Pokémon Horizons Set to Venture into the Most Hazardous Location in Paldea

Pokémon Horizons is set to delve into one of Paldea’s most perilous and seldom-explored regions: Area Zero. The upcoming story arc promises to unveil new Pokémon while continuing the ongoing narrative centered around the Six Heroes, which has been unfolding throughout the current season.

In Episode 78, the crew encounters an Entei but soon realizes it isn’t the legendary creature associated with the Six Heroes’ lore. They subsequently receive a call from Ms. Briar, alerting them about another “Entei”sighting in the Great Crater of Paldea, commonly referred to as Area Zero. The group agrees to rendezvous with Briar, but their entry into Area Zero necessitates obtaining special permission from the League. Following this episode, a trailer was released, hinting at thrilling developments in the forthcoming episodes. Episode 79 will depict the team battling Geeta, the League’s esteemed champion, in a bid for entry, while Episode 80 will likely showcase their actual venture into Area Zero.

New Horizons: The Introduction of Paradox Pokémon

Unveiling Powerful and Rare Paradox Pokémon

The Pokémon Scarlet and Violet video games feature Area Zero, an expansive area central to Paldea characterized by towering crater walls that restrict access. This enigmatic locale is home to Paradox Pokémon—extraordinary beings from alternate timelines, closely resembling existing species. While some of these Pokémon hail from the past, particularly those appearing in the Scarlet version, others emerge from a distant future in Violet.

The recently released preview showcases Liko, Dot, Roy, and Friede as they explore Area Zero with Briar, who outlines their objectives within the crater. The trailer notably highlights numerous Paradox Pokémon in quick succession. However, it is revealed that the “Entei”they are pursuing is actually Gouging Fire, a Paradox Pokémon that mimics Entei. The encounter with such a mysterious and potentially hazardous Pokémon adds an intriguing layer to the team’s adventure, particularly when considering the legendary Ancient Adventurer Lucius’s supposed Pokémon.

Continued Preference for Scarlet in the Anime

The Focus on Scarlet-Exclusive Pokémon in Trailers

Scream Tail, a Past Paradox Pokemon, seen in Pokemon Horizons.

One notable challenge with introducing Paradox Pokémon is the distinction between versions: Scarlet’s historical Pokémon versus those from Violet’s futuristic perspective. Current trailers have only spotlighted past Paradox Pokémon, indicating a recurring trend favoring Scarlet—similar to the earlier decision to establish the academy as Naranja Academy.

This preference raises questions among fans of the Violet version, leading to slight confusion and disappointment. Still, additional materials released in Japan hint at the potential appearance of Violet’s Paradox Pokémon, though this remains unconfirmed within the anime itself. Fans will need to tune in for the Pokémon Horizons premiere in Area Zero, scheduled for January 17, 2025, to witness how this narrative unfolds and whether the balance between Scarlet and Violet Pokémon will be addressed.

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