Z-Move

Artwork for Z-Moves

A Z-Move (Japanese: Ｚワザ Z-Move) is a special type of move introduced in Generation VII in which a Trainer and their Pokémon's wishes combine to unleash an attack comprising the full power of both. These moves are very powerful, but they can only be used once per battle, unless a Roto Boost is used.

History

The origins of Z-Power are largely shrouded in mystery. However, information by Professor Kukui indicates that Z-Power may be related to the energy produced by Ultra Wormholes. Wicke also speculates that Lusamine's losing consciousness after fusing with Nihilego in Ultra Space may have been due to the Z-Power surrounding her. Alolan legends found in the Malie Library also indicate that Solgaleo^SUS/Lunala^MUM gifted the Tapunium Z to the guardian deities after fighting against them. In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, the Ultra Recon Squad reveal that the Z-Power that surrounds the user and their Pokémon when using a Z-Move as well as the aura surrounding Totem Pokémon are a result of Necrozma's light shining down on Alola long ago.

Z-Moves

There are three different kinds of Z-Moves: Z-Moves which can be used by any Pokémon, with one Z-Move for each of the 18 types; status moves that have been turned into Z-Moves by one of the 18 type-specific Z-Crystals; and Z-Moves that can only be used by specific Pokémon. The Z-Move that a Pokémon can perform depends on the Z-Crystal it holds. There are 18 different Z-Crystals that correspond to each of the 18 types, and several others that correspond to specific Pokémon. Z-Moves work by powering up one of the Pokémon's normal moves, so the Pokémon must also know an appropriate move. For the type-related Z-Crystals, the Pokémon must know a move of the same type as the Z-Crystal it is holding. For the Pokémon-specific Z-Crystals, the move required differs for each Pokémon.

A Z-Ring or Z-Power Ring is also required in order to perform Z-Moves. A Pokémon can only use a Z-Move if its Trainer is wearing a Z-Ring or Z-Power Ring and has the same Z-Crystal the Pokémon is holding. Mega Evolved and Primal Pokémon cannot use Z-Moves, even when holding an appropriate Z-Crystal (such as after Transform).

Gameplay

In battle

When using a Z-Move in the games, a special cutscene plays, first showing the Trainer performing a certain pose, before shifting to the Pokémon surrounding itself with its Z-Power and executing the Z-Move. This cutscene cannot be deactivated, even if battle animations are turned off.

Z-Moves draw upon the PP of the Pokémon's original moves in order to execute, requiring and consuming PP upon use. When the Z-Move option is chosen in battle, a list of Z-Moves overlays the Pokémon's original list of moves, with each compatible move of the Pokémon's original moves overlain by a Z-Move option that draws upon that move.

Damaging Z-Moves derive their category (physical or special) and power from the original move. For example, a Gigavolt Havoc based on Nuzzle (with a power of 20) will have a power of 100 and be a physical move, while one based on Thunderbolt (with a power of 90) will have a power of 175 and be a special move. If the Pokémon knows more than one compatible move, it will be able to choose among different versions of the Z-Move with different stats, with the instance that has the highest power sparkling. Damaging Z-Moves do not inherit any other properties from the original move, so have neutral priority and do not have the additional effects of the base move.

Damaging Z-Moves bypass accuracy checks to always hit, unless the opponent is in the semi-invulnerable turn of a move such as Dig or Fly.

Z-Moves based on status moves are enhanced versions of the original moves, having a Z- prefixed to the start of the status move's name. While they have the effects of the original status move, the user also receives a Z-Power effect (Japanese: Ｚパワーこうか Z-Power effect), which is executed before the move itself. For example, Z-Splash also boosts the user's Attack by 3 stages, while Z-Parting Shot also restores the switch-in ally's HP by 100%. These effects are not affected by Contrary, Simple, or Heal Block.

Exclusive Z-Moves can be used only by specific Pokémon, and require a specific move to be upgraded. They have a fixed category and power. Exclusive Z-Moves can be used by a Pokémon transformed into an appropriate species regardless of its original species, if it holds the corresponding Z-Crystal; however, if the Pokémon who the move is exclusive to is transformed, it cannot use its own species' exclusive Z-Move unless it is transformed into another Pokémon of the same species.

Damaging Z-Moves cannot be fully protected against by protection moves (such as Protect and Spiky Shield), instead dealing 25% of the original damage. Status Z-Moves can be blocked by protection moves, but will apply their Z-Power effects regardless. Like any other move, Z-Moves can be redirected by effects such as Follow Me and Storm Drain.

