Immunity blocks Toxic for Zangoose at C-Tier in Platinum. Swords Dance with physical same-type attacks after the move split hits hard, and Close Combat from the tutors adds Fighting coverage.
Ability 1ImmunityAbility 1Prevents poison.
458HP73Attack115Defense60Speed90Sp.Def60Sp.Atk60
Weak to
Physical
Cannon
90Speed · Above Avg

Is Zangoose Good in Platinum Playthrough?

Route 210 with Ruby in the DS slot. Normal-type with AbilityImmunity preventing poison. Strong Attack but no evolution. Dual Slot limits accessibility for a Pokemon that doesn't stand out.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadEGEEGEGGGGGGSGGERoarkGym 1GardeniaGym 2ZangooseCatchableFantinaGym 3MayleneGym 4Crasher WakeGym 5ByronGym 6CandiceGym 7VolknerGym 8AaronE4BerthaE4FlintE4LucianE4JupiterBossMarsBossSaturnBossCynthiaChamp*
Roark
Gym 1
Even

Zangoose trades roughly evenly with Roark's team.

Even
Geodude
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
Stealth RockRock Throw
Even
Onix
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
Stealth RockRock ThrowScreech
Even
Cranidos
Lv 14
Rock
Mold Breaker
HeadbuttPursuitLeer
Gardenia
Gym 2
Good

Zangoose has the type edge here and should clean up Gardenia's team.

You Win
Turtwig
Lv 20
Grass
Overgrow
Grass KnotRazor LeafSunny DayReflect
You Win
Cherrim
Lv 20
Grass
Flower Gift
Grass KnotLeech SeedMagical LeafSafeguard
Even
Roserade
Lv 22
GrassPoison
Natural Cure
Grass KnotMagical LeafPoison StingStun Spore
Fantina
Gym 3
Even

Zangoose trades roughly evenly with Fantina's team.

Even
Duskull
Lv 24
Ghost
Levitate
Will O WispPursuitShadow SneakFuture Sight
Even
Haunter
Lv 24
GhostPoison
Levitate
Shadow ClawSucker PunchHypnosisConfuse Ray
Even
Mismagius
Lv 26
Ghost
Levitate
Shadow BallPsybeamMagical LeafConfuse Ray
Maylene
Gym 4
Even

Zangoose trades roughly evenly with Maylene's team.

You Win
Meditite
Lv 28
FightingPsychic
Pure Power
Drain PunchConfusionRock TombFake Out
You Win
Machoke
Lv 29
Fighting
Guts
Karate ChopRock TombStrengthFocus Energy
Risky
Lucario
Lv 32
FightingSteel
Steadfast
Drain PunchForce PalmMetal ClawBone Rush
Crasher Wake
Gym 5
Good

Zangoose has the type edge here and should clean up Crasher Wake's team.

Easy KO
Gyarados
Lv 33
WaterFlying
Intimidate
WaterfallBrineBiteTwister
Easy KO
Quagsire
Lv 34
WaterGround
Damp
Mud ShotRock TombWater PulseYawn
Even
Floatzel
Lv 37
Water
Swift Swim
BrineIce FangCrunchAqua Jet
Byron
Gym 6
Even

Zangoose trades roughly evenly with Byron's team.

You Win
Magneton
Lv 37
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
Flash CannonThunderboltTri AttackMetal Sound
Even
Steelix
Lv 38
SteelGround
Rock Head
Flash CannonIce FangEarthquakeSandstorm
Even
Bastiodon
Lv 41
RockSteel
Sturdy
Metal BurstStone EdgeIron DefenseTaunt
Candice
Gym 7
Good

Zangoose has the type edge here and should clean up Candice's team.

Easy KO
Sneasel
Lv 40
DarkIce
Inner Focus
SlashAerial AceFeint AttackIce Shard
You Win
Piloswine
Lv 40
IceGround
Oblivious
AvalancheStone EdgeEarthquakeHail
You Win
Abomasnow
Lv 42
GrassIce
Snow Warning
AvalancheWood HammerWater PulseFocus Blast
Risky
Froslass
Lv 44
IceGhost
Snow Cloak
BlizzardDouble TeamShadow BallPsychic
Volkner
Gym 8
Good

Zangoose has the type edge here and should clean up Volkner's team.

