iron-thorns
Generation IX · #0995 — Paradox Pokémon
Iron Thorns is a Rock/Electric-type Paradox Pokémon introduced in Generation IX, bearing the National Pokédex number 995. Standing 1.6 meters tall and weighing a substantial 303 kilograms, this mysterious creature represents one of the most intriguing enigmas in modern Pokémon science. The Scarlet Pokédex entry describes Iron Thorns as bearing striking similarities to a Pokémon featured in a dubious magazine as a Tyranitar from one billion years into the future, while the Violet entry cryptically references an object named within an expedition journal. With a base stat total of 570 and a distinctly physical-oriented distribution favoring Attack (134) and Defense (110), Iron Thorns is built for overwhelming offensive pressure backed by respectable durability. Its signature ability, Quark Drive, elevates its highest stat when Electric Terrain is active or when holding Booster Energy, making it a potent threat in the right circumstances.
Base Stats
Height
1.6m
Weight
303.0kg
Category
Paradox Pokémon
Gender
Genderless
Color
green
Shape
upright
Abilities
Raises highest stat on Electric Terrain, or if holding Booster Energy.
Iron-thorns Biology & Physical Characteristics
Iron Thorns is a large, bipedal robotic dinosaur-like Pokémon covered in green metallic armor plating that gives it an unmistakably futuristic appearance. Its body features sleek, geometric armor panels across its limbs and torso, with black coloring on its claws, lower jaw, abdomen sections, and tail tip providing a striking contrast. Most notably, portions of its torso and legs appear transparent, revealing a glowing green luminescent substance within—likely the energy source that powers this remarkable being. On its back are retractable spikes composed of the same radiant green energy, which can be drawn inward when the Pokémon is in a dormant state. When Iron Thorns falls asleep, it effectively shuts itself down, causing all the glowing green energy across its torso, legs, tail, and spikes to fade to black, transforming it into an inert metallic statue. This remarkable design suggests advanced biological engineering or temporal manipulation, distinguishing it fundamentally from organic Pokémon and marking it as something beyond normal natural evolution.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Iron-thorns Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Iron Thorns is a genderless Pokémon, classified within the Undiscovered egg group and incapable of breeding through conventional means. This characteristic is consistent with its status as a Paradox Pokémon and its apparent artificial or engineered nature, suggesting reproduction through standard biological mechanisms is not applicable to this species. The Pokémon has a base friendship value of zero, significantly lower than most other creatures, indicating it does not naturally form social bonds or attachments in the traditional sense. This low base friendship may reflect its coolheaded, solitary demeanor and its apparent lack of organic emotional responses. The slow growth rate, combined with an egg cycle counter of 50 (representing 12,594–12,850 steps to hatch in conventional breeding scenarios) that holds no practical application, further emphasizes Iron Thorns' unique status as a non-reproducible entity. Its capture rate of 30 suggests reasonable difficulty in capturing this rare Pokémon in the wild, though considerably easier than the most elusive legendary creatures, placing it in an intermediate category of availability.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm02
emerald
tm02
firered leafgreen
tm02
ruby sapphire
tm02
black white
tm02
heartgold soulsilver
tm02
platinum
tm02
colosseum
tm02
diamond pearl
tm02
black 2 white 2
tm02
sun moon
tm02
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm02
x y
tm02
xd
tm02
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm02
ultra sun ultra moon
tm03
yellow
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm03
red blue
tm03
sword shield
+670 more TMs/HMs
Iron-thorns Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Iron Thorns does not evolve into or from any other known Pokémon, standing alone as a singular evolutionary line with no predecessor or successor. This lack of an evolutionary chain adds to its mystique as a Paradox Pokémon, creatures whose very existence challenges conventional understanding of Pokémon biology and history. However, the nature of Iron Thorns' origin remains hotly debated within the scientific community. Professor Turo from the present timeline suggests that Iron Thorns represents a future relative of Tyranitar, suggesting it may be what Tyranitar would become after approximately one billion years of evolution in Earth's distant future. Conversely, an alternate version of Professor Turo encountered at the Crystal Pool proposed that Iron Thorns is actually a Tyranitar variant from a parallel timeline or alternate dimension, implying the existence of parallel evolutionary paths and branching realities. The truth regarding Iron Thorns' temporal origin—whether it is genuinely from Earth's future or from an entirely different timeline—remains one of the most profound unsolved mysteries in contemporary Pokémon science.
