Pokémon Go Hints at Scarlet & Violet Paradox Forms

Pokémon Go has hinted at introducing Paradox Pokémon from Scarlet and Violet into the popular mobile game.

Paradox Pokémon are alternate versions of familiar creatures from different timelines—some hailing from ancient eras, others from futuristic settings—first appearing in the latest Nintendo Switch titles, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

The 9th-anniversary artwork for Pokémon Go features the prehistoric Great Tusk, resembling a creature from Jurassic World, alongside the cybernetic Iron Treads, straight out of a neon-lit dystopia. Both are reimagined forms of Donphan, sparking speculation about how these Paradox Pokémon will debut in the game.

In Scarlet and Violet, Paradox Pokémon roam the wild, but in Pokémon Go, they’ll likely appear in raids—similar to how Ultra Beasts were introduced during the Sun and Moon era.

Since Paradox Pokémon were first discovered in Scarlet and Violet’s "Area Zero," some fans speculate they’d fit perfectly in Pokémon Go’s Wild Area event, designed to evoke a safari-like experience.

There are currently 22 Paradox Pokémon, including common species and Legendary variants. For example, Jigglypuff’s ancient form, Scream Tail, exists alongside Terrakion’s futuristic counterpart, Iron Boulder—a robotic redesign. Legendary variants will probably debut in raids.

However, fans should temper expectations. Previous anniversary art teased features like Mega Mewtwo and Mimikyu without immediate follow-through. That said, given the recent rollout of Gigantamax Pokémon and Ultra Beasts, Paradox Pokémon seem like the next logical addition.

This year’s artwork also hints at Gigantamax Butterfree, Mega Metagross, and even potential remote features (like trading or communication).

Then there’s Zygarde—set to feature in the upcoming Pokémon Legends Z-A. While already in Pokémon Go, players can currently only obtain one. Could Mega Raids or additional forms be coming? Only time will tell, much like the timeline-hopping Paradox Pokémon themselves.

Recently, Pokémon Go’s developers addressed issues with Golden PokéStops affecting anniversary events. Last month, IGN spoke with director Michael Steranka about the game’s future, including new stat-boosting items and assurances that Scopely’s ownership won’t lead to unexpected additions—like Cristiano Ronaldo.