Pokémon Sun/Moon: Z-Moves Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive guide, Pokémon Sun/Moon: Z-Moves Guide! Unleash the true power of your Pokémon with awe-inspiring Z-Moves that can turn the tide of any battle. Whether you're diving into Alola's vibrant world or aiming for competitive play, mastering Z-Moves is essential. In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know, from Understanding Z-Moves and discovering the Best Z-Move Combinations to Using Z-Crystals Effectively and Managing Pokémon Stats. Plus, we’ll share top-notch Strategies for Competitive Play to help you dominate the arena. Ready to become a Pokémon Master? Let’s dive in!

Understanding Z-Moves

Z-Moves are one of the coolest new features in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Introduced in the Alola region, these powerful moves can give your battles an extra edge. Here's everything you need to know to master Z-Moves and make your Pokémon unbeatable!

What are Z-Moves?

Z-Moves are special attacks that you can use once per battle. They're super strong and can turn the tide of a fight in your favor. To use a Z-Move, you need two things: a Z-Crystal and a Z-Ring.

Z-Crystals and Z-Rings

• Z-Crystal: Each Z-Crystal corresponds to a specific type of move or a specific Pokémon. For example, Pikachunium Z is for Pikachu while Normalium Z is for normal-type moves.
• Z-Ring: This is an item that your character wears. Without it, you can’t use Z-Moves, even if you have the right Z-Crystals.

You’ll get your first Z-Ring as part of the story, and you can earn more Z-Crystals by completing challenges and trials throughout Alola.

How to Use Z-Moves

1. Equip the Crystal: After obtaining a Z-Crystal, go to your bag and give it to a compatible Pokémon.
2. Pick the Move: Make sure your Pokémon knows a move that can be turned into a Z-Move. For example, if you want to use Normalium Z, your Pokémon needs to know a normal-type move.
3. Battle Time: In battle, you'll notice a new option in your moves menu when the Pokémon with the Z-Crystal is active. Choose the "Z-Power" option, then pick the Z-Move you want to use.
4. Unleash the Power: Watch as your Pokémon performs the Z-Move with a flashy animation that deals a ton of damage!

Z-Move Strategies

1. Type Advantage: Use Z-Moves that match the Pokémon’s type for extra damage. For instance, use a water-type Z-Move with a water-type Pokémon to make the attack even stronger.
2. Surprise Factor: Save your Z-Move for critical moments. If you're up against a tough opponent, a well-timed Z-Move can knock them out.
3. Coverage: Teach your Pokémon moves of different types and give them corresponding Z-Crystals. This way, you have a variety of Z-Moves ready for any situation.

Not Just Attacks

Z-Moves aren't limited to just attacking. Some of them have cool special effects.

• Support Z-Moves: Moves like “Extreme Evoboost” (used by Eevee) can increase stats.
• Status Z-Moves: These can heal your Pokémon or boost their abilities, adding another layer of strategy to your battles.

Examples of Z-Moves

• Gigavolt Havoc: An electric-type Z-Move that deals massive damage.
• Bloom Doom: A grass-type Z-Move that can knock out most water, ground, and rock-type Pokémon.
• Subzero Slammer: An ice-type Z-Move perfect for taking down dragon and flying-types.

Pro Tips

• Trial and Error: Experiment with different Z-Moves and Pokémon in your team to find the best combinations.
• Keep an Eye on PP: Remember, the base move still uses PP. If your Pokémon’s move runs out of PP, you can't use it as a Z-Move.
• Defense Ready: Some trainers might use Protect or Detect to block your Z-Move, so have a plan B in case it fails.

Understanding and mastering Z-Moves is key to becoming the champion of Alola. So, get out there, collect those Z-Crystals, and let your Pokémon unleash their full potential!

Best Z-Move Combinations in Pokémon Sun and Moon

Z-Moves are one of the coolest additions to the Pokémon series in Sun and Moon. They allow you to unleash powerful, one-off moves that can turn the tide of a battle when used correctly. But not all Z-Move combinations are created equal. We’ve put together a list of some of the best Z-Move combinations to help you get the most out of your Pokémon battles.

