If Zangoose goes down before it attacks, it contributed nothing. If it doesn't, something on the other side is going down. It sits at a decent but contested Speed tier. Part of the Gen 3 roster.
Everything pushes toward physical damage here. Zangoose's Attack does the work, Defense pays the price. But you're still getting 2 Attack EVs per KO. Moderately hard to find, on a standard growth curve.
It’s Seviper’s archrival. To threaten those it encounters, it fans out the claws on its front paws.
If it comes across a Seviper, its fur bristles and it assumes its battle pose. Its sharp claws are its best weapon.
Zangoose Weakness
GoodZangoose's Normal typing leaves it vulnerable to Fighting moves. It shrugs off Ghost-type attacks completely. Zangoose leans offensive (base 115 Atk) rather than trying to tank its weaknesses.
Zangoose doesn't evolve, so breeding's where the action is. You'll find a massive partner pool across one egg group, and eggs are average hatch time.
How to Evolve
Breed Zangoose easily with 278 breeding partners from the Ground egg group.
Toxic Orb buys the setup turn. Zangoose clicks Swords Dance, then starts cleaning with Facade and the remaining moves. Jolly nature with max Attack and Speed EVs makes sure nothing tanks a boosted hit comfortably.
Best Build
Best Zangoose Moveset
- Facade
- Knock Off
- Quick Attack
- Swords Dance
Recommended Teammates
Breadth over depth defines this movepool. Zangoose won't stack one type's damage ceiling, but coverage across 15 types means it always has an effective option. Giga Impact and Hyper Beam anchor the STAB core.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Breadth over depth defines this movepool. Zangoose won't stack one type's damage ceiling, but coverage across 15 types means it always has an effective option. Giga Impact and Hyper Beam anchor the STAB core.
Breadth over depth defines this movepool. Zangoose won't stack one type's damage ceiling, but coverage across 14 types means it always has an effective option. Rock Climb and Strength anchor the STAB core.
Breadth over depth defines this movepool. Zangoose won't stack one type's damage ceiling, but coverage across 14 types means it always has an effective option. Last Resort and Double-Edge anchor the STAB core.
Finding Zangoose at low spawn rates takes patience. 4 spots are available in mid-game routes, but the rate difference between them matters. Lock in the top one from the sorted list below.
Best Locations
4 walking encounters at Lv. 20-50 for Zangoose across Scarlet and Violet. A few locations are version-exclusive, so your copy of the game affects what's available.
Zangoose doesn't appear in Legends: Z-A. Transfer it from Ruby, Diamond, or Scarlet to add it to your collection. Check the source games below for encounter details.
Zangoose starts showing up in endgame routes at moderate rates across 6 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Best Locations
Walking encounters at Lv. 58-63 across 6 spots for Zangoose. Sorted by progression so you can see what's reachable at your current point in the game.
Zangoose works as a cannon with 458 BST behind it. B-Tier on our list — a solid choice for the right team. That 115 base Attack does the heavy lifting.
Watch for Blaziken (Fighting) when using Zangoose. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Only 1 weakness means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.
Zangoose doesn't evolve and has no evolutionary line. It's a Normal-type Pokemon with a 458 base stat total.
Immunity prevents poison — that's the one you want on Zangoose. Toxic Boost is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses.
Zangoose is a physical attacker with base 115 Attack. But the speed tells the real story — base 90 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. Fits the cannon role.
Zangoose appears in 15 games, including Ruby & Sapphire, FireRed & LeafGreen, and Emerald.
Debuting in Ruby & Sapphire, Zangoose appears in 15 games across 7 generations. A reliable presence in most mainline games, typically found through wild encounters.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRSDebut
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A