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Pokémon Legends: Arceus

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What are Space-Time Distortions?

By
Vincent Lau

This page explains Space-Time Distortions in Pokémon Legends "Arceus" IconArceus (PLA).

(1 of 2) When a Space-Time Distortion begins to form, a message will appear near the top.

When a Space-Time Distortion begins to form, a message will appear near the top. (left), Check your map and look for a spirally icon. (right)

After entering the Crimson Mirelands during the main story, you may experience Space-Time Distortions while exploring the Hisui region. These are unnatural events that will suddenly appear somewhere on the field (eg. in the Obsidian Fieldlands).

What Does a Space-Time Distortion Look Like?

From afar, a Space-Time Distortion appears as a medium-sized dome that’s clearly out-of-place from the rest of the world. On the map, they’re indicated by a spiral-shaped icon.

(1 of 2) A space-time distortion at the Crimson Mirelands.

A space-time distortion at the Crimson Mirelands. (left), A space-time distortion at the Obsidian Fieldlands. (right)

When you step into a developing Space-Time Distortion, nothing too unusual will happen. The surroundings will be darker than usual and there will be some ambient lightning.

However, after a short while, the Space-Time Distortion will manifest properly and this is where you need to be extremely careful!

What Can You Find in a Space-Time Distortion?

After a Space-Time Distortion has fully manifested, a whole bunch of high-level and rare Pokémon (generally not native to the area) will spawn–and they’re not the friendly type!

(1 of 2) When you see this message inside a distortion, be prepared for anything!

When you see this message inside a distortion, be prepared for anything! (left), You’ll often encounter fully evolved Pokémon like Toxicroak and Steelix here. (right)

These Pokémon generally spawn in small groups of 3 or so. After a short amount of time, the group will de-spawn and be replaced with a new group. After several groups have spawned, the distortion will vanish.

As an exception, there will be 3 rare spawns located somewhere within the distortion. These include Pokémon exclusive to distortions. These Pokémon will spawn when you get close to their position and do not de-spawn; they will remain until the distortion vanishes.

(1 of 2) A distortion about to appear.

A distortion about to appear. (left), A distortion about to disappear. (right)

Where possible, try to hide in some tall grass before the distortion manifests. That way, you can sneakily throw Poké Balls before the Pokémon notice. Generally, the Pokémon will spawn near your location, but some of them do like to run around…

When a Pokémon spots you, it’s generally better to avoid fighting them head on (unless you’re brave or grinded a lot). If you can, head into/near some tall grass and dodge around until the meddlesome Pokémon de-spawn. Then hide in the grass before the next round begins.

If you wish to fight the Pokémon, we strongly recommend trying to single them out. Otherwise, when the Pokémon are clumped together, it’s not uncommon for them to gang up on you, which is bad news if your party isn’t super strong.

(1 of 2) This is what a rare item looks like.

This is what a rare item looks like. (left), If you’re lucky, you can find evolution items! (right)

While catching and/or dodging the spawned Pokémon, you might stumble upon rare items on the ground. These can include evolutionary items, such as Magmarizer. Unlike the mad Pokémon chasing you around, it should be fairly easy to grab these and run!

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Guide Information
  • Publisher
    Nintendo
  • Platforms,
    Switch
  • Genre
    Action RPG
  • Guide Release
    10 January 2022
  • Last Updated
    20 January 2024
    Version History
  • Guide Author

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