The Tiny Raccoon Pokemon. Zigzagoon's pickup finds free items in Ruby & Sapphire, and A-Tier Linoone is a surprise competitive threat with Belly Drum.
Ability 1PickupAbility 1Picks up other Pokémon's used and Flung held items. May also pick up an item after battle.
240HP38Attack30Defense41Speed60Sp.Def41Sp.Atk30
Zigzagoon
Linoone
Weak to
Physical
Balanced
60Speed · Below Avg

Is Zigzagoon Good in Ruby & Sapphire Playthrough?

Route 101 catch with AbilityPickup, which generates free items after battles. Linoone at 20 keeps Pickup and adds decent Speed. The battle value is minimal, but the free Rare Candies, Nuggets, and Full Restores from Pickup make Zigzagoon one of the most useful first-route catches in the series.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadTEEGEGTGGTGGEZigzagoonCatchRoxanneGym 1BrawlyGym 2LinooneEvolveWattsonGym 3FlanneryGym 4NormanGym 5WinonaGym 6Tate & LizaGym 7WallaceGym 8SidneyE4PhoebeE4GlaciaE4DrakeE4StevenChamp*
Roxanne
Gym 1
Tough

Roxanne's typing presses Zigzagoon's defenses.

Risky
Geodude
Lv 14
RockGround
Rock Head
TackleDefense CurlRock ThrowRock Tomb
Risky
Nosepass
Lv 15
Rock
Sturdy
TackleHardenRock ThrowRock Tomb
Brawly
Gym 2
Even

Zigzagoon trades roughly evenly with Brawly's team.

Even
Machop
Lv 17
Fighting
Guts
LeerKarate ChopSeismic TossBulk Up
Even
Makuhita
Lv 18
Fighting
Thick Fat
Arm ThrustKnock OffSand AttackBulk Up
Wattson
Gym 3
Even

Linoone trades roughly evenly with Wattson's team.

Even
Magnemite
Lv 22
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
SupersonicSonic BoomThunder ShockThunder Wave
Even
Voltorb
Lv 20
Electric
Soundproof
RolloutSelf DestructSparkSonic Boom
Risky
Magneton
Lv 23
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
SupersonicSonic BoomShock WaveThunder Wave
Flannery
Gym 4
Good

Linoone has the type edge here and should clean up Flannery's team.

You Win
Slugma
Lv 26
Fire
Magma Armor
OverheatSmogLight ScreenSunny Day
You Win
Slugma
Lv 26
Fire
Magma Armor
FlamethrowerRock SlideLight ScreenSunny Day
Even
Torkoal
Lv 28
Fire
White Smoke
OverheatBody SlamFlailAttract
Norman
Gym 5
Even

Linoone trades roughly evenly with Norman's team.

Even
Slaking
Lv 28
Normal
Truant
EncoreFacadeYawnFeint Attack
Even
Vigoroth
Lv 30
Normal
Vital Spirit
SlashFeint AttackFacadeEncore
Risky
Slaking
Lv 31
Normal
Truant
Focus PunchSlack OffFacadeFeint Attack
Winona
Gym 6
Good

Linoone has the type edge here and should clean up Winona's team.

You Win
Swellow
Lv 31
NormalFlying
Guts
Quick AttackAerial AceDouble TeamEndeavor
Easy KO
Pelipper
Lv 30
WaterFlying
Keen Eye
Water GunSupersonicProtectAerial Ace
Even
Skarmory
Lv 32
SteelFlying
Keen Eye
Sand AttackFury AttackSteel WingAerial Ace
You Win
Altaria
Lv 33
DragonFlying
Natural Cure
EarthquakeDragon BreathDragon DanceAerial Ace
Tate & Liza
Gym 7
Tough

Tate & Liza's typing presses Linoone's defenses.

Risky
Lunatone
Lv 42
RockPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Light ScreenPsychicHypnosisCalm Mind
Risky
Solrock
Lv 42
RockPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Sunny DaySolar BeamPsychicFlamethrower
Wallace
Gym 8
Good

Linoone has the type edge here and should clean up Wallace's team.

