Paragon pinball rules and strategy
The Strategy
Paragon carries Super Bonus thresholds while the Valley of Demons raises Bonus X. Reach 20,000 early, use controlled Valley shots toward 5x, then continue toward the 49,000 base maximum. Use the spinner only when its waterfall return is safe.
The goal
Reach 20,000 Reaching 20,000, 30,000, or 40,000 makes that base value the starting bonus on every later ball. early. Use the The inline drops add bonus. The third target gives 2x, the fourth gives 3x, and the saucer behind them gives 5x. for safe bonus and 5x. Then raise the bonus toward 49,000 at 5x.
Plunge for It starts at 2,000 and rises by 2,000 per visit to a 20,000 maximum. Its value holds between balls.. Use the PARAGON saucer only when letters advance in a fixed order.
Test both right flippers, the The inline drops add bonus. The third target gives 2x, the fourth gives 3x, and the saucer behind them gives 5x. return, the waterfall exit, and both top-saucer kickouts.
From a right flipper, shoot the The inline drops add bonus. The third target gives 2x, the fourth gives 3x, and the saucer behind them gives 5x. inline drops. Use the upper-left flipper as a diverter on the return.
- The inline drops add bonus. The third target gives 2x, the fourth gives 3x, and the saucer behind them gives 5x.: The inline drops add bonus. The third target gives 2x, the fourth gives 3x, and the saucer behind them gives 5x.
- The first saucer visit gives 5x. The next visit gives an extra ball or its configured point value.
Reach 20,000 bonus as early as possible. Then work toward 30,000 and 40,000.
- Reaching 20,000, 30,000, or 40,000 makes that base value the starting bonus on every later ball.: Reaching 20,000, 30,000, or 40,000 makes that base value the starting bonus on every later ball.
After 5x, keep using the Valley. Use the spinner only when it is strong and the waterfall exit is safe.
Build to 49,000 at 5x. Protect the ball and avoid a tilt before the end-of-ball collect.
- 49,000 at 5x scores 245,000. There is no live bonus collect; it scores only when the ball ends.: 49,000 at 5x scores 245,000. There is no live bonus collect; it scores only when the ball ends.
Alternative route: Spinner to 20,000
Use this when the Valley rejects, but the spinner is active and the waterfall exit is controlled.
- From the right flipper, shoot the spinner.
- Use top-playfield nudges to seek a saucer and more bonus advances.
- Stop after reaching the next Reaching 20,000, 30,000, or 40,000 makes that base value the starting bonus on every later ball. threshold if the bumper or waterfall return becomes unsafe.
Need to know
- Main route
- Reach 20,000 Reaching 20,000, 30,000, or 40,000 makes that base value the starting bonus on every later ball. early.
- Long goal
- Lock in the 20,000, 30,000, and 40,000 Reaching 20,000, 30,000, or 40,000 makes that base value the starting bonus on every later ball. thresholds.
- Safer fallback
- Spinner to 20,000: Use this when the Valley rejects, but the spinner is active and the waterfall exit is controlled.
Sources and references10 references10 source links and outbound references.
- PinballCards
- Bob's Guide
- Kineticist Paragon tournament strategy guide
- PAPA Paragon tutorial with Bowen Kerins
- Robert Gagno at Pinburgh 2016
- Daniel Rone on Paragon at North East Summer Slam 2024
- District 82 Paragon 90-second tutorial
- Backhand technique reference
- Gentle 5x lob technique reference
- Drop catch technique reference