Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Paradox Suicune and Virizion could see the institution of a new rule in the series. The future of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Paradox Pokemon could change depending on what these newly revealed Pokemon have to offer. There's a chance that future or past versions of other Legendaries could be revealed at a later date, especially with two known expansions to look forward to. The two represent a new step forward for Paradox Pokemon as well as Legendaries, and until they are officially released, they will be the subject of a few unanswered questions.
The latest Pokemon Presents revealed DLC plans for the future of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, and among them were a pair of new Paradox Pokemon. Walking Wake is the Scarlet-exclusive Paradox form of Suicune, while Iron Leaves is Violet's Paradox form of Virizion. While the announcement of any new Paradox Pokemon would have been highlighted, Walking Wake and Iron Leaves stand out for being the first Paradox Pokemon to be based on Legendaries. While Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's DLC announcement did confirm a popular rumor, it also confirmed the possibility that other Legendary Pokemon could receive Paradox forms in the future.
Scarlet and Violet DLC Introduces The First Legendary Paradox Pokemon
One common trait of Legendary Pokemon, aside from them usually being one of a kind, is their stat totals. Members of Legendary Trios typically have stat totals around 580, while Box Legendaries and other such Pokemon have totals in the 600s. This shows how Legendary Pokemon are a step above anything else in the region, with only fully-evolved pseudo-legendaries being able to come close to their power level. However, Paradox Pokemon have base stat totals of 570, with a couple of particularly powerful examples reaching 590. The logic behind Pokemon's stats is worth questioning when it can lead to a Legendary Pokemon losing their heralded power.
Walking Wake and Iron Leaves will have Paradox stat totals rather than Legendary ones, which raises the question of whether these versions of the Pokemon can still be considered Legendary. If they are the same Pokemon, especially considering Legendaries are usually one of a kind, that awakens the possibility that Pokemon could gain or lose Legendary status throughout history. That could mean that one of the DLCs for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet may end up doing this in reverse, with the Paradox version of a non-legendary Pokemon turning out to be on par with the Legendaries. Pokemon Violet's powerful Paradox Pokemon Iron Valiant potentially comes the closest so far.
Ironically, even if Walking Wake and Iron Leaves aren't considered Legendaries anymore, they just barely have higher base stat totals than their original forms. The real test may come if one of the more powerful legendaries such as Ho-Oh or Rayquaza has a Paradox version released. While a couple of Paradox Pokemon based on pseudo-legendaries had lower stat totals than their inspirations, the usual Paradox stats would be a significant step down for the major Legendary Pokemon. While Suicune and Virizion are more-or-less on the same level as their Paradox counterparts, DLC could provide a chance for Scarlet and Violet to break another Legendary tradition.
Although Walking Wake and Iron Leaves bring up a few interesting ideas regarding Paradox Pokemon and Legendaries, they may not pay off until a stronger Legendary Pokemon gets a Paradox form. That is when the power differential between Legendaries and Paradoxes will truly be tested. Either the powerful Legendary would receive a power decrease, or the end result would be the strongest Paradox Pokemon to date by far. In the meantime, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's DLC Paradox Pokemon should prove to be thought-provoking new additions.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are available now for the Nintendo Switch.