Z-Moves may be used without regard to the effects of Taunt, Torment, Disable, Encore, Imprison, and Heal Block; however, the Pokémon never has an opportunity to select a Z-Move if it is forced to use Struggle (e.g. if it is affected by Taunt and only knows status moves). Even if the target of Z-Heal Pulse or Z-Floral Healing is affected by Heal Block, that Pokémon's HP is restored. Status Z-Moves can be used without regard to the effects of Gravity, but Gravity will still cause them to fail after applying their Z-Power effect (e.g. Z-Magnet Rise will raise the user's evasion but then fail).

Even if a status Z-Move fails, it still applies its Z-Power effect. Z-Moves are affected normally by Powder and weather. Weather-changing moves turned into Z-Moves (except Defog) will disappear as usual during heavy rain, extremely harsh sunlight, and a mysterious air current, but will apply their Z-Power effects regardless.

The types of damaging Z-Moves are unaffected by type-modifying Abilities (although status Z-Moves' types are). However, their types are affected by Ion Deluge (if the Z-Move would be Normal-type) and Electrify.

If a Pokémon uses a damaging Z-Move on a Pokémon with Cursed Body, that damaging Z-Move can be disabled (with no effect on the base move). However, if Cursed Body would disable a status Z-Move (such as Z-Nature Power), the base status move will be disabled.

Power

With the exceptions of Mega Drain (120), Weather Ball (160), Hex (160), Gear Grind (180), V-create (220), Flying Press (170), and Core Enforcer (140), the powers of the type-specific damaging Z-Moves follow the following conversion table for base moves that have fixed powers. Struggle has a power of 1 as a Z-Move in the game data, which does not follow this table, but it is not possible to turn Struggle into a Z-Move.

Base move power	Z-Move power
0-55	100
60-65	120
70-75	140
80-85	160
90-95	175
100	180
110	185
120-125	190
130	195
140+	200

List of Z-Moves

For each type

Z-Move Type Pose Image Z-Crystal Breakneck Blitz Normal Normalium Z All-Out Pummeling Fighting Fightinium Z Supersonic Skystrike Flying Flyinium Z Acid Downpour Poison Poisonium Z Tectonic Rage Ground Groundium Z Continental Crush Rock Rockium Z Savage Spin-Out Bug Buginium Z Never-Ending Nightmare Ghost Ghostium Z Corkscrew Crash Steel Steelium Z Inferno Overdrive Fire Firium Z Hydro Vortex Water Waterium Z Bloom Doom Grass Grassium Z Gigavolt Havoc Electric Electrium Z Shattered Psyche Psychic Psychium Z Subzero Slammer Ice Icium Z Devastating Drake Dragon Dragonium Z Black Hole Eclipse Dark Darkinium Z Twinkle Tackle Fairy Fairium Z

For specific Pokémon

Introduced Z-Move Pokémon Required move Type Category Power Pose Image Z-Crystal SM Catastropika Pikachu Volt Tackle Electric Physical 210 Pikanium Z SM 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt Pikachu in a cap Thunderbolt Electric Special 195 Pikashunium Z SM Stoked Sparksurfer Alolan Raichu Thunderbolt Electric Special 175 Aloraichium Z SM Extreme Evoboost Eevee Last Resort Normal Status — Eevium Z SM Pulverizing Pancake Snorlax Giga Impact Normal Physical 210 Snorlium Z SM Genesis Supernova Mew Psychic Psychic Special 185 Mewnium Z SM Sinister Arrow Raid Decidueye Spirit Shackle Ghost Physical 180 Decidium Z SM Malicious Moonsault Incineroar Darkest Lariat Dark Physical 180 Incinium Z SM Oceanic Operetta Primarina Sparkling Aria Water Special 195 Primarium Z USUM Splintered Stormshards Lycanroc Stone Edge Rock Physical 190 Lycanium Z USUM Let's Snuggle Forever Mimikyu Play Rough Fairy Physical 190 Mimikium Z USUM Clangorous Soulblaze Kommo-o Clanging Scales Dragon Special 185 Kommonium Z SM Guardian of Alola Guardian deities Nature's Madness Fairy Special — Tapunium Z USUM Searing Sunraze Smash Solgaleo Dusk Mane Necrozma Sunsteel Strike Steel Physical 200 Solganium Z USUM Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom Lunala Dawn Wings Necrozma Moongeist Beam Ghost Special 200 Lunalium Z USUM Light That Burns the Sky Ultra Necrozma Photon Geyser Psychic Special 200 Ultranecrozium Z SM Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike Marshadow Spectral Thief Ghost Physical 195 Marshadium Z

