What separates Zebstrika from the pack is Lightning Rod — it redirects Electric moves and boosts its Sp. Atk. Combine that with Electric typing and it comfortably outruns most offensive threats. Only weak to Ground.
The stat budget goes to damage. Speed and Attack carry the offense, Defense doesn't even come close. A Thunderbolt Pokemon on a medium-fast 1M XP curve, worth 2 Speed EVs per KO.
When this ill-tempered Pokémon runs wild, it shoots lightning from its mane in all directions.
Zebstrika Weakness
GoodZebstrika's Electric typing leaves it vulnerable to Ground moves. Few weaknesses and 3 resistances make the typing clean. Lightning Rod grants an additional Electric immunity, reshaping the matchup chart. Zebstrika leans offensive (base 100 Atk) rather than trying to tank its weaknesses.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
Evolved from Blitzle. Zebstrika is the final form in this two-stage line. No compatible partners for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. Attack grew the most through evolution (+40 over Blitzle), and Zebstrika peaks at 497 total stats.
How to Evolve
Breed with Zebstrika to get Blitzle eggs easily from the Ground egg group. Notable egg moves include Double Kick, Double-Edge, Endure and 6 more.
Volt Switch keeps your team's momentum going. Zebstrika doesn't need to stay in long, Life Orb provides extra damage on every hit for a health trade and max Sp. Atk and Speed EVs make every visit count. Volt Switch threatens on the way out. Sapsipper adds passive value.
Best Build
Best Zebstrika Moveset
- Volt Switch
- Wild Charge
- Overheat
- Hidden Power Ice
Recommended Teammates
You'll want to breed for Double Kick and Double-Edge on Zebstrika. These egg moves aren't just nice to have. Combined with STAB from Thunder and Wild Charge, they expand what Zebstrika can actually threaten in practice.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Zebstrika starts showing up in late-game routes at decent spawn rates across 8 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Where To Catch Zebstrika in Black 2 & White 2
Blitzle is your first catch on the way to Zebstrika. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 31-66 across 8 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Obtain Blitzle
Step 2Zebstrika ✓EASYRoute 7White 2GrassLv.31-33UncommonLateRouteAnyEASYRoute 7Black 2GrassLv.31-33UncommonLateRouteAnyEASYRoute 7White 2GrassLv.34-36UncommonLateRouteAnyDouble grassEASYRoute 7Black 2GrassLv.34-36UncommonLateRouteAnyDouble grassEASYRoute 3Black 2GrassLv.56-58UncommonPostRouteAnyEASYRoute 3White 2GrassLv.56-58UncommonPostRouteAnyEASYRoute 3Black 2GrassLv.64-66UncommonPostRouteAnyDouble grassEASYRoute 3White 2GrassLv.64-66UncommonPostRouteAnyDouble grassor evolve from Blitzle (Step 1)
Lightning Rod changes the entire equation for Zebstrika. The 497 BST doesn't tell the full story. Ranked C-Tier as a sweeper.
Watch for Rhydon (Ground) when using Zebstrika. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Only 1 weakness means fewer dedicated counters to worry about. Zebstrika's base 116 Speed lets it outpace many threats and strike first, which matters more than trying to tank hits.
Blitzle evolves into Zebstrika at level 27. Zebstrika is the fully evolved form. At 497 BST, it's got solid stats to work with.
Lightning Rod is what you want on Zebstrika. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Motor Drive, Sap Sipper) work on paper but Lightning Rod is what makes Zebstrika worth using. With base 116 Speed, Lightning Rod gives Zebstrika an edge before opponents can react.
Base 116 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. On offense, Zebstrika is a physical attacker with base 100 Attack. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two. Best used as a sweeper.
Zebstrika appears in 7 games, including Black & White, Black 2 & White 2, and X & Y.
Zebstrika joined the series in Black & White and has been available in 7 titles so far. With 5 generations of appearances, it's established itself despite the later start.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBWDebut
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