Paradox Pokémon are a curious new variety of Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, but their origin story leaves much to be desired. Much like Terastallization, they are unique to the Paldea region. However, on close inspection, the presented origin of these Pokémon does not hold up to scrutiny.
When the player ventures into Area Zero in the climax of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, they discover many examples of Paradox Pokémon. Appearing as either prehistoric or futuristic versions of existing Pokémon depending on the game version, Paradox Pokémon are fearsome creatures that pose an imminent danger to all. It is eventually revealed that their presence is the work of one of Pokémon’s newest Professors, Sada or Turo, who built a time machine to bring these Pokémon from their own time to the present, giving rise to the name of ‘Paradox’.
Scarlet & Violet’s Time Travel Poses A Real Paradox
The problem with the assertion that Paradox Pokémon are the result of the Professor’s time machine is that it simply cannot be true. In a very real paradox, they were already discovered 200 years in the past by the Area Zero Expedition, as recorded by Heath in the Scarlet or Violet Book. If Sada or Turo were truly responsible for the Paradox Pokémon, then how could they also be found long before the time machine was built? Also, although this is not the first time that time travel in Pokémon has posed a paradox, it is evident that this contradiction was deliberate, as Arven comments on the confusing situation in-game.
Paradox Pokémon May Not Be Time Travelers At All
With it being clear that the name of 'Paradox' means more than simply time-traveling Pokémon, some have begun to theorize alternative explanations for the strange Pokémon. One intriguing theory, posed by fans like Reddit Paradox Pokémon seen throughout Pokémon Scarlet and Violet could actually be produced by the Professor imagining what such Pokémon may look like.
This would explain the contradiction in the Paradox Pokémon’s origins perfectly, turning it into a simple chain of cause and effect. And with a mysterious Legendary Pokémon hinted to exist in the Professor’s notes on Terastallization, this could be the entity responsible. Of course, there are alternative explanations as well; time travel could still be at work in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, if this Legendary is capable of it or the time machine is reactivated. Paradox Pokémon could thus be sent from the present to the time of the Area Zero Expedition. In either case, the truth may well be revealed in DLC alongside the addition of new Paradox Pokémon.
Whatever their true origins may be, it is clear that there is more to Paradox Pokémon than currently meets the eye. As fearsome as they are, the fact remains that their supposed origin in time travel clearly does not make sense, as Heath’s inherently contradicts the work it inspired for Sada and Turo centuries later. This in turn suggests that Area Zero also has more secrets for players to uncover in the future, discoveries that will resolve the true paradox behind the Paradox Pokémon. Although officially unconfirmed, this does provide evidence to the idea of there being future DLC plans for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet players to enjoy.
Source: Player_15/Reddit