Where to Find
Location data not available for this Pokémon in the database.
Iron-thorns Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Despite its imposing appearance and raw physical power, Iron Thorns is described as coolheaded and notably averse to unnecessary conflict, presenting a stark contrast to its aggressive visual design. The Pokémon appears to possess highly developed intelligence, leading researchers to speculate about its true nature and origin. According to Professor Turo's research, Iron Thorns was discovered in a specific cave location within Paldea and was brought to the depths of Area Zero via a time machine constructed by Turo himself approximately ten years prior to the events of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Interestingly, historical records from the Violet Book indicate that Heath encountered Iron Thorns approximately 200 years ago, though the circumstances of this encounter and how the Pokémon bridged this temporal gap remain mysteries. Iron Thorns exhibits a preference for solitude and careful observation rather than confrontation, suggesting it may possess survival instincts refined over eons of evolution or existence.
Pokedex Entries
It has some similarities to a Pokémon introduced in a dubious magazine as a Tyranitar from one billion years into the future.
Some of its notable features match those of an object named within a certain expedition journal as Iron Thorns.
Iron-thorns Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Iron Thorns reflects the Pokémon's most distinctive physical features: its metallic composition suggested by the 'Iron' prefix and its array of retractable spikes running along its back, hence 'Thorns.' The Japanese name Tetsunoibara (テツノイバラ) similarly combines 'tetsu' (鉄, iron) with 'ibara' (茨, thorns or brambles), maintaining the same thematic focus on its metallic and spike-laden appearance. The design itself draws obvious inspiration from Tyranitar, the powerful pseudo-legendary Rock/Dark-type, but reimagines it as a futuristic cybernetic entity with angular, geometric armor plating instead of organic scales. This aesthetic choice deliberately evokes science fiction and advanced technology, distinguishing Iron Thorns as something fundamentally alien compared to conventional Pokémon. The transparent sections revealing glowing green energy create a visual metaphor for advanced power systems and technological sophistication. According to the Violet Book reference, Iron Thorns shares nomenclatural origins with an entity described in that mysterious expedition journal, suggesting its name may predate its actual discovery, implying someone or something knew of its existence before modern Pokémon researchers encountered it.
Learnable Moves
Iron-thorns can learn 75 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bite | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| blizzard | ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| body press | fighting | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| breaking swipe | dragon | Physical | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| brick break | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| bulldoze | ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| charge | electric | Status | — | — | 20 |
| charge beam | electric | Special | 50 | 90 | 10 |
| crunch | dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dragon claw | dragon | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| dragon dance | dragon | Status | — | — | 20 |
| dragon tail | dragon | Physical | 60 | 90 | 10 |
| earth power | ground | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| eerie impulse | electric | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| electric terrain | electric | Status | — | — | 10 |
| electro ball | electric | Special | — | 100 | 10 |
| electroweb | electric | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fire blast | fire | Special | 110 | 85 | 5 |
| fire fang | fire | Physical | 65 | 95 | 15 |
| fire punch | fire | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| flamethrower | fire | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| fling | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| focus blast | fighting | Special | 120 | 70 | 5 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| heavy slam | steel | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| high horsepower | ground | Physical | 95 | 95 | 10 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| ice beam | ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| ice fang | ice | Physical | 65 | 95 | 15 |
| ice punch | ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| iron defense | steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| iron head | steel | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| low kick | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| metal claw | steel | Physical | 50 | 95 | 35 |
| meteor beam | rock | Special | 120 | 90 | 10 |
| pin missile | bug | Physical | 25 | 95 | 20 |
| power gem | rock | Special | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rock blast | rock | Physical | 25 | 90 | 10 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| rock throw | rock | Physical | 50 | 90 | 15 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| sand tomb | ground | Physical | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| sandstorm | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| screech | normal | Status | — | 85 | 40 |
