In Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, players are introduced to Paradox Pokemon which come from a different era. In Scarlet, they come from the past, while in Violet, they come from the future. All the paradox creatures of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are powerful, but there are some notable differences between creatures found in either version. Most notably, Violet has two Paradox Pokemon based on pseudo-legendaries while Scarlet only has one.
This does not mean that Violet's Paradox Pokemon are stronger, as they all have a base stat of either 570 or 590. This is true regardless of whether they're related to a pseudo-legendary or not. Nevertheless, the imbalance is a curious detail, and it's made stranger by the fact that Scarlet features Paradox Pokemon based on creatures that are not at their final evolutionary stage.
The Pseudo-Legendary Paradox Pokemon of Scarlet and Violet
When players finally enter Area Zero, they encounter the Paradox Pokemon. They have traveled to the present via a time machine built by Arven's parent, and no more must escape because they are powerful enough to overrun Paldea. In Violet, two of those Pokemon are based on pseudo-legendaries. Iron Thorns is a large Rock/Electric Paradox Pokemon with bright green metallic armor. It appears to be the futuristic descendent of Tyranitar, a Rock/Ground pseudo-legendary introduced in Generation 2. Iron Jugulis is a Dark/Flying Paradox Pokemon based on the pseudo-legendary Hydreigon.
In contrast, Scarlet only has one pseudo-legendary Paradox Pokemon - Roaring Moon. This Dragon/Dark creature appears to be an ancestor of Salamence, a Dragon/Flying pseudo-legendary introduced in Generation 3. It is also worth noting that Scarlet's Paradox Pokemon are based on creatures that aren't at their final evolutionary stage. For example, Scream Tail is the ancestor of Jigglypuff, a Pokemon that can still evolve into Wigglytuff. The lack of pseudo-legendaries doesn't mean that there aren't powerful Paradox Pokemon in Scarlet. When used correctly, Scarlet's creatures can still devastate their opponents.
Scarlet's Paradox Pokemon Still Pack a Punch
One of the best Paradox Pokemon overall is Flutter Mane. It is a Ghost/Fairy creature based on Misdreavus. Its typing gives it three immunities (Normal, Fighting, Dragon), and its high Speed, Special Attack, and Special Defense stats make it a deadly weapon on the battlefield. Brute Bonnet doesn't initially seem like a dangerous enemy. It is the past form of Amoonguss, and it looks like it has moss growing on it. Its Grass/Dark typing gives it six resistances and an immunity to Psychic.
Most importantly, its move pool features useful moves such as Rage Powder, Stun Spore, and Spore which can wreak havoc on an opposing team. This demonstrates that there are more factors to consider besides raw stats when crafting a competitive team. Leaks have also suggested that there may be more Paradox Pokemon on the way via Scarlet and Violet DLC. According to some sources, the DLC will feature paradox forms of Suicune and Virizion. If true, these would be special additions, as they would be the only Paradox Pokemon based on legendaries. According to Riddler Khu, who has a reliable track record, Paradox Suicune will not be Water-type.
The Paradox Pokemon are an interesting addition to the series, though it is not the first time players have been introduced to strange creatures. Most notably, in Sun and Moon, players encounter the Ultra Beasts from Ultra Space. Like the Paradox Pokemon, these creatures are very strong, and they pose a serious threat to the natural ecosystems they are unleashed on.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available on Nintendo Switch.
