How To Reach Area Zero In Pokemon Scarlet Violet 2025: Complete Guide

This guide contains major end-game spoilers for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Area Zero represents the final chapter of your Paldea adventure.

Area Zero is the mysterious crater at the center of Paldea region containing Paradox Pokemon and the Professor’s time machine laboratory. This location serves as the game’s final challenge area and contains the main story climax.

To reach Area Zero, you must complete all three main story paths (Victory Road, Path of Legends, and Starfall Street) and speak with Arven at Poco Lighthouse to trigger “The Way Home” questline.

This comprehensive guide covers everything from prerequisites to post-game access, including detailed navigation through all four Research Stations, battle strategies, and troubleshooting for common issues that players encounter.

Area Zero Prerequisites: Complete All Three Story Paths

Before you can access Area Zero, you must complete ALL three main story paths completely. Many players get stuck here because they think they’ve finished when they haven’t actually completed every required objective.

1. Victory Road Completion

Defeat all 8 Gym Leaders and earn their badges, then challenge the Elite Four and Champion Geeta at the Pokemon League. Many players miss that you need to defeat Geeta completely – not just reach her.

2. Path of Legends Completion

Find and defeat all 5 Titan Pokemon with Arven’s help. This includes the Klawf (Stony Cliff Titan), Bombirdier (Open Sky Titan), Orthworm (Quaking Earth Titan), Great Tusk/Iron Treads (False Dragon Titan), and the final Titan at the Great Crater.

3. Starfall Street Completion

Challenge and defeat all 5 Team Star bases: Segin Squad (Fire), Starmobiles (Poison), Navi Squad (Flying), Giacomo Squad (Dark), and Ortega Squad (Fairy). You must defeat the boss at each base completely.

4. Trigger “The Way Home” Quest

After completing all three paths, fly to Poco Lighthouse and speak with Arven. He’ll call you about something important at the lighthouse. This conversation triggers the Area Zero questline – don’t skip this step!

Finding Zero Gate: Location and Access Guide

Zero Gate is located at the northwest edge of the Great Crater of Paldea. This is the only entrance to Area Zero, and finding it can be tricky if you don’t know exactly where to look.

Quickest Route to Zero Gate

1. Fly to Medali – This is the nearest city with a Flying Taxi point
2. Head south from Medali – Follow the path toward the crater
3. Look for the gate structure – Zero Gate appears as a modern facility built into the crater wall
4. Enter through the main doors – Your companions will meet you there

The journey from Medali takes about 2-3 minutes of real time. You’ll see a distinct modern structure that contrasts with the natural crater surroundings – this is Zero Gate.

Once you arrive at Zero Gate, Arven, Nemona, and Penny will join you. After some story dialogue, you’ll gain access to the transport system that takes you down into Area Zero. This is your point of no return for the main quest – make sure you’re prepared!

Research Station 1: First Lock Deactivation

After the initial descent sequence, you’ll arrive at Area Zero’s surface area. Research Station 1 is the first facility you need to access, and it’s guarded by a powerful Pokemon battle.

Navigating to Research Station 1

From your landing point, head northeast following the path. You’ll see the first research station in the distance – a modern facility with distinctive blue lighting. The path is relatively straightforward, but watch out for wild Pokemon encounters.

Glimmora Battle Encounter

As you approach Research Station 1, you’ll be ambushed by a Level 62 Glimmora. This Rock/Poison type can be challenging if you’re not prepared.

After defeating the Glimmora, you can enter Research Station 1. Inside, you’ll find a terminal with a lock mechanism. Interact with it to deactivate the first lock, then proceed to Research Station 2.

Wild Pokemon Encounters

Area Zero introduces unique Pokemon not found elsewhere in Paldea. Around Research Station 1, you might encounter:

• Level 60-62 Glimmora (Rock/Poison)
• Level 60-61 Orthworm (Steel)
• Level 60-62 Eelektross (Electric)

Research Station 2: Paradox Pokemon Encounter

Research Station 2 is located southwest of Station 1. This is where you’ll encounter your first Paradox Pokemon – ancient creatures from the past (Scarlet) or futuristic beings from the future (Violet).

Path to Research Station 2

Follow the path southwest from Research Station 1. You’ll pass through rocky terrain and see the second station in the distance. The navigation is mostly linear, but take your time to explore the unique Area Zero environment.

Version-Exclusive Paradox Pokemon

Your encounter here depends on your game version:

Game Version	Paradox Pokemon	Type	Level
Scarlet	Scream Tail	Normal/Fairy	63
Violet	Iron Bundle	Ice/Water	63

These battles can be challenging, so come prepared with appropriate type advantages. Scream Tail is weak to Poison and Steel types, while Iron Bundle is weak to Grass, Electric, Fighting, and Rock types.

After defeating the Paradox Pokemon, enter Research Station 2 and deactivate the second lock terminal. You’ll learn more about the research happening in Area Zero through the computer logs.

Research Station 3: Third Lock and Secret Cave

Research Station 3 is located southeast from Station 2, following the main path through Area Zero’s surface. This station introduces your second Paradox Pokemon encounter and an optional secret area.