You Win
Jolteon
Lv 46
Electric
Volt AbsorbImmune to Electric attacks
Thunder WaveCharge BeamIron TailQuick Attack
You Win
Raichu
Lv 46
Electric
Static
Charge BeamFocus BlastSignal BeamQuick Attack
You Win
Luxray
Lv 48
Electric
Rivalry
Ice FangThunder FangCrunchFire Fang
Even
Electivire
Lv 50
Electric
Motor DriveImmune to Electric attacks
Thunder PunchFire PunchQuick AttackGiga Impact
Aaron
Elite Four
Good

Zangoose has the type edge here and should clean up Aaron's team.

Easy KO
Yanmega
Lv 49
BugFlying
Speed Boost
Air SlashBug BuzzU TurnDouble Team
Even
Scizor
Lv 49
BugSteel
Swarm
Iron HeadX ScissorNight SlashQuick Attack
Easy KO
Vespiquen
Lv 50
BugFlying
Pressure
Attack OrderDefend OrderHeal OrderPower Gem
You Win
Heracross
Lv 51
BugFighting
Swarm
MegahornClose CombatNight SlashStone Edge
Even
Drapion
Lv 53
PoisonDark
Battle Armor
X ScissorCross PoisonIce FangAerial Ace
Bertha
Elite Four
Good

Zangoose has the type edge here and should clean up Bertha's team.

Easy KO
Whiscash
Lv 50
WaterGround
Oblivious
Earth PowerAqua TailZen HeadbuttSandstorm
You Win
Gliscor
Lv 53
GroundFlying
Hyper Cutter
EarthquakeIce FangFire FangThunder Fang
You Win
Hippowdon
Lv 52
Ground
Sand Stream
EarthquakeStone EdgeCrunchYawn
Even
Golem
Lv 52
RockGround
Rock Head
EarthquakeFire PunchThunder PunchSandstorm
Even
Rhyperior
Lv 55
GroundRock
Lightning Rod
EarthquakeRock WreckerMegahornAvalanche
Flint
Elite Four
Good

Zangoose has the type edge here and should clean up Flint's team.

You Win
Houndoom
Lv 52
DarkFire
Early Bird
FlamethrowerSludge BombDark PulseSunny Day
You Win
Flareon
Lv 55
Fire
Flash FireImmune to Fire attacks
OverheatGiga ImpactQuick AttackWill O Wisp
You Win
Rapidash
Lv 53
Fire
Run Away
Flare BlitzSolar BeamBounceSunny Day
Even
Infernape
Lv 55
FireFighting
Blaze
Flare BlitzThunder PunchMach PunchEarthquake
Even
Magmortar
Lv 57
Fire
Flame Body
FlamethrowerThunderboltSolar BeamHyper Beam
Lucian
Elite Four
Good

Zangoose has the type edge here and should clean up Lucian's team.

You Win
Mr Mime
Lv 53
Psychic
Soundproof
PsychicThunderboltReflectLight Screen
You Win
Espeon
Lv 55
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicShadow BallQuick AttackSignal Beam
Even
Bronzong
Lv 54
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
PsychicGyro BallEarthquakeCalm Mind
You Win
Alakazam
Lv 56
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicEnergy BallFocus BlastRecover
Even
Gallade
Lv 59
PsychicFighting
Steadfast
Drain PunchPsycho CutLeaf BladeStone Edge
Jupiter
Commander
Strong

Zangoose resists most of Jupiter's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Zubat
Lv 21
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Giga DrainWing AttackBite
Easy KO
Skuntank
Lv 23
PoisonDark
Stench
Night SlashPoison GasScreechSmokescreen
Mars
Commander
Good

Zangoose has the type edge here and should clean up Mars's team.

You Win
Golbat
Lv 38
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Air CutterBiteToxicSupersonic
Even
Bronzor
Lv 38
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Gyro BallExtrasensoryIron DefenseConfuse Ray
You Win
Purugly
Lv 40
Normal
Thick Fat
SlashFeint AttackHypnosisFake Out
Saturn
Commander
Good

Zangoose has the type edge here and should clean up Saturn's team.

