iron-boulder #1022
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
iron-boulder
Generation IX · #1022 — Paradox Pokémon
Iron Boulder, designated as National Pokédex #1022, is a Rock/Psychic-type Paradox Pokémon introduced during Generation IX in The Indigo Disk DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. This mysterious creature represents one of the most intriguing discoveries in Area Zero, bearing a striking resemblance to the legendary Pokémon Terrakion. According to various Pokédex entries, Iron Boulder is either a future relative of Terrakion or a version from a parallel timeline, with some sources claiming it resembles a Terrakion that was modified by an evil organization as described in dubious magazines. The Pokédex also notes that Iron Boulder was named after a mysterious object recorded in an old book, emphasizing its enigmatic origins and the metallic nature of its body composition. Despite these legendary-sounding origins, Iron Boulder is classified as neither a legendary nor mythical Pokémon, though its genderless nature and inability to breed place it in the same category as other artificial or paradoxical creatures.
Base Stats
Height
1.5m
Weight
162.5kg
Category
Paradox Pokémon
Gender
Genderless
Color
gray
Shape
quadruped
Abilities
Raises highest stat on Electric Terrain, or if holding Booster Energy.
Iron-boulder Biology & Physical Characteristics
Iron Boulder presents a distinctive appearance that combines geological and mechanical elements in a spherical, bull-like form covered entirely in reflective metal plating. Its most prominent features are two brown, rotatable, axe-like horns that curve forward from a black, rounded forehead, adorned with bright orange blaze coloring along their edges and the top of the head. These horns possess remarkable adaptability, capable of transforming into rounded blade cleaves during attacks that can extend to approximately the width of its entire head. The creature's face displays a grey metallic coloration with distinctive digital orange eyes and a short metal snout, while several short spikes protrude from its head. Running down its back are two black spine ridges that converge just past its humped shoulders, with orange metal protrusions visible on the shoulders themselves. Iron Boulder's legs are banded with the same orange blaze coloring as its horns, and it walks on grey metal hooves. A particularly unique biological feature is Iron Boulder's ability to fully rotate its head, which is encircled by a black band, and its possession of a short, stubby metal tail. The creature stores laser-like energy within its sharp horns, accumulated from light stored within its head, which it uses to plow through obstacles and wield in attacks imbued with psychic energy.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Iron-boulder Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Iron Boulder is completely genderless, lacking any sexual characteristics or reproductive capability, classified within the Undiscovered egg group that prevents all breeding under normal circumstances. This genderless classification places Iron Boulder alongside other artificial, legendary, mythical, and paradoxical Pokémon that exist outside normal reproductive systems. The creature cannot be obtained through breeding and does not lay eggs, with a hatch counter of 50 cycles that serves no practical purpose in gameplay. This reproductive impossibility aligns with Iron Boulder's status as a Paradox Pokémon, suggesting that individual specimens may be unique or that reproduction occurs through non-biological means, if at all. The base happiness value of zero further emphasizes Iron Boulder's artificial or alternate-origin nature, as happiness typically measures bonding with trainers but may be meaningless for a creature that did not originate through natural biological processes. The inability to breed means that Iron Boulder's genetic material cannot be passed to offspring, and the species cannot produce new generations through traditional means, effectively making each known specimen potentially irreplaceable or strictly limited in number.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm02
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
yellow
tm03
red blue
tm03
x y
tm03
black 2 white 2
tm03
black white
tm03
sun moon
tm03
ultra sun ultra moon
tm03
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm03
blue japan
tm03
red green japan
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm07
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm08
red blue
tm08
yellow
tm08
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm08
sword shield
tm09
yellow
tm08
red green japan
tm08
blue japan
+378 more TMs/HMs
Iron-boulder Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Iron Boulder does not evolve into or from any other Pokémon species, representing a complete and standalone form within the Pokédex. This lack of evolution is consistent with other Paradox Pokémon, which appear to be isolated instances or alternate versions of existing species rather than part of traditional evolutionary lineages. The creature's designation as a Paradox Pokémon explicitly positions it outside normal evolutionary frameworks, suggesting that its existence may have resulted from temporal manipulation, dimensional rifts, or technological intervention rather than natural biological progression. While Iron Boulder does not have a Mega Evolution form, its signature ability, Quark Drive, provides a unique stat-boosting mechanism that functions similarly to Mega Evolution in certain respects. When Quark Drive activates on Electric Terrain or when Iron Boulder holds a Booster Energy item, the ability raises the Pokémon's highest stat, providing dynamic combat flexibility that compensates for the lack of traditional evolution mechanics. This innovative ability system emphasizes Iron Boulder's mechanical and technological nature, distinguishing it from traditional Pokémon evolution patterns and highlighting the unique properties of Paradox Pokémon as a category.
