Skipping over the entirety of Gen VII, as well as many other Legendary and Mythical Pokémon, Zacian and Zamazenta are coming to Pokémon Go Raids. Both will be featured during the Ultra Unlock part three: Sword and Shield event, alongside a handful of additional Galarian Pokémon. Although movepools have yet to be confirmed, we've got a list of counters so you can start prepping, and be sure to check out our Best Pokémon Go Accessories, so you can be fully equipped for your Pokémon Journey!
Who is Zamazenta in Pokémon Go?
The Legendary mascot of Pokémon Shield, Zamazenta is part of a pair of Legendary Pokémon, the Hero Duo. These two are the protectors of the Galar region who battled against Eternatus. The Warrior Pokémon, Zamazenta is is the mascot of Pokémon Shield and the younger of the duo. Both have two forms: Hero of Many Battles, and Crowned Sword or Crowned Shield. In their Hero of Many Battles forms, Zamazenta is a pure Fighting type and Zacian is a pure Fighting type. Their Crowned forms add a secondary Steel typing.
In terms of Pokémon Go, we'll just be facing the Hero of Many Battles forms for now.
What are the best counters for Zamazenta in Pokémon Go?
As a pure Fighting type, Zamazenta has three weaknesses: Flying, Psychic, and Fairy. We don't yet know what type of damage Zamazenta will be capable of dealing in Pokémon Go, but in the cores games, it has access to a wide variety of moves, with most being Normal, Steel, and of course, Fighting.
Mega Gengar
Second only to Shadow Mewtwo, Mega Gengar performs exceptionally well against Zamazenta despite not having a type advantage. My first choice of Mega Pokémon for this Raid is actually Mega Pidgeot, but only if it's possible to safely coordinate with the rest of the Raid party. If you cannot coordinate the use of Flying types exclusively, Mega Gengar's Ghost and Poison typing give it massive resistance to Fighting and Normal type moves. Lick and Psychic are the moves you'll want your Mega Gengar to know here.
Mewtwo
Beat out only by Shadow Pokémon and Mega Evolutions, Mewtwo is an excellent counter for Zamazenta. Gen I's Legendary Psychic type is only weak to Dark, Bug, and Ghost type moves, so it is likely safe from the Fighting type Hero of Many Battles forme, plus it's been available so many times in a number of ways that most players have added at least one or two Mewtwo to their roster. If you are bringing Mewtwo to this Raid, you'll want it to know Confusion and Psystrike. If you don't have the Legacy move or an Elite TM to spare, Psychic can also work, but make sure you're not TMing Shadow Ball. It's also a Legacy move and invaluable.
Mega Pidgeot
In a vacuum, Mega Gengar outperforms Mega Pidgeot against Zamazenta; however, thanks to the Mega Boost that Mega Pidgeot provides to other Flying types on the field, it should be your first choice for Mega Pokémon here, especially if you can coordinate with the rest of your Raid party. As a Normal and Flying type, its only weaknesses are Electric, Ice, and Rock, and Zamazenta has access to very few moves of those types in the core games. Gust and Brave Bird are the best moves for your Mega Pidgeot to know here.
Metagross
Gen III's Metagross is one of the most accessible top counter for Zamazenta. Having been featured in many events, including a Steel and Psychic Incense Day and Community Day, not to mention as a Shadow Pokémon, most active players have entire teams of Metagross. As a Steel and Psychic type, it's only weaknesses are Dark, Fire, Ghost, and Ground types, while it boasts a whopping ten resistances. You're not going to want its Legacy move, Meteor Mash for this Raid though, so if your Metagross already knows that, leave it on the bench. The best moveset for this Raid is Zen Headbutt and Psychic.
Moltres
If you're planning a Flying based offensive to make the most of Mega Pidgeot's Mega Boost, Moltres should definitely be in your team. This Flying and Fire type from Gen I is one of best Flying types in the game and its weaknesses, Electric, Rock, and Water, are unlikely to be included in Zamazenta's movepool. Plus, Moltres has been available so many times, in so many ways, that most active players have a few already powered up. If you are bringing Moltres to this fight, you'll want Wing Attack and Sky Attack for its moves and make sure to coordinate with the rest of your Raid party.
Lugia
Originally encountered in a Johto region of Gen II, Lugia is another great counter for Zamazenta. It's had several runs in Raids, and been featured as a Research Breakthrough reward encounter and as a Pokémon Go Battle League reward encounter, so most players have had the chance to catch a few. As a Psychic and Flying type, it can hit two weaknesses at once; however, its best moveset for this Raid is Extrasensory and Aeroblast.
Jirachi
The rarer of the Mythical Pokémon introduced in Gen III, Jirachi is an excellent counter for Zamazenta, but probably won't make your team. As a Steel and Psychic type, it boasts the same resistances and weaknesses as Metagross, and because players can only catch one per account, it is very expensive to power up. Most players who have invested the Rare Candy in powering up Jirachi are also going to opt for it's Steel type move, Doom Desire. If you happen to have powered your Jirachi up and either gave it a second charged move or don't mind swapping it out, the ideal moves for this Raid are Confusion and Psychic.
Espeon
One of the many "Eeveelutions", Espeon is a great choice here. It's a pure Psychic type, so has the same weaknesses and resistances as Mewtwo, but it is far more readily accessible, having been featured in events and Community Days, as well as being the evolution of a common Gen I Pokémon. If you are bringing Espeon to this Raid, you'll want it to know Confusion and Psychic.