You Win
Golbat
Lv 42
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Air CutterBitePoison FangConfuse Ray
Even
Bronzor
Lv 42
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Gyro BallExtrasensoryShadow BallConfuse Ray
You Win
Toxicroak
Lv 44
PoisonFighting
Anticipation
Poison JabBrick BreakX ScissorFeint Attack
Cynthia
Champion
Even

Zangoose trades roughly evenly with Cynthia's team.

Risky
Spiritomb
Lv 58
GhostDark
Pressure
Dark PulsePsychicSilver WindShadow Ball
Even
Roserade
Lv 58
GrassPoison
Natural Cure
Energy BallSludge BombToxicExtrasensory
Even
Togekiss
Lv 60
NormalFlying
Hustle
Air SlashAura SphereWater PulseShock Wave
Even
Lucario
Lv 60
FightingSteel
Steadfast
Aura SphereExtreme SpeedShadow BallStone Edge
You Win
Milotic
Lv 58
Water
Marvel Scale
SurfIce BeamMirror CoatDragon Pulse
You Win
Garchomp
Lv 62
DragonGround
Sand Veil
Dragon RushEarthquakeFlamethrowerGiga Impact

Catchable

Available after Badge 2
Type
Normal
Tier
C

Catch Zangoose on Route 208 (walking, Lv 20, rare). Pokémon Ruby in GBA slot.

View Zangoose locations

Platinum Zangoose Locations

Zangoose needs a Pokemon Ruby cartridge in the GBA slot to appear, turning up rarely on a pair of mid-game routes. Its rival Seviper takes the Sapphire cartridge instead, so the carts decide which one you get.

Wild Zangoose may be holding when caught:

Quick Claw (5% chance) Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.

2 locations to catch Zangoose

Encountered via tall grass encounters

Badge 3

How to Get Shiny Zangoose in Platinum

Zangoose prowls rarely through Route 208 and Route 210, so a Poké Radar chain held to 40 is the way to its shiny. Compare Shiny Zangoose odds across every game

Normal vs Shiny
Normal Zangoose in PlatinumNormal
Shiny Zangoose in Platinum Shiny
Color ShiftWhitetoBlue
Shiny TierA Tier Shiny

Shiny Zangoose Evolution

Does Not Evolve
Zangoose does not evolve
Single-stage PokemonView Full Evolution Chart

Platinum Shiny Zangoose Calculator

3 Methods
Fastest Path

The best route is PokeRadar Chain at full boosts, about 1 in 200 on each try. Tune it below.

Step 1 · Encounter Method3 in Platinum

PokeRadar Chain: Chain shaking-grass patches without breaking the combo. The rate peaks at a chain of 40.

Masuda Method: Breed with a parent from a different-language game. Works on any breedable line.

Full Odds: Walk through grass, surf, or fish. Every encounter is its own independent shiny roll.

Step 2 · Boost Your Oddstap to add
00

How many you have done, or plan to do.

120,000
Shiny Odds Per Try1 / 200PokeRadar Chain
Chance By Now50.2%at 139 encountersAbout 5 in 10 hunters have one by now
What To Expect
ChanceEncountersTime
10%lucky few22----
25%one in four58----
50%coin flip139----
90%very likely460----
How is this calculated?

Every encounter has the same shiny chance, the Shiny Odds Per Try shown above. Each one is a separate roll that does not care how many you have already done, so the more you hunt, the higher your overall chance of at least one shiny. The formula below turns your odds and your number of tries into that combined chance.

chance after N tries = 1 − (1 − p)^N,  where  p = 1 / odds per try

Example at 1 in 8,192 (classic full odds): about 864 encounters for a 10 percent chance, 5,678 for 50 percent, and 18,862 for 90 percent.

The table above flips that around: it shows how many encounters it takes to reach a 10, 25, 50, and 90 percent chance at your current odds. Turning on boosts like the Shiny Charm, sandwiches, or chains improves your odds, so the encounter numbers drop.

These are estimates, not promises. Most games have no pity counter, meaning no guaranteed shiny no matter how many you hunt, so even Very Likely is not guaranteed: some hunters find one early, others go well past that point.

Where these shiny odds come from: Read our full methodology

Want exact numbers for your session? Calculate your shiny odds in Platinum with Zangoose preloaded.

Zangoose Weakness

Zangoose's Normal typing leaves it vulnerable to Fighting. It shrugs off Ghost-type attacks completely. Zangoose leans offensive (base 115 Atk) rather than trying to tank its weaknesses.