Where to Find
Location data not available for this Pokémon in the database.
Iron-boulder Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Iron Boulder was first discovered within Area Zero, the mysterious research facility at the heart of the Paldea region, suggesting it may have originated from technological or experimental modification rather than natural evolution. The creature's behavior reflects its paradoxical nature, as it combines the physical prowess typically associated with legendary warriors like Terrakion with advanced technological capabilities. Iron Boulder demonstrates remarkable combat capability, utilizing the laser-like energy stored within its horns as both an offensive and navigational tool, capable of cleaving through any obstacle in its path. Its ability to store and manipulate light energy suggests a high degree of environmental awareness and the capacity to absorb energy from various sources, particularly electrical environments given its signature ability, Quark Drive. The genderless nature and complete lack of breeding capability indicate that Iron Boulder may be entirely artificial or originate from an alternate timeline where natural reproduction was unnecessary or impossible. Its possession of psychic energy imbued within its horns suggests behavioral sophistication beyond simple instinctual combat, possibly including telepathic or extrasensory capabilities that align with its Rock/Psychic typing.
Pokedex Entries
Generation IX
It resembles a Pokémon described in a dubious magazine as a Terrakion that had been modified by an evil organization.
It was named after a mysterious object recorded in an old book. Its body seems to be metallic.
Iron-boulder Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The Japanese name Tetsunoiwao (テツノイワオ) combines "Tetsu" (鉄), meaning iron, with "Iwa" (岩), meaning rock, and "O" (王), meaning king or lord, creating a name that translates to "Iron Rock King" or "Iron Boulder King." This nomenclature emphasizes both the metallic composition and the commanding, authoritative nature of the creature. The English name "Iron Boulder" directly reflects the combination of metal and stone that characterizes the Pokémon's appearance and composition. The design itself draws heavily from Terrakion, one of the legendary Forces of Nature, reinterpreting the doe-like quadruped into a mechanized, bull-like form with advanced technological features. The transformation from Terrakion's natural horns to Iron Boulder's rotatable, blade-like appendages suggests technological augmentation or advancement, reinforcing the narrative of modification by an evil organization. The bright orange blaze accents, digital eyes, and various metallic protrusions throughout the design create a cohesive aesthetic that balances natural geological elements with futuristic technological modifications. This design philosophy extends to the ability to rotate the head fully and manipulate laser energy, all visual and functional elements that distinguish Iron Boulder as a distinctly advanced, possibly artificially-created variant of its natural counterpart.
