Space-time distortion

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A space-time distortion (Japanese: 時空の歪み Space-time distortion) is a feature in Pokémon Legends: Arceus that allows the player to collect rare items and encounter rare Pokémon that are otherwise unobtainable in the wild. They are an abnormality in space-time that may link to other worlds and time periods. They have an affiliation with the space-time rift found above Mount Coronet, creating hostility with the Noble Pokémon and summoning Alpha Pokémon.

In the core series games

Spoiler warning: this article may contain major plot or ending details.

From the beginning of the game until after completing Mission 18: "The Counterpart", a space-time rift is visible above the peak of Mount Coronet from anywhere across the Hisui region, and is said to be the cause of the smaller distortions that periodically appear around the region.

The existence of smaller space-time distortions is first mentioned by Akari or Rei at the Wallflower after Mission 7: "The Frenzy of the Lord of the Woods". The player is reminded again of the distortions by Akari or Rei right before they set out to explore the Crimson Mirelands for the first time. At this point, space-time distortions will become available to spawn. The player is required to venture into the distortions in order to complete the Hisui Pokédex, as tasked by Arceus, due to the fact that several Pokémon in the Hisui Pokédex are not native to the Hisui region naturally and can only appear within the distortions.

The space-time rift over Mount Coronet was caused by Giratina, who wanted to draw Arceus out of hiding so it could get revenge for being sealed in the Distortion World, which it did with the help of Volo. The distortions and rift itself are capable of transporting objects, Pokémon, and humans through space and time, as happened to the player.

Mechanics

This section is incomplete. Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it. Reason: Missing item table, see this document for available items, chances, and mechanics.

Space-time distortions begin to form in an area after the player spends a certain amount of time there without resting at a base camp, as any time the player rests or leaves the map (by entering a cave, building, or leaving to Jubilife Village), the timer will reset. The development of a space-time distortion will be broadcasted with the following message: "A space-time distortion seems to be forming!"

If the player is in a menu, pop-up dialogue, or a wild Pokémon battle the timer for space-time distortions to spawn will pause until they return to waiting in the overworld.^[1] If the game is saved after a space-time distortion forms, it will not reappear when the game is closed and reopened, and any Pokémon that spawned within the distortion will also vanish. Space-time distortions will not spawn if the weather is intense sun, snowstorm, or thunderstorm.^[2]

The spawning of a space-time distortion is unaffected by the player being targeted by aggressive Pokémon, riding on Ride Pokémon, being in the area that the distortion would spawn in at, or active mass outbreaks in the same zone.^[3]

The percentages of distortions spawning based on time spent in an area are as follows:

There is a period of time between a space-time distortion appearing on the map and the actual activation of the event. The waiting period is proportional to the distance between the distortion and the player, essentially giving the player more time to reach the distortion if it manifested further away from them.^[4] The timer until the event activates is set at the moment the distortion appears on the map, and uses the players current position at that moment, the timer does not readjust to account for if the player moves after that point. The amount of time between a distortion first appearing, and the event activating, can be approximated as distance/2 + 60 seconds if the map is treated as a 1024 × 1024 grid. This means if the player is standing at the exact location of a distortion when it first appears, where "distance" is essentially zero, the wait-time for the event to begin is exactly 60 seconds. Once the timer runs out, the transition is marked by the following message: "A space-time distortion appeared!"

When a space-time distortion manifests, all wild Pokémon within the area of effect (except Unown) are despawned, and items that normally cannot be found in the overworld will appear, including shards, evolution items, and various valuable items.^[5] Within the bounds of a distortion, groups of up to three wild Pokémon will periodically spawn in front of the player. All Pokémon that spawn will be aggressive toward the player. If these Pokémon are not caught or engaged in battle within 20 seconds, they will despawn at that time, and new Pokémon will subsequently spawn. If a Pokémon is hit with a Poké Ball right before it is set to despawn, the Poké Ball will still attempt to capture it. If a battle with a Pokémon is initiated right as the space-time distortion disappears, the battle will still continue; running from the battle will cause the Pokémon to despawn. All Pokémon and items that spawned in the space-time distortion will disappear once the distortion fades.

There are three designated spots per distortion which contain a single rare Pokémon spawn each. These spawns will only appear when the player gets close, but once they have appeared, they will not despawn until they are captured, defeated, or the distortion ends. The Pokémon that can appear as rare spawns vary depending on the area.

