Obstagoon is a black-and-white, bipedal Pokémon. Its head sits forward of its body on a long, thick neck; it has a pointed snout like a badger, with its long tongue that frequently hangs out of its mouth to intimidate foes. Coupled with its red eyes, this stance pairs well with the outwardly defensive gray fur that protects itself from an otherwise intense Fighting-type weakness.
It is said that Obstagoon's Evolution is the result of the Galarian Linoone's survival instinct being honed from competition and harsh conditions of the Galarregion. While combative to the extreme, it doesn't attack often, as it prefers taunting an opponent into attacking first. To make use of these tactics, it uses its signature moveObstruct, in which it threateningly crosses its arms and lets out a staggering yell after taking a physical attack, loud enough to scare down defenses. Obstagoon is the only known Pokémon capable of learning the move Obstruct. After using the move, it uses the blinding speed even a Hoennian Linoone is capable of, countering evenly matched with its sharp claws.[1] Obstagoon are also known for their duels against Pangoro. As of now, scientists cannot be sure which Zigzagoon came first, some claiming the Galarian line came before they emigrated to Hoenn.
With 13 characters in its romaji Japanese name (Tachifusaguma), Obstagoon is the first Pokémon whose romaji Japanese name is longer than 12 characters, which is the character limit for Pokémon nicknames in the Western releases of the games.
Origin
Obstagoon appears to be based on a European badger. Its humanoid traits, color scheme, and pointed tongue may also be inspired by glam rock bands, further supported by it being a member of a band called the Maximizers in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Its name, humanoid traits, posture, and type could also be inspired by hired thugs or "goons" who often have criminal backgrounds and serve as bodyguards. It also shares traits with the gnoll, a hyena-like humanoid creature.
Obstagoon's evolutionary line shares a common theme of movement where Zigzagoon moves in a zigzag pattern, Linoone moves in a straight line, and Obstagoon blocks the way by obstructing it.
Name origin
Obstagoon may be a combination of obstacle or obstruct, raccoon, and goon.
Tachifusaguma may be a combination of 立ち塞ぐ tachifusagu (to obstruct) and 穴熊 anaguma (badger). Guma (from 熊 kuma, "bear") as a suffix is often used for mammals that resemble bears.
This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.