iron-treads
Generation IX · #0990 — Paradox Pokémon
Iron Treads is a Ground/Steel-type Paradox Pokémon introduced in Generation IX, classified as National Pokédex #990. This mysterious creature stands 0.9 meters tall and weighs a substantial 240.0 kilograms, making it a compact yet dense presence in battle. As a Paradox Pokémon, Iron Treads occupies a unique niche in the Pokémon world, with lore suggesting it may be either a future evolution of Donphan or a version of that species from an alternate timeline. Its ancient counterpart, Great Tusk, represents the primordial version of this concept. Iron Treads possesses the signature Ability Quark Drive, which elevates its highest stat when Electric Terrain is active or when it holds Booster Energy, making it a strategic choice for Electric-focused teams.
Base Stats
Height
0.9m
Weight
240.0kg
Category
Paradox Pokémon
Gender
Genderless
Color
gray
Shape
quadruped
Abilities
Raises highest stat on Electric Terrain, or if holding Booster Energy.
Iron-treads Biology & Physical Characteristics
Iron Treads is a quadrupedal Pokémon with a distinctive spherical, gray metallic body that serves as both armor and mobility tool. Its most striking feature is a segmented tread extending from its back and wrapping around to its face, adorned with bright red glowing patterns that give it a menacing appearance. The creature's face is dominated by a black half-moon pixelated screen that typically displays an angry red-eyed expression, beneath which lies a retractable metal plate concealing its mouth. Two short black tusks protrude from its lower jaw, while long black plate-like earlobes flank its head. Metal plates covering its legs can be retracted to facilitate its devastating rolling attacks. This tire-like armor is the very mechanism that allows Iron Treads to rotate and move with surprising swiftness despite its considerable weight. The trails it leaves behind are described as resembling scorched earth, evidence of the raw power contained within its mechanical frame.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Iron-treads Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Iron Treads is a genderless Pokémon, classified within the Undiscovered egg group, which means it cannot breed through conventional methods. This characteristic is consistent with its designation as a Paradox Pokémon, a category that typically transcends normal biological reproduction. The genderless classification reflects Iron Treads' nature as either a technological creation or an organism from an alternate timeline, removing it from the standard breeding mechanics that govern most other Pokémon species. With a base happiness of zero, Iron Treads demonstrates minimal affinity for trainers by default, requiring significant effort and care to develop bonds. The species maintains a slow growth rate, meaning that leveling Iron Treads to higher levels requires extensive experience accumulation and dedication from its trainer.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm04
gold silver
tm04
crystal
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
tm09
red blue
tm09
sword shield
tr76
sword shield
tr80
sword shield
tm35
scarlet violet
tm72
scarlet violet
tm84
scarlet violet
tm86
scarlet violet
tm116
scarlet violet
+346 more TMs/HMs
Iron-treads Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Iron Treads does not evolve into or from any other Pokémon species, representing a standalone entry in the evolutionary chain. Unlike traditional Pokémon that progress through multiple forms, Iron Treads exists as a singular, fully-formed entity with no Mega Evolution available. This static nature contributes to its mystique as a Paradox Pokémon, suggesting it may already represent a perfected or alternate form rather than an intermediate stage in a typical evolutionary line. The lack of evolution mechanics underscores its classification as a complete organism rather than a developmental phase, making it unique among many other Generation IX additions that feature multiple evolutionary stages.
Where to Find
Location data not available for this Pokémon in the database.
Iron-treads Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Iron Treads is noted for possessing a cruel nature, exhibiting aggressive behavior consistent with its imposing appearance and destructive capabilities. The species is capable of swiftly curling its body into a wheel-like formation to execute powerful rolling attacks, a combat strategy that leverages its unique physical design. When sleeping, Iron Treads curls into this wheel form and rocks itself back and forth, essentially powering down while remaining in a defensive posture. According to reports from the Area Zero Expedition, Iron Treads has fatally injured explorers in the past, underscoring the genuine danger this Pokémon presents. Recent sightings have been concentrated in an arid corner of Paldea, suggesting a preference for desert-like environments. The creature is associated with the mysterious phenomena of Paradox Pokémon, leading to speculation about its origins and whether it truly represents technology from beyond our world.
Pokedex Entries
This Pokémon closely resembles a scientific weapon that a paranormal magazine claimed was sent to this planet by aliens.
Sightings of this Pokémon have occurred in recent years. It resembles a mysterious object described in an old expedition journal.
Iron-treads Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The Japanese name Tetsunowadachi (テツノワダチ) combines tetsu (鉄, iron) with wada (轍, rut or track) and chi (地, ground), collectively evoking imagery of iron treads and earth-scarring trails. The English name Iron Treads directly references the creature's most iconic feature—the segmented mechanical tread that dominates its physiology. This naming convention aligns with other Paradox Pokémon that emphasize technological or otherworldly aspects of their design. The pixelated screen face and overall aesthetic draw inspiration from retro gaming and science fiction concepts, particularly the idea of alien technology. The design philosophy appears to intentionally blur the line between Pokémon and machine, reinforcing the mystery surrounding Iron Treads' true origins. Its resemblance to Donphan is unmistakable in structure, yet the metallic reimagining transforms the organic elephant-like creature into something altogether more sinister and industrial.
