Zacian, the legendary wolf from the Galar region, made its first appearance in Pokémon Go back in August 2021. Much like its Sword and Shield counterpart, Zamazenta, Zacian boasts two distinct forms. Its “Hero of Many Battles” form is solely a Fairy-type, while it gains a Steel-type alongside its Fairy attributes in the “Crowned Sword” form. As of now, only the “Hero of Many Battles” version is available in Pokémon Go, so until the “Crowned Sword” form is introduced, the focus will be on Zacian’s Fairy-type version.
With Zacian’s return for the Max Out Finale event, which runs from November 27 to December 1, 2024, it’s important to know what you’re up against, and this guide is here to help with that. In its Fairy-type form, Zacian is particularly vulnerable to Poison and Steel-type attacks. So, when assembling your combat team, these are the types you’ll want to prioritize.
On the defensive side, Zacian is strong against Bug, Dark, Dragon, and Fighting-type moves, meaning attacks from these types won’t be very effective. It’s best to steer clear of them when devising your battle strategy.
Need some pointers on the best Pokémon to counter Zacian? Here’s what you should consider:
If you’ve got some Mega Energy at your disposal, Mega Gengar equipped with Lick or Shadow Ball plus Sludge Bomb is a powerful choice. Likewise, Mega Beedrill using Poison Jab and Sludge Bomb, and Mega Aggron with Iron Tail and Heavy Slam, are solid options.
For optimal results, battling during snowy or cloudy weather is advantageous. Snow boosts the effectiveness of Steel-type moves, while clouds enhance Fairy-type moves.
In the context of raids and gyms, Zacian’s go-to moveset includes Snarl and Play Rough. Even though it lacks a Fairy-type quick move, it still excels as a Fairy-type attacker. Snarl helps Zacian generate energy quickly, allowing it to frequently unleash Play Rough’s powerful attack.
Moving into the Master League, Zacian is a formidable contender, able to handle tough opponents such as Zekrom, Dragonite, and even Complete Forme Zygarde. Using Snarl in combination with Close Combat and Play Rough offers broad coverage. To maximize its potential, you’ll need to level it up as much as possible using XL Candy.
Wondering whether Zacian is available in its shiny form in Pokémon Go? You’re in luck! Shiny Zacian made a grand entrance during the Legendary Heroes event in September 2024. Just remember, the odds of encountering a shiny version are low, and there’s currently no way to increase your chances. The key is to participate in as many raids as possible and hope for a lucky encounter. Best of luck!
