Pokémon GO Hints at the Arrival of Paradox Pokémon from Scarlet & Violet

Pokémon GO’s 9th-anniversary artwork has sparked excitement among fans, strongly hinting at the upcoming introduction of Paradox Pokémon – unique creatures originating from the past and future, first introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet.

A Glimpse into Alternate Realities

Paradox Pokémon represent a new type of Pocket Monster, offering alternate-timeline versions of familiar creatures. The anniversary artwork, created by Pokémon GO character designer Yusuke Kozaki, features prominent depictions of Great Tusk and Iron Treads, Paradox forms of the classic Pokémon Donphan. These designs – one resembling a prehistoric beast and the other a futuristic robot – immediately signal a significant shift in the game’s roster.

The arrival of Paradox Pokémon is highly anticipated, and speculation is rife regarding their implementation. Considering the precedent set by previous event Pokémon like Ultra Beasts, it’s widely expected that these powerful creatures will primarily appear in raids. Some fans even suggest a connection to the in-game Wild Area event, mirroring the “Area Zero” crater location where Paradox Pokémon are found in Scarlet and Violet.

Beyond Paradox: Other Teases in the Artwork

The anniversary artwork offers more than just a glimpse of Paradox Pokémon. It also hints at the potential arrival of:

• Mega Metagross: One of the few remaining Mega Evolutions yet to be implemented in Pokémon GO.
• Gigantamax Butterfree: A highly anticipated Gigantamax form expected to debut soon.
• Expanded Zygarde Forms: A nod to the upcoming Pokémon Legends Z-A, potentially unlocking more forms of Zygarde, possibly through Mega Raids.
• Remote Trading/Communication: A player avatar giving a thumbs-up has fueled speculation about potential new social features.

A History of Teases and Expectations

While Pokémon GO has a history of teasing features that don’t always materialize – past artwork hinted at Mega Mewtwo and Mimikyu without immediate follow-through – the inclusion of Paradox Pokémon feels particularly promising. Following the successful launches of Gigantamax and Ultra Beast content, Paradox Pokémon represent a logical next step in expanding the game’s roster and offering new challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Pokémon GO’s 9th-anniversary artwork strongly hints at the introduction of Paradox Pokémon from Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet.
• Great Tusk and Iron Treads are featured prominently, suggesting they will be among the first Paradox Pokémon available.
• Fans anticipate Paradox Pokémon will be primarily accessible through raids.
• The artwork also teases potential additions like Mega Metagross, Gigantamax Butterfree, and expanded Zygarde forms.
• While past teasers haven’t always come to fruition, the inclusion of Paradox Pokémon feels particularly likely given recent content trends.