1. Gigavolt Havoc with Tapu Koko

Tapu Koko is already a beast with its electric-type moves, but when paired with the Z-Crystal Electrium Z, it becomes an absolute powerhouse. Using Gigavolt Havoc allows Tapu Koko to deal massive damage to almost any opponent. Plus, with its Electric Surge ability, which generates Electric Terrain, the move gets an additional boost. This combo is great for quickly dispatching tougher foes.

2. Bloom Doom with Kartana

Kartana is one of the Ultra Beasts, known for its high attack stat and speed. Pairing Kartana with the Grassium Z crystal turns its already powerful Leaf Blade into the devastating Bloom Doom. This is particularly useful against water, ground, and rock-type Pokémon, allowing Kartana to sweep teams that would otherwise be tough to beat.

3. Subzero Slammer with Alolan Ninetales

Alolan Ninetales has both elegance and strength, and its ice-type moves become legendary when used with Icium Z. The move Subzero Slammer is perfect for taking down dragon, flying, ground, and grass-type Pokémon. Thanks to Ninetales’ high speed and special attack, this combo can often knock out opponents before they have a chance to retaliate.

4. Inferno Overdrive with Incineroar

Incineroar is a popular choice for its combination of fire and dark typing, and when equipped with the Firium Z crystal, it gains access to the blazing Inferno Overdrive. This move can take out pesky steel, ice, bug, and grass-type opponents with ease. Additionally, Incineroar’s high attack stat ensures that Inferno Overdrive hits hard every time.

5. Devastating Drake with Garchomp

Garchomp is a powerhouse dragon-type Pokémon and equipping it with Dragonium Z allows it to use the ferocious Devastating Drake. This Z-Move can deal immense damage, especially when used on opponents weak to dragon-type moves, like other dragons. Garchomp’s naturally high attack and speed mean it can often strike first and strike hard.

6. Tectonic Rage with Landorus

Landorus in its Therian Forme is another excellent choice, particularly when you need ground-type moves to shine. With the Groundium Z crystal, Landorus can access Tectonic Rage, which is devastatingly effective against fire, electric, poison, rock, and steel-type Pokémon. Landorus also benefits from high attack and versatile move sets, making it a consistent threat in battle.

7. Never-Ending Nightmare with Mimikyu

Mimikyu has a unique charm and battle prowess, and when it’s holding the Ghostium Z crystal, it can unleash the eerie Never-Ending Nightmare. This works exceptionally well on opponents weak to ghost moves, such as psychic and other ghost-types. Combined with Mimikyu’s Disguise ability, it can often survive the first hit and retaliate with this powerful Z-Move.

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These combinations represent some of the most strategic and effective uses of Z-Moves in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Remember, Z-Moves can only be used once per battle, so timing and strategy are key. Use them wisely to gain an edge over your opponents. Happy battling!

Using Z-Crystals Effectively

Z-Crystals are powerful items in Pokémon Sun and Moon, enabling your Pokémon to perform super-strong moves called Z-Moves. But to truly harness their power, you need to use them effectively. Let's dive into some tips and strategies to maximize your Z-Crystal usage.

1. Understanding Z-Moves

Before we get into strategies, let’s clarify what Z-Moves are:

• One-Time Use Per Battle: You can only use one Z-Move per battle, so choose wisely!
• Types Matter: The Z-Move you get depends on the type of the Z-Crystal and the Pokémon’s move.
• Boosted Stats: Some Z-Moves can boost your Pokémon’s stats before dealing damage, adding a tactical layer to your battle.

2. The Right Z-Move for the Right Pokémon

Choosing a Z-Crystal for your Pokémon isn’t as straightforward as picking a type:

• Check the Move Pool: Look at your Pokémon’s move set. Choose a Z-Crystal that enhances its strongest or most useful move.
• Consider STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus): Pokémon using a Z-Move of their same type deal extra damage. Optimizing for STAB can make your Z-Move devastating.
• Strategy-Specific Moves: Some Z-Moves affect stats or status conditions. Using them can turn the tide of battle, especially in longer fights.

