Pokémon Go, Niantic’s ever-popular augmented reality mobile game, has just dropped its 9th-anniversary artwork, and it’s already stirring buzz across the player base. The celebratory visual, crafted by Pokémon Go character designer Yusuke Kozaki, subtly (or maybe not-so-subtly) includes two intriguing figures: Great Tusk and Iron Treads. Both are Paradox Pokémon from the Nintendo Switch titles Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet — and their presence has fans speculating hard about what’s coming next.
These are not your typical monsters. Paradox Pokémon, for those unfamiliar, are essentially ancient or futuristic reimaginings of familiar species. They’re one of the standout features from the Paldea region, offering players a chance to encounter creatures that feel like they’re from an alternate timeline entirely. Great Tusk resembles a prehistoric Donphan, all raw power and wild design, while Iron Treads is its robotic, sci-fi counterpart — a future-dwelling metallic behemoth.
Key Takeaways:
- Great Tusk and Iron Treads make a cameo in the 9th-anniversary artwork, signaling a possible debut of Paradox Pokémon.
- These creatures originate from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, specifically from a mysterious zone called Area Zero.
- Fans are speculating whether Niantic will introduce them via five-star raids, special events, or perhaps something entirely new like a “Wild Area.”
- Previous teaser artwork has occasionally overpromised or been more suggestive than immediate, so expectations are cautiously optimistic.
Now, what’s especially interesting here is how their inclusion taps into larger questions about game design. In Scarlet and Violet, players discover Paradox Pokémon in Area Zero, a deep and lore-rich location that’s only unlocked toward the end of the game. That setting matters because it shapes how players imagine these creatures entering Pokémon Go. A lot of folks online think five-star raids make the most sense—after all, that’s how Niantic has handled other exotic species like Ultra Beasts.
But then again, others argue that this could be a chance to try something new. Maybe a temporary “Wild Area” event could be launched, one that allows players to encounter these time-warped creatures in the wild. Sort of a safari-zone-meets-fantasy concept. It would certainly break up the usual grind of raid battles, which not everyone loves, especially if you’re playing more casually or in a rural area with fewer active players.
Naturally, social media is abuzz. On platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), players are picking apart the artwork with near forensic detail. And while there’s a fair bit of excitement, there’s also some hesitation—a sense of “wait and see.” That’s partly because this isn’t the first time Niantic has dropped a visual hint without following through right away. Remember the hype around Mega Mewtwo? Or the whispers about Mimikyu? Some of those teases are still unresolved, leaving a few fans a bit skeptical.
Even so, there’s little doubt that Niantic is slowly pushing Pokémon Go further into the world of Scarlet and Violet. After the rollout of Gigantamax forms and the near-complete Mega evolution roster, introducing Paradox Pokémon feels like the next natural step. And it doesn’t stop with Great Tusk and Iron Treads — the artwork also hints at Mega Butterfree and Aegislash, the latter of which is expected to appear this month during the “Steel and Scales” event.
So, while nothing is officially confirmed just yet, the signs are certainly there. Trainers are waiting for word from Niantic, eager to see just how these strange new additions will fit into the Pokémon Go landscape. Will they arrive via traditional raids, or will Niantic surprise us with something more immersive and unexpected? Either way, it’s shaping up to be a fascinating year for Pokémon Go.
FAQ:
Q1: What are Paradox Pokémon?
A1: Paradox Pokémon are unique forms introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. They’re either ancient or futuristic versions of existing species, found deep within the Area Zero region of Paldea.
Q2: Which Paradox Pokémon are shown in the Pokémon Go anniversary artwork?
A2: The artwork features Great Tusk and Iron Treads, both alternative forms of Donphan representing the past and future, respectively.
Q3: How might they be introduced into Pokémon Go?
A3: There’s speculation they might arrive via five-star raids, similar to how Ultra Beasts were added. Some players also hope for a new “Wild Area” style event, offering wild encounters.
Q4: Do these teaser artworks always lead to immediate releases?
A4: Not always. Some past teases—like for Mega Mewtwo and Mimikyu—have yet to be realized in-game, which has made some players wary of reading too much into the visuals.
Q5: Are any other Pokémon teased in the artwork?
A5: Yes, both Mega Butterfree and Aegislash appear in the image. Aegislash is expected to arrive during this month’s “Steel and Scales” event.