Z-Power effects of status moves

When a status move is upgraded into a Z-Move, it may also gain a Z-Power effect in addition to its regular effect. Additionally, when used as a Z-Move, all moves that call other moves convert the called move into its corresponding Z-Move, although status moves called this way do not get their Z-Power effect. Moves stolen by Z-Snatch, reflected by Z-Magic Coat, or instructed by Z-Instruct are not turned into Z-Moves.

Move Type Z-Power Effect Detail Swords Dance  Normal  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Whirlwind  Normal  Special Defense ↑ Raises Special Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Sand Attack  Ground  Evasiveness ↑ Raises evasiveness by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Tail Whip  Normal  Attack ↑ Raises Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Leer  Normal  Attack ↑ Raises Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Growl  Normal  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Roar  Normal  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Sing  Normal  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Supersonic  Normal  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Disable  Normal  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Mist  Ice  Restores HP Fully restores user's HP {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Leech Seed  Grass  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Growth  Normal  Special Attack ↑ Raises Special Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Poison Powder  Poison  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Stun Spore  Grass  Special Defense ↑ Raises Special Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Sleep Powder  Grass  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} String Shot  Bug  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Thunder Wave  Electric  Special Defense ↑ Raises Special Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Toxic  Poison  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Hypnosis  Psychic  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Meditate  Psychic  Attack ↑ Raises Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Agility  Psychic  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Teleport  Psychic  Restores HP Fully restores user's HP {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Mimic  Normal  Accuracy ↑ Raises accuracy by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Screech  Normal  Attack ↑ Raises Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Double Team  Normal  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Recover  Normal  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Harden  Normal  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Minimize  Normal  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Smokescreen  Normal  Evasiveness ↑ Raises evasiveness by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Confuse Ray  Ghost  Special Attack ↑ Raises Special Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Withdraw  Water  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Defense Curl  Normal  Accuracy ↑ Raises accuracy by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Barrier  Psychic  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Light Screen  Psychic  Special Defense ↑ Raises Special Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Haze  Ice  Restores HP Fully restores user's HP {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Reflect  Psychic  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Focus Energy  Normal  Accuracy ↑ Raises accuracy by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Metronome  Normal  None Calls a Z-move {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Mirror Move  Flying  Attack ↑↑ Raises Attack by 2 stages {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Amnesia  Psychic  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Kinesis  Psychic  Evasiveness ↑ Raises evasiveness by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Soft-Boiled  Normal  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Glare  Normal  Special Defense ↑ Raises Special Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Poison Gas  Poison  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Lovely Kiss  Normal  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Transform  Normal  Restores HP Fully restores user's HP {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Spore  Grass  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Flash  Normal  Evasiveness ↑ Raises evasiveness by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Splash  Normal  Attack ↑↑↑ Raises Attack by 3 stages {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Acid Armor  Poison  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Rest  Psychic  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Sharpen  Normal  Attack ↑ Raises Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Conversion  Normal  Stats ↑ Raises Attack, Defense, Sp. Atk, Sp. Def, and Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Substitute  Normal  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Sketch  Normal  Stats ↑ Raises Attack, Defense, Sp. Atk, Sp. Def, and Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Spider Web  Bug  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Mind Reader  Normal  Special Attack ↑ Raises Special Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Nightmare  Ghost  Special Attack ↑ Raises Special Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Curse  Ghost  Changes depending on the type Fully restores user's HP (Ghost-type) Raises Attack by 1 stage (non Ghost-type) {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Conversion 2  Normal  Restores HP Fully restores user's HP {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Cotton Spore  Grass  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Spite  Ghost  Restores HP Fully restores user's HP {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Protect  Normal  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Scary Face  Normal  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Sweet Kiss  Fairy  Special Attack ↑ Raises Special Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Belly Drum  Normal  Restores HP Fully restores user's HP {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Spikes  Ground  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Foresight  Normal  Boosts critical-hit ratio Boosts critical-hit ratio by 2 stages {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Destiny Bond  Ghost  Center of attention User becomes center of attention {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Perish Song  Normal  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Detect  Fighting  Evasiveness ↑ Raises evasiveness by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Lock-On  Normal  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Sandstorm  Rock  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Endure  Normal  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Charm  Fairy  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Swagger  Normal  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Milk Drink  Normal  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Mean Look  Normal  