Navigating to Research Station 3

Continue along the main path from Research Station 2. The terrain becomes more challenging here with steep drops and narrow passages. Follow the glowing markers and distinctive research station architecture to find your way.

Second Paradox Battle

Like Station 2, your encounter here is version-dependent:

Game Version	Paradox Pokemon	Type	Level
Scarlet	Great Tusk	Ground	64
Violet	Iron Treads	Ground/Steel	64

Great Tusk is weak to Water, Grass, and Ice types, while Iron Treads is weak to Fighting, Ground, Fire, and Water types. These battles are significantly tougher than previous encounters.

Secret Cave (Optional Area)

⏰ Time Saver: The Secret Cave is optional but contains valuable items and rare Pokemon. Located near Research Station 3, look for a hidden entrance behind some rocks to the southeast.

Inside the Secret Cave, you’ll find:

• Max Mushrooms
• Rare evolution items
• Additional Paradox Pokemon encounters
• Hidden lore documents

After deactivating the third lock at Research Station 3, you’ll gain access to the transport system that takes you deeper into Area Zero toward the final research station.

Research Station 4: Cavern Navigation to Zero Lab

Research Station 4 differs from the previous stations – it’s located in an underground cavern and has been destroyed. This is the final stop before reaching Zero Lab and confronting the Professor.

Accessing the Cavern Area

Use the transport system at Research Station 3 to descend into the cavern area. The environment changes dramatically here, with glowing crystals and underground rivers creating an atmospheric backdrop.

Finding Research Station 4

The path through the cavern is more complex than previous areas. Follow these steps:

1. Take the transport platform down from Research Station 3
2. Navigate through the crystal caverns following the main path
3. Look for signs of the destroyed research station
4. Find the final terminal to deactivate the fourth lock

Research Station 4 is in ruins, but you can still access the computer terminal. Deactivating this final lock opens the path to Zero Lab, where the game’s climax awaits.

Professor Battle: Paradise Protection Protocol

The Professor battle represents the climax of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s main story. This challenging encounter features multiple phases and version-specific opponents.

Battle Preparation

Before entering Zero Lab, ensure your Pokemon team is ready:

• Recommended Level: 65+ for all team members
• Healing Items: Full restores, revives, and status healing
• Type Coverage: Bring varied types for different opponents
• Terastal Strategy: Save your Tera Orb for critical moments

Paradise Protection Protocol Phases

The battle occurs in multiple phases with different opponents:

1. Initial Professor Encounter – Battle against Professor Sada (Scarlet) or Professor Turo (Violet)
2. Paradox Pokemon Team – Face multiple Paradox Pokemon in sequence
3. Final Phase – Confront the Professor’s final team with their legendary Pokemon

Version-Specific Differences

Your battle experience differs significantly between versions:

• Scarlet: Professor Sada uses ancient Paradox Pokemon like Great Tusk and Scream Tail
• Violet: Professor Turo uses future Paradox Pokemon like Iron Bundle and Iron Treads
• Final Pokemon: Koraidon (Scarlet) or Miraidon (Violet) in their powerful forms

After defeating the Professor, you’ll experience the game’s emotional conclusion and credits sequence. This marks the end of the main story, but your Area Zero journey isn’t over yet.

After the Battle: Post-Game Area Zero Access

Completing the Professor battle unlocks extensive post-game content, including full access to Area Zero for exploration and Paradox Pokemon catching.

Immediate Rewards

After the credits, you’ll receive:

• Master Ball – The ultimate Poke Ball with 100% catch rate
• Booster Energy – Item that enhances Paradox Pokemon abilities
• Area Zero Access – Complete freedom to explore all areas
• New Research Opportunities – Additional story content becomes available

Returning to Area Zero

You have multiple ways to return to Area Zero after the main story:

1. Flying Taxi to Zero Gate – Fastest method, available immediately
2. Research Station Teleporters – Quick travel between visited stations
3. Walk from Paldea – For those who prefer traditional exploration

Post-Game Exploration Opportunities

With the main story complete, Area Zero opens up for extensive exploration:

• Catch Paradox Pokemon – Build your team with ancient/future creatures
• Explore Secret Areas – Find hidden caves and optional content
• Collect Rare Items – Max Mushrooms, evolution stones, and treasure
• Complete Research Tasks – Fulfill Pokedex entries for unique Pokemon

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

Reaching Area Zero represents the culmination of your Pokemon Scarlet or Violet journey. This comprehensive guide has covered every step from prerequisites to post-game exploration, ensuring you can access and fully enjoy this mysterious location.

Best Preparation Strategy: Complete all three story paths thoroughly, level your team to 65+, and stock up on healing items before attempting Area Zero. The Professor battle represents the game’s ultimate challenge, so come prepared.

Most Valuable Post-Game Content: Return to Area Zero after the credits to catch Paradox Pokemon and explore the Secret Cave. These unique creatures and rare items make the return trip worthwhile for completionists.

Long-term Exploration: Area Zero becomes your primary hub for end-game content, including Paradox Pokemon breeding, competitive team building, and discovering the mysteries of the time machine. Take your time exploring every corner – there’s always something new to discover.