How to take on Zamazenta in its Hero of Many Battles forme in Pokémon Go - TechnW3
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. Zamazenta's current movepool includes Bite, Crunch, Focus Blast, and Close Combat. Although it has great stats, this movepool leaves it without a STAB fast move, really holding it back. Additional moves could be added before launch or at some point down the road, increasing its viability, but for now, it's not much more than a dex filler. At least its Crowned Shield forme will use the same Candy, which may be enough reason to invest in this Raid.
What are the best counters for Zamazenta in Pokémon Go?
As a pure Fighting type, Zamazenta has three weaknesses: Flying, Psychic, and Fairy. It is currently capable of dealing Dark and Fighting type damage.
Mewtwo
Beat out only by Shadow Mewtwo, Mewtwo is the top counter for Zamazenta in its Hero of Many Battles forme. Gen I's Legendary Psychic type does take increased damage from Dark type moves, but it resists Fighting type. 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
If you have the Mega Energy for it, Mega Pidgeot is the best Mega to bring to this Raid. Thanks to the Mega Boost it provides to other Flying types on the field, it's the key to a Flying based offensive if you can coordinate with the rest of your Raid party, but even if you cannot coordinate, there are few teams that perform better. As a Normal and Flying type, its has no relevant weaknesses or resistances. Gust and Brave Bird are the best moves for your Mega Pidgeot to know here.
Mega Gengar
If you cannot bring Mega Pidgeot, Mega Gengar also performs exceptionally well against Zamazenta despite not having a type advantage. If you cannot coordinate the use of Flying types, Mega Gengar's Ghost and Poison typing give it massive resistance to Fighting moves, but it is weak to Dark type moves. Lick and Psychic are the moves you'll want your Mega Gengar to know here, but bear in mind that it will not boost Psychic types on the field.
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 it resists Fighting type moves as well. 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.
Latios
Next up is Latios, a Legendary from the Hoenn region of Gen III. This Psychic and Dragon type takes increased damage from Dark type moves, but it resists Fighting. 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.
Alakazam
Gen I's Alakazam is another great counter for Zamazenta. This pure Psychic type is weak to Dark type moves, but resists Fighting. In addition to being a fairly common Gen I Pokémon, it's been featured in multiple events, including Community Day, and benefits from Trade Evolution, leaving tons of Candy to power it up. Confusion and Psychic are the moves you'll want your Alakazam to know for this Raid.
Rayquaza
The Legendary mascot od Pokémon Emerald, Rayquaza is another solid choice for a Flying based offensive. As a Dragon and Flying type, it resists Fighting and it has no weaknesses Zamazenta can exploit. 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.
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 or Alakazam, but it is 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.
Metagross
Gen III's Metagross is another readily 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 will take increased damage from Dark type moves, as many counters do. 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.
Gardevoir
Originally encounters in the Hoenn region of Gen III, Gardevoir is a solid choice for this Raid if you're not bringing Flying types exclusively. As a Psychic and Fairy type, it resists Fighting moves and only takes normal damage from Dark type. It's been featured in a number of events and Raids, including being boosted during Pokémon Go Fest 2021, so most active players should have no trouble bringing it along. If you are going with Gardevoir, you'll want Confusion and Psychic for its moves.
Gallade
The male only counterpart to Gardevoir, Gallade is another great choice for this fight. It's a Psychic and Fighting type, inctead of Psychic and Fairy, so it still resists Fighting type moves, but not to the same extent that Gardevoir does. It also requires a Sinnoh Stone on top of the 100 Ralts Candy to evolve, so I wouldn't evolve one just for this Raid, but if you already have one powered up and need to fill a spot on your team, it's a good choice. You'll want Confusion and Psychic for its moves as well.
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, it resists Fighting type moves, while having no weaknesses Zamazenta can exploit. 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 and can pair it up with a Mega Pidgeot.
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:
- Mega Charizard Y with Air Slash and Blast Burn
- Mega Slowbro with Confusion and Psychic
- Exeggutor with Confusion and Psychic
- Yveltal with Gust and Psychic
- Azelf with Confusion and Future Sight
- Togekiss with Charm and Dazzling Gleam
- Lugia with Extrasensory and Aeroblast
- Zapdos with Thunder Shock and Drill Peck
- Tornadus (Therian forme) with Gust and Hurricane
- Tornadus (Incarnate forme) with Air Slash and Hurricane
- Honchkrow with Peck and Sky Attack
- Staraptor with Wing Attack and Brave Bird
- Latias with Zen Headbutt and Psychic*
- Braviary with Air Slash and Brave Bird
- Delphox with Zen Headbutt and Psychic
- Celebi with Confusion and Psychic
- Victini with Confusion and Psychic
- Unfezant with Air Slash and Sky Attack
- Granbull with Charm and Play Rough
- Beheeyem with Confusion and Psychic
- Jirachi with Confusion and Psychic
- Armored Mewtwo with Confusion and Psystrike
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 Moltres with Wing Attack and Sky Attack
- Shadow Alakazam with Confusion and Psychic
- Shadow Gardevoir with Confusion and Psychic
- Shadow Gallade with Confusion and Psychic
- Shadow Ho-Oh with Extrasensory and Brave Bird
- Shadow Metagross with Zen Headbutt and Psychic
- Shadow Exeggutor with Confusion and Psychic
- Shadow Zapdos with Thunder Shock and Drill Peck
- Shadow Honchkrow with Peck and Sky Attack
- Shadow Granbull with Charm and Play Rough
- Shadow Dragonite with Dragon Tail and Hurricane
- Shadow Staraptor with Wing Attack and Brave Bird
- Shadow Scyther with Air Slash and Aerial Ace
- Shadow Magmortar with Fire Spin and Psychic
Note: As to be expected, Shadow Mewtwo outperforms every other Pokémon in the best counters list. However, if you're aiming for a Flying based offensive with Mega Pidgeot providing a Mega boost, Flying types like Shadow Zapdos, Shadow Honchkrow, Shadow Dragonite, etc... will be much more competitive.
How many players does it take to beat Zamazenta in Pokémon Go?
Although it should be possible for three top level trainers with the best counters and conditions to take out Zamazenta in its Hero of Many Battles forme, if you're lower level, cannot coordinate with your Raid party, and/or lacking the best counters, you may need five or more players.
Weather conditions that can impact this Raid include:
- Cloudy Weather will boost Zamazenta's Fighting type moves, as well as your Fairy type counters
- Fog will boost its Dark type moves
- 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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