Who Has Z-Moves? A Comprehensive Guide
The world of Pokémon is filled with incredible abilities, and among the most dazzling are Z-Moves. These powerful attacks, introduced in the Alola region, represent a significant shift in Pokémon battling. But who exactly can use them? The short answer is that nearly all Pokémon can utilize a Z-Move, but with some important caveats and special cases. In essence, any Pokémon can use a Z-Move as long as it holds the appropriate Z-Crystal and knows a move of the corresponding type. However, the specifics are where it gets interesting. This article will delve deeper into the world of Z-Moves, explaining their mechanics, limitations, and unique exceptions.
The Basics of Z-Moves
Type-Based Z-Moves
The most common Z-Moves are those based on the 18 Pokémon types. If a Pokémon knows a move of a certain type and holds the corresponding Z-Crystal, it can unleash a devastating Z-Move of that type. For example:
- A Pokémon that knows a Normal-type move and holds a Normalium Z can use Breakneck Blitz.
- A Pokémon that knows a Fighting-type move and holds a Fightinium Z can use All-Out Pummeling.
- A Water-type Pokémon with a Water-type move and Waterium Z can unleash Hydro Vortex.
These type-based Z-Moves form the basis of the Z-Move mechanic, allowing any Pokémon with the right move and Z-Crystal combination to access powerful attacks.
Exclusive Z-Moves
While the general Z-Moves are accessible to many, some Pokémon, or even specific forms of Pokémon, have signature Z-Moves. These are usually far more powerful and unique, adding an extra layer of strategy to battles. Exclusive Z-Moves require a special Z-Crystal that is particular to that specific Pokémon. For example, Snorlax’s Pulverizing Pancake is an exceptionally strong Normal-type Z-Move with a base power of 210, which only Snorlax can use with the Snorlium Z. Similarly, Lycanroc has the Splintered Stormshards Z-Move, which requires the Lycanium Z. These exclusive moves make these Pokemon even more valuable.
Z-Moves and the Anime
The Pokémon anime, especially the Sun & Moon series, showcases how Z-Moves work in practice. Ash Ketchum famously received a Pikashunium Z, which allows his Pikachu to use the unique 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt. Notably, while Ash uses Z-Moves, they are primarily a mechanic of the Alola region. This raises an important question of usage outside Alola. While Z-Moves can be used outside of Alola, their power is limited without the Alolan environment. Z-Moves are not a common occurrence outside the Alola region.
Limitations of Z-Moves
One Z-Move Per Battle
A crucial limitation is that only one Z-Move can be used per battle. This strategic element forces trainers to choose wisely when to unleash their most powerful attack. It’s not simply about blasting away with the strongest move available; rather, it’s about timing and tactical execution.
Item Limitation
Another important aspect to note is the Z-Crystal is a held item. A Pokémon can’t use a Z-Move if they are not holding the appropriate Z-Crystal. Furthermore, a Pokémon cannot hold two items, and Z-Crystals cannot be knocked off, so you will always have that item throughout the battle if you choose it.
Move Restriction
To use a Z-Move, the Pokémon must know a move of the corresponding type. This move will be transformed into the Z-Move.
Status and Z-Moves
Status conditions like paralysis, flinching, and confusion can prevent a Z-Move from being used effectively, and wasting your once-per-battle Z-Move opportunity.
Z-Move Mechanics
Accuracy
All damaging Z-Moves have 100% accuracy and will always hit the target, regardless of any changes to the user’s accuracy or the target’s evasion stat. This makes them very reliable sources of damage.
Power and Effects
While most Z-Moves have a very high base power, some exclusive Z-Moves are stronger. For instance, most type based Z-Moves are around a base power of 180 but Snorlax’s Pulverizing Pancake is base 210. However, most Z-Moves don’t have added effects besides their high power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are Z-Moves?
Z-Moves are incredibly powerful attacks that Pokémon can unleash by holding a Z-Crystal that corresponds to either their type or signature move. These special moves are performed by synchronizing the Pokémon and Trainer in a unique, special dance.
2. Can any Pokémon use any Z-Move?
No. While most Pokémon can use type-based Z-Moves, only certain Pokémon can use special signature Z-Moves. Also, Pokémon must know the move type of the Z-Crystal they are holding to utilize the Z-move.
3. Are Z-Moves exclusive to Alola?
While they are introduced and prominently featured in Alola, Z-Moves can be used outside of Alola. However, their power is more enhanced in the Alola region.
4. Does a Pokémon need a specific ability to use a Z-Move?
No, there isn’t a required ability to use a Z-Move. The key requirement is holding the correct Z-Crystal and knowing a move of the corresponding type for non-exclusive moves.
5. Can you use more than one Z-Move per battle?
No. A trainer can only use one Z-Move per battle, so choosing the right moment is crucial.
6. What is the strongest Z-Move?
While some Z-Moves have higher base power, Snorlax’s Pulverizing Pancake is generally regarded as one of the strongest due to its base power of 210.
7. Can Z-Moves miss?
No, damaging Z-Moves never miss because they ignore the accuracy check, and ignore changes to accuracy and evasion.
8. Can Z-Moves be affected by status conditions?
Yes. Status conditions such as paralysis, confusion, and flinching can prevent the successful execution of a Z-Move.
9. Can you steal or knock off a Z-Crystal?
No. Z-Crystals cannot be stolen or knocked off a Pokémon by any means.
10. What is Ash’s Pikachu’s Z-Move?
Ash’s Pikachu can use the 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt, which is an exclusive Z-Move accessed with the Pikashunium Z.
11. Can Arceus use Z-Moves?
Arceus can use all of the type Z-Moves besides Fairy when in its Normal form. However, it can’t use a Z-Move if holding a type plate to change its form.
12. Are all Z-Moves damaging?
No. Some Z-Moves like the Eevee Z-move, Extreme Evoboost, are status moves and can increase the Pokémon’s stats.
13. Why did Ash stop using Z-Moves?
In the anime, Ash primarily used Z-Moves in Alola and stopped using them due to their reliance on the Alolan environment for their maximum power. He would have to constantly travel back to Alola to recharge it.
14. What is Lycanroc’s exclusive Z-Move?
Lycanroc’s exclusive Z-Move is Splintered Stormshards, which is powered by the Lycanium Z.
15. Why is Pokémon Z not a thing?
According to one of the developers, Junichi Masuda, they did not plan a Pokémon Z, preferring to surprise their fans with new directions for the franchise.
Conclusion
Z-Moves offer a dynamic and strategic layer to Pokémon battles. They allow for a unique and powerful attack that most Pokemon can use as long as they meet the requirements. Understanding the nuances of which Pokémon can utilize Z-Moves and under what conditions can elevate a trainer’s gameplay significantly. While most Pokemon can use Z-Moves, specific Pokemon have their own unique versions and there are plenty of limitations that add depth to the use of these incredibly strong moves.