Does Zygarde Have a 4x Weakness? Unpacking the Core of This Legendary Pokemon
The short answer is: Yes, in its base form, Zygarde is 4x weak to Ice-type attacks. This is because its base typing is Ground/Dragon. However, the intricacies of Zygarde’s forms and the impact of mechanics like Terastallizing in later games complicate this answer significantly. This article dives into the details of Zygarde’s vulnerabilities and explores related questions about its strengths and weaknesses.
Understanding Zygarde’s Forms and Typings
Zygarde isn’t a single Pokemon; it exists in multiple forms, each with different characteristics and combat capabilities:
Zygarde 10% Forme
This is Zygarde’s smallest and weakest form. It is a Ground/Dragon type, making it 4x weak to Ice attacks.
Zygarde 50% Forme
This is Zygarde’s most commonly encountered form, and similarly to 10% form, is also a Ground/Dragon type. Thus, it is also 4x weak to Ice.
Zygarde Complete Forme
This is Zygarde’s most powerful form. It maintains the Ground/Dragon typing, and therefore remains 4x weak to Ice.
The key point here is that all of Zygarde’s forms share the same core Ground/Dragon typing, meaning that the 4x weakness to Ice is consistent across all forms when not considering external modifiers like Terastallizing.
The Impact of Terastallizing
The introduction of Terastallizing in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet has added a new layer of complexity to type matchups. When a Pokémon Terastallizes, it changes its type to a single type.
Zygarde in Tera Raids
In Tera Raid Battles, Zygarde, like other Pokémon, can Terastallize into a monotype. If Zygarde Terastallizes into a type other than its original Ground/Dragon combination, its 4x Ice weakness disappears. If a Tera Type is different it would only be 2x weak to any super effective move.
Strategy Implications
This has significant implications for battling Zygarde in Tera Raids. For example, a Tera Steel-type Zygarde would no longer be 4x weak to Ice and would instead be resistant to it, making Ice-type moves far less effective. This requires players to strategize carefully when facing Zygarde in Tera Raids. You can’t just blindly spam Ice type attacks any more.
Why Ice Is So Effective Against Zygarde
The 4x weakness to Ice stems directly from Zygarde’s Ground/Dragon typing. In Pokémon type matchups, Ice is super effective against both Ground and Dragon types individually. This is why attacks against both types will be multiplied to equal a 4x damage output.
Other Effective Types
While Ice is the most effective, Zygarde is also vulnerable to:
- Dragon: Being a Dragon-type itself, Zygarde is weak to other Dragon-type attacks. These attacks deal 2x damage.
- Fairy: Fairy-type attacks are super effective against Dragon-types, dealing 2x damage to Zygarde.
Counters
To counter Zygarde, players should focus on Pokémon with strong Ice-type attacks. The key to beating Zygarde is capitalizing on its 4x weakness. However, its Ground/Dragon typing also provides some offensive options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Zygarde’s Weaknesses
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you better understand Zygarde’s weaknesses and how to counter it:
1. Is Zygarde ever not 4x weak to Ice?
Yes, through Terastallizing in games like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Zygarde can change to a monotype and no longer be 4x weak to ice. This is only applicable during Tera Raids.
2. Does Zygarde have any other 4x weaknesses?
No, Zygarde’s Ground/Dragon typing does not give it any other 4x weakness, its 4x weakness to Ice is the main threat.
3. What is the best type to use against Zygarde in its base form?
The most effective type to use against Zygarde in its base form is Ice. Capitalizing on the 4x weakness allows for quick and efficient battles.
4. Why is Dragon weak to Dragon?
Dragon type Pokémon are weak to their own type due to balance. Dragons are one of the strongest offensive types in Pokémon, so being weak to itself creates a counter to its over-all power.
5. If Zygarde Terastallizes into a Dragon type, is it still 4x weak to Ice?
No. When Terastallized, Zygarde becomes a pure Dragon type. This removes the Ground type and therefore the 4x weakness to Ice becomes a normal 2x weakness.
6. How can I effectively use Ice type Pokemon to defeat Zygarde?
Use Pokemon with high Ice type attack stats and access to powerful ice moves. Focus on fast and powerful pokemon like Weavile and Froslass as they will be able to out speed Zygarde.
7. Are any of Zygarde’s forms more resistant to Ice than others?
No, all of Zygarde’s forms have the same Ground/Dragon typing which results in a 4x weakness to Ice.
8. Besides Ice, what else is super effective against Zygarde?
Besides Ice, Dragon and Fairy types are also super effective against Zygarde, both dealing 2x damage.
9. Can Zygarde learn moves to cover its weaknesses?
Yes, Zygarde can learn various moves that can be super effective against Pokémon that threaten it. It’s important to check the specific movesets of the version of Zygarde you are facing.
10. Why is Ground weak to Ice?
Ground types are weak to Ice because of how ice interacts with earth. Ice also super effective against Grass because the water in it freezes and against Flying because it creates a very cold and harsh environment for them.
11. Does Zygarde have any immunities?
Yes, Zygarde is immune to Electric-type attacks due to its Ground typing.
12. Does the ability Levitate nullify the 4x ice weakness?
No, Zygarde does not have the Levitate ability, and therefore, it does not negate the 4x weakness to ice.
13. What other Pokemon share Zygarde’s Ground/Dragon typing?
Apart from Zygarde, there aren’t any other Pokemon who share the same dual typing.
14. How does Zygarde’s weakness affect its competitive viability?
The 4x weakness to Ice makes Zygarde vulnerable to common offensive types. However, Zygarde also has great defensive stats and powerful moves, making it a strong pick. When used wisely and with the right team composition, Zygarde can still prove to be a competitive force.
15. Is Zygarde a good counter to Dragon type Pokemon?
Yes, Zygarde is a decent counter to some Dragon-type Pokemon thanks to its dual typing, however, when facing other Dragon types, it is very important to be mindful of the damage trade as you will take super effective damage as well.
Conclusion
In summary, Zygarde’s 4x weakness to Ice is a key factor in understanding how to battle this legendary Pokémon. While Terastallizing can alter this in Tera Raid Battles, in its base forms Zygarde remains significantly vulnerable to Ice-type attacks. By understanding Zygarde’s typing, weaknesses, and available counters, trainers can better strategize and emerge victorious in battles against this powerful legendary Pokémon.