Zacian’s Achilles Heel: Understanding Its Weaknesses

Zacian, the legendary Fairy-type Pokémon from the Galar region, is a force to be reckoned with, often hailed for its immense power and speed. However, even the mightiest of champions have their vulnerabilities. So, the direct answer to the question, “Who is Zacian weak to?” is: Zacian is primarily weak to Poison and Steel-type attacks. This is particularly true for its Hero of Many Battles form. These weaknesses are crucial for trainers to understand when facing off against this formidable foe.

Zacian’s Form and Typing

Before delving deeper, it’s vital to understand that Zacian has two primary forms:

• Hero of Many Battles: This is Zacian’s base form, where it is a pure Fairy-type Pokémon. This form is specifically vulnerable to Poison and Steel-type attacks.
• Crowned Sword: When holding the Rusty Sword, Zacian transforms into its Crowned Sword form, becoming a Fairy/Steel-type. This dual-typing changes its vulnerabilities, giving it only Fire and Ground weaknesses.

Understanding which form Zacian is currently in is vital for any trainer planning to battle it. This article primarily focuses on the weaknesses of its Hero of Many Battles form, as it is the form where Zacian’s primary weaknesses to Poison and Steel are relevant.

Breaking Down the Weaknesses

Poison-Type Weakness

As a pure Fairy-type, Zacian suffers double damage from Poison-type moves. This means that Pokémon utilizing Poison-type moves will have a significant advantage, effectively halving the damage it does to them while also doubling the damage they do to it. Pokémon like Beedrill, Toxapex, Roserade, and Nihilego can deal effective damage, although a well-trained Zacian is still capable of doing heavy damage to them.

Steel-Type Weakness

The other major weakness for the Hero of Many Battles Zacian is Steel-type attacks. Just like Poison-types, Steel-type moves will deal twice the normal damage. This makes Pokémon such as Metagross, Excadrill, Dialga, and Genesect effective counters. Their Steel-type moves, coupled with their generally high attack stats, can easily overwhelm Zacian’s base form.

Strategies to Exploit Zacian’s Weaknesses

To effectively counter Zacian, trainers should consider several strategies:

• Type Advantage: Employing Pokémon with strong Poison or Steel-type moves is crucial. This will take advantage of the double damage multiplier.
• Status Effects: While not directly related to typing, inflicting status conditions like poison can weaken Zacian over time and will take it down much faster than not.
• Speed Control: Zacian is known for its high speed. Using moves that lower speed or using moves with priority such as the move Bullet Punch which is a steel type move may be helpful.
• Revenge Killing: If your opponent has already sent out their Zacian, a strong Steel type that is faster or a revenger killer like Ditto might be necessary to take it down.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does Zacian’s Crowned Sword form share the same weaknesses?

No. Zacian’s Crowned Sword form is a Fairy/Steel-type, which makes it vulnerable to Fire and Ground-type attacks instead of Poison and Steel.

2. Can any Pokémon “easily” defeat Zacian?

No Pokémon can easily defeat Zacian. While some have a type advantage, Zacian is a powerful Pokémon with high stats, making most battles challenging even with a type advantage. Strategy and proper training are necessary for victory. The best method of beating it is revenge killing it with faster Pokemon or Ditto.

3. Is Zacian weak to Fire?

The base Hero of Many Battles Zacian form is NOT weak to Fire. It is weak to Poison and Steel. However, its Crowned Sword form is weak to Fire due to its Steel-type addition.

4. What about Ground-type attacks?

The Hero of Many Battles Zacian form is NOT weak to Ground attacks. However, its Crowned Sword form is vulnerable to Ground attacks due to its Steel-type addition.

5. Is Zacian weak to Dragon-type attacks?

No, Zacian is not weak to Dragon-type attacks. As a Fairy-type Pokémon, Zacian is actually resistant to Dragon-type moves.

6. How does Zacian fare against other Legendaries?

Zacian is considered one of the stronger Legendaries. Its Fairy-type attack, high attack stat, and speed make it a formidable opponent against most other legendaries. However, it still is vulnerable to its weaknesses.

7. Can a well-trained Poison-type Pokémon consistently defeat Zacian?

While a well-trained Poison-type Pokémon like Toxapex has a type advantage, Zacian’s high stats and move pool make it a challenging fight. However, in most cases, the Poison type will prevail.

8. What is the best way to use a Pokémon like Excadrill against Zacian?

Excadrill, with its Steel/Ground typing, can effectively counter Zacian, though its Ground type will not impact Zacian in the Hero of Many Battles form. However, using Excadrill’s Steel-type attacks, like Iron Head, or utilizing its ability Sand Rush can give a significant advantage.

9. How does Zacian’s speed impact its weakness?

Zacian’s high speed can make it difficult to exploit its weaknesses, as it can often attack first. Faster Pokémon are required for a direct attack. Using priority moves is also vital in these situations.

10. Is it better to use a Steel-type or Poison-type against Zacian?

Both Steel and Poison-type moves deal double damage to Zacian’s Hero of Many Battles form. Which type to use depends on the specific Pokémon’s stats and moveset. Generally, Steel-type Pokémon such as Metagross will fair better due to their high attack.

11. Can Zacian beat Eternatus?

Yes, while individually weaker, Zacian and Zamazenta can jointly defeat Eternatus. Also, its moveset is less powerful than the two together.

12. Is Zacian stronger than Zamazenta?

Zacian has a type advantage in its Crowned Sword form because Fairy type neutralizes Fairy’s weakness, making it slightly stronger than Zamazenta, who has 3 weaknesses to worry about: Fire, Fighting, and Ground type moves.

13. Who caught Eternatus in the Pokemon games?

In the Pokémon games, the player (Trainer) catches Eternatus. It’s not specifically caught by any other character. In the anime, however, it is caught by Ash and Goh.

14. Is Zacian a legendary Pokémon?

Yes, Zacian is a legendary Pokémon in the Galar region.

15. What is the best way to prepare for a battle against Zacian?

The best way to prepare is to use Steel or Poison type Pokemon that are high in attack, fast, or have a priority move. Revenge killers like Ditto can also be useful.