Competitive Information for Zoroark [Sword/Shield]
Dark
Abilities:
This Pokemon appears as the last Pokemon in the party until it takes direct damage.
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Movesets for Singles
Looking for a competitive moveset for Zoroark? These builds are optimized for Sword/Shield Single Battles. The movesets and EVs are designed to maximize damage against common opponents and threats in the Sword/Shield metagame. Check out the expert movesets below to boost your battle performance and dominate your opponents!
WhimsicottNihilegoCelesteelaMamoswineThundurus-TherianRegielekiNinetales-AlolaArctozoltSableyeNaganadel
Get ready to meet Zoroark, the awesome Dark-typed Pokémon! It's to see Zoroark show up as a Sword/Shield opponent. It is weak to Bug, Fairy, and Fighting-typed attacks. Explore the movesets of Zoroark below to understand its battle capabilities.
Item: Life Orb / Ring Target
Ability: Illusion
Nature: Timid (+Spe, -Atk)
EVs: 4 Hp / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Moveset:
- Flamethrower / Burning Jealousy
- Night Daze / Dark Pulse
- Protect / Hyper Beam
- Trick
Dominating single battles, Zoroark is a renowned Special Sweeper. It was designed to overwhelm foes with forceful special power. Life Orb boosts the power of Zoroark's damaging moves by 1.3x but it then loses 1/10 its max HP immediately after the attack. With Illusion, Zoroark appears as the last pokemon in the party until it takes direct damage. With a Ring Target equipped to it, the holder's type immunities granted solely by its typing are negated.
◆ Burning Jealousy is a special 70-base power Fire-type move (100% burns a target that had a stat rise this turn).
◆ Night Daze is a special STAB-boosted 85-base power Dark-type move (40% chance to lower the target's accuracy by 1 stage).
◆ Dark Pulse is a special STAB-boosted 80-base power Dark-type move (20% chance to make the target flinch).
◆ Protect is a status move (prevents moves from affecting your Zoroark this turn).
◆ Hyper Beam is a special 150-base power Normal-type move (Zoroark cannot move next turn).
◆ Trick is a status move (Zoroark switches its held item with the target's).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/maa23b
Item: Focus Sash / Choice Band
Ability: Illusion
Nature: Adamant (+Atk, -SpA)
EVs: 52 Hp / 252 Atk / 204 Spe
Moveset:
- Foul Play / Knock Off
- Shadow Claw
- U-turn / Skitter Smack
- Retaliate / Facade
Dominating single battles, Zoroark is a terrific Physical Sweeper. This moveset is formulated to overwhelm foes with destructive physical moves. Focus Sash helps protect Zoroark from being one-shotted and allowing it to atleast use a crucial move when brought out. Choice Band will increase the damage of Zoroark's physical moves by 1.5x at the cost of locking you into the first move you pick. With Illusion, Zoroark appears as the last pokemon in the party until it takes direct damage. Facade's damage doubles when the user has a status affliction.
◆ Knock Off is a physical STAB-boosted 65-base power Dark-type move (1.5x damage if foe holds an item; Note: This will also remove that item).
◆ Shadow Claw is a physical 70-base power Ghost-type move (high critical hit ratio).
◆ U-turn is a physical 70-base power Bug-type move (Zoroark switches out after damaging the target).
◆ Skitter Smack is a physical 70-base power Bug-type move (100% chance to lower target's special attack by 1 stage).
◆ Retaliate is a physical 70-base power Normal-type move (power doubles if an ally fainted last turn).
◆ Facade is a physical 70-base power Normal-type move (power doubles if Zoroark is burn/poison/paralyzed).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/mba23b
Item: Focus Sash / Choice Specs
Ability: Illusion
Nature: Modest (+SpA, -Atk)
EVs: 52 Hp / 252 SpA / 204 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Moveset:
- Foul Play / Night Daze
- Extrasensory / Hyper Voice
- Flamethrower / Burning Jealousy
- Sludge Bomb
Dominating single battles, Zoroark is an interesting Special Sweeper. It is meant to overwhelm foes with overwhelming special power. Focus Sash helps protect Zoroark from being one-shotted and allowing it to atleast use a crucial move when brought out. Choice Specs will increase the damage of Zoroark's special moves by 1.5x but will lock you into the first move you pick. With Illusion, Zoroark appears as the last pokemon in the party until it takes direct damage. Extrasensory was added to provide additional threat coverage.
◆ Night Daze is a special STAB-boosted 85-base power Dark-type move (40% chance to lower the target's accuracy by 1 stage).
◆ Extrasensory is a special 80-base power Psychic-type move (10% chance to make the target flinch).
◆ Hyper Voice is a special 90-base power Normal-type move (no additional effect. Hits adjacent foes).
◆ Flamethrower is a special 90-base power Fire-type move (10% chance to burn the target).
◆ Burning Jealousy is a special 70-base power Fire-type move (100% burns a target that had a stat rise this turn).
◆ Sludge Bomb is a special 90-base power Poison-type move (30% chance to poison the target).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/mca23b
Item: Life Orb
Ability: Illusion
Nature: Modest (+SpA, -Atk)
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Moveset:
- Nasty Plot
- Dark Pulse
- Agility
- Flamethrower
For single battles, Zoroark is a high-quality Special Sweeper. This moveset attempts to overwhelm foes with brute special attacks. Life Orb boosts the power of Zoroark's damaging moves by 1.3x but it then loses 1/10 its max HP immediately after the attack. With Illusion, Zoroark appears as the last pokemon in the party until it takes direct damage. A pretty damn strong special sweeper. Nasty Plot are for setting up the sweep. Agility so you can outspeed and hit everything hard. Dark Pulse is STAB and Flamethrower is coverage.
