📕 Pokédex Entry: Z-Moves
Name: Z-Moves
Introduced In:Pokémon Sun & Moon (Gen VII)
Region: Alola
Category: Battle Mechanic – One-Time Super Move
🔷 What is it?
Z-Moves are a special Alolan battle technique where a Trainer and Pokémon synchronize their energy through a Z-Ring, unleashing a devastatingly powerful move. Any Pokémon can use a Z-Move with the right Z-Crystal, making it the most universally accessible battle transformation.
🌟 Visual & UI
Activated via a "Z-Move" button during move selection.
Uses a cinematic animation showing the Trainer performing a special dance for the move's type.
The Pokémon glows with energy and performs a dramatic, high-power attack.
⚙️ Activation & Rules - Feature Z-Moves
Where - Alola (Sun/Moon, Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon)
Trigger - Pokémon holds a Z-Crystal matching a move type or species
Activation - Once per battle, during move selection
Duration - Single-use attack
Recharge None – it's one and done
Trainer Gear - Requires Z-Ring or Z-Power Ring
🔥 Battle Effects - Effect Type Details
Move Power - Based on base move's power (can range from 100 to 200+)
Guaranteed Hit? - No – accuracy still applies unless the base move is sure-hit
Move Replacement - The chosen move becomes a Z-Move temporarily
Special Effects - Some Z-Moves ignore Protect partially or cause status effects
No Form Change - Pokémon stays in normal appearance, no stat changes
🧪 Types of Z-Moves
🔹 Type-Based Z-Moves (Available to All Pokémon):
Any Pokémon can use these if they know a damaging move of that type:
Z-Crystal Z-Move Name Type Normalium Z Breakneck Blitz Normal Firium Z Inferno Overdrive Fire Electrium Z Gigavolt Havoc Electric ... (One for each type)
🔸 Species-Specific Z-Moves (Exclusive):
Only usable by specific Pokémon with their matching Z-Crystal:
Pokémon Z-Move Name Effect Pikachu Catastropika High-power Electric attack Mimikyu Let's Snuggle Forever Fairy-type with boosted power Decidueye Sinister Arrow Raid Ghost-type move with cinematic volley of arrows Eevee Extreme Evoboost +2 to every stat! (one of the most powerful boosts)
There are 25+ signature Z-Moves, all with special effects, some even boosting stats or ignoring Protect.
🎯 Strategy & Notes
Z-Moves offer massive burst damage or game-changing effects (like boosting every stat).
Ideal for finishing weakened foes, breaking walls, or setting up sweeps.
Since any Pokémon can use one, Z-Moves offer incredible versatility.
Common in competitive play in Gen VII, especially in singles formats.
In doubles (VGC), often used to guarantee a KO on a key threat turn one.
⚔️ Competitive History - Format Status
Gen VII (SM) - Core battle mechanic; used in both Singles and Doubles
Gen VIII+ Removed from Sword/Shield and Scarlet/Violet - Tournaments Banned in some tiers (e.g., Extreme Evoboost in Smogon)
🧩 Trivia
Only one Z-Move can be used per battle, regardless of how many Pokémon hold Z-Crystals.
The power scales depending on the base move (a 140 BP move makes a stronger Z-Move than a 40 BP move).
Z-Moves bypass abilities that activate only on status moves (like Taunt or Prankster).
The Z-Power animations are unique for each type and can't be skipped in the original games, adding to their dramatic effect.