Special Defense ↑ Raises Special Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Attract  Normal  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Sleep Talk  Normal  Boosts critical-hit ratio Boosts critical-hit ratio by 2 stages {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Heal Bell  Normal  Restores HP Fully restores user's HP {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Safeguard  Normal  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Pain Split  Normal  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Baton Pass  Normal  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Encore  Normal  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Sweet Scent  Normal  Accuracy ↑ Raises accuracy by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Morning Sun  Normal  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Synthesis  Grass  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Moonlight  Fairy  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Rain Dance  Water  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Sunny Day  Fire  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Psych Up  Normal  Restores HP Fully restores user's HP {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Stockpile  Normal  Restores HP Fully restores user's HP {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Swallow  Normal  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Hail  Ice  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Torment  Dark  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Flatter  Dark  Special Defense ↑ Raises Special Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Will-O-Wisp  Fire  Attack ↑ Raises Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Memento  Dark  Restores replacement’s HP Fully restores switched-in ally's HP* {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Follow Me  Normal  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Nature Power  Normal  None Calls a Z-move {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Charge  Electric  Special Defense ↑ Raises Special Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Taunt  Dark  Attack ↑ Raises Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Helping Hand  Normal  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Trick  Psychic  Speed ↑↑ Raises Speed by 2 stages {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Role Play  Psychic  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Wish  Normal  Special Defense ↑ Raises Special Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Assist  Normal  None Calls a Z-move {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Ingrain  Grass  Special Defense ↑ Raises Special Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Magic Coat  Psychic  Special Defense ↑↑ Raises Special Defense by 2 stages {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Recycle  Normal  Speed ↑↑ Raises Speed by 2 stages {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Yawn  Normal  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Skill Swap  Psychic  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Imprison  Psychic  Special Defense ↑↑ Raises Special Defense by 2 stages {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Refresh  Normal  Restores HP Fully restores user's HP {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Grudge  Ghost  Center of attention User becomes center of attention {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Snatch  Dark  Speed ↑↑ Raises Speed by 2 stages {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Camouflage  Normal  Evasiveness ↑ Raises evasiveness by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Tail Glow  Bug  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Feather Dance  Flying  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Teeter Dance  Normal  Special Attack ↑ Raises Special Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Mud Sport  Ground  Special Defense ↑ Raises Special Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Slack Off  Normal  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Aromatherapy  Grass  Restores HP Fully restores user's HP {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Fake Tears  Dark  Special Attack ↑ Raises Special Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Odor Sleuth  Normal  Attack ↑ Raises Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Metal Sound  Steel  Special Attack ↑ Raises Special Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Grass Whistle  Grass  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Tickle  Normal  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Cosmic Power  Psychic  Special Defense ↑ Raises Special Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Iron Defense  Steel  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Block  Normal  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Howl  Normal  Attack ↑ Raises Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Bulk Up  Fighting  Attack ↑ Raises Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Water Sport  Water  Special Defense ↑ Raises Special Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Calm Mind  Psychic  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Dragon Dance  Dragon  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Roost  Flying  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Gravity  Psychic  Special Attack ↑ Raises Special Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Miracle Eye  Psychic  Special Attack ↑ Raises Special Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Healing Wish  Psychic  None None {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Tailwind  Flying  Boosts critical-hit ratio Boosts critical-hit ratio by 2 stages {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Acupressure  Normal  Boosts critical-hit ratio Boosts critical-hit ratio by 2 stages {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Embargo  Dark  Special Attack ↑ Raises Special Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Psycho Shift  Psychic  Special Attack ↑↑ Raises Special Attack by 2 stages {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Heal Block  Psychic  Special Attack ↑↑ Raises Special Attack by 2 stages {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Power Trick  Psychic  Attack ↑ Raises Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Gastro Acid  Poison  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Lucky Chant  Normal  Evasiveness ↑ Raises evasiveness by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Me First  Normal  Speed ↑↑ Raises Speed by 2 stages {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Copycat  Normal  Accuracy ↑ Raises accuracy by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Power Swap  Psychic  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Guard Swap  Psychic  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Worry Seed  Grass  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Toxic Spikes  Poison  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Heart Swap  Psychic  Boosts critical-hit ratio Boosts critical-hit ratio by 2 stages {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Aqua Ring  Water  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Magnet Rise  Electric  Evasiveness ↑ Raises