Z-Move

From Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia.
Jump to navigationJump to search
Artwork of a Pikachu using a Z-Move

A Z-Move (Japanese: 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. Z-Moves require one of several available Z-Crystals and a Z-RingSM or Z-Power RingUSUM to channel Z-Power through.

They are no longer present in the core series from Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! onwards, but they still appear in some spin-off games, such as Pokémon Masters EX.

In the core series games

Z-Moves are very powerful, but they can only be used once per battle, unless Z-Rotom Power is used.

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 Pokémon can only use a Z-Move if its Trainer is wearing a Z-RingSM or Z-Power RingUSUM 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).

History

Main article: Z-Power

The origins of Z-Power, and by extension, Z-Moves, are largely shrouded in mystery. However, information by Professor Kukui and Professor Burnet indicate that Z-Power may be related to the energy produced by Ultra Wormholes.[1] 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 and the aura that surrounds Totem Pokémon are a result of Necrozma's light shining down on Alola long ago.[2]

Alolan legends found in the Malie Library also indicate that SolgaleoSUS/LunalaMUM gifted the Tapunium Z to the guardian deities after fighting against them. The letter Z found at the start of Z-Move, Z-Power, Z-Ring, and Z-Power Ring comes from the word Zenith (Japanese: ゼンリョク/全力, zenryoku[3] "full power/force"), as the action of performing a Z-Move is done through a Trainer and their Pokémon combining their strength and vigor with one another.

Battle mechanics

050Diglett.png This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: Are Z-Moves always obeyed?

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 base 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 base move, so they have neutral priority and do not have the additional effects of the base move.

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 bypass accuracy checks to always hit, unless the opponent is in the semi-invulnerable turn of a move such as Dig or Fly. Damaging Z-Moves cannot be fully protected against by protection moves (such as Protect and Spiky Shield), instead dealing 25% of the original damage. 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. A Z-Move based on Nature Power will become a damaging Z-Move of the corresponding type based on the terrain, rather than a Z-Status Move.

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 usually also receives a Z-Power effect (Japanese: 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.

If a status Z-Move misses, fails (including failure caused by heavy rain, extremely harsh sunlight, or strong winds), or is blocked by a protection move, it still applies its Z-Power effect. 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).

Additionally, when used as a Z-Move, most 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.

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.

Like any other move, Z-Moves can be redirected by effects such as Follow Me and Storm Drain. Z-Moves are affected normally by Powder and weather. Weather-changing moves turned into Z-Moves will disappear as usual during, but will apply their Z-Power effects regardless.

