Paradox Pokemon are an entirely new concept introduced in Gen 9, and it seems that they might be tied to the overarching story of the Paldea region, possibly each appearing in specific locations indicated by the mysterious Scarlet and Violet books revealed today. Each Paradox Pokemon’s types change to a degree, and they are allegedly all going to be dual-type pocket monsters in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. According to the leaks, for example, Great Tusk will be a Ground and Fighting hybrid, whereas Iron Treads will be Ground/Electric.
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Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Paradox Pokemon will likely act as the games’ biggest version exclusives, and this is already true with Pokemon Scarlet featuring the base Tyranitar line and Pokemon Violet including the base Salamence line. Paradox Tyranitar was the first to be leaked today, and its overall aesthetic doesn’t change all too much, with its armor seemingly turning into metal and the critter developing massive neon-like spikes on its back, possibly a sign of it being Electric-type. If that is indeed the case, it would have to retain either Rock or Dark as its primary type, according to the leaks.
Paradox Salamence came shortly after Tyranitar, but its look changes more dramatically than its fellow pseudo-Legendary, and it develops massive wings that look more akin to those of Mega Salamence from Gen 6 games, this time more feather-like. The Pokemon’s body also changes more compared to its base form, and it seems to develop a more feathery texture on its skin, which also changes color to become brighter. Paradox Salamence is more clearly visible than Paradox Tyranitar, however, as the latter’s Pokedex picture is taken from behind, meaning some of its characteristics might be missing until players run into the creature in their game.
Paradox Salamence and Paradox Tyranitar are even more likely to carry the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet exclusive discourse further than Armarouge and Ceruledge did when they were revealed, and that’s because these are two older Pokemon with plenty of fans each. Still, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s co-op feature should make version exclusives easier to obtain while playing with friends and strangers, meaning that those who pre-ordered a given version of the game still have a chance of getting monsters that are not in their base game. Ultimately, pictures of Paradox Salamence and Tyranitar might stay online for a limited amount of time, as Nintendo is actively hitting leakers and leak aggregators.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet release on November 18 for Nintendo Switch.
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