How to Get Hoopa Unbound in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: What We Know So Far
While Hoopa has not yet been confirmed for the upcoming 9th generation titles, fans eagerly await news of the mythical Djinn Pokemon and whether we‘ll be able to unleash its true power in the Paldea region. Let‘s breakdown everything we know so far.
No Official Confirmation Yet
First, it‘s important to clearly state upfront that Game Freak has not yet provided official confirmation on if or how Hoopa will be obtainable in Pokemon SV. As a Mythical, Hoopa has historically been tied to limited-time events in the past games. Fans will have to wait patiently for any potential announcements.
Background on Hoopa‘s Forms
Now, for those less familiar with this mischievous Pokemon, Hoopa has two forms – Hoopa Confined (the default form) and the vastly more powerful Hoopa Unbound. Here‘s a brief overview:
Hoopa Confined
Type: Psychic/Ghost
Abilities: Magician
Stats:
HP: 80
Atk: 110
Def: 60
SpA: 150
SpD: 130
Spe: 70
Signature Move: Hyperspace Hole
Hoopa Unbound
Type: Psychic/Dark
Abilities: Magician
Stats:
HP: 80
Atk: 160 (+50)
Def: 60
SpA: 170 (+20)
SpD: 130
Spe: 80 (+10)
New Moves: Hyperspace Fury, Gastro Acid
To shift between these two forms, Hoopa requires use of the special Prison Bottle item in-game after being caught. This unleashes its true power, upgrading stats, moveset, and even type. Let‘s compare:
| Stat | Base Confined | Base Unbound | Boost |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP | 80 | 80 | – |
| Attack | 110 | 160 | +50 |
| Defense | 60 | 60 | – |
| Sp. Atk | 150 | 170 | +20 |
| Sp. Def | 130 | 130 | – |
| Speed | 70 | 80 | +10 |
Now that we‘ve seen the power Hoopa Unbound wields, let‘s speculate on what SV fans might expect!
Potential Event Distribution Speculation
Mythical Pokemon like Hoopa have consistently been tied to limited-time events and distributions in the past as rewards for things like:
- Special movie release
- 10th Anniversary celebrations
- Cross-promotions with other games/companies
They generally have not been available through regular gameplay alone.
However, SV does mark the debut of the Paldea region – perhaps the Pokemon Company will do something unique to celebrate!
While totally conjecture, I think it would be incredibly exciting if they allowed fans to access Hoopa‘s full power by progressing through Paldea‘s story and post-game content rather than relying solely on IRL events.
I‘d love to take down the various Titan Pokemon challenges across the region for rewards before tackling a climatic Hoopa encounter unlocked by collecting all 8 gym badges! Bonus points if they let our Koraidon/Miraidon aid in the fight against its Unbound form.
If they do opt for distributions, my guess is Hoopa will again require unlocking in-game after intake via Mystery Gift/promo code to shift into Unbound form. Holding out hope the Prison Bottle item will be earnable rather than just part of the gift!
What Might Unlocking Entail?
Assuming SV handles Hoopa similarly to past games, accessing its Unbound form could require:
- Reaching a specific story point (e.g. post 8th gym/titan)
- Internet connectivity
- Mystery Gift / event code entry
- Transition scene / cutscene
- Having Confined form Hoopa in your party
- Use of special item (Prison Bottle)
The most likely flow would be:
- Receive Confined Hoopa via event distribution
- Connect internet and enter a promo code in Mystery Gift
- Progress story to key point
- Triggered cutscene transforms regular Hoopa
- Use Prison Bottle held item
- Hoopa undergoes sequence to Unbound form
Of course without official confirmation, this is just speculation based on historical precedent!
Closing Thoughts
I‘m thrilled at the chance to explore the new Paldea region and can‘t wait to see what surprises Game Freak has in store! With amazing mounts like Koraidon and Miraidon plus an intriguing Terastal phenomenon, I‘m hopeful we‘ll get exciting new encounters with mythicals like Hoopa as well.
Perhaps they‘ll even incorporate the restricted Titan Pokemon into any events somehow! Now more than ever, I‘d love the chance to team up with my Scarlet legendary partner Koraidon and challenge Hoopa Unbound to an epic clash. We can dream!
I‘ll be keeping a close eye out for any news on upcoming distributions or unlock methods for Hoopa and its true form. What potential events/rewards would you like to see? Let me know!