Gengar
Much like its Mega Evolution, Gengar performs very well against Zamazenta. A Ghost and Poison type, it won't get STAB, but it's high stats and excellent movepool give it s solid place on the top counters list. Plus, it's been heavily featured in events, including every Halloween, so most players already had a few powered up Gengar even before it was featured in a Community Day or given the benefit of Trade Evolution. Lick and Psychic are the ideal moves for Gengar in this Raid.
Ho-Oh
Although it was the first Legendary Pokémon featured in the animated show, Ho-Oh didn't make its official debut until Gen II, where it was the mascot for Pokémon Gold. As a Fire and Flying type, its only weaknesses are Electric, Rock, and Water, so it is likley safe from Zamazenta's as yet unreleased movepool. Ho-Oh has been featured in Raids, Special Research, the Pokémon Go Battle League, and even as one of Giovanni's Shadow Legendaries, so most players have had the chance to catch a few. Extrasensory and Brave Bird are the moves you'll want for your Ho-Oh, unless you are lucky enough to have a Flying type Hidden Power, which will benefit from the Mega Boost that Mega Pidgeot offers.
Rayquaza
The Legendary mascot od Pokémon Emerald, Rayquaza is another solid choice for a Flying based offensive. As a Dragon and Flying type, its weaknesses include Fairy, Rock, Dragon, and Ice, most of which are unlikely to make their way into Zamazenta's movepool. Rayquaza has also been featured in Raids and Special Research several times, so chances are you've already got a couple powered up and ready to go. If you are bringing Rayquaza to this Raid, you'll want it to know Air Slash and Hurricane, and be sure to coordinate with the rest of your Raid party, if it is safe to do so.
Latios
Last but not least is Latios, another Legendary from the Hoenn region of Gen III. This Psychic and Dragon type has a few weaknesses that Zamazenta could potentially hit, but it resists Fighting type, so will likely be a good fit depending on moveset. Latios has been available many, many times, and it is the more useful of the Eon Duo, so many players will have one or two they can bring to this fight. Zen Headbutt and Psychic are the moves you'll want your Latios to know here.
Back ups?
Although most players will be able to make a team of the best counters, if you're finding a gap in your team, there are plenty of back ups who work well in larger groups. Just make sure you're dodging and any of the following could be a decent back up:
- Exeggutor with Extrasensory and Psychic
- Mega Charizard Y with Air Slash and Overheat
- Gallade with Confusion and Psychic
- Gardevoir with Confusion and Psychic
- Armored Mewtwo with Confusion and Psystrike
- Tornadus (Incarnate forme) with Air Slash and Hurricane
- Beheeyem with Confusion and Psychic
- Braviary with Air Slash and Brave Bird
- Yveltal with Gust and Hurricane
- Zapdos with Thunder Shock and Drill Peck
- Delphox with Zen Headbutt and Psychic
- Mr. Rime with Confusion and Psychic
- Staraptor with Wing Attack and Brave Bird
- Tornadus (Therian forme) with Gust and Psychic
- Azelf with Confusion and Future Sight
- Latias with Zen Headbutt and Psychic
- Alakazam with Confusion and Psychic
- Victini with Confusion and Psychic
- Togekiss with Charm and Dazzling Gleam
- Unfezant with Air Slash and Sky Attack
- Celebi with Confusion and Psychic
Shadow Pokémon?
The rebalance of Shadow Pokémon rescued from Team GO Rocket make them excellent glass cannons. Not only are their stats boosted, but during special events or with Elite TMs, it's possible to change their moves. If you happen to have any of the following Pokémon with the right moveset, they will work very well in this Raid:
- Shadow Mewtwo with Psycho Cut and Psystrike
- Shadow Metagross with Zen Headbutt and Psychic
- Shadow Moltres with Wing Attack and Sky Attack
- Shadow Exeggutor with Confusion and Psychic
- Shadow Gallade with Confusion and Psychic
- Shadow Gardevoir with Confusion and Psychic
- Shadow Zapdos with Thunder Shock and Drill Peck
- Shadow Alakazam with Confusion and Psychic
- Shadow Magmortar with Fire Spin and Psychic
- Shadow Banette with Shadow Claw and Dazzling Gleam
- Shadow Slowbro with Confusion and Psychic
- Shadow Dragonite with Dragon Tail and Hurricane
Note: As to be expected, Shadow Mewtwo outperform every other Pokémon in the best counters list. Shadow Metagross comes in just behind Mega Gengar. However, if you're aiming for a Flying based offensive with Mega Pidgeot providing a Mega boost, Shhadow Moltres, Shadow Zapdos, and even Shadow Dragonite will be very competitive.
How many players does it take to beat Zamazenta in Pokémon Go?
We won't know how many players it takes to beat Zamazenta until its movepool and stats are finalized in game.
Weather conditions that can impact this Raid include:
- Cloudy Weather will boost Zamazenta's Fighting type moves, as well as your Fairy type counters
- Wind will boost your Flying and Psychic counters
Questions about taking on Zamazenta in Pokémon Go?
Do you have any questions about taking on the Hero of Many Battles forme of Zamazenta in Pokémon Go? Got any tips for your fellow Trainers? Drop them in the comments below, and be sure to check out our Complete Pokédex, so you can be the very best like no one ever was!
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