One of the coolest new features in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is the new Paradox pokemon, unorthodox new monsters that come from the past or future, seemingly the ancestors or descendants of modern-day pokemon, all of whom have some pretty high stats for battling.
So how do you find these strange beasts? Well, they’re all in the crater.
At the center of the region lies The Great Creator of Paldea, also known as Area Zero. While it remains a mystery for much of the plot, once you’ve completed the three main quests: Victory Road (beating the Pokemon League), Path of Legends, and Starfall Street you’ll be given a final quest called ‘The Way Home‘. This will give you access to go down into the crater.
Here you will encounter and battle with the paradox pokemon. After the story is over, you can go back to Area Zero whenever you please and catch the following monsters based on which game you have:
Scarlet:
- Scream Tale (Jigglypuff)
- Great Tusk (Donphan)
- Brute Bonnet (Amoonguss)
- Flutter Mane (Misdreavus)
- Sandy Shocks (Magneton)
- Slither Wing (Volcarona)
- Roaring Moon (Salamance)
- A second Koraidon
Violet:
- Iron Bundle (Delibird)
- Iron Treads (Donphan)
- Iron Hands (Hariyama)
- Iron Jugulis (Hydreigon)
- Iron Moth (Volcarona)
- Iron Thorns (Tyranitar)
- Iron Valiant (Gardevoir/Gallade)
- A Second Miraidon
While half of them are exclusive to each game if you have a friend that has the other version, you can travel to their world and catch the rest of them.
We should also note that the paradox pokemon are encouraged in their low to mid-level 60s so be prepared. All of the past pokemon have Photosynthesis as an ability which increases their highest stat by 30% (50% if its speed) when in harsh sunlight. Future pokemon on the other hand have the ability Quark Drive. This increases their highest stat by 30% (50% if speed) when on electrical terrain.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available for Nintendo Switch
For more tips on the games, check out our guide on how to evolve each of the new Generation 9 Pokemon.