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), 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 and are not multi-hit moves. 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 Breakneck Blitz VII Pose.png Breakneck Blitz VII 2.png Normalium
Normalium Z
All-Out Pummeling Fighting All-Out Pummeling VII Pose.png All-Out Pummeling VII.png Fightinium
Fightinium Z
Supersonic Skystrike Flying Supersonic Skystrike VII Pose.png Supersonic Skystrike VII 2.png Flyinium
Flyinium Z
Acid Downpour Poison Acid Downpour VII Pose.png Acid Downpour VII 2.png Poisonium
Poisonium Z
Tectonic Rage Ground Tectonic Rage VII Pose.png Tectonic Rage VII 2.png Groundium
Groundium Z
Continental Crush Rock Continental Crush VII Pose.png Continental Crush VII 2.png Rockium
Rockium Z
Savage Spin-Out Bug Savage Spin-Out VII Pose.png Savage Spin-Out VII 2.png Buginium
Buginium Z
Never-Ending Nightmare Ghost Never-Ending Nightmare VII Pose.png Never-Ending Nightmare VII 2.png Ghostium
Ghostium Z
Corkscrew Crash Steel Corkscrew Crash VII Pose.png Corkscrew Crash VII 2.png Steelium
Steelium Z
Inferno Overdrive Fire Inferno Overdrive VII Pose.png Inferno Overdrive VII 2.png Firium
Firium Z
Hydro Vortex Water Hydro Vortex VII Pose.png Hydro Vortex VII 2.png Waterium
Waterium Z
Bloom Doom Grass Bloom Doom VII Pose.png Bloom Doom VII 2.png Grassium
Grassium Z
Gigavolt Havoc Electric Gigavolt Havoc VII Pose.png Gigavolt Havoc VII 2.png Electrium
Electrium Z
Shattered Psyche Psychic Shattered Psyche VII Pose.png Shattered Psyche VII 2.png Psychium
Psychium Z
Subzero Slammer Ice Subzero Slammer VII Pose.png Subzero Slammer VII 2.png Icium
Icium Z
Devastating Drake Dragon Devastating Drake VII Pose.png Devastating Drake VII 2.png Dragonium
Dragonium Z
Black Hole Eclipse Dark Black Hole Eclipse VII Pose.png Black Hole Eclipse VII 2.png Darkinium
Darkinium Z
Twinkle Tackle Fairy Twinkle Tackle VII Pose.png Twinkle Tackle VII.png Fairium
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 Catastropika VII Pose.png Catastropika VII 2.png Pikanium Z
Pikanium Z
SM 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt Pikachu in a cap Thunderbolt Electric Special 195 10000000 Volt Thunderbolt VII Pose.png 10000000 Volt Thunderbolt VII.png Pikashunium Z
Pikashunium Z
SM Stoked Sparksurfer Alolan Raichu Thunderbolt Electric Special 175 Stoked Sparksurfer VII Pose.png Stoked Sparksurfer VII 2.png Aloraichium Z
Aloraichium Z
SM Extreme Evoboost Eevee Last Resort Normal Status Extreme Evoboost VII Pose.png Extreme Evoboost VII 2.png Eevium Z
Eevium Z
SM Pulverizing Pancake Snorlax Giga Impact Normal Physical 210 Pulverizing Pancake VII Pose.png Pulverizing Pancake VII 2.png Snorlium Z
Snorlium Z
SM Genesis Supernova Mew Psychic Psychic Special 185 Genesis Supernova VII Pose.png Genesis Supernova VII 2.png Mewnium Z
Mewnium Z
SM Sinister Arrow Raid Decidueye Spirit Shackle Ghost Physical 180 Sinister Arrow Raid VII Pose.png Sinister Arrow Raid VII 2.png Decidium Z
Decidium Z
SM Malicious Moonsault Incineroar Darkest Lariat Dark Physical 180 Malicious Moonsault VII Pose.png Malicious Moonsault VII 2.png Incinium Z
Incinium Z
SM Oceanic Operetta Primarina Sparkling Aria Water Special 195 Oceanic Operetta VII Pose.png Oceanic Operetta VII 2.png Primarium Z
Primarium Z
USUM Splintered Stormshards Lycanroc Stone Edge Rock Physical 190 Splintered Stormshards USUM Pose.png Splintered Stormshards USUM Dusk 2.png Lycanium Z
Lycanium Z
USUM Let's Snuggle Forever Mimikyu Play Rough Fairy Physical 190 Lets Snuggle Forever USUM Pose.png Lets Snuggle Forever USUM.png Mimikium Z
Mimikium Z
USUM Clangorous Soulblaze Kommo-o Clanging Scales Dragon Special 185 Clangorous Soulblaze USUM Pose.png Clangorous Soulblaze USUM.png Kommonium Z
Kommonium Z
SM Guardian of Alola Guardian deities Nature's Madness Fairy Special Guardian of Alola VII Pose.png Guardian of Alola VII.png Tapunium Z
Tapunium Z
USUM Searing Sunraze Smash Solgaleo
Dusk Mane Necrozma
Sunsteel Strike Steel Physical 200 Searing Sunraze Smash USUM Pose.png Searing Sunraze Smash USUM 2.png Solganium Z
Solganium Z
USUM Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom Lunala
Dawn Wings Necrozma
Moongeist Beam Ghost Special 200 Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom USUM Pose.png Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom USUM 2.png Lunalium Z
Lunalium Z
USUM Light That Burns the Sky Ultra Necrozma Photon Geyser Psychic Special 200 Light That Burns the Sky USUM Pose.png Light That Burns the Sky USUM.png Ultranecrozium Z
Ultranecrozium Z
SM Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike Marshadow Spectral Thief Ghost Physical 195 Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike VII Pose.png Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike VII 2.png Marshadium Z
Marshadium Z

Z-Power effects of status 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, calls a Z-move {{{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, calls a Z-move {{{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, calls a Z-move {{{5}}} {{{6}}}
Copycat  Normal  Accuracy ↑ Raises accuracy by 1 stage, calls a Z-move {{{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 spin-off games

