The Gen IX Pokémon games Scarlet & Violet have introduced some exciting new species to the franchise, with interesting concepts and cool designs. These Pokémon inhabit the Paldea region and fall in place alongside a surprisingly compelling story that has served to rectify some of the disappointment caused by the games' performance issues upon release.
While Scarlet & Violet's gameplay is fun and enjoyable, there are several species of Pokémon that can be extremely difficult to catch, which is especially frustrating for those looking to complete their Pokédex. These difficulties can come in the rarity of a Pokémon's spawns, right down to their low catch rate in the heat of battle. Players can rectify these situations with Encounter Sandwiches or specific Poké Balls, or even by seeking out these Pokémon in Tera Raids, but for those without the necessary resources, these Pokémon simply appear too hard to catch.
10 The Normal Versions Of Titan Pokémon Like Dondozo Have Unprecedented Levels Of Bulk & Resistance
Titan Pokémon have been an exciting new addition to Gen IX, as they serve to flesh out the Path of Legends storyline surrounding Arven's quest to find Herba Mystica. These Titan Pokémon are generally just larger versions of ordinary species, presented as boss battles, similar to Noble Pokémon in Legends Arceus.
However, three of these Titan Pokémon, Orthworm, Bombirdier, and Dondozo can be tricky to capture, even in their ordinary forms. Each Pokémon has a relatively low catch rate of 25, and while this can be rectified with appropriate the appropriate Poké Ball, status conditions, and patience, each of these species are dangerous and tricky enough to cause problems in between turns.
9 Pseudo-Legendaries Will Always Be Dangerous Encounters
Pseudo-legendaries are a trope that has stayed constant through the nine generations of Pokémon, with at least one being introduced with each new set of mainline games. These Pokémon have an impressive base stat total of 600, which is normally spread well to make a formidable Pokémon.
Pseudo-legendaries are highly sought-after, so their catch rate is normally extremely low. Even the lower evolutions of each line can be tricky to catch, with the final evolution then being obtained at a high level above 50. Pseudo-legendaries are tricky to get in their strongest forms, but the rewards ultimately outweigh the risks, eventually. While Gen IX's pseudo-legendary Baxcalibur is not available to catch in the wild, Gen I's Dragonite represents the pseudo-legendaries as an over world encounter with a low catch rate.
8 Three-Segment Dudunsparce & Family Of Three Maushold Are Rare Evolution Variants
Adding new evolution twists keeps things fresh and fun. The Gen IX games have rare variations of Dudunsparce and Maushold, as a Three-Segment Form and Family of Three respectively, which ultimately comes down to chance.
Both rare forms are 4% likely to happen, but as they are products of evolution, grinding to evolve multiple Dunsparce and Tandemaus respectively, can be a long and arduous process. Ultimately, getting these rare forms doesn't add anything extra to performance or the Pokédex. They're simply cool additions to a player's party and general sense of pride.
7 Chansey & Blissey Will Always Be Rare & Problematic Encounters
Chansey and its evolved form Blissey are notorious for being difficult to catch – they're rare with low catch rates. Chansey seem to be a more common encounter in Scarlet & Violet than in previous generations, but it doesn't mean they are any easier to catch.
The bulky Egg and Happiness Pokémon may have low base physical stats, but they are still tough to get down to low health, and even then they won't go down to a single Poké Ball. The Gen IX games have introduced many new species that are difficult to catch, but Chansey and Blissey are still among the most frustrating.
6 Searching For Applin Can Be Tiresome & Frustrating
The tiny Apple Core Pokémon Applin represents the rare species of Pokémon that aren't simply running around as active overworld encounters in Scarlet & Violet. Applin are found hiding in trees, and their size makes them easy to miss.
Frustratingly, Applin can be impossible to find for hours, and then two appear within ten minutes of each other. Players can either throw Poké Balls at them in the tree, or ride into said tree with Koraidon/Miraidon, knocking Applin out and leaving it vulnerable to engage in battle.
5 Evolving Gimmighoul Into Gholdengo Takes A Lot Of Time & Effort
Scarlet & Violet introduced various new evolution gimmicks and conditions, but while most are easily achieved with focused attention and commitment, evolving Gimmighoul into Gholdengo is time-consuming. To trigger this evolution, players must find 999 Gimmighoul Coins while roaming the vast open-world landscapes of Paldea, but other than targeting the various Watchtowers, this can be a tricky test.
In fact, many players will have give up looking on their own and resort to online guides for the Gimmighoul locations. Some Gimmighoul give as little as 1 Gimmighoul Coin while others give as many as 60. Gimmighoul do make noises when nearby, but this is not always helpful.
4 Ditto & Zorua Are Still Frustrating With Their Respective Illusions
Ditto and Zorua are known for their shape-shifting and illusionary antics. In Scarlet & Violet, both hide in plain sight in the Paldea wild. They both pose as other wild Pokémon, meaning that searching for them can be wildly frustrating, with them often being encountered by accident.
Ditto can then put up a fight in the battle itself, by transforming into whatever Pokémon the player is using. Ditto are vital for easy breeding in the Pokémon games, which adds an extra level of importance to trying to catch one of these elusive Pokémon.
3 Moraidon & Koraidon Put Up A Serious Fight If Players Don't Use Their Master Ball
The cover Legendary Pokémon of Scarlet & Violet, Koraidon and Miraidon respectively, are rare examples of legendaries that are ever-present throughout the games as transport Pokémon, building a level of trust and friendship with players along the way. This companion Legendary Pokémon can be used in battle, but there is also a static encounter available with another of the species, for those wanting to trade one over for the other version exclusive.
If players decide not to use a Master Ball in this encounter, then this battle can go like any other battle with a Legendary Pokémon. Catch rates are always low with these Pokémon, but it can ultimately come down to luck. Status moves and appropriate Poké Balls can still play their part, but patience is the most valuable tool for players to have in these situations.
2 The Four Treasures Of Ruin Are Ominous Threats & Tough To Catch
The Four Treasures Of Ruin are more examples of Legendary Pokémon that can put up a frustrating fight if players decide not to throw a Master Ball at them. The four legendaries have an intense backstory, enhanced further by first taking the History classes to completion at the Uva or Naranja Academy.
Wo-Chien leads the way for the cool designs, – Chien-Pao, Tin-Lu, and Chi-Yu are also formidable Dark types. Quick Balls and status conditions are two strategies to make quick work of these Pokémon, but they don't work on a consistent basis.
1 All The Paradox Pokémon Pose A Real & Dangerous Threat
Paradox Pokémon are another intriguing addition to the roster in Gen IX's Scarlet & Violet, as they are species from the ancient past or distant future depending on the version being played. Each Paradox Pokémon is a distant relative to existing Pokémon, but with type and design changes that keep them fresh and intriguing.
Paradox Pokémon are found as overworld encounters in Area Zero, but are no ordinary Pokémon. Every single Paradox Pokémon hits hard and has decent-enough type coverage to cause issues for any opponent, punishing Trainers who fail to catch them early on.