Pokémon Scarlet and Violet brought many new changes to the Pokémon formula. Released in November of 2022 to average reviews, the ninth-generation games are the most ambitious titles yet. There are 18 badges to earn, classes to take, and the freedom to navigate the region as you see fit. HMs were kind of removed and you talk to trainers to battle them now instead of “locking eyes” with them. The new Terastallize battle mechanic also shakes up the competitive meta. However, the most interesting part of the game’s design is the 16 Paradox Pokémon. Paradox Pokémon are technically antagonists in the story of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. They are Pokémon that came from the ancient past or distant future depending on the game. You can find them in an end-game location called The Great Crater.
Paradox Pokémon come in two flavors, Ancient and Future. Ancient Pokémon, found in Pokémon Scarlet, look prehistoric, like ancient relatives of Pokémon. Future Pokémon look like someone in the distant future built robotic copies of Pokémon. Most Ancient Pokémon have the Protosynthesis Ability. This provides a boost to their highest stat when they’re in harsh sunlight or holding a specific item. Future Pokémon have Quark Drive. This ability provides a boost to a stat but only when the move Electric Terrain is active or they’re holding a specific item. While these unique Pokémon are similar, they are defined by their differences. So here are the top 5 Paradox Pokémon of all time.
5. Koraidon/Miraidon
Koraidon and Miraidon are the mascots of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. They also replace bikes in the ninth-generation games because of their vehicle forms. It’s hard to separate these two because they are two sides of the same coin. They both have amazing stats, great typing, and move pools. Both can fill the role of physical or special attacker. They both work well with other Paradox Pokémon. They are the only ones who don’t have the Protosynthesis or Quark Drive abilities. Koraidon has the ability of Orichalchum Pulse granting harsh sunlight as soon as it enters battle. Miraidon has the ability of Hadron Engine granting Electric Terrain on the battlefield. These abilities set up perfect field conditions for teams with multiple Paradox Pokémon.
4. Great Tusk
Great Tusk can be caught in Pokémon Scarlet and is popular for its great design and competitive potential. The Pokémon is used as a wall against physical attackers. It is also useful for tanking attacks when switching out Pokémon. It is the only Pokémon with Ground/Fighting typing and has a great move pool. Especially since it can use Headlong Rush and Close Combat and take advantage of the same-type attack bonus mechanic. Great Tusk is currently one of the best Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
3. Walking Wake
Walking Wake can be caught in Pokémon Scarlet. The ancient form of fan-favorite Suicune arrived with immense support from Pokémon fans. While it isn’t as competitive as other Pokémon on this list, it still has an interesting design that Suicune fans love. Its design got people excited for the Paradox Pokémon versions of Entei and Raikou as well. It is also the 7th Pokémon to receive Water/Dragon typing.
2. Iron Valiant
This one is my personal favorite! Iron Valiant is exclusive to Pokémon Violet and is the most unique Pokémon on this list hands down. It fuses two popular Pokémon, Gardevoir and Gallade, into a cool sleek design. Pulling from their Mega Evolutions and perfectly blending two great designs into another great design. Iron Valiant is competitively viable too with similar strengths to Koraidon and Miraidon. It is a direct counter to a lot high high-tier Pokémon. Iron Valiant is hard to counter due to its diverse move pool.
1. Roaring Moon
Roaring Moon is exclusive to Pokémon Scarlet. This is another Paradox Pokémon based on the Mega Evolution rather than the original Pokémon’s design. Salamence’s Mega Evolution also has large crescent-shaped wings. Dragon Pokémon have always been popular since they usually have high base stats. Roaring Moon is competitive due to its high attack and speed stats. Also, it has access to dragon dance allowing for it to become even stronger as a match goes on.
Conclusion
Paradox Pokémon are interesting because of how they change up the formula. They can change how one builds their team. They create discussion and friendly debate. Allowing a series as old as Pokémon to still feel just as fresh as it did in 1996. The Pokémon on this list are all great for their own reasons.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Nintendo.