Pokémon Masters EX

World Cap Pikachu using the sync move Best Buds 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt in Pokémon Masters EX

In Pokémon Masters EX, several sync pairs, mainly those featuring Trainers from Alola, perform a sync move based on a Z-Move. The following sync pairs perform Z-Move-based sync moves:

Trainer Pokémon Sync move Base Power Max Power Additional effect
VSScottie Masters.pngVSBettie Masters.png
Scottie/Bettie
Masters791.png
Solgaleo
SteelIC Masters.png Shining Friendship Sunraze Smash 250 300 (6★ EX) effect: Sync move targets all opponents
VSHau Masters.png
Hau
Masters026A.png
Raichu
Alolan form
ElectricIC Masters.png Endless Summer Gigavolt Havoc 250 300 (6★ EX) effect: Sync move targets all opponents.
VSHau Sygna Masters.png
Sygna Suit Hau
Masters785.png
Tapu Koko
ElectricIC Masters.png Thundering Deity Gigavolt Havoc 200 240 This attack's power increases when the field is Electric Terrain.
(6★ EX) effect: Power of sync move increases 50%
VSSophocles Masters.png
Sophocles
Masters777.png
Togedemaru
ElectricIC Masters.png Whiz Kid Gigavolt Havoc 200 240 This attack’s power increases when the target is flinching.
VSMina Masters.png
Mina
Masters210.png
Granbull
FairyIC Masters.png Wandering Artist Twinkle Tackle 200 240 The more the opponent's Attack is lowered, the greater the power of this move.
(6★ EX) effect: Power of sync move increases 50%
VSMina Sygna Masters.png
Sygna Suit Mina
Masters788.png
Tapu Fini
FairyIC Masters.png Ocean Colors Twinkle Tackle 250 300 (6★ EX) effect: Once per battle, the stat increase after using a sync move is doubled.
VSOlivia Masters.png
Olivia
Masters745Mn.png
Lycanroc
Midnight Form
RockIC Masters.png Shining Gem Continental Crush 250 300 (6★ EX) effect: Sync move targets all opponents.
VSHapu Masters.png
Hapu
Masters750.png
Mudsdale
GroundIC Masters.png Ultimately Worthy Tectonic Rage 250 300 (6★ EX) effect: Sync move targets all opponents.
VSKahili Masters.png
Kahili
Masters733.png
Toucannon
FlyingIC Masters.png Supersonic Skystrike Drive 250 300 No additional effect.
VSNanu Masters.png
Nanu
Masters053A.png
Persian
Alolan form
DarkIC Masters.png Dark Authority Black Hole Eclipse 200 240 This attack's power increases when the target is flinching.
VSAcerola Masters.png
Acerola
Masters770.png
Palossand
GhostIC Masters.png Never-Ending Royal Nightmare 200 240 The more the user's Defense is raised, the greater the power of this attack.
VSAcerola Sygna Masters.png
Sygna Suit Acerola
Masters787.png
Tapu Bulu
GrassIC Masters.png Gentle Warning Bloom Doom 250 300 (6★ EX) effect: The stat increase after a sync move is doubled once per battle
VSLeaf Masters.png
Leaf
Masters133.png
Eevee
NormalIC Masters.png Endless Possibilities Extreme Evoboost - - Charges the user's move gauge by its current move level.
Raises the Attack, Defense, Sp. Atk, Sp. Def, Speed, and accuracy of all allied sync pairs by 2 stat ranks.
(6★ EX) effect: The stat increase after a sync move is doubled once per battle
VSKukui Masters.png
Kukui
Masters745.png
Lycanroc
Midday Form
RockIC Masters.png Island Splintered Stormshards 250
(6★ EX) 375
300
(6★ EX) 450
Removes the Physical and Special Damage Reduction effects from the opponents’ field of play.
(6★ EX) effect: Power of sync move increases 50%.
VSPlumeria Masters.png
Plumeria
Masters758.png
Salazzle
PoisonIC Masters.png Wicked Enforcer Acid Downpour 250 300 (6★ EX) effect: Sync move targets all opponents.
VSLusamine Masters.png
Lusamine
Masters795.png
Pheromosa
BugIC Masters.png Motherly Love Savage Spin-Out 250 300 (6★ EX) effect: Sync move targets all opponents.
VSLusamine Sygna Masters.png
Sygna Suit Lusamine
Masters800U.png
Necrozma
Ultra Necrozma
PsychicIC Masters.png Loving Light That Burns the Sky 250 300 Become Ultra Necrozma until the end of battle.
(6★ EX) effect: Sync move targets all opponents.
VSMolayne Masters.png
Molayne
Masters051A.png
Dugtrio
Alolan form
SteelIC Masters.png Supernova Corkscrew Crash 250 300 No additional effect.
VSMallow Masters.png
Mallow
Masters763.png
Tsareena
GrassIC Masters.png Bold-Flavored Bloom Doom 200 240 This attack's power increases when the target is confused.
(6★ EX) effect: Power of sync move increases by 50%.
VSMallow Masters.png
Mallow
Masters756.png
Shiinotic
GrassIC Masters.png Strong Kick to It Bloom Doom 250 300 (6★ EX) effect: Once per battle, the stat increase after using a sync move is doubled
VSSelene Masters.png
Selene
Masters197.png
Umbreon
DarkIC Masters.png Floating High Black Hole Eclipse 200 240 The more the target’s Defense is lowered, the greater the power of this attack.
(6★ EX) effect: Power of sync move increases 50%.
(EX Role) effect: The stat increase after a sync move is doubled once per battle
VSElio Masters.png
Elio
Masters730.png
Primarina
WaterIC Masters.png Sunshine Oceanic Operetta 250 300 (6★ EX) effect: The stat increase after a sync move is doubled once per battle.
VSElio Masters.png
Elio
Masters196.png
Espeon
PsychicIC Masters.png Shining High Shattered Psyche 200 240 The more the target’s Sp. Def is lowered, the greater the power of this attack.
(6★ EX) effect: Power of sync move increases 50%.
(EX Role) effect: The stat increase after a sync move is doubled once per battle
VSLana Masters.png
Lana
Masters752.png
Araquanid
WaterIC Masters.png Seaside Sister Hydro Vortex 250 300 (6★ EX) effect: The stat increase after a sync move is doubled once per battle.
VSLana Sygna Masters.png
Sygna Suit Lana
Masters786.png
Tapu Lele
PsychicIC Masters.png Guileless Jest Shattered Psyche 250 300 (6★ EX) effect: Sync move targets all opponents
VSKiawe Masters.png
Kiawe
Masters105A.png
Marowak
Alolan form
FireIC Masters.png Fire Dance Inferno Overdrive 250 300 (6★ EX) effect: The stat increase after a sync move is doubled once per battle.
VSKiawe Masters.png
Kiawe
Masters059.png
Arcanine
FireIC Masters.png Dance Together Inferno Overdrive 200 240 This attack’s power increases when the target is burned
(6★ EX) effect: Power of sync move increases 50%
VSMasked Royal Masters.png
The Masked Royal
Masters727.png
Incineroar
DarkIC Masters.png Heel Turn Malicious Moonsault 200
(6★ EX) 300
240
(6★ EX) 360
The more the user's Speed has been raised, the greater the power of this attack.
(6★ EX) effect: Power of sync move increases 50%
VSAsh Masters.png
Ash
Masters025W.png
Pikachu
World Cap*
ElectricIC Masters.png Best Buds 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt 250 300 Except in certain circumstances, successful hits with this attack become critical hits.
(6★ EX) effect: Sync move targets all opponents.

