Zorua sits at the start of its evolution line — not yet at full power, but that changes fast. Most trainers push through to Zoroark as fast as possible. Flexible enough to run physical or special sets. Been around since Gen 5.
Zorua's spread isn't flashy. Sp. Atk leads, HP trails, 1 stats clear the bar. Moderately hard to find and worth 1 Sp. Atk EV, on a 1.06M XP medium-slow curve.
It changes into the forms of others to surprise them. Apparently, it often transforms into a silent child.
To protect themselves from danger, they hide their true identities by transforming into people and Pokémon.
Zorua Weakness
GoodType-wise, Zorua takes extra damage from Fighting and Bug. Psychic moves do nothing thanks to a full immunity. Only 2 weaknesses makes it relatively easy to build around defensively.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
Zorua evolves into Zoroark. It's a two-stage chain with the method shown below. A massive partner pool for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. Evolving adds up to 180 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Zorua with 180 breeding partners from the Ground egg group. Pass egg moves like Captivate, Counter, Dark Pulse and 5 more to offspring.
Nasty Plot is the main STAB option after a Nasty Plot boost. Life Orb gives Zorua extra damage on every hit for a health trade to survive the setup turn, and max Sp. Atk and Speed EVs make the boosted hits count. The remaining moves catches resists.
Best Build
Best Zorua Moveset
- Nasty Plot
- Dark Pulse
- Hidden Power Fighting
- U Turn
Recommended Teammates
The egg pool carries weight here. Captivate and Counter aren't available any other way for Zorua, and they meaningfully change what it threatens. Stack those on top of Foul Play and Night Daze for solid options.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Zorua is a gift in this game. Pick it up at Castelia City — no wild encounters or spawn rates to deal with. The details below cover exactly when it becomes available.
Best Locations
Zorua isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Zoroark to unlock its full potential. At 330 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Zorua can evolve into Zoroark and Hisuian Zoroark depending on the method. Zorua is the base form in a 3-stage evolutionary line.
Illusion is the go-to ability for Zorua. It takes the appearance of the last conscious party Pokémon upon being sent out until hit by a damaging move. It's Zorua's only ability.
Zorua fills the balanced role. It's a physical attacker with base 65 Attack. At base 65 Speed, it won't be moving first often. And it's fragile — can't afford to take many hits.
Zorua appears in 9 games, including Black & White, Black 2 & White 2, and X & Y.
Zorua first appeared in Black & White and spans 9 games across 5 generations. It later gained a Hisuian form in Generation 8, adding new dimensions to its competitive identity.
- 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