evasiveness by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Rock Polish  Rock  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Switcheroo  Dark  Speed ↑↑ Raises Speed by 2 stages {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Nasty Plot  Dark  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Defog  Flying  Accuracy ↑ Raises accuracy by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Trick Room  Psychic  Accuracy ↑ Raises accuracy by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Captivate  Normal  Special Defense ↑↑ Raises Special Defense by 2 stages {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Stealth Rock  Rock  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Defend Order  Bug  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Heal Order  Bug  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Lunar Dance  Psychic  None None {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Dark Void  Dark  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Hone Claws  Dark  Attack ↑ Raises Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Wide Guard  Rock  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Guard Split  Psychic  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Power Split  Psychic  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Wonder Room  Psychic  Special Defense ↑ Raises Special Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Autotomize  Steel  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Rage Powder  Bug  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Telekinesis  Psychic  Special Attack ↑ Raises Special Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Magic Room  Psychic  Special Defense ↑ Raises Special Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Quiver Dance  Bug  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Soak  Water  Special Attack ↑ Raises Special Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Coil  Poison  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Simple Beam  Normal  Special Attack ↑ Raises Special Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Entrainment  Normal  Special Defense ↑ Raises Special Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} After You  Normal  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Quick Guard  Fighting  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Ally Switch  Psychic  Speed ↑↑ Raises Speed by 2 stages {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Shell Smash  Normal  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Heal Pulse  Psychic  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Shift Gear  Steel  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Quash  Dark  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Reflect Type  Normal  Special Attack ↑ Raises Special Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Bestow  Normal  Speed ↑↑ Raises Speed by 2 stages {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Work Up  Normal  Attack ↑ Raises Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Cotton Guard  Grass  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Mat Block  Fighting  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Rototiller  Ground  Attack ↑ Raises Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Sticky Web  Bug  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Trick-or-Treat  Ghost  Stats ↑ Raises Attack, Defense, Sp. Atk, Sp. Def, and Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Noble Roar  Normal  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Ion Deluge  Electric  Special Attack ↑ Raises Special Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Forest's Curse  Grass  Stats ↑ Raises Attack, Defense, Sp. Atk, Sp. Def, and Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Parting Shot  Dark  Restores replacement’s HP Fully restores switched-in ally's HP {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Topsy-Turvy  Dark  Attack ↑ Raises Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Crafty Shield  Fairy  Special Defense ↑ Raises Special Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Flower Shield  Fairy  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Grassy Terrain  Grass  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Misty Terrain  Fairy  Special Defense ↑ Raises Special Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Electrify  Electric  Special Attack ↑ Raises Special Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Fairy Lock  Fairy  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} King's Shield  Steel  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Play Nice  Normal  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Confide  Normal  Special Defense ↑ Raises Special Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Spiky Shield  Grass  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Aromatic Mist  Fairy  Special Defense ↑↑ Raises Special Defense by 2 stages {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Eerie Impulse  Electric  Special Defense ↑ Raises Special Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Venom Drench  Poison  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Powder  Bug  Special Defense ↑↑ Raises Special Defense by 2 stages {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Geomancy  Fairy  Stats ↑ Raises Attack, Defense, Sp. Atk, Sp. Def, and Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Magnetic Flux  Electric  Special Defense ↑ Raises Special Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Happy Hour  Normal  Stats ↑ Raises Attack, Defense, Sp. Atk, Sp. Def, and Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Electric Terrain  Electric  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Celebrate  Normal  Stats ↑ Raises Attack, Defense, Sp. Atk, Sp. Def, and Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Hold Hands  Normal  Stats ↑ Raises Attack, Defense, Sp. Atk, Sp. Def, and Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Baby-Doll Eyes  Fairy  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Shore Up  Ground  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Baneful Bunker  Poison  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Floral Healing  Fairy  Reset Stats Resets user's lowered stats {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Strength Sap  Grass  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Spotlight  Normal  Special Defense ↑ Raises Special Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Toxic Thread  Poison  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Laser Focus  Normal  Attack ↑ Raises Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Gear Up  Steel  Special Attack ↑ Raises Special Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Psychic Terrain  Psychic  Special Attack ↑ Raises Special Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Speed Swap  Psychic  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Purify  Poison  Stats ↑ Raises Attack, Defense, Sp. Atk, Sp. Def, and Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Instruct  Psychic  Special Attack ↑ Raises Special Attack by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Aurora Veil  Ice  Speed ↑ Raises Speed by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}} Tearful Look  Normal  Defense ↑ Raises Defense by 1 stage {{{5}}} {{{6}}}