Zangoose Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Fighting
0x (Immune)Ghost
Gen IV Type Chart
  • Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
  • Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)

What is Zangoose Weak Against

Good
1Weak
0Resist
1Immune
Score+1
4xCritical
None
2xWeak
½xResist
None
¼xResist
None
0xImmune

What is Zangoose Strong Against

0Strong
2Resisted
1Immune
Score-3
2xStrong
None
½xResisted
0xImmune

Best Pokemon Against Zangoose

Gallade
Gallade
PsychicFighting
B
Heracross
Heracross
BugFighting
B
Monferno
Monferno
FireFighting
C
Machop
Machop
Fighting
C
Meditite
Meditite
FightingPsychic
C

Zangoose Evolutions

Zangoose doesn't evolve, so breeding's where the action is. You'll find a massive partner pool across one egg group, and eggs take an average time to hatch. It's got 10 egg moves worth looking into. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

No Evolution
Zangoose
#335Zangoose
Does not evolve

Breeding

Very Easy

Breed Zangoose easily with 131 breeding partners from the Field egg group. Pass egg moves like Counter, Curse, Double Hit and 7 more to offspring.

Egg Groups
Field
Gender
♂50.0%♀50.0%
Hatch Time
20 cycles·5,140 steps
Quick~5 min with Flame Body
Egg Moves
10moves
Breed With (best first)
raichupikachunidokinggolduckampharosrhydondewgongarbokquagsirenidorinofarfetchdflaaffy

Pt Zangoose Best Moveset

Poison immunity through AbilityImmunity blocks MoveToxic entirely, letting the moveset stay healthy while opponents rely on status to win. 115 Attack at 90 Speed delivers fast physical Normal hits, and the freedom from Poison outlasts most stall strategies.

Best Build

Experimental
Physical Revenge Killer
Ability
Immunity
Item
Choice ScarfSPEED
Best Nature for Zangoose

Zangoose best EVs are Attack and Speed

EVs

Physical Revenge Killer Moveset

  • Close Combat
  • Thunder Punch
  • Ice Punch
  • Night Slash

Moves List

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 Rock Climb anchor the STAB core.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Leer
——10030Normal
Lv 1
Scratch
—6010035Normal
Lv 5
Quick Attack+1
C6010030Normal
Lv 9
Swords Dance
C——30Normal
Lv 14
Fury Cutter
—109520Bug
Lv 18
Slash
—10510020Normal
Lv 22
Pursuit
D4010020Dark
Lv 27
Embargo
——10015Dark
Lv 31
Crush Claw
—1129510Normal
Lv 35
Taunt
C—10020Dark
Lv 40
Detect+4
D——5Fighting
Lv 44
False Swipe
—6010040Normal
Lv 48
X-Scissor
C8010015Bug
Lv 53
Close Combat
S1201005Fighting