| smack down | rock | Physical | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| snarl | dark | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| spikes | ground | Status | — | — | 20 |
| stealth rock | rock | Status | — | — | 20 |
| stomping tantrum | ground | Physical | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| stone edge | rock | Physical | 100 | 80 | 5 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| supercell slam | electric | Physical | 100 | 95 | 15 |
| swords dance | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thunder | electric | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| thunder fang | electric | Physical | 65 | 95 | 15 |
| thunder punch | electric | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| thunder wave | electric | Status | — | 90 | 20 |
| thunderbolt | electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| volt switch | electric | Special | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| wild charge | electric | Physical | 90 | 100 | 15 |
Iron-thorns Competitive Battle Guide
Iron Thorns presents a distinctive competitive profile centered on its exceptional Attack stat of 134 and respectable Defense of 110, making it an excellent physical wall-breaker and mixed attacker. Its signature ability, Quark Drive, amplifies its competitive viability by boosting its highest stat—typically its already-formidable Attack—when Electric Terrain is active or when holding a Booster Energy item, potentially pushing its offensive capacity to overwhelming levels. The Pokémon's movepool includes powerful physical attacks such as Stone Edge (100 Power, 80 accuracy), Earthquake (100 Power, perfect accuracy), and Wild Charge (90 Power), complemented by utility moves like Stealth Rock and Iron Defense for strategic depth. Its Rock/Electric typing grants useful resistances to Normal, Flying, Poison, and Fire-type moves while providing immunity to Electric-type paralysis, though it suffers notable weaknesses to Ground, Water, and Grass-type attacks that opponents can exploit. With 100 HP and 84 Special Defense, Iron Thorns can absorb special attacks reasonably well, though its relatively modest 72 Speed stat necessitates careful team building to ensure it acts before faster threats. In competitive formats, Iron Thorns functions best in teams leveraging Electric Terrain support through Pokémon like Raichu-Alola or as part of Trick Room-based strategies that capitalize on its lower speed.
Commonly Asked Questions About Iron-thorns
What type is Iron-thorns?
Iron-thorns is a rock and electric type Pokemon.
What does Iron-thorns evolve from?
Iron-thorns does not evolve.
What are Iron-thorns's weaknesses?
Iron-thorns is weak to fighting, ground, water and grass type moves.
Iron-thorns Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Iron Thorns has captured the imagination of the Pokémon community as a quintessential example of Generation IX's Paradox Pokémon concept, creatures that challenge players' understanding of Pokémon lore and introduce temporal complexity to the established universe. Its mysterious origins and the ambiguity surrounding whether it represents a genuine glimpse of Earth's distant future or evidence of parallel timelines have sparked extensive community discussion and fan theories. The design's radical departure from organic Pokémon toward cybernetic aesthetics resonated strongly with players interested in science fiction elements within the franchise. References within official sources—the dubious Occulture magazine article and the cryptic Violet Book—have inspired fan communities to engage in archaeological-style analysis of Pokédex entries and supplementary lore materials, fostering a culture of detailed world-building examination. Iron Thorns' status as a non-breedable, genderless Pokémon with zero base friendship has contributed to its portrayal in fan fiction and community discussions as an enigmatic, almost alien presence within the Pokémon world. Its competitive viability and unique aesthetic have also made it a popular choice for competitive players and Nuzlocke challenge participants seeking distinctive team members.
Where to Find Iron-thorns in Every Pokémon Game
Iron Thorns can be encountered in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet within a specific cave location in the Paldea region, though detailed location information within the base game remains limited. The Pokémon's capture rate of 30 (equivalent to approximately 3.9% with a standard Poké Ball against a full-health specimen) indicates it presents moderate difficulty in capture compared to common wild Pokémon, though it remains far more accessible than legendary creatures. The Violet Book entry suggests historical encounters with Iron Thorns occurring 200 years before the current game timeline, implying possible future appearances or alternate availability routes in forthcoming generations. The canonical introduction of Iron Thorns through Professor Turo's time machine adds narrative explanation to its unusual presence in Paldea, distinguishing it from other Paradox Pokémon that may have arrived through different temporal mechanisms. As of the current generation, no special events, distribution events, or alternative acquisition methods have been officially announced for Iron Thorns beyond standard wild encounters in its designated habitat. Future generations and potential remakes may expand Iron Thorns' availability, though its fundamental rarity and mysterious nature suggest it will likely remain a relatively uncommon and prized addition to trainer collections.