking on the ground. It is a Bug and Fighting type, and out of all Paradox Pokémon, Slither Wing is tied with Iron Moth for having the smallest increase in base stat total from its original version of Volcarona, with an increase of 20 points.
Their Pokédex entries read as follows:
| Scarlet | This mysterious Pokémon has some similarities to a creature that an old book introduced as Slither Wing. |
|---|---|
| Violet | This Pokémon somewhat resembles an ancient form of Volcarona that was introduced in a dubious magazine. |
Sandy Shocks
Sandy Shocks
Sandy Shocks is an Electric and Ground type Paradox Pokémon, that appears to an the ancient version of Magneton. Unlike Magneton, it does not evolve, nor does it have a pre-evolution. Its magnets appear to be covered in iron filings, and it uses some of its magnets to be able to walk along the ground rather than float like its more futuristic forms. Like all Paradox Pokémon, Sandy Shocks does not have a gender, but unlike other Paradox Pokémon, the relative versions of it, Magnemite and Magneton, also do not have a gender.
Their Pokédex entries read as follows:
| Scarlet | No records exist of this Pokémon being caught. Data is lacking, but the Pokémon’s traits match up with a creature shown in an expedition journal. |
|---|---|
| Violet | It slightly resembles a Magneton that lived for 10,000 years and was featured in an article in a paranormal magazine. |
Roaring Moon
Roaring Moon
Roaring Moon is unusual in that it seems to be an ancient relative of Mega Salamence, rather than just Salamence, with their Pokédex entry referencing a ‘phenomenon that occurs in a certain region’. It is a dual Dragon and Dark type, and keeps that moon-like appearance that Mega Salamence has, becoming feathered and fearsome. It is considered the counterpart of Iron Valiant, as both share a base stat total of 590, rather than 570 like all the other non-Legendary Pokémon.
Their Pokédex entries read as follows:
| Scarlet | It is possible that this is the creature listed as Roaring Moon in an expedition journal that still holds many mysteries. |
|---|---|
| Violet | According to an article in a dubious magazine, this Pokémon has some connection to a phenomenon that occurs in a certain region. |
Walking Wake
Walking Wake came as a surprise Tera Raid with the announcement of new DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet on Pokémon Day. It is a Water and Dragon type with obvious references to Suicune in their design. It was first glimpsed in a book in the library in Scarlet and Violet, but is actually bipedal, which the teaser image was not. It has the ability Protosynthesis, and currently has no known Pokédex entry information.
Future Paradox Pokémon
All future Paradox Pokémon have a metallic appearance, and seem almost robotic and chrome like in appearance. While it isn’t easily noted from their official artwork, they are all somewhat reflective like metal, and the chrome nature of their skin is obvious in Pokémon Violet. They all share the Quark Drive Ability, other than Miraidon, which has Hadron Engine, and their abilities involve the effect of Electric Terrain in battle. All Future Paradox Pokémon have the word ‘Iron’ in their names. While Miraidon may not have ‘Iron’ in its name, it is referred to as a name with ‘iron’ in it. Even though they are all referred to as ‘iron’, only one of the Future Paradox Pokémon is a part Steel type. All of them are physically shorter than their original forms, except for Miraidon.
Miraidon
Miraidon
Miraidon is the Pokémon Violet exclusive Legendary, and is considered a futuristic form of Cyclizar. Much like Koraidon, it can also be ridden, but instead of running, the wheel like protrusions from its throat and tail become wheels, and their legs become engines, like that of a jet. It is more technological in appearance, with smoother metallic looking skin, and electricity emitting from its head. It is a dual Electric and Dragon type, and is also known as the Iron Serpent. You can obtain a second Miraidon in the post-game story.
It will likely feature as a Legendary five-star raid boss when it debuts in Pokémon GO.
Their Pokédex entries read as follows:
| Scarlet | Much remains unknown about this creature. It resembles Cyclizar, but it is far more ruthless and powerful. |
|---|---|
| Violet | This seems to be the Iron Serpent mentioned in an old book. The Iron Serpent is said to have turned the land to ash with its lightning. |
Iron Treads
Iron Treads
In Pokémon Violet, Iron Treads is the only other Paradox Pokémon you can encounter outside of Area Zero. It has consumed Herba Mystica to become the Quaking Earth Titan, and has an ancient Paradox counterpart known as Great Tusk. Both resemble Donphan, but have no known pre-evolution. It is a dual Ground and Steel type Pokémon. Iron Treads is the only Future Paradox Pokémon that is a Steel type.
