When do you think Movie 13 (Zoroark: Master of Illusions) takes place?

[Ricbolog]

As you may know, the movie was released between Sinnoh League episodes, so it takes place before or after that arc. Personally, I like to think the movie takes place after the Sinnoh League, between DP189 and DP190 (Brock still has Happiny in the movie), while they're on the way to Twinleaf town. It makes the DP finale feel less rushed.

 

[Silktree]

It could take place after the league since the ending pays a homage to many DP characters.

 

[L-05308]

It can’t really happen after The Volkner gym battle - so it has to take place after the Grand Festival but before getting back to Sunnyshore.

 

[Neo Blaze]

I always assumed it would take place either before or after DP178 (For The Love of Meowth!). That placement makes the most sense to me.

 

[marshiyanmisuta]

I would say sometime between DP172 and DP173.

It has to take place after DP172 since Togekiss is already a part of Hikari's team in the movie, and it has to take place before DP179 since after that episode's gym battle they were traveling by ship until Happiny's evolution. They also reached to the Grand Festival at the end of DP173 and stayed there until DP177. Which means it can only take place between DP172 and DP173 (before the GF), or right before/after DP178 (after the GF). There is two reasons to believe that movie has to take place before the GF: Right after Nozomi's GF victory, Denji called Satoshi to Sunyshore city for their gym battle, it's also said that Denji wants Satoshi to be his first opponent and Satoshi was very motivated to battle him again. It makes no sense for them to go and watch some sport match while keep Denji waiting. In the same episode Nozomi said that she'll return to Snowpoint city, her home, but the movie's ending credits shown her still traveling. So, the most reasonable place to put this movie would be between DP172 and DP173, before the GF, as Hikari already got all of her ribbons and waiting for the GF, Satoshi is waiting for Denji's gym to rebuild, and they both had extra time.