Pokémon Ga-Olé

Pokémon Mezastar

Super Smash Bros. series

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Incineroar's Final Smash uses the Z-Move Malicious Moonsault.

The Mimikyu summon from a Poké Ball will use the Z-Move Let's Snuggle Forever.

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 GX attacks. They are distinguished from normal attacks by a "GX" suffix following the attack's name, such as in "Pulverizing PancakeGX". Only PokémonGX are printed with GX attacks. Z-Crystal cards can allow other Pokemon to use a GX attack printed on the Z-Crystal card if the Pokemon has a move of the correct name.

Like Z-Moves, GX attacks have very powerful effects compared to those of other attacks. However, each player may only use one GX attack per game. GX markers are used to denote whether a player has used their GX attack yet. If a player uses a GX attack, their GX marker is flipped over to expose its reverse side. Some effects check if a player has used a GX attack, either on the previous turn or in the game overall.

A rare few effects, such as that of Misty & Lorelei, allow for a player to use a GX attack even though they have already used a GX attack on a prior turn. When GX attacks are used as the effect of other attacks, such as through Nihilego's Nightcap attack, this still counts as using a GX attack and the GX marker must still be flipped. If the permission to use a GX attack has already been spent, the copied attack has no effect. (Many Sun & Moon series cards are designed to avoid this question. For example, Zoroark-GX's Trickster-GX is already a GX attack and therefore never fails to copy a GX attack due to that player having used a GX attack before Trickster-GX. Another example is that Mimikyu's Copycat is unable to copy GX attacks.)

In the anime

Ash performing the pose for Gigavolt Havoc

Similar to the games, Z-Moves are powerful moves that can be executed by a Pokémon that knows an appropriate move that corresponds to the type of Z-Crystal on the Trainer's Z-Ring. Z-Moves were first featured in Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon 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, 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. In Showdown on Poni Island!, Gladion's Lycanroc, having endured Ash's Lycanroc's Splintered Stormshards, was able to take advantage of its opponent's fatigue by finishing it with a Z-Move of its own.

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.

As revealed in A Battle Hand-Off!, a Pokémon using a Z-Move can receive Z-Power from multiple other people and Pokémon provided they do the Z-Move pose as well. In Heart of Fire! Heart of Stone!, Brock helped Olivia and her Lycanroc use a variation of Continental Crush he named Continental Crush on You (Japanese: ワールズエンドフォーリンラブ World's End Fall in Love).

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!.

Z-Moves are shown to have some further limitations in the anime. As shown in All Out, All of the Time!, even when in possession of both a Z-Power Ring and Z-Crystal, a Z-Move will fail if the user and its trainer's hearts are not in total sync. Additionally, Z-Moves seem to require the presence of the Guardian deities in some form. In Battling the Beast Within! and Parallel Friendships!, Z-Moves are shown not to work in the Ultra Ruin until the reappearance of Tapu Koko. Despite this limitation, it is shown in When Regions Collide!, as well as throughout Pokémon Journeys: The Series, that Z-Moves are in fact able to be used outside of Alola.