Their Pokédex entries read as follows:
| Scarlet | This Pokémon closely resembles a scientific weapon that a paranormal magazine claimed was sent to this planet by aliens. |
|---|---|
| Violet | Sightings of this Pokémon have occurred in recent years. It resembles a mysterious object described in an old expedition journal. |
Iron Bundle
Iron Bundle
Iron Bundle appears to be a futuristic form of Delibird, and is a dual Ice and Water type. It is incredibly robotic in design, and rather than carrying a bag of presents, it may be carrying a snow globe that is attached to its body via cables. It has the fastest speed stat of all Ice type Pokémon, and all Paradox Pokémon. The original prototype of Delibird, known as Gifuto, was a Water Pokémon, so it may be a reference to Gifuto.
Their Pokédex entries read as follows:
| Scarlet | Its shape is similar to a robot featured in a paranormal magazine article. The robot was said to have been created by an ancient civilization. |
|---|---|
| Violet | It resembles a mysterious object mentioned in an old book. There are only two reported sightings of this Pokémon. |
Iron Hands
Iron Hands
Irons Hands is the futuristic version of Hariyama, keeping a very similar design to Hariyama, but in a more cyborg inspired way. It is a Fighting and Electric type Pokémon. Iron Hands has the highest base HP stat of all Fighting-type Pokémon, all Electric-type Pokémon, and all Paradox Pokémon, the highest base Attack stat of all Paradox Pokémon and the lowest base Special Attack and Speed stats of all Paradox Pokémon.
Their Pokédex entries read as follows:
| Scarlet | It is very similar to a cyborg covered exclusively by a paranormal magazine. The cyborg was said to be the modified form of a certain athlete. |
|---|---|
| Violet | This Pokémon shares many similarities with Iron Hands, an object mentioned in a certain expedition journal. |
Iron Jugulis
Iron Jugulis
Iron Jugulis is the Dark and futuristic version of Hydreigon. Like Hydreigon it has 6 wings, but they appear quite spider-like and tattered. It has LED eyes and unlike Hydreigon, the two smaller heads can also emote and have similar eyes.
Their Pokédex entries read as follows:
| Scarlet | It resembles a certain Pokémon introduced in a paranormal magazine, described as the offspring of a Hydreigon that fell in love with a robot. |
|---|---|
| Violet | It’s possible that Iron Jugulis, an object described in an old book, may actually be this Pokémon. |
Iron Moth
Iron Moth
Iron Moth is the future Paradox version of Volcarona, and it has an ancient Paradox counterpart in Slither Wing. Iron Moth is tied with Slither Wing for having the smallest increase in base stat total from its original version of Volcarona, with an increase of 20 points. It is a Fire and Poison type, and their wings appear to levitate by their body, rather than being attached to it. This design leads to speculation that it is a UFO controlled by alien life forms, particularly due to its similarity to satellites.
Their Pokédex entries read as follows:
| Scarlet | This Pokémon resembles an unknown object described in a paranormal magazine as a UFO sent to observe humanity. |
|---|---|
| Violet | No records exist of this species being caught. Data is lacking, but the Pokémon’s traits match up with an object described in an old book. |
Iron Thorns
Iron Thorns
Iron Thorns is a Rock and Electric type future Paradox version of Tyranitar. Parts of its torso are transparent, and can be seen to glow, much like the retractable spikes on its back. Unlike many of the other future Paradox forms, Iron Thorns is said to be level headed and calm, avoiding unnecessary fighting when possible. It is thought to be incredibly intelligent.
Their Pokédex entries read as follows:
| Scarlet | It has some similarities to a Pokémon introduced in a dubious magazine as a Tyranitar from one billion years into the future. |
|---|---|
| Violet | Some of its notable features match those of an object named within a certain expedition journal as Iron Thorns. |
Iron Valiant
Iron Valiant
Iron Valiant is unique in that it appears to be based upon two Pokémon, both Gardevoir and Gallade, in particular both of their Mega evolutions. It is speculated that it could be the result of a science experiment gone wrong, and it is a dual Fairy and Fighting type. At the time of writing it has a totally unique type combination! It is considered the counterpart of Roaring Moon, as both share a base stat total of 590, rather than 570 like all the other non-Legendary Pokémon.
Their Pokédex entries read as follows:
| Scarlet | It has some similarities to a mad scientist’s invention covered in a paranormal magazine. |
|---|---|
| Violet | It’s possible that this is the object listed as Iron Valiant in a certain expedition journal. |
Iron Leaves
Iron Leaves is a future Paradox Pokémon that was a surprise release on Pokémon Day as part of the reveal of new DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. It is a Grass and Psychic type that first appeared in limited Tera Raid battles. It is quite similar to Virizion in design, but is a more futuristic robotic version. It was teased in a book in the library in Scarlet and Violet, in a sketch done by a scientist who had visited Area Zero. It has the ability Quark Drive but currently has no known Pokédex entry.