Pokémon

Obsidian Fieldlands

Common spawns

#	Pokémon		Levels	Alpha Levels
0093		Haunter	25-60	40-75
0094		Gengar	25-60	45-80
0095		Onix	20-55	35-70
0108		Lickitung	20-55	35-70
0133		Eevee	20-55	35-70
0208		Steelix	25-60	45-80
0217		Ursaring	30-65	45-80
0454		Toxicroak	37-72	52-87
0463		Lickilicky	25-60	40-75
0470		Leafeon	25-60	40-75
0700		Sylveon	25-60	45-80

Rare spawns

#	Pokémon		Levels	Alpha Levels
0215		Sneasel Johtonian Form	20-55	35-70
0461		Weavile	25-60	40-75

Crimson Mirelands

Common spawns

#	Pokémon		Levels	Alpha Levels
0133		Eevee	20-55	35-70
0136		Flareon	25-60	40-75
0143		Snorlax	30-65	50-85
0197		Umbreon	25-60	45-80
0214		Heracross	20-55	35-70
0404		Luxio	20-55	35-70
0405		Luxray	30-65	45-80
0419		Floatzel	26-61	41-76
0426		Drifblim	28-63	43-78
0428		Lopunny	25-60	40-75

Rare spawns

#	Pokémon		Levels	Alpha Levels
0137		Porygon	20-55	35-70
0155		Cyndaquil*	52-55	67-70
0156		Quilava*	52-55	67-70
0157		Typhlosion* Hisuian Form	68-71	88-91
0233		Porygon2	25-60	45-80
0474		Porygon-Z	30-65	50-85

Cobalt Coastlands

Common spawns

#	Pokémon		Levels	Alpha Levels
0064		Kadabra	30-58	45-73
0065		Alakazam	30-58	50-78
0112		Rhydon	42-70	57-85
0122		Mr. Mime	30-58	45-73
0133		Eevee	30-58	45-73
0134		Vaporeon	30-58	45-73
0136		Flareon	30-58	45-73
0435		Skuntank	34-62	49-77
0455		Carnivine	30-58	45-73
0464		Rhyperior	42-70	62-90

Rare spawns

#	Pokémon		Levels	Alpha Levels
0081		Magnemite	30-58	45-73
0082		Magneton	30-58	45-73
0462		Magnezone	35-63	50-78

Coronet Highlands

Common spawns

#	Pokémon		Levels	Alpha Levels
0126		Magmar	35-53	50-68
0133		Eevee	35-53	50-68
0135		Jolteon	40-58	55-73
0224		Octillery	35-53	50-68
0356		Dusclops	37-55	52-70
0424		Ambipom	40-58	55-73
0452		Drapion	40-58	55-73
0467		Magmortar	40-58	55-73
0477		Dusknoir	45-63	65-83
0700		Sylveon	40-58	60-78

Rare spawns

#	Pokémon		Levels	Alpha Levels
0408		Cranidos	50-53	65-68
0409		Rampardos	55-58	70-73
0410		Shieldon	50-53	65-68
0411		Bastiodon	55-58	70-73
0722		Rowlet*	50-53	65-68
0723		Dartrix*	55-58	70-73
0724		Decidueye* Hisuian Form	60-63	80-83

Alabaster Icelands

Common spawns

#	Pokémon		Levels	Alpha Levels
0025		Pikachu	45-58	60-73
0026		Raichu	50-63	65-78
0078		Rapidash	50-63	65-78
0123		Scyther	45-58	60-73
0125		Electabuzz	45-58	60-73
0133		Eevee	45-58	60-73
0196		Espeon	50-63	70-83
0364		Sealeo	45-58	60-73
0365		Walrein	50-63	65-78
0465		Tangrowth	50-63	65-78
0466		Electivire	50-63	70-83
0471		Glaceon	50-63	65-78

Rare spawns

#	Pokémon		Levels	Alpha Levels
0212		Scizor	60-63	80-83
0501		Oshawott*	55-58	70-73
0502		Dewott*	60-63	75-78
0503		Samurott* Hisuian Form	65-68	85-88

In the spin-off games

Pokémon Masters EX

In the Travelers from a Distant Past story event, Adaman and Irida ended up on modern-day Pasio through a large space-time distortion. The space-time distortion appeared during the event and threatened the safety of the people of Pasio with wild Pokémon attacks, but was closed thanks to the powers of Lucas's Dialga, Cyrus's Palkia, and Cynthia's Giratina. Later, Professor Bellis mentioned that the space-time rift itself was still open, and more space-time distortions had kept appearing on Pasio, though smaller and less dangerous in scale than the earlier one.

In the Together in an Unknown Land story event, Rei and Akari wound up on Pasio as well through a space-time distortion. When they got caught in the space-time distortion and were cornered by a group of wild Pokémon, Akari found a modern-day Poké Ball and used it to catch a Hisuian Samurott, which she later formed a sync pair with.

In The Power of Dance costume event, a space-time distortion appeared in a flashback. Rei, Akari, Adaman, and Irida protected people from wild Pokémon inside it, with Adaman and Irida each catching themselves a new Pokémon in the process: Adaman caught an Ursaluna, while Irida caught a Hisuian Zoroark. Both of them later formed a sync pair with their new partner.

In the first chapter of the Arceus Arc, a space-time distortion appeared at some ruins where Cynthia and Rei had been training. The two of them entered the distortion to protect the people caught in it until it disappeared.

