Z-Moves in Sword and Shield: A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is no, Z-Moves are not present in Pokémon Sword and Shield. These incredibly powerful, once-per-battle attacks, introduced in Pokémon Sun and Moon, were removed in the transition to the Galar region.

What Happened to Z-Moves? A Retrospective

Z-Moves were a flashy and strategically interesting mechanic in the Alola region, requiring a Z-Ring (or Z-Power Ring) and a corresponding Z-Crystal held by the Pokémon. These crystals resonated with specific move types, allowing Pokémon to unleash devastating attacks. Fan favorites included Pikachu’s unique 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt, known for its high damage output and increased critical hit chance. The mechanic added another layer of depth to battling, as trainers had to carefully consider when to unleash their single Z-Move.

However, with the advent of Pokémon Sword and Shield, Game Freak opted to focus on a new, region-specific mechanic: Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing. These transformations allowed Pokémon to grow to enormous sizes, increasing their power and changing their move sets.

The Shift to Dynamaxing

The decision to exclude Mega Evolutions and Z-Moves in favor of Dynamaxing was controversial. Some players felt it streamlined the battle system, while others missed the strategic depth and unique designs associated with the previous mechanics. A common explanation is that the developers at Game Freak felt that the implementation of two separate super-powered battle mechanics (Mega Evolution and Z-Moves) would “distract too much” from the implementation of the Dynamaxing mechanic, which was the focus for battle in Sword and Shield.

Dynamaxing had a clear visual appeal and was heavily integrated into the story of the Galar region, making it a natural replacement. While there were concerns about the removal of beloved mechanics like Z-Moves, the transition emphasized a fresh, localized experience for players in the new region.

Are Z-Moves gone for good?

Although Z-Moves haven’t appeared in core series games since Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!, they still exist within the broader Pokémon universe. Spin-off titles, such as Pokémon Masters EX, continue to feature Z-Moves, keeping the mechanic alive for those who enjoyed them. The continued presence in these spin-offs suggests the possibility of a return in future core series games, although there are currently no plans to reintroduce them. The competitive community at GamesLearningSociety.org frequently discusses and debates the pros and cons of each battle mechanic!

FAQs About Z-Moves and Sword & Shield

Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding Z-Moves and their absence in Pokémon Sword and Shield:

1. Why were Z-Moves removed from Pokémon Sword and Shield?

   • Game Freak chose to focus on the new Dynamaxing mechanic, feeling that including both Z-Moves and Mega Evolutions would detract from the regional innovation of the Galar region.

2. What are Z-Moves in Pokémon?

   • Z-Moves are powerful, one-use-per-battle attacks introduced in Pokémon Sun and Moon. They require a Z-Crystal held by the Pokémon and a Z-Ring or Z-Power Ring for the trainer.

3. Which Pokémon games feature Z-Moves?

   • Z-Moves are primarily featured in Pokémon Sun, Pokémon Moon, Pokémon Ultra Sun, and Pokémon Ultra Moon. They also appear in some spin-off titles like Pokémon Masters EX.

4. What is the strongest Z-Move in Pokémon?

   • Arguably, Pikachu’s 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt is one of the strongest Z-Moves, dealing significant damage and having a high critical hit chance.

5. What is a Z-Crystal?

   • A Z-Crystal is an item held by a Pokémon that corresponds to a specific type of move (e.g., Normalium Z for Normal-type moves). When used with a Z-Ring, it allows the Pokémon to perform a Z-Move of that type.

6. Did any Pokémon moves get removed in Sword and Shield?

   • Yes, several moves were removed, including Baddy Bad, Barrage, Barrier, Bestow, Bide, Bone Club, and Bouncy Bubble, among others.

7. Can Ash use Z-Moves in the anime anymore?

   • In the anime, Ash’s ability to use Z-Moves depends on his location. He can use them in Alola due to the presence of the Island Guardians.

8. How did Ash get Pikashunium Z?

   • In the anime, Ash’s Electrium Z transformed into a Pikashunium Z during a battle with an Ultra Beast.

9. Can Mega Evolved Pokémon be used in Sword and Shield?

   • No, Mega Evolutions are also absent from Pokémon Sword and Shield.

10. Why did Ash stop using Mega Evolution?

    • Ash never used Mega Evolution in the anime. The reasoning varies, but in the case of Pidgeot, leaving it behind to protect other Pokémon fulfilled its character arc.

11. What Pokémon are not available in Sword and Shield?

    • Many Pokémon are not available in Sword and Shield, including several from the Kalos region, such as Chespin, Quilladin, Fennekin, Braixen, Delphox, Froakie, Frogadier, and Greninja.

12. What is Lucario’s Z-Move called?

    • Lucario’s Z-Move is called All-Out Pummeling, which it can use when equipped with the appropriate Z-Crystal.

13. What types of Z-Crystals did Ash have?

    • Ash had several Z-Crystals, including Normalium Z, Electrium Z, Grassium Z, Rockium Z, Solganium Z, Lycanium Z, Steelium Z, Firium Z, and Pikashunium Z.

14. Are there Fairy-type Pokémon in Sword and Shield?

    • Yes, there are Fairy-type Pokémon in Sword and Shield. However, in the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), Fairy-type Pokémon are sometimes represented as Psychic-type Pokémon instead.

15. Is Dynamaxing more powerful than Z-Moves?

    • The power of Dynamaxing compared to Z-Moves is subjective and depends on the specific situation. Dynamaxing lasts for three turns and boosts stats, while Z-Moves are single, powerful attacks.

Conclusion: A Look Ahead

While Z-Moves are not a part of the Pokémon Sword and Shield experience, they remain a cherished part of the franchise’s history. The decision to focus on Dynamaxing reflected a shift towards a new regional identity and battle mechanic. Whether Z-Moves will return in future installments is uncertain, but their legacy lives on in spin-off games and the memories of players who enjoyed the Alola region.