High risk, high reward with Zoroark. The offense is outstanding but the bulk won't survive much — 60 base HP is the weak link. Psychic moves can't touch it, and only 3 types hit it super-effectively. Introduced in Gen 5.
The stat budget goes to damage. Sp. Atk and Attack carry the offense, HP doesn't even come close. An Illusion Fox Pokemon on a 1.06M XP medium-slow curve, worth 2 Sp. Atk EVs per KO.
This Pokémon cares deeply about others of its kind, and it will conjure terrifying illusions to keep its den and pack safe.
Seeking to ease the burden of their solitude, lonely Trainers tell Zoroark to show illusions to them.
Zoroark Weakness
AvgZoroark's Dark typing leaves it vulnerable to Fighting, Bug, and Fairy moves. It shrugs off Psychic-type attacks completely. At base 105 Speed, Zoroark outspeeds most threats and doesn't need to tank what it can outrun.
Evolved from Zorua. Zoroark is the final form in this two-stage line. A massive partner pool for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. Attack grew the most through evolution (+40 over Zorua), and Zoroark peaks at 510 total stats.
How to Evolve
Breed with Zoroark to get Zorua eggs using 138 partners from the Ground egg group. Notable egg moves include Copycat, Counter, Detect and 3 more.
Find one free turn for Nasty Plot and Zoroark can run through teams. Timid nature leans fast special, Illusion supports the sweep, and Fire coverage stops anything from walling it cleanly.
Best Build
Best Zoroark Moveset
- Flamethrower
- Sludge Bomb
- Dark Pulse
- Nasty Plot
Recommended Teammates
STAB runs through Foul Play and Night Daze for the basics, but Zoroark's real strength is the 10-type coverage spread. Normal and Bug hit common defensive types, and the movepool keeps going.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
No wild encounters for Zoroark. The 2-stage line runs through Zorua, which you can catch at decent rates from the locations below. Evolve at level 30 once you've got the levels.
How to Obtain Zoroark in Sword & Shield
Zorua is your first catch on the way to Zoroark. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 10-18 across 4 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch ZoruaEASYForest of FocusShieldGrassLv.13-1815%EarlyForestHeavy FogEASYForest of FocusSwordGrassLv.13-1815%EarlyForestHeavy FogMODERATEForest of FocusShieldOverworldLv.10-1510%EarlyForestHeavy FogMODERATEForest of FocusSwordOverworldLv.10-1510%EarlyForestHeavy Fog
Step 2Zoroark ✓
We rate Zoroark C-Tier — a situational pick that fills a niche. At 510 BST, it fits the sweeper role. Base 120 Sp. Atk stands out.
Illusion takes the appearance of the last conscious party Pokémon upon being sent out until hit by a damaging move — that's the one you want on Zoroark. It's the only ability Zoroark has.
Base 105 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. On offense, Zoroark is a special attacker with base 120 Sp. Atk. Best used as a sweeper.
Zoroark appears in 9 games, including Black & White, Black 2 & White 2, and X & Y.
Since debuting in Black & White, Zoroark has appeared in 9 titles over 5 generations. Along the way, it received a Hisuian form in Generation 8, keeping it relevant across different competitive metas.
- 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 VIIIPLAHisuian
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A