In the TCG

In the Pokémon Trading Card Game, a mechanic similar to Z-Moves, introduced in the Sun & Moon expansion, is a type of attack called attacks. Known exclusively by Pokémon, they are distinguished by a "" suffix following the attack's name, such as in "Pulverizing Pancake".

Like Z-Moves, attacks have very powerful effects compared to those of other attacks. However, each player may use no more than one attack per game. markers are used to denote whether a player has used his or her attack yet. When a player uses a attack, his or her marker is flipped over to expose its reverse side.

In the anime

Ash and Pikachu about to use Gigavolt Havoc

Similar to the games, Z-Moves are powerful moves that can be executed by a Pokémon that knows an appropriate move which corresponds to the type of Z-Crystal on the Trainer's Z-Ring. Z-Moves were first featured in the Sun & Moon series in episode Alola to New Adventure!, where Kiawe and his Turtonator used Inferno Overdrive with the help of Kiawe's Z-Ring and Firium Z which he used to defeat Zipp's Yungoos, Tupp's Salandit, and Rapp's Zubat.

According to Professor Kukui in Alola to New Adventure!, only Trainers who are successful in the island challenge can use Z-Moves. As seen with Ash's Rowlet in Young Kiawe Had a Farm!, Z-Moves drain a lot of the Pokémon's energy, but with adequate training, the Pokémon can reduce the amount of energy necessary to execute a Z-Move. In a similar manner, in Balloons, Brionne, and Belligerence!, Lana's Popplio failed its first attempt at Hydro Vortex since it was not strong enough to execute the move.

Due to their vast blast radius and power, they can usually be used to wipe out many targets at once, like in a Battle Royal. Typically, bipedal or semi-bipedal Pokémon with arm-like forelimbs tend to mimic the poses of their Trainer during the activation. On the other hand, quadrupeds and the like, whose forelimbs show no manual dexterity, tend to stay still and wait until the activation is completed before acting.

Ash first performed a Z-Move in The Guardian's Challenge!, with his Pikachu using Gigavolt Havoc thanks to the Z-Ring and Electrium Z Ash had received from Tapu Koko. After using the attack, however, the Electrium Z shattered, preventing Ash from using the move again until he obtained a new Electrium Z in Trial and Tribulation!.

In the Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, and Thai versions, when a Z-Move is used, the name of the specific move is shown, like in the games; however, the names are removed in most other dubs.

List of Z-Moves used in the anime

Pokémon		Trainer	Z-Move	Pose	Image	Debut
	Turtonator	Kiawe	Inferno Overdrive			Alola to New Adventure!
	Pikachu	Ash	Gigavolt Havoc			The Guardian's Challenge!
	Hariyama	Hala	All-Out Pummeling			Trial and Tribulation!
	Pikachu	Ash	Breakneck Blitz			Trial and Tribulation!
	Rowlet	Ash	Breakneck Blitz			Young Kiawe Had a Farm!
	Rockruff	Ash	Breakneck Blitz			A Guardian Rematch!
	Lycanroc	Gladion	Continental Crush			A Glaring Rivalry!
	Snorlax	Oluolu	Pulverizing Pancake			Pulling Out the Pokémon Base Pepper!
	Marshadow	None	Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike			I Choose You!
	Litten	Ash	Breakneck Blitz			Currying Favor and Flavor!
	Lycanroc	Olivia	Continental Crush			Trials and Determinations!
	Rowlet	Ash	Bloom Doom			Trials and Determinations!
	Lycanroc	Ash	Continental Crush			Mimikyu Unmasked!
	Brionne	Ida	Hydro Vortex			Balloons, Brionne, and Belligerence!
	Popplio	Lana	Hydro Vortex			Balloons, Brionne, and Belligerence!
	Nebby	Ash	Searing Sunraze Smash			Revealing the Stuff of Legend!
	Pikachu	Ash	10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt			10,000,000 Reasons to Fight!
	Incineroar	Professor Kukui/The Masked Royal	Malicious Moonsault			Pushing the Fiery Envelope!
	Eevee	Ilima	Extreme Evoboost			Turning Heads and Training Hard!
	Alolan Marowak	Kiawe	Inferno Overdrive			The Young Flame Strikes Back!
	Mareanie	James	Black Hole Eclipse			Why Not Give Me a Z-Ring Sometime?
	Mimikyu	Jessie	Let's Snuggle Forever			A Battle Hand-Off!
	Alolan Persian	Nanu	Black Hole Eclipse			Guiding an Awakening!
	Lycanroc	Ash	Splintered Stormshards			Twirling with a Bang!
	Silvally	Gladion	Breakneck Blitz			SM089
	Lunala	Gladion	Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom			SM090
	Pikachu	Pikarla	Catastropika	File:Pikarla Catastropika pose.png	File:Pikarla Bancho Catastropika.png	SM091

