Paradox Pokemon are a new category of never-before-seen Pokemon. In relation to Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet's past/future theme, Paradox Pokemon are ancient descendants (Scarlet) or futuristic versions (Violet) of pre-existing species, such as Misdreavus or Delibird. Despite bearing a strong resemblance to their present-time versions, the Paradox Pokémon's Typings are not the same. These are also part of the Paldean Pokedex, so they'll need to be caught for the completionist trainer.
Pokemon Scarlet & Pokemon Violet introduce Iron Valiant, a Paradox Pokemon that bears a strong resemblance to Gardevoir and Gallade. Unfortunately for Pokemon Scarlet players, Iron Valiant is exclusive to Pokemon Violet. Iron Valiant won't be found wandering around in the open. Thus, Violet players will want to know exactly where to go if they plan on catching it.
Spoilers for the final story in Pokemon Scarlet/Violet.
Finding Iron Valiant in Area Zero
Iron Valiant can only be found in Area Zero, and if players haven't reached this location yet, then they're not ready to catch it. To reach Area Zero, players will need to have done the following:
- Become the Champion Rank and complete Victory Road (ie: defeat the Elite Four, Geeta, and Nemona).
- Help Arven defeat the five Titan Pokemon around Paldea.
- Take down Team Star and defeat their leader.
- Complete "The Way Home" which unlocks after completing the three main questlines.
The first time Violet players will see Iron Valiant is on AI Turo's team. Of course, players won't be able to snag AI Turo's Iron Valiant, so they'll have to find their own. If players return to Area Zero in the postgame, they'll notice an abundance of Paradox Pokemon wandering about... except for Iron Valiant. Here's what to do (refer to the above image for the exact locations):
- Go to the Zero Gate and use the warp pad to fast-travel to Research Station 3.
- Exit the Research Station, and players should be facing the giant entrance to Area Zero's underground (where the Zero Lab is located).
- Go far left from Research Station 3.
- Look for two rocks close to one another. There will be a tunnel that leads into an open clearing with a waterfall.
- Iron Valiant can be found in the middle of the room as a level 58 Pokemon.
There's only one Iron Valiant that spawns in Area Zero. However, players can catch a second Iron Valiant (or if they accidentally defeat it) by exiting, then re-entering Area Zero and returning to its cave.
More Information About Iron Valiant
Since the wild Iron Valiant is level 58, it's extremely likely that Violet players will have much stronger Pokemon. Bring a Pokemon that's a little higher than level 58 to this battle, or have a Pokemon that knows the move False Swipe. Iron Valiant is a Fairy/Fighting-type Pokemon, meaning it has the following effectiveness:
|
Strong against: |
Dragon, Normal, Rock, Steel, Ice, Dark, Fighting |
|---|---|
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Weak against: |
Psychic, Flying, Poison, Steel, Fairy |
|
Immune to: |
Dragon |
|
Resists: |
Bug, Dark, Rock, Fighting |
At this point, Violet trainers should know that Iron Valiant's best strengths are its Attack and Speed. Bring a fast Pokemon to this battle (such as Espeon), or a Pokemon with high Defense (such as Garganacl). Be warned that Iron Valiant will have moves like Leaf Blade, which gives it Type Coverage against Rock, Ground, and Water-type Pokemon. Iron Valiant can be a bit tougher to catch than the more common Paradox Pokemon, so bring Ultra Balls and even Timer Balls.
If Pokemon Scarlet players are hoping to get their own Iron Valiant, they'll need to trade with someone who has Pokemon Violet. Iron Valiant can't breed, so it can't be transferred as an Egg and will always have the ID of its original trainer. Scarlet/Violet players can trade with one another by using a Link Trade (in Pokemon Portal) and setting a Code.
Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet are available for Nintendo Switch.