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/
Partner
Z-Move Pose Image Debut
Turtonator Turtonator Kiawe Inferno Overdrive Kiawe Inferno Overdrive pose.png Kiawe Turtonator Inferno Overdrive.png Alola to New Adventure!
Pikachu Pikachu Ash Gigavolt Havoc Ash Gigavolt Havoc pose.png Ash Pikachu Gigavolt Havoc.png The Guardian's Challenge!
Hariyama Hariyama Hala All-Out Pummeling Hala All-Out Pummeling pose.png Hala Hariyama All-Out Pummeling.png Trial and Tribulation!
Pikachu Pikachu Ash Breakneck Blitz Ash Breakneck Blitz pose.png Ash Pikachu Breakneck Blitz.png Trial and Tribulation!
Rowlet Rowlet Ash Breakneck Blitz Ash Breakneck Blitz pose.png Ash Rowlet Breakneck Blitz.png Young Kiawe Had a Farm!
Rockruff Rockruff Ash Breakneck Blitz Ash Breakneck Blitz pose.png Ash Rockruff Breakneck Blitz.png A Guardian Rematch!
Lycanroc Lycanroc Gladion Continental Crush Gladion Continental Crush pose.png Gladion Lycanroc Continental Crush.png A Glaring Rivalry!
Snorlax Snorlax Oluolu Pulverizing Pancake Oluolu Pulverizing Pancake pose.png Oluolu Snorlax Pulverizing Pancake.png Pulling Out the Pokémon Base Pepper!
Marshadow Marshadow None Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike Marshadow Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike 1 M20.png
Marshadow Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike 2 M20.png
I Choose You!
Litten Litten Ash Breakneck Blitz Ash Breakneck Blitz pose.png Ash Litten Breakneck Blitz.png Currying Favor and Flavor!
Lycanroc Lycanroc Olivia Continental Crush Olivia Continental Crush pose.png Olivia Lycanroc Continental Crush.png Trials and Determinations!
Rowlet Rowlet Ash Bloom Doom Ash Bloom Doom pose.png Ash Rowlet Bloom Doom.png Trials and Determinations!
Lycanroc Lycanroc Ash Continental Crush Ash Continental Crush pose.png Ash Lycanroc Continental Crush.png Mimikyu Unmasked!
Brionne Brionne Ida Hydro Vortex Ida Hydro Vortex pose.png Ida Brionne Hydro Vortex.png Balloons, Brionne, and Belligerence!
Popplio Popplio Lana Hydro Vortex Lana Hydro Vortex pose.png Lana Popplio Hydro Vortex.png Balloons, Brionne, and Belligerence!
Solgaleo Nebby Ash Searing Sunraze Smash Ash Searing Sunraze Smash pose.png Nebby Searing Sunraze Smash.png Revealing the Stuff of Legend!
Pikachu Pikachu
(Alola Cap)
Ash 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt Ash 10000000 Volt Thunderbolt pose.png Ash Pikachu 10000000 Volt Thunderbolt.png 10,000,000 Reasons to Fight!
Incineroar Incineroar Professor Kukui/
The Masked Royal
Malicious Moonsault Kukui Malicious Moonsault pose.png Kukui Incineroar Malicious Moonsault.png Pushing the Fiery Envelope!
Eevee Eevee Ilima Extreme Evoboost Ilima Extreme Evoboost pose.png Ilima Eevee Extreme Evoboost.png Turning Heads and Training Hard!
Marowak Alolan Marowak Kiawe Inferno Overdrive Kiawe Inferno Overdrive pose.png Kiawe Marowak Inferno Overdrive.png The Young Flame Strikes Back!
Mareanie Mareanie James Black Hole Eclipse James Black Hole Eclipse pose.png James Mareanie Black Hole Eclipse.png Why Not Give Me a Z-Ring Sometime?
Mimikyu Mimikyu Jessie Let's Snuggle Forever Jessie Lets Snuggle Forever pose.png Jessie Mimikyu Lets Snuggle Forever.png A Battle Hand-Off!
Persian Alolan Persian Nanu Black Hole Eclipse Nanu Black Hole Eclipse pose.png Nanu Persian Black Hole Eclipse.png Guiding an Awakening!
