Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Paradox Pokemon

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet represent the ninth generation of core series games in the Pokémon franchise after the five games of Generation VIII. There are many new features for you as you traverse the Spain-inspired Paldea – as has been the case in most games since Generation V – and one of those changes is the appearance of Paradox Pokémon.

However, what are these Paradoxes? What are their functions? How do they differ from other Pokémon, including legendary and mythical Pokémon? Read below for everything you need to know about Paradox Pokémon.

Also check: Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Best Paldean Flying & Electric Types

What are Paradox Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet?

Paradox Pokémon are past or future versions of previously discovered Pokémon, hence them being paradoxes. In fact, every Paradox is found in previous core series games, so they’ll all look familiar. However, there are a few key differences between Paradox Pokémon and their previously introduced versions.

First, Paradox Pokémon have special names that do not follow the traditional naming convention. Each Paradox is named with an “adjective noun” pattern, with Iron Tusk and Great Tusk as examples (Donphan’s two Paradox forms). The Paradox Pokémon in Scarlet are past versions of the inspired Pokémon .Conversely, the ones in Violet are future versions, and all have “Iron” as the first part of their name.

Second, Paradox Pokémon have different typing than their previous versions. Every non-DLC Paradox has a different type set, though most maintain one of its original set. Suicune and Virizion are rumored to be added as DLC, but their type sets have not been revealed.

Third, and maybe most importantly, Base Stats Totals are 570 or 590. This is regardless of if the inspiration for the Paradox was a pseudo-legendary (600 BST), of which there are three among the 14 Paradox. Some see a huge jump in BST, such as Jigglypuff to Screaming Tail, while others, like Tyranitar to Iron Thorn, see a slight drop.

Fourth, and likely the least important to game mechanics yet instantly noticeable, is that each Paradox Pokémon has a different design than its predecessor. Some are slight changes, like Iron Thorns, while others are starker, such as Sandy Shocks (Magneton).

There are a few other changes of note, such as Abilities, but the above four notes will set you on your way. With only three of 14 seeing a ten-point drop in BST, the inclusion of Paradox Pokémon is a unique way to add more Pokémon without having to completely redo designs. In a way, they can also be thought of as the next “evolution” of Alpha Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, the Sinnoh prequel from Generation VIII.

For the shiny hunters, there are shiny versions of Paradox Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet! The only Pokémon that appear to be shiny-locked at this time are the starters and their lines: Sprigatito (Grass), Fuecoco (Fire), and Quaxly (Water).

Paradox Pokémon in Scarlet

First, the list below will focus on the Paradoxes in Scarlet. Again, these represent past versions of each Pokémon. They will be listed in alphabetical order with a reference to their previous versions

Brute Bonnet (Amoongus): Grass & Dark, 570 BST (Grass & Poison, 564 BST)

Flutter Mane (Misdreavus): Ghost & Fairy, 570 BST (Ghost, 435 BST)

Great Tusk (Donphan): Ground & Fighting, 570 BST (Ground, 500 BST)

Roaring Moon (Salamence): Dragon & Dark, 590 BST (Dragon & Flying, 600 BST)

Sandy Shocks (Magneton): Electric & Ground, 570 BST (Electric & Steel, 465 BST)

Scream Tail (Jigglypuff): Fairy & Psychic, 570 BST (Normal & Fairy, 270 BST)

Slither Wing (Volcarona): Bug & Fighting, 570 BST (Bug & Fire, 550 BST)

Suicune is rumored to be the DLC-exclusive Paradox Pokémon for Scarlet, though no typing have been revealed.

Also check: Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Terastal

Paradox Pokémon in Violet

The list below for Violet represents future versions of Pokémon. The list is in alphabetical order by second name as all seven listed Paradoxes begin with “Iron.”

Iron Bundle (Delibird): Ice & Water, 570 BST (Ice & Flying, 330 BST)

Iron Hands (Hariyama): Fighting & Electric, 570 BST (Fighting, 474 BST)

Iron Jugulis (Hydreigon): Dark & Flying, 590 BST (Dark & Dragon, 600 BST)

Iron Moth (Volcarona): Fire & Poison, 570 BST (Bug & Fire, 550 BST)

Iron Thorns (Tyranitar): Rock & Electric, 590 BST (Rock & Dark, 600 BST)

Iron Treads (Donphan): Ground & Steel, 570 BST (Ground, 500 BST)

Iron Valiant (Gallade): Fairy & Fighting, 570 BST (Psychic & Fighting, 518 BST)

Violet possesses two of the three pseudo-legendary Paradox Pokémon with Iron Jugulis and Iron Thorns. However, with the ten-point drop, they’re no longer pseudo-legendary and just on the cusp, but they’re still very formidable.

Are you ready for your Paldean adventure? Adding a Paradox Pokémon – or few – to your team is a sure way to provide a formidable baseline against any opponent. Which Paradox(es) will you add to your team?

Also check: Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Best Paldean Poison & Bug Types