Why Can’t I Use Z-Moves? A Comprehensive Guide
The frustration of being unable to unleash the raw power of a Z-Move in the Pokémon world can be incredibly disheartening. You’ve got the perfect Pokémon, a move ready to be enhanced, and yet, that stunning display of energy remains just out of reach. So, why can’t you use Z-Moves? The answer, while sometimes frustrating, boils down to several specific requirements that must be met. Primarily, you need the correct combination of items and conditions. In essence, you need a Key Stone, a compatible Z-Crystal and a Pokémon that knows the relevant move. Let’s break down each factor in detail. Firstly, you cannot perform Z-Moves without a Key Stone, which in most games can be obtained by various means like defeating certain powerful trainers, or mega-evolved Pokemon. Secondly, your Pokémon needs to be holding a Z-Crystal. This Z-Crystal must correspond to the type of move your Pokémon is about to use. The move itself also needs to be of the same type as the crystal. For example, to use a Z-Move powered by the Waterium-Z, the Pokémon must know a water-type move and be holding the corresponding Waterium Z-Crystal. Finally, the move needs to have PP.
Failing any of these conditions would make Z-Moves impossible. But the intricacies of Z-Move usage don’t end there. There are nuances regarding status conditions, special Z-Moves, and even how these mechanics are altered in different games. Understanding all of these points is crucial to harnessing the full power of Z-Moves.
Understanding the Z-Move Basics
The Key Components for Z-Move Activation
- Key Stone: This item is essential to initiate the connection between trainer and Pokemon to utilize the power of Z-Moves.
- Z-Crystal: Every Z-Move is fueled by a specific Z-Crystal, of which there are types to correspond to a Pokémon type. For example, Electrium-Z powers Electric-type Z-Moves like Gigavolt Havoc. The Z-Crystal must match a move your Pokemon knows to be compatible.
- Move Compatibility: The Pokémon must know a move of the same type as the Z-Crystal it holds.
- PP: Z-Moves, just like normal moves, require PP to be available. If your base move has run out of PP, you cannot perform it’s Z-Move counterpart.
If you are missing any of these critical components, your Z-Move will fail to activate.
Status Conditions and Their Impact on Z-Moves
While possessing the correct items is essential, your Pokémon’s condition also plays a crucial role. Certain status conditions can prevent your Pokémon from successfully executing a Z-Move. For instance, if your Pokémon is suffering from paralysis, flinching, or confusion, it will be unable to activate a Z-Move. This means you need to carefully consider your timing when using these powerful moves.
Specific Z-Moves
There are three main types of Z-Moves: general type-based Z-Moves, those made from a status move and Pokemon-specific Z-Moves. Every Pokemon can use the generic Z-Moves, given that they have a move of the same type as the Z-Crystal. There are also 18 type-based status Z-Moves, which are powered by the normal 18 types of Z-Crystals. Finally, Some Pokemon are able to use a special Z-Move, often with a powerful signature move. For example, the unique Z-Move of Pikachu is 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt, which requires a Pikashunium-Z and a Pikachu in a cap to utilize. These specialized moves add another layer of strategy and variety to battles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Z-Moves
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Z-Moves that will further clarify some common confusions and provide more insight into their usage:
1. Can every Pokémon use Z-Moves?
Yes, every Pokémon can use Z-Moves, provided they have a move that matches the type of the Z-Crystal they’re holding. There are also special Z-Moves that are only compatible with specific Pokémon.
2. Do Z-Moves ignore accuracy checks?
Yes, all damaging Z-Moves bypass accuracy checks, guaranteeing that they always hit and ignore any accuracy or evasion changes.
3. Are there any Z-Moves that have been banned?
Only Eevium Z has been banned in certain formats like Doubles due to the Evoboost effect. No other Z-Move has been deemed powerful enough to warrant a ban.
4. How many times can I use a Z-Move in battle?
You can only use one Z-Move per battle, so choose wisely when to unleash its power.
5. Can Z-Moves be used outside of Alola?
Yes, Z-Moves can be used outside of the Alola region, as demonstrated in the anime.
6. How do status conditions affect Z-Moves?
Conditions like paralysis, flinching, and confusion will prevent your Pokémon from using a Z-Move.
7. Do Z-Moves use PP?
Yes, Z-Moves utilize the PP of the base move they are derived from.
8. What is the strongest Z-Move?
10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt, exclusive to Pikachu, is considered the strongest Z-Move due to its high damage and critical hit chance.
9. What does a status move Z-Move do?
Status Z-Moves usually give a one stage boost to a single stat when used, while having the usual effect of the status move it is based off of.
10. How do I obtain a Key Stone?
The Key Stone is usually obtained through specific storylines, beating strong trainers, or, in the case of Pixelmon, through defeating Mega-Evolved Boss Pokemon.
11. What is Pikachu’s Z-Move and how do I use it?
Pikachu’s unique Z-Move is 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt, activated with a Pikashunium-Z and a Pikachu in a cap.
12. Can Z-Moves ignore abilities?
Some Z-Moves, like the ones associated with Solgaleo and Necrozma, can ignore the effect of the target’s Ability.
13. Why are Z-Moves called Z-Moves?
The “Z” stands for “zenryoku,” which means “full power” in Japanese.
14. Can I get banned for using Z-Moves?
No, Z-Moves are a core game mechanic and will not get you banned.
15. What are the generic Z-Moves?
There are 18 generic Z-Moves that each Pokemon can use. For example, Breakneck Blitz is a Normal-type Z-Move. All-Out Pummeling is a Fighting-type Z-Move. Hydro Vortex is a Water-type Z-Move. Inferno Overdrive is a Fire-type Z-Move. Bloom Doom is a Grass-type Z-Move. Gigavolt Havoc is an Electric-type Z-Move. Corkscrew Crash is a Steel-type Z-Move.
Conclusion
In summary, the inability to use Z-Moves usually stems from a lack of correct equipment, such as the Key Stone or the correct Z-Crystal, or perhaps not having a move of a matching type. Moreover, status conditions can also hinder Z-Move usage. By ensuring you have all of the necessary items, understand the basic mechanics, and are aware of potential limitations, you can successfully unleash the full potential of Z-Moves and dominate your battles.