Pokémon fans want to save this ill-fated Gen 1 species, so they designed a new evolution for it

Paras has always been one of Pokémon’s creepiest little secrets. Now, though, fans are dragging the Bug and Grass type back into the light—and for a rather wholesome cause.

Both Paras and its evolution Parasect appear in Pokopia, which has recently led to a bit of a resurgence in their popularity. Pokopia does an incredible job of working the series’ lore into dialogue and other minor details of the game, and a conversation between Bulbasaur and Paras has caused the orange hermit crab to become a bigger conversation topic in the broader Pokémon fanbase.

In the dialogue between the two, Paras says it’s endlessly hungry and its back feels heavy. Bulbasaur then suggests it may be because the “flowers” Paras carries around are preparing to bloom. But if you know Pokémon lore, you might’ve grimaced reading that.

Paras and Parasect might appear like innocuous mushroom-wearing hermit crabs, but in the series’ official lore, those mushrooms are anything but innocent. They’re actually parasitic, and when Paras evolves into Parasect, the mushrooms have fully taken over the creature, killing it and using its body as a mindless vessel. The Pokédex entry from Pokémon Ultra Sun depicts the Bug type’s fate in the most gruesome way: “The bug is mostly dead, with the mushroom on its back having become the main body. If the mushroom comes off, the bug stops moving.”

This has led to fans coming together to think of a way for Paras to escape its grim fate. And what did they come up with? A new evolution, of course—and it’s one that allows our little hermit crab to wrestle back control over its own body. Now, one fan has brought that vision to life with an actual mockup for what the evolution could look like.

User Pikat on X shared their vision for what the new Paras evolution could be on March 25. Named Paracide, it depicts a bright-eyed version of Parasect with a goopy, dark purple mushroom on its back.

“It has overcome the fungal infection through sheer determination and force of will,” the mock Pokédex entry reads. “The toxic remains of its would-be usurper are draped on its carapace as a deterrent to predators.”

Okay, so that’s pretty metal. Not only did Paras survive the battle with the parasite, but it also wears its dead body on its back as a trophy. Talk about taking a victory lap.

Unfortunately for fans, it’s unlikely we’ll get an evolution for Paras anytime soon, though we can only hope. It wouldn’t be the first time we got evos for older Pokémon (looking at you, Magmortar and Electivire). If leaks are anything to be believed, though, Game Freak scrapped a design for a Flying-type Eeveelution because it was too similar to a fan-made design.

The next chance Paras has of getting a new evolution would be with the new generation of creature designs in Pokémon Winds and Waves, which doesn’t release until 2027. Until then, we’ll just have to cope by making Paras the best house we can in Pokopia.

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The Fated Shadow sword is one of those rare weapons in Crimson Desert that you can miss quite easily. However, its Greysoul Howling ability is one, if not the best, weapon skill that you can utilize. Sadly, the weapon isn’t part of a quest, so you’ll need to put in some extra effort to find it.

Fated Shadow sword location in Crimson Desert

To find the Fated Shadow sword, you’ll need to head to the Abyss region at Nest of Valor. The region is near the Dry Valley. This area might remain hidden for you. If you have reached the endgame content, you’ll reach the Abyss area after defeating the Goyen boss in Chapter 9.

Once the Abyss map is available, use the nexus on the small island next to the Dry Valley. This is the easiest way to travel to the spot where you can find the Fated Shadow sword.

How to reach the Fated Shadow sword in Crimson Desert

Once you arrive at the spot, the main path will be split into two directions. Take the path going right, and you’ll arrive at a small cave. Take the staircase next to the cave, and head upstairs. Inside, you’ll get a Fishball Soup recipe if you haven’t visited the location previously.

Keep traveling to the back of the cave, and a small icon will appear near a bucket and a few other objects kept on the floor. You’ll really need to be close to the spot for the marker to appear. This is the same spot from where you’ll manage to interact and add the Fated Shadow sword to your arsenal.

How does Greysoul Howling work in Crimson Desert

The Fated Shadows sword comes pre-built with the Greysoul Howling ability. You can activate it by pressing the R1/RB and R2/RT buttons, and it requires Spirit to work. It will call the ghost of Goyen, which releases a sweeping strike of shadow energy across the target area.

This ability is one of the best attacks, in my opinion, and you can target individual/multiple enemies with it. You can always choose to sell the ability and the sword, but I have kept both in my arsenal.

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