You Win
Luvdisc
Lv 40
Water
Swift Swim
Water PulseAttractSweet KissFlail
Even
Whiscash
Lv 42
WaterGround
Oblivious
Rain DanceWater PulseAmnesiaEarthquake
You Win
Sealeo
Lv 40
IceWater
Thick Fat
EncoreBody SlamAurora BeamWater Pulse
You Win
Seaking
Lv 42
Water
Swift Swim
Water PulseRain DanceFury AttackHorn Drill
Even
Milotic
Lv 43
Water
Marvel Scale
Water PulseTwisterRecoverIce Beam
Sidney
Elite Four
Good

Linoone has the type edge here and should clean up Sidney's team.

You Win
Mightyena
Lv 46
Dark
Intimidate
RoarTake DownSand AttackCrunch
Even
Shiftry
Lv 48
GrassDark
Chlorophyll
Fake OutDouble TeamSwaggerExtrasensory
You Win
Cacturne
Lv 46
GrassDark
Sand Veil
Leech SeedFeint AttackNeedle ArmCotton Spore
You Win
Sharpedo
Lv 48
WaterDark
Rough Skin
CrunchSwaggerSurfSlash
Even
Absol
Lv 49
Dark
Pressure
Aerial AceSnatchSwords DanceSlash
Phoebe
Elite Four
Tough

Phoebe's typing presses Linoone's defenses.

Even
Dusclops
Lv 48
Ghost
Pressure
Shadow PunchConfuse RayCurseFuture Sight
Even
Banette
Lv 49
Ghost
Insomnia
Shadow BallSpiteWill O WispFeint Attack
Risky
Sableye
Lv 50
DarkGhost
Keen Eye
Shadow BallPsychicAttractFeint Attack
Even
Banette
Lv 49
Ghost
Insomnia
Shadow BallPsychicToxicSkill Swap
Risky
Dusclops
Lv 51
Ghost
Pressure
Shadow BallIce BeamConfuse RayEarthquake
Glacia
Elite Four
Good

Linoone has the type edge here and should clean up Glacia's team.

Even
Glalie
Lv 50
Ice
Inner Focus
Light ScreenCrunchHailIce Beam
You Win
Sealeo
Lv 50
IceWater
Thick Fat
SurfBody SlamHailIce Ball
You Win
Sealeo
Lv 52
IceWater
Thick Fat
AttractDiveHailBlizzard
Even
Glalie
Lv 52
Ice
Inner Focus
Shadow BallCrunchHailIce Beam
Even
Walrein
Lv 53
IceWater
Thick Fat
SurfBody SlamBlizzardSheer Cold
Drake
Elite Four
Good

Linoone has the type edge here and should clean up Drake's team.

You Win
Shelgon
Lv 52
Dragon
Rock Head
Rock TombDragon ClawProtectCrunch
Easy KO
Altaria
Lv 54
DragonFlying
Natural Cure
Take DownDragon BreathDragon DanceRefresh
You Win
Flygon
Lv 53
GroundDragon
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
DigDragon BreathFlySandstorm
You Win
Flygon
Lv 53
GroundDragon
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
FlamethrowerCrunchDragon BreathSand Attack
You Win
Salamence
Lv 55
DragonFlying
Intimidate
FlamethrowerDragon ClawFlyCrunch
Steven
Champion
Even

Linoone trades roughly evenly with Steven's team.

Even
Skarmory
Lv 57
SteelFlying
Keen Eye
ToxicAerial AceSpikesSteel Wing
Even
Claydol
Lv 55
GroundPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
ReflectLight ScreenAncient PowerEarthquake
Risky
Aggron
Lv 56
SteelRock
Sturdy
ThunderEarthquakeSolar BeamDragon Claw
Risky
Cradily
Lv 56
RockGrass
Suction Cups
Giga DrainAncient PowerSludge BombConfuse Ray
Even
Armaldo
Lv 56
RockBug
Battle Armor
Water PulseAncient PowerAerial AceSlash
Risky
Metagross
Lv 58
SteelPsychic
Clear Body
EarthquakePsychicMeteor MashHyper Beam

Catchable

Available before Badge 1
Type
Normal
Tier
E

Catch Zigzagoon on Route 101 (walking, Lv 2-3, common).

View Zigzagoon locations

Evolve Zigzagoon to Linoone

Level 20
Type
Normal
Tier
A

Zigzagoon evolves into Linoone at Level 20. Your Zigzagoon should hit Level 20 before you reach Wattson, at typical leveling pace.

