Catching rare and elusive Pokemon is a challenge that every trainer relishes, and one such Pokemon that poses a formidable challenge is Iron Thorns. Exclusive to Pokemon Violet, this Paradox version of Tyranitar requires patience, strategy, and determination to capture.
In this guide, we will delve into the intricacies of locating and catching Iron Thorns in the end-game areas of Pokemon Violet and discuss how it compares to its well-known counterpart, Tyranitar.
Finding Iron Thorns in Pokemon Violet
Iron Thorns can only be encountered and captured in the end-game area known as Area Zero, which is accessible once you’ve completed the main three storylines in SV: Victory Road, Starfall Street, and Path of Legends.
Arven will reach out to embark on this quest, initiating the end-game section. To reach Area Zero, head southeast from Medali to reach Zero Gate, the entry point to the Great Crater of Paldea.
Once inside, step onto the green transporter in the Zero Gate building and choose Research Station No. 1. Upon exiting the Research Station, scour the cliffs to the right to spot Iron Thorns.
The exact process applies to Research Station No. 2, where Iron Thorns spawns on a cliff reachable by taking the left path upon exiting the Research Station.
The Hunt for Iron Thorns in Pokemon Scarlet
Regrettably, Iron Thorns is exclusive to Pokemon Violet, leaving players of Pokemon Scarlet with only one option: trading. While the Poke Portal’s Link Trade option facilitates trading, it’s essential to have a friend willing to exchange this exclusive Pokemon with you.
Catching Iron Thorns: Strategies and Tips
Capturing Iron Thorns in Pokemon Violet requires careful planning and execution. Follow these steps to increase your chances of a successful catch
Location is Key
Iron Thorns are near cliffs outside Research Stations 1 and 2 in Area Zero. Picnicking with a sandwich that boosts rock or electric encounters can enhance the spawn rate of Iron Thorns.
Battle Strategy
Lower Iron Thorns’ health to the yellow or red zone using moves like False Swipe. Its 4x weakness to Ground attacks and 2x weaknesses to Water, Grass, and Fighting moves make these types ideal for weakening it.
Status Moves
Inducing paralysis or sleep can significantly improve your catch rate. Avoid using status moves that cause Poison or Burn, as they may lead to accidental fainting.
Choose the Right Pokeball
To increase the odds of capturing Iron Thorns, use Ultra Balls. Their higher catch rate makes them the preferred choice for challenging captures.
Iron Thorns vs. Tyranitar: A Comparison
Despite Iron Thorns’ reputation as a fearsome Paradox Pokemon, its comparison with the well-known Tyranitar reveals some interesting insights. While Iron Thorns is exclusive to Pokemon Violet, Tyranitar is available in both games.
Tyranitar boasts a more favorable typing and higher stats, giving it an edge in battles.
Moreover, both Pokemon share a double weakness: Tyranitar to Fighting moves and Iron Thorns to Ground attacks. However, Iron Thorns’ double weakness to Ground poses a higher risk due to the prevalence of the move Earthquake in battles.
Regarding stats, Tyranitar takes the lead with a higher base stat total. Its broader movepool further contributes to its versatility in battles, making it a preferred choice for many trainers.
Why Can't I Catch Iron Pokemon in Violet?
If you’re encountering difficulties catching Iron Thorns in Pokemon Violet, there could be a few reasons for this:
Spawn Rarity
Iron Thorns is a rare spawn in a specific location in Area Zero, outside Research Stations 1 and 2. As a result, encountering it might take some time due to its lower appearance rate compared to other Pokemon in the area.
Encounter Rate
Sometimes, particular Pokemon have a lower encounter rate, meaning they appear less frequently in the wild. This can make finding and catching them more challenging.
Random Encounters
Wild Pokemon encounters in the Pokemon games are often randomized. This means that even if you’re in the right area, there’s a chance you won’t encounter Iron Thorns every time.
Time of Day
Some Pokemon are more likely to appear during specific times of the day or under certain weather conditions. Make sure you’re checking the right conditions for Iron Thorns to spawn.
Encounter Boosting
Using items like the Electric boosting Sparkling Power Sandwich can increase the chances of encountering certain types of Pokemon, including those of the Rock or Electric type like Iron Thorns.
Conclusion
Catching Iron Thorns in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet requires dedication and strategy. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of adding this rare Paradox Pokemon to your collection.
While Iron Thorns might be an exclusive challenge in Pokemon SV [1], the comparison with Tyranitar showcases the latter’s superiority. Whichever path you choose, the journey to capture and train these remarkable Pokemon promises excitement and adventure.