Lycanroc Lycanroc Ash Splintered Stormshards Ash Splintered Stormshards pose.png Ash Lycanroc Splintered Stormshards.png Twirling with a Bang!
Silvally Silvally Gladion Breakneck Blitz Gladion Silvally Breakneck Blitz.png The Prism Between Light and Darkness!
Lunala Lunala Gladion Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom Gladion Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom pose.png Lunala Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom.png Securing the Future!
Pikachu Boss Pikala Catastropika Pikala Catastropika pose.png Pikala Boss Catastropika.png A Plethora of Pikachu!
Zeraora Zeraora Dia Gigavolt Havoc Dia Zeraora Gigavolt Havoc.png Parallel Friendships!
Lycanroc Lycanroc Gladion Devastating Drake Gladion Devastating Drake pose.png Gladion Lycanroc Devastating Drake.png Showdown on Poni Island!
Primarina Primarina Ida Oceanic Operetta Ida Oceanic Operetta pose.png Ida Primarina Oceanic Operetta.png Evolving Research!
Charizard Charizard Kiawe Supersonic Skystrike Kiawe Supersonic Skystrike pose.png Kiawe Charizard Supersonic Skystrike.png Run, Heroes, Run!
Mudsdale Mudsdale Hapu Tectonic Rage Hapu Tectonic Rage pose.png Hapu Mudsdale Tectonic Rage.png A Grand Debut!
Pikachu Pikachu Ash Corkscrew Crash Ash Corkscrew Crash pose.png Ash Pikachu Corkscrew Crash.png The Dealer of Destruction!
Primarina Primarina Lana Oceanic Operetta Lana Oceanic Operetta pose.png Lana Primarina Oceanic Operetta.png A Fiery Training Camp Trick!
Vikavolt Vikavolt Sophocles Savage Spin-Out Sophocles Savage Spin-Out pose.png Sophocles Vikavolt Savage Spin-Out 1.png
Sophocles Vikavolt Savage Spin-Out 2.png
A Fiery Training Camp Trick!
Torracat Torracat Ash Inferno Overdrive Ash Inferno Overdrive pose.png Ash Torracat Inferno Overdrive.png A Timeless Encounter!
Vulpix Snowy Lillie Subzero Slammer Lillie Subzero Slammer pose.png Snowy Subzero Slammer.png Chasing Memories, Creating Dreams!
Tsareena Tsareena Mallow Bloom Doom Mallow Bloom Doom pose.png Mallow Tsareena Bloom Doom.png Battling Besties!
Decidueye Decidueye Hau Sinister Arrow Raid Hau Sinister Arrow Raid pose.png Hau Decidueye Sinister Arrow Raid.png Imitation Is the Sincerest Form of Strategy!
Zoroark Zoroark Gladion Never-Ending Nightmare Gladion Never-Ending Nightmare pose.png Gladion Zoroark Never-Ending Nightmare 1.png
Gladion Zoroark Never-Ending Nightmare 2.png
Enter the Champion!
Naganadel Naganadel The Masked Royal Gigavolt Havoc Ash Naganadel Gigavolt Havoc.png Z-Move Showdown!
Incineroar Incineroar Professor Kukui Inferno Overdrive Kukui Inferno Overdrive pose.png Kukui Incineroar Inferno Overdrive.png Fiery Surprises!
Tapu Koko Tapu Koko Professor Kukui Guardian of Alola Kukui Guardian of Alola pose.png Tapu Koko Guardian of Alola 1.png
Tapu Koko Guardian of Alola 2.png
From Z to Shining Z!
Charizard Charizard Kiawe Inferno Overdrive Kiawe Inferno Overdrive pose.png Kiawe Charizard Inferno Overdrive.png Dreams of the Sun and Moon!
Kommo-o Kommo-o All-Out Brothers Clangorous Soulblaze All-Out Brothers Clangorous Soulblaze pose.png Phil Kommo-o Clangorous Soulblaze.png All Out, All of the Time!
Pikachu Pikachu
(World Cap)
Ash 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt Ash 10000000 Volt Thunderbolt pose JN.png Ash Pikachu World Cap 10000000 Volt Thunderbolt.png Ultra Exciting from the Shocking Start!