Learnable Moves
Iron-boulder can learn 49 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| agility | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| air slash | flying | Special | 75 | 95 | 15 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| brick break | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| bulldoze | ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| close combat | fighting | Physical | 120 | 100 | 5 |
| counter | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| electric terrain | electric | Status | — | — | 10 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| horn attack | normal | Physical | 65 | 100 | 25 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| iron defense | steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| iron head | steel | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| megahorn | bug | Physical | 120 | 85 | 10 |
| meteor beam | rock | Special | 120 | 90 | 10 |
| mighty cleave | rock | Physical | 95 | 100 | 5 |
| poison jab | poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psychic | psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| psycho cut | psychic | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| psyshock | psychic | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| quick attack | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| quick guard | fighting | Status | — | — | 15 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rock blast | rock | Physical | 25 | 90 | 10 |
| rock throw | rock | Physical | 50 | 90 | 15 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| sacred sword | fighting | Physical | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| sandstorm | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| slash | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| solar blade | grass | Physical | 125 | 100 | 10 |
| stone edge | rock | Physical | 100 | 80 | 5 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| swords dance | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| throat chop | dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| wild charge | electric | Physical | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| x scissor | bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| zen headbutt | psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 |
Iron-boulder Competitive Battle Guide
Iron Boulder possesses a remarkably balanced stat distribution totaling 590, with particular emphasis on Speed (124) and Attack (120), making it an excellent physical attacker capable of outspeeding many competitive threats. Its Special Defense stat of 108 provides respectable defensive coverage against special attacks, while its HP of 90 and Defense of 80 offer moderate physical durability, creating a well-rounded offensive and defensive profile. The signature ability Quark Drive provides significant competitive advantages by increasing Iron Boulder's highest stat under Electric Terrain or when holding Booster Energy, allowing flexible optimization depending on team composition and competitive format. Iron Boulder's movepool demonstrates substantial versatility, featuring powerful physical attacks like Mighty Cleave (95 Power Rock-type move), Sacred Sword (90 Power Fighting-type coverage), and Megahorn (120 Power Bug-type move), alongside utility moves such as Swords Dance for stat amplification and Quick Guard for priority defense. Its access to both Electric Terrain and Agility provides speed manipulation and terrain control, while Psycho Cut, Psyshock, and Zen Headbutt offer viable Special Attack alternatives despite its 68 Special Attack stat. The Rock/Psychic typing provides interesting offensive coverage, hitting common competitive threats for super-effective damage, though it does carry vulnerabilities to common attacking types including Water, Grass, Dark, and Ground, requiring careful team building and hazard management to maximize competitive effectiveness.
Commonly Asked Questions About Iron-boulder
What type is Iron-boulder?
Iron-boulder is a rock and psychic type Pokemon.
What does Iron-boulder evolve from?
Iron-boulder does not evolve.
What are Iron-boulder's weaknesses?
Iron-boulder is weak to ground, bug, ghost, steel, water, grass and dark type moves.
Iron-boulder Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Iron Boulder represents a significant addition to Generation IX's Paradox Pokémon concept, which captured player imagination through the mysterious intersection of science fiction and established Pokémon lore. The connection to Terrakion, one of the beloved legendary Forces of Nature, generated considerable interest and speculation about the nature of Paradox Pokémon and their relationship to existing species. The design's cybernetic elements and the narrative of artificial modification tap into longstanding themes within Pokémon lore regarding the relationship between technology and nature, and the potential consequences of humans attempting to artificially enhance or modify Pokémon. The mysterious origins within Area Zero and the dubious magazine references have become part of the community's broader engagement with Scarlet and Violet's lore, inspiring fan theories about the timeline implications of Paradox Pokémon and their potential role in the overarching narrative of the Paldea region. Iron Boulder's inclusion in competitive Pokémon formats has elevated its status within the metagame community, with dedicated players developing strategies to maximize the potential of Quark Drive and its diverse movepool. The creature's distinctive design and mysterious nature have made it a popular subject for fan art, speculation, and competitive analysis within the Pokémon community.
Where to Find Iron-boulder in Every Pokémon Game
Iron Boulder is exclusive to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, introduced during The Indigo Disk DLC released in late 2023, making it unavailable in any previous generation or compatible titles. Within The Indigo Disk, Iron Boulder can be encountered and captured in Area Zero, the post-game area accessible after completing the main storyline, with a notably low capture rate of 10, making it challenging to secure in battle. The Pokédex designation places it at National #1022, with a local Pokédex number of 0239 in The Indigo Disk, indicating its status as a late-game discovery rather than an early-story encounter. Iron Boulder is genderless and cannot be obtained through breeding, meaning each specimen must be individually captured or transferred from compatible titles. The creature's availability through the DLC means that players must purchase The Indigo Disk expansion to access it, making ownership dependent on investment in the supplementary content beyond the base Scarlet and Violet games. Iron Boulder cannot be transferred from Pokémon Home if not obtained in Scarlet or Violet, restricting its availability to players who specifically engage with the DLC content. Its presence in competitive formats depends on the specific ruleset and season, but its availability in the current generation ensures that competitive players can access and utilize Iron Boulder in official tournaments and online battles where Generation IX mechanics are applicable.