Resource Intro to Z-moves in National Dex Monotype

[Neko]

A very scary Kommo-o by ASKid679​

Also approved by Forum Mods
By Neko, style.css and Alexender

Introduction

National Dex formats remain the only current-gen space where Z-Moves, a generational mechanic, can be used. Following the Terastallization ban from Monotype formats, Z-moves remain one of National Dex Monotype’s distinctive features. Thus, the goal of this resource is to provide a general understanding of Z-Move uses and how they can be utilized to benefit or patch up weaknesses in your team or set. This resource is not intended to be an exhaustive list of Z-move uses, but will instead highlight some notable users and sets.

Overview of Z-Moves

Z-moves are primarily thought of as one-time use nuke that can catch your opponents off guard and deliver powerful attacks to Pokemon that may be checks. The guaranteed accuracy of Z-Moves also ensures that your boosted move will connect to the enemy, barring immunities due to type or ability. Z-moves are also able to hit through Protect, albeit with its damage reduced (dealing only 25% of the original damage).

Z-moves are also able to provide boosts and utility normally inaccessible to Pokemon. This allows otherwise unviable moves (Celebrate and Happy Hour) a niche Z-Move use and further utility either for the user or for the team.

It is also notable that Z-Crystals do not give Knock Off its increased damage and cannot be knocked off. Using Z-Crystals on a Pokemon that typically Mega Evolves can also be used to give the impression of a Mega Stone. Such examples include Gyarados, Slowbro and Garchomp.

Prime Uses

• STAB Z-Moves
  • and @ Flyinium-Z
    • Allows an additional Flying-type option without the drawbacks of their strongest Flying-type STAB, Bounce and Fly respectively.
  • and @ Flyinium-Z
    • Provides a strong STAB option without the drawbacks of Hurricane's accuracy.
  • and @ Fightinium-Z
    • Breaks through at +2
  • @ Waterium-Z
    • Breaks through at +3 (one Tail-Glow)
  • @ Fairium-Z
    • Breaks through at +1, easing the need for prediction
  • @ Ghostium-Z
    • Breaks through at +2
• Non-STAB Z-Moves
  • @ Normalium-Z
    • Provides a one-time nuke able to break through checks in general
  • @ Electrium-Z
    • Lures and removes at +1
  • @ Firium-Z
    • Lures and removes and – guaranteed OHKO at +2
  • @ Psychium-Z
    • Lures and removes – guaranteed OHKO at +1
  • @ Electrium-Z
    • Lures and removes and – guaranteed OHKO at +2
  • @ Grassium-Z / Psychium-Z / Groundium-Z
    • Lures and removes / / respectively.
  • @Normalium-Z
    • Breaks through at +2
  • @Rockium-Z / Firium-Z
    • Lures and removes / -- guaranteed OHKO at +2
  • @ Electrium-Z
    • Lures and removes and
• Signature Z-Moves
  • @ Mimikium-Z
    • Let's Snuggle Forever provides a guaranteed STAB nuke and is commonly used to break through
  • @ Aloraichium-Z
    • Stoked Sparksurfer provides damage and guaranteed paralysis. Is also commonly used to break through
• Set-Up Boosts
  • Omniboost
    • @ Kommonium-Z
      • Clangorous Soulblaze deals damage and provides an omniboost to the user.
    • @ Normalium-Z
      • Z-Conversion changes the user's type and provides an omniboost to the user.
    • and @ Normalium-Z
      • Z-Happy Hour provides an omniboost to the user.
    • and @ Normalium-Z
      • Z-Celebrate provides an omniboost to the user.
  • Z-Belly Drum
    • and @ Normalium-Z
      • Z-Belly Drum heals the user back to full HP before Belly Drum takes effect, ensuring the attack boost.
• Utility
  • and @ Icium-Z
    • Z-Haze heals the user to 100%, eliminates all stat changes and can be used under the effects of Taunt.
  • and @ Psychium-Z
    • Provides a one-time Psychic nuke (with Future Sight) or heals the user to 100% then pivots out (Teleport)
  • and @ Darknium-Z
    • Z-Memento and Parting Shot heals the next Pokemon that switches in to 100% (status is not cured).