In the manga

Pokémon Adventures

Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon arc

Z-Moves first appeared in this 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 Dollar, 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 Dollar successfully used Inferno Overdrive properly.

At Mount Lanakila, Ilima, Lana, Kiawe, Mallow, Sophocles, Molayne, Mina, and Hapu were attacked by a group of Aether Foundation Employees and their Ultra Beasts. With the power of their barrage of Z-Moves, the Ultra Beasts were defeated one by one.

List of Z-Moves used

Pokémon Trainer Z-Move Pose Image Debut
Litten Dollar Sun Inferno Overdrive Sun Inferno Overdrive pose Adventures.png Dollar Litten Inferno Overdrive.png The Final Match and a Surprising Finale!
Torracat Dollar Sun Inferno Overdrive Sun Inferno Overdrive pose Adventures.png Dollar Torracat Inferno Overdrive.png A Photoshoot and the Abandoned Thrifty Megamart
Gumshoos Gumshoos Ilima Breakneck Blitz Ilima Gumshoos Adventures.png Ilima Gumshoos Mina Ribombee Breakneck Blitz Twinkle Tackle Adventures.png Destroy!! Results of the Training!
Ribombee Ribombee Mina Twinkle Tackle Mina Twinkle Tackle pose Adventures.png Ilima Gumshoos Mina Ribombee Breakneck Blitz Twinkle Tackle Adventures.png Destroy!! Results of the Training!
Araquanid Araquanid Lana Hydro Vortex Lana Araquanid Hydro Vortex Adventures.png Lana Araquanid Hydro Vortex Adventures.png Destroy!! Results of the Training!
Mudsdale Mudsdale Hapu Tectonic Rage Hapu Tectonic Rage pose Adventures.png Hapu Mudsdale Tectonic Rage Adventures.png Destroy!! Results of the Training!
Dugtrio Alolan Dugtrio Molayne Corkscrew Crash Sophocles Togedemaru Molayne Dugtrio Gigavolt Havoc Corkscrew Crash Adventures.png Sophocles Togedemaru Molayne Dugtrio Gigavolt Havoc Corkscrew Crash Adventures.png Destroy!! Results of the Training!
Togedemaru Togedemaru Sophocles Gigavolt Havoc Sophocles Togedemaru Molayne Dugtrio Gigavolt Havoc Corkscrew Crash Adventures.png Sophocles Togedemaru Molayne Dugtrio Gigavolt Havoc Corkscrew Crash Adventures.png Destroy!! Results of the Training!
Marowak Alolan
Marowak
Kiawe Inferno Overdrive Kiawe Inferno Overdrive pose Adventures.png Kiawe Marowak Inferno Overdrive Adventures.png Destroy!! Results of the Training!
Tsareena Tsareena Mallow Bloom Doom Mallow Bloom Doom pose Adventures.png Mallow Tsareena Bloom Doom Adventures.png Destroy!! Results of the Training!
Pikachu using the Z-Move 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt in I Choose You! Remix
Pikachu using the Z-Move 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt in Pokémon Journeys: The Series manga

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.

