Complete guide to finding Phanpy, Donphan and their Paradox forms in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet with expert catching strategies
Understanding Phanpy and Donphan’s Return
Generation 2’s beloved Elephant Pokemon, Phanpy and Donphan, make their triumphant return in Scarlet & Violet, bringing with them revolutionary Paradox forms that redefine their battle capabilities.
The iconic Ground-type duo from Johto returns with enhanced significance in Generation 9’s Paldea region. Trainers will discover these classic Pokemon now feature version-exclusive Paradox variants that dramatically alter their competitive viability.
Prior to Scarlet & Violet’s release, The Pokemon Company unveiled the groundbreaking Ancient and Future Paradox forms, introducing temporal variants of established Pokemon species throughout the Paldea region.
Phanpy and its evolved form Donphan earned distinction as the inaugural Pokemon officially confirmed to possess these extraordinary temporal variants, building upon their Generation 2 foundation.
This comprehensive guide delivers essential intelligence for locating Phanpy, Donphan, and their extraordinary Ancient and Future Paradox counterparts Great Tusk and Iron Treads throughout the diverse ecosystems of Paldea.
Phanpy Spawn Locations and Catching Tips
Phanpy, the compact Ground-type Pokemon, predominantly inhabits Paldea’s most elevated terrain regions within Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.
Specifically, trainers can encounter Phanpy populations in these designated zones:
Expert Catching Strategy: Phanpy exhibits increased spawn frequency during morning hours (6:00-10:00 AM game time). Use Quick Balls for immediate capture attempts or employ False Swipe combined with status conditions for guaranteed catches. Their level range typically spans 15-25, making them ideal for mid-game team integration.
Avoid Common Mistakes: Don’t waste Ultra Balls early – Phanpy’s catch rate is reasonable with Great Balls. Be mindful of Sand Attack accuracy reduction during prolonged battles. Always check for Pickup ability, which can provide valuable items post-battle.
Donphan Hunting Guide
Trainers specifically targeting Donphan can encounter this evolved form in wilderness areas, though with significantly reduced frequency compared to Phanpy. The formidable Ground-type Armor Pokemon primarily occupies the arid expanses of Asado Desert.
Ambitious trainers seeking Donphan can locate it within these specific territories:
Trainers aspiring to cultivate their own Phanpy into Donphan must elevate it to level 25, ensuring veterans familiar with Phanpy from Generation 2 encounters will find the evolution process straightforward in Scarlet & Violet.
Evolution Optimization: Use EXP Candies from Tera Raids for rapid leveling. Donphan learns powerful moves like Earthquake at level 42 and Stone Edge via TM, making it a formidable physical attacker. Its Sturdy ability provides survivability against one-hit KO moves.
Wild Donphan Strategy: These level 28-35 wild encounters require stronger catching approaches. Use Dusk Balls in caves or nighttime, or Timer Balls for prolonged battles. Their Defense stat is high, so special attacks work best for weakening.
Paradox Forms: Great Tusk and Iron Treads
Phanpy and Donphan received revolutionary new forms in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, featuring exclusive temporal variants unique to each game version.
Trainers possessing Pokemon Scarlet version can capture Donphan’s Ancient incarnation, Great Tusk.
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Trainers with Pokemon Violet version can obtain its Future counterpart Iron Treads.
Players can locate Great Tusk and Iron Treads within their respective game versions in this exclusive zone:
Paradox Form Strategy: These powerful Pokemon are level 55-65 and require advanced preparation. Great Tusk is Fighting/Ground-type with massive Attack, while Iron Treads is Ground/Steel with balanced stats. Bring Pokemon with super-effective moves and plenty of Ultra Balls. Their catch rates are low, so status conditions are essential.
Version Exclusivity Note: These Paradox forms cannot be traded between versions until after capture, making them truly version-exclusive encounters. Plan your team composition accordingly based on your game version.
Advanced Training and Battle Tips
EV Training Optimization: Phanpy and Donphan benefit tremendously from HP and Attack EV training. Use Power Weight and Power Bracer items while battling Pokemon that yield these stat points. For Paradox forms, consider specialized spreads: Great Tusk maximizes Attack and Speed, while Iron Treads benefits from balanced Defense and Attack investment.
Move Set Recommendations: Donphan excels with Earthquake, Ice Spinner, Stone Edge, and Rapid Spin for hazard control. Great Tusk utilizes Earthquake, Close Combat, Headlong Rush, and Stealth Rock. Iron Treads performs well with Earthquake, Iron Head, Volt Switch, and Stealth Rock for strategic versatility.
Team Synergy Advice: Pair these Ground-types with Flying-types or Levitate users to avoid Earthquake damage. Water and Grass-type partners cover their Water and Grass weaknesses. Consider Tera types that eliminate weaknesses – Tera Flying for Donphan or Tera Fairy for Iron Treads can dramatically improve survivability.
And that concludes our comprehensive coverage for locating Phanpy, Donphan, Great Tusk, and Iron Treads throughout Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. Trainers seeking additional Paldea region intelligence can explore our complementary guides below:
Where to find Noibat & Noivern in Scarlet & Violet | Where to find Spiritomb in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet | Where to find Igglybuff, Jigglypuff, Wigglytuff & Paradox Form in Scarlet & Violet | How to get Misreavus, Mismagius & Flutter Mane | How to get Delibird & Iron Bundle | How to get Makuhita, Hariyama & Iron Hands | How to get Basculin & Basculegion | Where to find Swablu & Altaria in Scarlet & Violet | Where to find Sneasel, Weavile & Sneasler | Where to find Orthworm | Where to find Mimikyu in Scarlet & Violet | Where to find Ditto in Scarlet & Violet | How to get Eevee & Eeveelutions in Scarlet & Violet | Where to find Fidough & Dachsbun | How to get all starters in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Where to find Phanphy, Donphan, Iron Treads, & Great Tusk in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Complete guide to finding Phanpy, Donphan and their Paradox forms in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet with expert catching strategies