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Pokémon: Sun & Moon

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Z-Moves

By
Vincent Lau

Pika pika pika CHUUUUU!

Z-Moves are a brand new element to Pokemon battling in Sun and Moon and can be considered a trainer’s ultimate trump card. They can be utilized once you’ve obtained the Z-Ring during the main story and one of many Z-Crystals .

There is a Z-Crystal for each of the 18 Pokemon Types, from the Normal-type Normalium Z to the Fairy-type Fairium Z. Not only that, but there are exclusive Z-Crystals for certain Pokemon species, such as Pikanium Z for "Pikachu" IconPikachu.

Once in battle, you can use a Z-Move by selecting (or tapping) the big “Z-Power” button towards the left side of the bottom (touch) screen while selecting a Pokemon’s moves. This will change all of the Pokemon’s moves that match the Z-Crystal’s type into an extremely powerful Z-Move.

In general, the stronger the Pokemon’s original move, the stronger the resulting Z-Move. So a Z-Move triggered from Thunderbolt will be stronger than one triggered from the lesser Thundershock. Even better, Z-Moves can deal some damage to Pokemon guarding themselves with moves like Protect or Detect.

Meanwhile, status moves that don’t inflict damage can still trigger Z-Moves, but they work slightly differently. Depending on the status move itself, the Z-Move version of the status move will grant a special effect, such as a stat boost or health recovery, before triggering the usual effect.

Because you can only use a single Z-Move per battle, it’s obviously very important when you choose to use it. Perhaps the best time to unleash an offensive Z-Move is when facing a particular tough Pokemon who’s difficult to take down normally–during the story, usually the final Pokemon in a trainer’s party.

Of course, remember to keep in mind type match-ups when selecting your Z-Move as there’s nothing worse than seeing an absolute spectacle of a move failing to make a noticeable dent because the opposing Pokemon resists it.

For status Z-Moves, the timing depends on the special effect granted. If it’s health recovery, you obviously want to use it when at low health. Or if it’s a stat boost, you’ll probably want to use it early on to shift the momentum in your favour.

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Guide Information
  • Publisher
    Nintendo
  • Platforms,
    DS
  • Genre
    RPG
  • Guide Release
    12 December 2016
  • Last Updated
    7 December 2020
  • Guide Author
    Vincent Lau, Cassie Sun

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Welcome to Alola, a region of tropical islands, filled with gorgeous natural beauty and Pokemon never seen before. Having recently moved to Alola, your journey begins soon afterwards. Your adventures will be filled with fascinating and colorful people with quirky island traditions and of course Pokémon. Delight in the mysteries of the brand new Alola region as your travels take you the length and breadth of the region and the secrets of the legendary Pokémon Solgaleo and Lunala are finally unveiled.

Our massive and comprehensive guide includes the following:

  • A full route and trial battle guide covering your journey from Pokémon novice to eventual Champion.

  • All dungeons and Rite of the Island challenges covered.

  • Detailed breeding and capture guide, including locations for every Pokémon as well as information on the new Alolan forms.

  • Gameplay strategies to maximise your team potential as well as details on Hyper Training.

  • Minigames and secrets uncovered.

  • An explanation of the brand new Rotom Pokédex and loads more!

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