Learnable Moves
Iron-treads can learn 51 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| body press | fighting | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| bulldoze | ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| defense curl | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| earth power | ground | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| electric terrain | electric | Status | — | — | 10 |
| electro ball | electric | Special | — | 100 | 10 |
| endeavor | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| flash cannon | steel | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| gyro ball | steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| hard press | steel | Physical | 0 | 100 | 10 |
| heavy slam | steel | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| high horsepower | ground | Physical | 95 | 95 | 10 |
| horn attack | normal | Physical | 65 | 100 | 25 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| ice fang | ice | Physical | 65 | 95 | 15 |
| ice spinner | ice | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| iron defense | steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| iron head | steel | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| megahorn | bug | Physical | 120 | 85 | 10 |
| metal sound | steel | Status | — | 85 | 40 |
| mud shot | ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rapid spin | normal | Physical | 50 | 100 | 40 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| rollout | rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 |
| sandstorm | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| smart strike | steel | Physical | 70 | — | 10 |
| stealth rock | rock | Status | — | — | 20 |
| steel beam | steel | Special | 140 | 95 | 5 |
| steel roller | steel | Physical | 130 | 100 | 5 |
| stomping tantrum | ground | Physical | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| stone edge | rock | Physical | 100 | 80 | 5 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| supercell slam | electric | Physical | 100 | 95 | 15 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thunder | electric | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| thunder fang | electric | Physical | 65 | 95 | 15 |
| volt switch | electric | Special | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| wild charge | electric | Physical | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| zen headbutt | psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 |
Iron-treads Competitive Battle Guide
Iron Treads occupies a compelling niche in competitive Pokémon battling, leveraging its well-distributed bulk and solid offensive capabilities. With a base Attack of 112 and Defense of 120, alongside a respectable 106 Speed, Iron Treads functions effectively as a physical wall with offensive punch. Its signature Ability, Quark Drive, provides a significant advantage in Electric Terrain, amplifying its already-impressive highest stat—typically either Attack or Defense depending on investment. The movepool supports multiple strategic approaches, featuring coverage moves like Earthquake (base power 100), Megahorn (120 base power), Heavy Slam, and Steel Roller (130 base power), alongside utility options such as Rapid Spin for hazard removal and Knock Off for item disruption. Electric moves like Wild Charge and Thunder Fang add coverage against Water and Flying types, while Stomping Tantrum and Bulldoze provide consistent STAB damage. Iron Treads' weakness to Water, Fire, Grass, and Fighting moves requires careful team construction, though its excellent Steel typing and Ground typing provide valuable resistances. In teams featuring Electric Terrain setters like Raichu or Tapu Koko, Iron Treads becomes a formidable physical sweeper capable of turning battles decisively.
Commonly Asked Questions About Iron-treads
What type is Iron-treads?
Iron-treads is a ground and steel type Pokemon.
What does Iron-treads evolve from?
Iron-treads does not evolve.
What are Iron-treads's weaknesses?
Iron-treads is weak to fighting, ground, fire and water type moves.
Iron-treads Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Iron Treads has garnered significant attention within the Pokémon community for its role in expanding the Paradox Pokémon concept introduced in Generation IX. The mysterious origin narrative surrounding this creature—with paranormal magazines claiming it was sent to Earth by aliens and historical expedition journals documenting similar entities—has captured fan imagination and inspired extensive lore discussions. Its obvious mechanical nature and futuristic aesthetic represent a departure from traditional organic Pokémon designs, appealing to players who enjoy science fiction and technological themes within the franchise. The creature's genuine threat level, documented in its fatally injuring Area Zero explorers, adds narrative weight and danger to what might otherwise seem a novelty concept. Fan communities have engaged deeply with theories about the Paradox Pokémon's origins, particularly the relationship between Iron Treads and its ancient counterpart Great Tusk, spawning numerous fan theories about timeline manipulation and technological evolution. The design has become iconic among Generation IX enthusiasts, frequently featured in artwork, competitive content, and discussion regarding the future direction of Pokémon worldbuilding.
Where to Find Iron-treads in Every Pokémon Game
Iron Treads is exclusively available in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, where it can be encountered within Paldea's diverse environments. The species is classified with a capture rate of 30, making it relatively challenging to catch compared to common wild Pokémon, though not as difficult as legendary species. Players seeking Iron Treads will find this Paradox Pokémon most readily in arid desert regions of Paldea, consistent with its habitat preferences and the lore describing sightings in desiccated corners of the region. The creature's genderless nature and Undiscovered egg group status mean that breeding is impossible, making wild encounters the exclusive method for obtaining multiple specimens. With a base experience yield of 285 and a slow growth rate, training Iron Treads requires patience and sustained effort. The species cannot be transferred to other Generation IX titles or earlier games through traditional Pokémon Home mechanics specific to these versions, making availability entirely dependent on Scarlet and Violet ownership. Its introduction as a Generation IX exclusive underscores the significance of these games in expanding Pokémon lore with entirely new species categories.