3. Timing Your Z-Move

Using your Z-Move at the right moment is key:

• Early Game Pressure: Use it early to take out a significant threat. This can give you the upper hand right from the start.
• Mid-Battle Comeback: Save it for a critical moment when you’re slightly behind and need to regain momentum.
• Endgame Finisher: Use it to land the final blow against your opponent’s last Pokémon, ensuring a grand finish.

4. Defending Against Opponent's Z-Moves

Remember, your opponents have Z-Moves too:

• Predict Use: If you suspect your adversary is about to use a Z-Move, switch to a Pokémon with high defenses or resistance to that type.
• Status Moves: Moves that inflict status conditions can weaken opposing Pokémon before they unleash their Z-Move.

5. Popular Z-Move Strategies

Here are some common Z-Move strategies to consider:

• All-Out Pummeling (Fighting Z-Crystal) on a Pokémon with strong fighting moves like Close Combat.
• Inferno Overdrive (Fire Z-Crystal) for a special attack-focused Fire-type like Incineroar, especially effective in doubles.
• Bloom Doom (Grass Z-Crystal) on a physical powerhouse like Decidueye can surprise opponents with its burst damage.

6. Experiment and Adapt

One of the best ways to get better is to keep experimenting:

• Try Different Combos: Mix and match Z-Crystals and moves on various Pokémon to see what works best in different scenarios.
• Learn from Battles: Whether you win or lose, analyze the battle to understand what worked and what didn’t.

Using Z-Crystals effectively in Pokémon Sun and Moon can be the difference between a win and a loss. Follow these tips, strategize, and most importantly, have fun mastering the awesome power of Z-Moves!

For more Pokémon tips and tricks, stay tuned!

Pokémon Sun/Moon: Z-Moves Guide

Managing Pokémon Stats

Managing your Pokémon's stats can make a big difference in battles, especially when you're up against tough opponents. Here, we'll break down the essentials of making your Pokémon the very best they can be.

Understanding the Basics

When talking about stats, we're looking at six main categories:

• HP (Hit Points): Determines how much damage your Pokémon can take before fainting.
• Attack: Affects how much damage your Pokémon deals using physical moves.
• Defense: Reduces the damage your Pokémon takes from physical moves.
• Special Attack (Sp. Atk): Influences the damage dealt by special moves.
• Special Defense (Sp. Def): Lowers the damage from special moves aimed at your Pokémon.
• Speed: Determines which Pokémon attacks first each turn.

Let's dive into how you can get the most out of these stats!

Individual Values (IVs) and Effort Values (EVs)

IVs: The DNA of Your Pokémon

Individual Values are like your Pokémon's genetic code. They range from 0 to 31 for each stat. The higher the IV in a particular stat, the better it will be in that area. These values are set when you first catch or hatch a Pokémon and can't be changed without using Hyper Training (more on that later).

Want to check your Pokémon's IVs? Talk to the IV Judge in the Battle Tree. If he says things like "fantastic" or "can't be better," you know you’ve got solid IVs.

EVs: The Training Pays Off

Effort Values work differently. They are gained by battling other Pokémon and using specific items. Each Pokémon you defeat gives a certain number of EV points in specific stats. For example:

• Defeating a Zubat gives 1 Speed EV.
• Feeding your Pokémon a Carbos (an EV-enhancing item) also boosts its Speed.

Your Pokémon can earn a total of 510 EVs, but each stat maxes out at 252. So, decide which stats are most important for your Pokémon!

EV Training Tips

• Use the SOS Battle Method: Chaining battles can quickly help build EVs.
• Power Items: Items like Power Anklet or Power Bracer can speed up the EV training process.
• Poke Pelago: The Isle Evelup feature is a nice, passive way to EV train.

Natures: The Personality Factor

Natures add a layer of complexity to your strategy. Each Nature boosts one stat by 10% while reducing another by 10%. For example, a Modest Nature increases Sp. Atk but lowers Attack. Choose Natures that complement a Pokémon's strengths and moveset.