Pokémon Horizon

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

Ash and his Pikachu performed the Z-Move, 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt in Ultra Exciting from the Shocking Start! & Trial on a Golden Scale! (Part 2) during a World Coronation Series battle against Volkner's Electivire.

Gallery

Artwork

Game art

Sun Moon Z-Move artwork.png Marshadow Z Move artwork.png
Artwork of Gigavolt Havoc for Pokémon Sun and Moon Artwork of Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike for Pokémon Sun and Moon
Cap Pikachu Pikashunium Z Event.png Psyduck Hydro Vortex.jpg
Artwork for 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt for Pokémon Sun and Moon Promotional artwork for Pokémon Center of Psyduck using a Z-Move

Concept art

SM Z-Power Z-Move.jpg
Concept art of Z-Moves and Z-Power for Pokémon Sun and Moon

Trivia

Early Z-Power design

In other languages

Language Title
Chinese Cantonese Z招式 Z-Jīusīk
Mandarin Z招式 Z-Zhāoshì
The Czech Republic Flag.png Czech Z-Move*
Z-útok*
Denmark Flag.png Danish Z-træk
The Netherlands Flag.png Dutch Z-move*
Z-aanval*
Finland Flag.png Finnish Z-liike
France Flag.png French Capacité Z
Germany Flag.png German Z-Attacke
Hungary Flag.png Hungarian Z-támadás*
Z-Mozdulat*
Indonesia Flag.png Indonesian Jurus Z*
Gerakan Z
Italy Flag.png Italian Mossa Z
South Korea Flag.png Korean Z기술 Z-Gisul
Malaysia Flag.png Malaysian Gerakan Z
Serangan Z
Norway Flag.png Norwegian Z-trekk
Poland Flag.png Polish Ruch-Z
Portuguese Brazil Flag.png Brazil Movimento Z
Portugal Flag.png Portugal Técnica Z
Russia Flag.png Russian Атака-Z Ataka-Z
Spain Flag.png Spanish Movimiento Z
Sweden Flag.png Swedish Z-Move*
Z-attack*
Z-move*
Thailand Flag.png Thai ไม้ตาย-Z
Turkey Flag.png Turkish Z-Hamlesi
Vietnam Flag.png Vietnamese Tuyệt Kĩ Z

See also

References

  1. Professor Kukui, Pokémon Sun and Moon:"Burnet and I are looking into them and we think they might have some connection to the energy that pours outta those Ultra Wormholes."
  2. Dulse, Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon: "These...auras...must have been particularly strong at the trial locations. And the Z-Power for the Z-Moves... It is also similar to the auras of the Totem Pokémon. Both came to Alola as Necrozma's light!"
  3. トレーナーとポケモンが一体となって放つゼンリョクの攻撃「Zワザ」|『ポケットモンスター サン・ムーン』公式サイト
  4. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: "You’re as flashy and bright as a 10,000,000-volt Thunderbolt, friendo!"


Type-based Z-Moves
Breakneck BlitzAll-Out PummelingSupersonic SkystrikeAcid DownpourTectonic Rage
Continental CrushSavage Spin-OutNever-Ending NightmareCorkscrew Crash
Inferno OverdriveHydro VortexBloom DoomGigavolt HavocShattered Psyche
Subzero SlammerDevastating DrakeBlack Hole EclipseTwinkle Tackle
Species-based Z-Moves
Catastropika10,000,000 Volt ThunderboltStoked SparksurferExtreme Evoboost
Pulverizing PancakeGenesis SupernovaSinister Arrow RaidMalicious Moonsault
Oceanic OperettaSplintered StormshardsLet's Snuggle ForeverClangorous Soulblaze
Guardian of AlolaSearing Sunraze SmashMenacing Moonraze Maelstrom
Light That Burns the SkySoul-Stealing 7-Star Strike


Project Moves and Abilities logo.png 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.