Pokémon GO

In Pokémon GO, the Pokémon GO Tour: Sinnoh featured space-time anomalies (sometimes "Anomalies" was capitalized). They connected Earth to the distant past.^[6][7] During a space-time anomaly, Pokémon native to Hisui appeared in the wild, including Pikachu wearing Rei’s cap and Pikachu wearing Akari’s kerchief. (The normal event had Pikachu wearing Lucas's hat, and Pikachu wearing Dawn's hat.) If Incense was used, excluding Daily Adventure Incense, Unown in letters that spelt "Hisui", could appear. (The normal event had Unown that spelt "Sinnoh" appear.) Five-star raids could have Origin Forme Dialga and Origin Forme Palkia appear. (The normal event had regular Dialga and Palkia.)^[6][7]

Depending on the event, a space-time anomaly had a different duration. During Sinnoh Tour: Los Angeles, a space-time anomaly occured for the latter thirty minutes of every hour, and could affect any habitat.^[7] During Sinnoh Tour: Global, a space-time anomaly occured only during specific hours, corresponding to the times for the Ancient Grove and Geothermal Lagoon habitats.^[6]

During a space-time anomaly, the sky changed color and purple triangles could be seen in the air.

Space-Time Anomalies returned during the Ultra Unlock: Hisui Celebration event from July 8 - 13, 2025, during which a space-time anomaly could occur at random, lasting for an hour. During a space-time anomaly, Pokémon that appeared in Space-Time Distortions in Legends: Arceus appeared in the wild. This included Rowlet, Cyndaquil, Oshawott, Magnemite, Gengar, Porygon, Scizor, Cranidos, and Shieldon.

During the Ultra Unlock: Origin Raid Day on August 10, 2025, a space-time anomaly occurred for the duration of the event, from 11am to 5pm local time. This space-time anomaly was purely a visual change and did not have any impact on gameplay.

In animation

Pokémon: Hisuian Snow

Two different Space-time distortions appeared in Two Hues. One appeared in front of Jubilife Village, being watched by Alec and Cyllene. Later on, another one appeared in the wild as the Galaxy Expedition Team went inside to help the wild Pokémon.

Trivia

• Space-time distortions are similar to the Ultra Wormholes:
  • Both phenomena are theorized to link between other dimensions^[8] and other worlds.^[9]
  • Both phenomena are known to bring strong Pokémon from other locations. In the case of space-time distortions, they bring Alpha Pokémon.
    • Both phenomena can also summon regular Pokémon from outside the current location.
  • Both phenomena are related to Legendary Pokémon. In the case of space-time distortions, that Legendary is Giratina.
  • Multiple characters who have gone through Ultra Wormholes or space-time distortions have experienced memory loss.

In other languages

References

Related articles

Hisui
Settlements Jubilife Village • Diamond Settlement • Pearl Settlement • Ancient Retreat Obsidian Fieldlands Aspiration Hill • Floaro Gardens • Horseshoe Plains • Grueling Grove • Worn Bridge • Deertrack Path • Deertrack Heights Windswept Run • Nature's Pantry • Tidewater Dam • The Heartwood • Grandtree Arena • Oreburrow Tunnel • Obsidian Falls Ramanas Island • Sandgem Flats • Lake Verity Crimson Mirelands Golden Lowlands • Gapejaw Bog • Holm of Trials • Ursa's Ring • Sludge Mound • Scarlet Bog • Solaceon Ruins • Cloudpool Ridge Shrouded Ruins • Diamond Heath • Bolderoll Slope • Cottonsedge Prairie • Droning Meadow • Lake Valor • Brava Arena Cobalt Coastlands Crossing Slope • Ginkgo Landing • Aipom Hill • Bathers' Lagoon • Hideaway Bay • Deadwood Haunt • Tombolo Walk Sand's Reach • Tranquility Cove • Castaway Shore • Tidal Passage • Windbreak Stand • Spring Path • Turnback Cave • Islespy Shore Veilstone Cape • Lunker's Lair • Seagrass Haven • Seaside Hollow • Firespit Island • Molten Arena • Lava Dome Sanctum Coronet Highlands Heavenward Lookout • Wayward Cave • Wayward Wood • Ancient Quarry • Sonorous Path • Lonely Spring • Clamberclaw Cliffs Celestica Ruins • Celestica Trail • Primeval Grotto • Sacred Plaza • Stonetooth Rows • Bolderoll Ravine • Fabled Spring Moonview Arena • Cloudcap Pass • Stone Portal • Temple of Sinnoh • Hall of Origin Alabaster Icelands Whiteout Valley • Crevasse Passage • Bonechill Wastes • Hibernal Cave • Icebound Falls • Avalanche Slopes Ice Column Chamber • Arena's Approach • Avalugg's Legacy • Icepeak Cavern • Snowfall Hot Spring • Secret Hollow Glacier Terrace • Heart's Crag • Lake Acuity • Snowpoint Temple • Icepeak Arena See also Sinnoh • Mount Coronet •