View Linoone locations

Recommended Moves

  • STARTING (Lv 20)
    • LV 20NormalHeadbuttPower 105Accuracy 100%PP 15
  • After Brawly
  • After Wattson
    • HM04NormalStrengthPower 120Accuracy 100%PP 15Rusturf Tunnel
    • TM43NormalSecret PowerPower 105Accuracy 100%PP 20Route 111
  • After Norman
    • LV 41NormalSlashPower 105Accuracy 100%PP 20
    • LV 53NormalBelly DrumPower —Accuracy 100%PP 10

How to Get Zigzagoon in Ruby & Sapphire

The widest land net in this batch. Twenty-six grass encounters across thirteen routes, common nearly everywhere, with levels climbing from 2 all the way to 27. You can catch a fresh one at almost any story point.

Wild Zigzagoon may be holding when caught:

Oran Berry (5% chance) A hold item that restores 10 HP in battle.

13 locations to catch Zigzagoon

Encountered via tall grass encounters

Badge 1
Badge 2
Badge 3
Badge 4
Badge 5
Badge 6

How to Get Shiny Zigzagoon in Ruby & Sapphire

Zigzagoon is everywhere across early Hoenn, roaming Route 101 through Route 104 and Petalburg Woods, so comb the grass for a shiny. Compare Shiny Zigzagoon odds across every game

A shiny event distribution also exists for this game

Berry Program Update shiny Zigzagoon (OT: RUBY or SAPHIRE, ID: 30317, Lv5). Always shiny — guaranteed. Holds Liechi Berry. Available Mar 2004 - Apr 2007. ~146 unique variations.

Normal vs Shiny
Normal Zigzagoon in Ruby & SapphireNormal
Shiny Zigzagoon in Ruby & Sapphire Shiny
Color ShiftBrowntoRed
Shiny TierA Tier Shiny

Shiny Zigzagoon Evolution

2 Forms
Showing shiny artworkView Full Evolution Chart

Ruby & Sapphire Shiny Zigzagoon Calculator

2 Methods
Shiny Odds

Both methods here share the same odds, about 1 in 8,192 on each try. Pick whichever fits how you play.

Step 1 · Encounter Method2 in Ruby & Sapphire

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

Breeding: Hatch eggs of this line; each egg rolls at the base shiny rate (no Masuda before Gen IV).

How many you have done, or plan to do.

120,000
Shiny Odds Per Try1 / 8,192Full Odds
Chance By Now50.0%at 5,678 encountersAbout 5 in 10 hunters have one by now
What To Expect
ChanceEncountersTime
10%lucky few864----
25%one in four2,357----
50%coin flip5,678----
90%very likely18,862----
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

Planning a longer hunt? Set up Zigzagoon in the Ruby & Sapphire Shiny Odds Calculator to compare every method side by side.

Zigzagoon Weakness

Zigzagoon's Normal typing leaves it vulnerable to Fighting. It shrugs off Ghost-type attacks completely. Zigzagoon's Normal typing only leaves 1 gap to cover.

Zigzagoon Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Fighting
0x (Immune)Ghost
Gen III Type Chart
  • Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
  • Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move

What is Zigzagoon Weak Against

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

What is Zigzagoon Strong Against

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

Best Pokemon Against Zigzagoon

Makuhita
Makuhita
Fighting
C
Combusken
Combusken
FireFighting
C

Zigzagoon Evolutions

Zigzagoon is the base form in a two-stage line leading to Linoone. Check the evolution method below. A massive partner pool for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are quick to hatch. The evolved forms gain up to 180 total stats over Zigzagoon. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

2 Forms
Stat Comparison 2 Stages
Zigzagoon
Normal
Linoone
Normal
HP
38
78+40
ATK
30
70+40
DEF
41
61+20
SP.ATK
30
50+20
SP.DEF
41
61+20
SPE
60
100+40
BST
240E-Tier
420A-Tier+180
ROLE
Balanced
Pivot
TYPE
Utility
Physical

Breeding

Very Easy

Breed Zigzagoon easily with 102 breeding partners from the Field egg group. Pass egg moves like Charm, Pursuit, Substitute and 2 more to offspring.

Egg Groups
Field
Gender
♂50.0%♀50.0%
Hatch Time
15 cycles·3,855 steps
Quick~4 min with Flame Body
Egg Moves
5moves
Breed With (best first)
raichupikachunidokinggolduckampharosrhydondewgongarbokquagsirenidorinofarfetchdflaaffy

RS Zigzagoon Best Moveset

Normal pre-evolution heading toward Linoone's MoveBelly Drum sweeping role. AbilityPickup provides no competitive benefit. Stats too low for any format.