TM Moves

50 of 51 TMs are obtainable before the Elite Four

TM
TM40
Aerial AceRoute 213badge 3
C60—20Flying
TM45
AttractAmity Squarebadge 2
——10015Normal
TM14
BlizzardLake Acuitybadge 3
D120705Ice
TM31
Brick BreakOreburgh Gate (basement)badge 2
C7510015Fighting
TM78
CaptivateRoute 204badge 2
——10020Normal
TM28
DigManiac Tunnelbadge 3
C8010010Ground
TM32
Double TeamWayward Cavebadge 2
———15Normal
TM63
EmbargoVeilstone Citybadge 3
——10015Dark
TM58
Endure+4Veilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
C——10Normal
TM42
FacadeSurvival Area
B10510020Normal
TM54
False SwipeVeilstone Department Storebadge 3
—6010040Normal
TM38
Fire BlastLake Veritybadge 3
D120855Fire
TM35
FlamethrowerVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
D9510015Fire
TM56
FlingRoute 222not until badge 7
D—10010Dark
TM52
Focus BlastVeilstone Department Storebadge 3
D120705Fighting
TM01
Focus Punch-3Oreburgh Gatebadge 6
B15010020Fighting
TM21
FrustrationVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
D—10020Normal
TM19
Giga DrainRoute 209badge 5
D6010010Grass
TM10
Hidden PowerVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
D9010015Normal
TM13
Ice BeamRoute 216badge 3
D9510010Ice
TM23
Iron TailIron Islandbadge 5
C1007515Steel
TM83
Natural GiftVeilstone Department Storebadge 3
D—10015Normal
TM66
PaybackRoute 215badge 3
D5010010Dark
TM84
Poison JabRoute 212badge 5
C8010020Poison
TM17C——10Normal
TM44C——10Psychic
TM27D—10020Normal
TM05
Roar-6Route 213not until badge 7
C——20Normal
HM08—1358520Normal
TM80
Rock SlideMt. Coronetnot until badge 7
C759010Rock
HM06D4010015Fighting
TM39
Rock TombRavaged Pathbadge 1
C609510Rock
TM43
Secret PowerAmity Squarebadge 2
—10510020Normal
TM30
Shadow BallRoute 210badge 5
D8010015Ghost
TM65
Shadow ClawPrize for defeating Fantinabadge 3
C7010015Ghost
TM34
Shock WaveRoute 215badge 3
D60—20Electric
TM82
Sleep TalkEterna Forestbadge 2
C——10Normal
TM22C12010010Grass
HM04
StrengthIron Islandbadge 5
B12010015Normal
TM90
SubstituteVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 2
C——10Normal
TM87
SwaggerPokémon Mansionbadge 4
——9015Normal
TM75
Swords DanceVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
C——30Normal
TM12
TauntRoute 211badge 1
C—10020Dark
TM46
ThiefEterna Citybadge 2
C6010025Dark
TM25
ThunderLake Valorbadge 3
D1207010Electric
TM24
ThunderboltVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
D9510015Electric
TM06
ToxicRoute 212badge 4
C—8510Poison
TM03
Water PulseRavaged Pathbadge 5
D6010020Water
TM81
X-ScissorRoute 221badge 5
C8010015Bug

Egg Moves

Egg
Egg
Counter-5
D—10020Fighting
Egg
Curse
C——10Ghost
Egg
Double Hit
D529010Normal
Egg
Double Kick
—3010030Fighting
Egg
Flail
D—10015Normal
Egg
Fury Swipes
—278015Normal
Egg
Metal Claw
—509535Steel
Egg
Night Slash
B7010015Dark
Egg
Razor Wind
—12010010Normal
Egg
Roar-6
C——20Normal

Tutor Moves

Tut
Tutor
Endeavor
D—1005Normal
Tutor
Fire Punch
C7510015Fire
Tutor
Fury Cutter
—109520Bug
Tutor
Ice Punch
B7510015Ice
Tutor
Icy Wind
D559515Ice
Tutor
Knock Off
C6510020Dark
Tutor
Last Resort
B1951005Normal
Tutor
Mud-Slap
D2010010Ground
Tutor
Rollout
—309020Rock
Tutor
Snore
D6010015Normal
Tutor
Swift
—90—20Normal
Tutor
Thunder Punch
B7510015Electric

Base Stats

Base Stats
Above
HP73
C
Attack115
B
Defense60
C
Sp. Atk60
C
Sp. Def60
C
Speed90
B
Total458
Details
Catch Rate
Challenging90 / 255
Growth Rate
Erratic600,000 XP
Height1.3 m
Weight40.3 kg
Base XP160
Abilities
Immunity
Prevents poison.
EV Yield
HPAtk+2DefSpASpDSpe
Attack training target
Pokedex Entry

It has feuded with SEVIPER for many generations. Its sharp claws are its biggest weapons.

Pokemon Platinum

Zangoose Platinum Guide

  • Yes. Wild Zangoose in Platinum can hold Quick Claw (5%). Use Thief (TM46) or Covet to swipe the held item without affecting your catch chance. Quickest way to farm rare items like Quick Claw.

  • In Platinum, use Zangoose as a cannon. Physical side carries the damage. Speed is middling,

  • For Platinum, build your team around Crobat, Starmie, and Magnezone. These have the highest co-usage rates with Zangoose in competitive formats. They cover each other's weaknesses.

  • For Platinum, run Adamant on Zangoose. +Attack is what matters, and the -Sp. Atk cut doesn't hurt this set. Fits the cannon role.

Game Availability

Debuting in Ruby & Sapphire, Zangoose appears in 15 games across 7 generations. A reliable presence in most mainline games, typically found through wild encounters.

Explore

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