Here's a quick guide for some common competitive Natures:

• Adamant: +Attack, -Sp. Atk
• Modest: +Sp. Atk, -Attack
• Jolly: +Speed, -Sp. Atk
• Timid: +Speed, -Attack

Hyper Training: Fixing Flaws

Got a Pokémon with less-than-perfect IVs? Hyper Training, unlocked when you reach level 100, lets you use Bottle Caps to max out a Pokémon's IVs. Find Mr. Hyper in the Hau'oli City Shopping District to get started.

Conclusion

By carefully managing IVs, EVs, and Natures, you can turn your Pokémon into true battle machines. Experiment with different combinations and find what works best for each Pokémon in your team. Train smart, and the Alola region will be yours to conquer!

Strategies for Competitive Play

So, you’re ready to dive into the competitive scene in Pokémon Sun and Moon? Awesome! But a lot of things can seem overwhelming at first. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back with some solid strategies to get you started.

1. Understand Your Team's Roles

Every team in competitive play has some core roles you'll need to fill:

• Sweepers: These guys are your heavy hitters. They try to knock out as many opponents as possible.
• Tanks: Built to absorb damage, tanks help keep your team alive and take hits that might knock out your sweepers.
• Supports: These Pokémon help boost your team’s performance through moves like Tailwind and Reflect.

A well-balanced team usually has a mix of these roles. For example, Garchomp or Tapu Koko can be good sweepers, while Toxapex might serve as a tank.

2. Choose the Right Z-Moves

Z-Moves are flashy and powerful, but they aren’t all created equal. A well-timed Z-Move can turn the tide of a battle. Here are a few tips:

• Tapu Koko with Gigavolt Havoc: Tapu Koko’s Electric Terrain boosts the power of its Electric-type moves, making Gigavolt Havoc hit like a truck.
• Snorlax with Pulverizing Pancake: This Z-Move can let Snorlax smash an opponent while staying bulky enough to withstand counterattacks.

Remember, you can only use one Z-Move per battle, so choose wisely!

3. Master the Art of Prediction

In competitive play, a big part of winning is predicting what your opponent will do next:

• Switches: Players often swap Pokémon to avoid a knockout or take advantage of type matchups. If you can predict a switch, you can use that turn to set up a status move or a powerful attack.
• Protect: Moves like Protect or Detect let you avoid damage for a turn, giving you a chance to see your opponent’s strategy and react accordingly.

Knowing when to attack and when to hold back goes a long way.

4. Speed Control is Key

Speed can make or break your competitive battles. The faster Pokémon often wins because it gets to attack first. Use moves or abilities that control the speed of battle:

• Tailwind: This move doubles your team’s speed for four turns, giving you a huge advantage.
• Trick Room: This move flips the speed order, making slower Pokémon move first. It’s great for teams built around tanky, slow Pokémon like Snorlax or Torkoal.

Having a plan to deal with both fast and slow teams will make you a more versatile player.

5. Item Choices Matter

Just like move sets and strategies, the items your Pokémon hold can greatly impact your battles:

• Choice Scarf: Boosts speed but locks you into one move. Great for Pokémon that need to outspeed opponents.
• Assault Vest: Boosts Special Defense but only allows attacking moves. Useful for more durable Pokémon.
• Focus Sash: Keeps a Pokémon from being knocked out in one hit. Perfect for fragile sweepers who need to survive long enough to attack.

These items can turn a good Pokémon into a great one, so choose wisely based on your strategy.

6. Practice with Battle Leagues and Tournaments

Once your team is ready, test your skills in Pokémon Battle Leagues or official tournaments. Not only will this give you valuable experience, but you’ll also get to see a variety of strategies and team compositions that can inspire your own.

Final Thoughts

Jumping into competitive play in Pokémon Sun and Moon might seem daunting, but with a little practice and the right strategy, you’ll be taking down opponents in no time. Remember to balance your team, make use of powerful Z-Moves, predict your opponent’s moves, control the speed of battle, carefully choose your items, and most importantly, keep practicing!

Good luck, Trainers! May your journey to become the very best be filled with epic battles and unforgettable moments.