Best Build

Experimental
Support
Ability
Pickup
Item
Choice BandPOWER
Best Nature for Zigzagoon
Jolly+SPE

Zigzagoon best EVs are Sp. Def and Speed

EVs

Support Moveset

  • TrickUtility
  • ToxicUtility
  • Thunder Wave
  • Sand Attack

Moves List

The natural movepool does the job, but Charm and Pursuit from the egg pool give Zigzagoon something extra. Pair those with Headbutt and Facade for STAB and coverage across 9 types for reach, and the kit fills out nicely.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Growl
D—10040Normal
Lv 1
Tackle
D5210035Normal
Lv 5
Tail Whip
——10030Normal
Lv 9
Headbutt
D10510015Normal
Lv 13
Sand Attack
B—10015Ground
Lv 17
Odor Sleuth
——10040Normal
Lv 21
Mud Sport
———15Ground
Lv 25
Pin Missile
—149520Bug
Lv 29
Covet
—9010025Normal
Lv 33
Flail
D—10015Normal
Lv 37
Rest
C——10Psychic
Lv 41
Belly Drum
C——10Normal

TM Moves

All 25 TMs are obtainable before the Elite Four

TM
TM45
AttractVerdanturf Townbadge 2
——10015Normal
TM14D120705Ice
HM01D759530Normal
TM28
DigRoute 114badge 3
D6010010Ground
TM32
Double TeamRoute 113badge 2
———15Normal
TM42D10510020Normal
TM10
Hidden PowerFortree Citybadge 3
—9010015Normal
TM13
Ice BeamAbandoned Shipbadge 2
D9510010Ice
TM23
Iron TailMeteor Fallsnot until badge 8
D1007515Steel
TM17C——10Normal
TM18
Rain DanceAbandoned Shipnot until badge 7
C——5Water
TM44
RestLilycove Citybadge 5
C——10Psychic
TM27
ReturnFallarbor Townbadge 3
D—10020Normal
HM06
Rock SmashMauville Citybadge 2
D2010015Fighting
TM43
Secret PowerRoute 111badge 3
—10510020Normal
TM30
Shadow BallMt. Pyrebadge 5
D8010015Ghost
TM34D60—20Electric
TM11
Sunny DayScorched Slabbadge 5
C——5Fire
HM03
SurfPetalburg Citybadge 5
D9510015Water
TM46
ThiefSlateport Citybadge 1
D6010025Dark
TM25D1207010Electric
TM24
ThunderboltMauville Game Cornerbadge 2
D9510015Electric
TM06
ToxicFiery Pathbadge 4
B—8510Poison
TM03
Water PulsePrize for defeating Wallacenot until badge 8
D6010020Water

Egg Moves

Egg
Egg
Charm
D—10020Normal
Egg
Pursuit
D4010020Dark
Egg
Substitute
C——10Normal
Egg
Tickle
——10020Normal
Egg
Trick
B—10010Psychic

Tutor Moves

Zigzagoon can't learn any Tutor moves

Base Stats

Base Stats
Below
HP38
F
Attack30
F
Defense41
D
Sp. Atk30
F
Sp. Def41
D
Speed60
C
Total240
Details
Catch Rate
Guaranteed255 / 255
Growth Rate
Medium Fast1M XP
Height0.4 m
Weight17.5 kg
Base XP56
Abilities
Pickup
Picks up other Pokémon's used and Flung held items. May also pick up an item after battle.
EV Yield
HPAtkDefSpASpDSpe+1
Speed training source
Pokedex Entry

ZIGZAGOON restlessly wanders everywhere at all times. This POKéMON does so because it is very curious. It becomes interested in anything that it happens to see.

The hair on ZIGZAGOON’s back is bristly. It rubs the hard back hair against trees to leave its territorial markings. This POKéMON may play dead to fool foes in battle.

Zigzagoon Ruby & Sapphire Guide

  • Yes. Wild Zigzagoon in Ruby & Sapphire can hold Oran Berry (5%). Use Thief (TM46) or Covet to swipe the held item without affecting your catch chance. Quickest way to farm rare items like Oran Berry.

Game Availability

Available since Ruby & Sapphire, Zigzagoon appears in 14 games spanning 7 generations. Beyond its original form, it gained a Galarian form in Generation 8.

Explore

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