In the manga

In the movie adaptations

Ash and his Pikachu performed the 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt Z-Move in ICYR1 during a battle against a Totem Kommo-o.

Marshadow and Ken performed the Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike Z-Move in ICYR2 in order to defeat Borosue.

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Z-Moves first appeared in the Sun & Moon arc. Olivia had her Lycanroc use Continental Crush while Nanu had his Alolan Persian use Black Hole Eclipse during an exhibition match against each other. Hala stepped in to stop both Pokémon before either could successfully use their moves.

During his battle against Gladion in an Iki Town festival tournament, Sun inadvertently used a Z-Move with his En, allowing it to defeat Gladion's Type: Null with an incomplete version of Inferno Overdrive. Due to not knowing how to use Z-Moves at the time, Sun received Z-Power from a nearby Ultra Wormhole instead of building it up with a pose. Later, he was taught how to properly perform Z-Moves by Kiawe in order to battle Gladion a second time. With his newly-obtained Z-Ring, Sun and En successfully used Inferno Overdrive properly.

Trivia

• According to a book in Malie Library, the Z in Z-Move is short for zenith (Japanese: ゼンリョク/全力, zenryoku "full power/force").
  • Internal data in the games also refer to Z-Move as ZenryokuWaza, which literally means "full-powered move".
• Some cutscenes when using a Z-Move bear similarities to the cutscenes used in Pokémon Contest Spectaculars from Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.

In other languages

Language Title Chinese Cantonese Ｚ招式 Z-Jīusīk Mandarin Ｚ招式 Z-Zhāoshì Czech Z-Move* Z-útok* Danish Z-træk Dutch Z-move* Z-aanval* Finnish Z-liike French Capacité Z German Z-Attacke Hungarian Z-támadás* Z-Mozdulat* Italian Mossa Z Korean Z기술 Z-Gisul Malaysian Gerakan Z Serangan Z Norwegian Z-trekk Polish Ruch Z* Z-Move* Ataka Z Portuguese Brazil Movimento Z Portugal Técnica-Z Russian Атака-Z Ataka-Z Spanish Movimiento Z Swedish Z-Move* Z-attack* Z-move* Vietnamese Tuyệt Kĩ Z

Z-Power

Language Title Japanese Ｚパワー Z-Power Chinese Cantonese Ｚ力量 Z-Lihkleuhng Mandarin Ｚ力量 Z-Lìliàng Danish Z-kraft Dutch Z-kracht Finnish Z-voima French Force Z German Z-Kraft Italian Potere Z Korean Z파워 Z-Power Norwegian Z-kraft Brazilian Portuguese Poder Z Russian Сила-Z Sila-Z Spanish Poder Z Swedish Z-kraft

See also

• Z-Crystal

References

Type-based Z-Moves
Breakneck Blitz • All-Out Pummeling • Supersonic Skystrike • Acid Downpour • Tectonic Rage Continental Crush • Savage Spin-Out • Never-Ending Nightmare • Corkscrew Crash Inferno Overdrive • Hydro Vortex • Bloom Doom • Gigavolt Havoc • Shattered Psyche Subzero Slammer • Devastating Drake • Black Hole Eclipse • Twinkle Tackle
Species-based Z-Moves
Catastropika • 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt • Stoked Sparksurfer • Extreme Evoboost Pulverizing Pancake • Genesis Supernova • Sinister Arrow Raid • Malicious Moonsault Oceanic Operetta • Splintered Stormshards • Let's Snuggle Forever • Clangorous Soulblaze Guardian of Alola • Searing Sunraze Smash • Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom Light That Burns the Sky • Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike

This article is part of Project Moves and Abilities, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on two related aspects of the Pokémon games.