Z-Move
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.
There are two different kinds of Z-Moves: Z-Moves which can be used by any Pokémon, with one Z-Move for each of the 18 types; 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 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 and has the same Z-Crystal its Pokémon is holding.
Z-Moves draw upon the PP of the Pokémon's original moves in order to execute. 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 in the Pokémon's original moves overlain by a Z-Move option that draws upon that move.
Z-Moves based on attack moves have no numerical accuracy and 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. Z-Moves based on attack moves cannot be fully protected against by Protect and Detect.
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. They have the effects of the original status move, as well as a Z-Power effect. For example, Z-Thunder Wave also boosts the user's Special Defense, while Z-Memento also restores the replacement's HP.
List of Z-Moves
For each type
For specific Pokémon
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In the anime
Z-Moves are set to appear in Sun & Moon series, with Kiawe and his Turtonator able to use Inferno Overdrive with the help of Kiawe's Z-Ring and Firium Z.
Ash and his Pikachu will also gain the ability to use Z-Moves early into the series.
In other languages
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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. |