Z-Moves

Learn how to unleash powerful Z-Moves in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon! Discover how to equip Z-Crystals, activate Z-Power, and strategize your ultimate attacks.

Alright, let's talk about Z-Moves in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon! Think of these as your ultimate trump cards in battle. You'll get access to them once you grab the Z-Ring during the main story and find some Z-Crystals.

There's a Z-Crystal for every single one of the 18 Pokémon types, like Normalium Z or Fairium Z. Plus, some Pokémon have their very own special Z-Crystals, like Pikanium Z just for Pikachu!

Getting Ready to Unleash a Z-Move

Before you can even think about using a Z-Move, you need to make sure your Pokémon is holding the right Z-Crystal. The Z-Crystal's type needs to match at least one of the moves your Pokémon already knows. So, if your Pikachu knows an Electric-type move like Thunderbolt, you can give it an Electrium Z to power up that move.

The cool thing is, one Z-Crystal can be used by multiple Pokémon. So if you've got a few that could benefit from the same type of Z-Move, go for it!

Activating Z-Power in Battle

Once you're in a battle, you'll see a big "Z-Power" button on the bottom left of your touch screen. Tap that while you're choosing your Pokémon's moves. This will transform all of your Pokémon's moves that match the Z-Crystal's type into super-powerful Z-Moves!

Generally, the stronger the original move, the stronger the Z-Move will be. So, a Z-Move from Thunderbolt will pack a bigger punch than one from Thundershock. And get this – Z-Moves can even hit Pokémon that are trying to protect themselves with moves like Protect or Detect!

Status Z-Moves: More Than Just Damage

Even status moves that don't do damage can trigger Z-Moves, but they work a bit differently. Depending on the status move, the Z-Move version will give you a special bonus, like boosting your stats or healing your Pokémon, before doing its usual thing.

A Crucial Warning: One Z-Move Per Battle!

This is super important: you can only use **one** Z-Move in an entire battle. This applies to your whole team, so choose wisely! (The only exception is during certain story battles where you might have a special bond with Rotom.)

When to Use Your Z-Move

Since you only get one shot, timing is everything. For offensive Z-Moves, it's often best to save them for a really tough Pokémon that's giving you trouble, especially the last one in an opponent's party during the story. Always remember to consider Type Match-ups, too – there's nothing worse than unleashing a spectacular Z-Move only for it to be resisted or, even worse, completely immune!

If you're using a status Z-Move, think about the bonus it gives. If it heals you, use it when your Pokémon is low on health. If it boosts your stats, using it early can really swing the battle in your favor from the start.