◆ Dark Pulse is a special STAB-boosted 80-base power Dark-type move (20% chance to make the target flinch).
◆ Agility is a status move (raises your Zoroark's speed by 2 stages).
◆ Flamethrower is a special 90-base power Fire-type move (10% chance to burn the target).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/mda23b
Item: Life Orb
Ability: Illusion
Nature: Quiet (+SpA, -Spe)
EVs: 125 Hp / 10 Def / 125 SpA / 250 SpD
Moveset:
- Grass Knot
- Nasty Plot
- Dark Pulse
- Flamethrower
Prepare for single battles with Zoroark as a terrific Special Wall. This setup is intended to absorb special attacks and counter with decent force. Life Orb boosts the power of Zoroark's damaging moves by 1.3x but it then loses 1/10 its max HP immediately after the attack. With Illusion, Zoroark appears as the last pokemon in the party until it takes direct damage.
◆ Nasty Plot is a status move (raises your Zoroark's special attack by 2 stages).
◆ Dark Pulse is a special STAB-boosted 80-base power Dark-type move (20% chance to make the target flinch).
◆ Flamethrower is a special 90-base power Fire-type move (10% chance to burn the target).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/mea23b
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Illusion
Nature: Timid (+Spe, -Atk)
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Moveset:
- Night Daze / Dark Pulse
- Focus Blast
- Substitute
- Flamethrower
Prepare for single battles with Zoroark as a phenomenal Special Sweeper. It's goal is to overwhelm foes with potent special moves. Leftovers are always a great recovery option to ensure Zoroark last longer regaining it's life every turn. With Illusion, Zoroark appears as the last pokemon in the party until it takes direct damage.
◆ Dark Pulse is a special STAB-boosted 80-base power Dark-type move (20% chance to make the target flinch).
◆ Focus Blast is a special 120-base power Fighting-type move (10% chance to lower the target's special defense by 1 stage).
◆ Substitute is a status move (Zoroark takes 1/4 its max hp to put in a substitute).
◆ Flamethrower is a special 90-base power Fire-type move (10% chance to burn the target).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/mfa23b
Movesets for Doubles
Need a strong doubles moveset for Zoroark? These builds are perfect for VGC (Pokémon Video Game Championship) and other competitive Sword/Shield Double Battles. The VGC is the ultimate test of strategy and skill, and these movesets and EVs are designed to excel against multiple opponents at once while providing essential support to your team. Dominate the Sword/Shield metagame with these expert-crafted setups!
WhimsicottNihilegoCelesteelaMamoswineThundurus-TherianRegielekiNinetales-AlolaArctozoltSableyeNaganadel
Item: Choice Scarf
Ability: Illusion
Nature: Modest (+SpA, -Atk)
EVs: 4 Hp / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 244 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Moveset:
- Dark Pulse
- Burning Jealousy
- Snarl
- Low Sweep
For those intense double battles, Zoroark is a sensational Special Sweeper. Previously, this build dominated competitions. It's primary goal is to take down the opponent's team with heavy-hitting special moves. Choice Scarf will increase Zoroark's speed by 1.5x but will lock you into the first move you pick. With Illusion, Zoroark appears as the last pokemon in the party until it takes direct damage.
◆ Burning Jealousy is a special 70-base power Fire-type move (100% burns a target that had a stat rise this turn).
◆ Snarl is a special STAB-boosted 55-base power Dark-type move (100% chance to lower the foes special attack by 1 stage).
◆ Low Sweep is a physical 65-base power Fighting-type move (100% chance to lower the target's speed by 1 stage).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/naa23b
Item: Focus Sash / Choice Band
Ability: Illusion
Nature: Adamant (+Atk, -SpA)
EVs: 52 Hp / 252 Atk / 204 Spe
Moveset:
- Foul Play / Knock Off
- Shadow Claw
- U-turn / Skitter Smack
- Retaliate / Facade
In double battles, Zoroark is known as a pretty decent Physical Sweeper. This moveset focuses to take down the opponent's team with powerful physical attacks. Focus Sash helps protect Zoroark from being one-shotted and allowing it to atleast use a crucial move when brought out. Choice Band will increase the damage of Zoroark's physical moves by 1.5x at the cost of locking you into the first move you pick. With Illusion, Zoroark appears as the last pokemon in the party until it takes direct damage. Facade's damage doubles when the user has a status affliction.
◆ Knock Off is a physical STAB-boosted 65-base power Dark-type move (1.5x damage if foe holds an item; Note: This will also remove that item).
◆ Shadow Claw is a physical 70-base power Ghost-type move (high critical hit ratio).
◆ U-turn is a physical 70-base power Bug-type move (Zoroark switches out after damaging the target).
◆ Skitter Smack is a physical 70-base power Bug-type move (100% chance to lower target's special attack by 1 stage).
◆ Retaliate is a physical 70-base power Normal-type move (power doubles if an ally fainted last turn).
◆ Facade is a physical 70-base power Normal-type move (power doubles if Zoroark is burn/poison/paralyzed).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/nba23b
Item: Focus Sash / Throat Spray
Ability: Illusion
Nature: Modest (+SpA, -Atk)
EVs: 52 Hp / 252 SpA / 204 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Moveset:
- Hyper Voice
- Foul Play / Snarl
- Burning Jealousy / Incinerate
- Sludge Bomb
Zoroark makes an a spectacular Special Sweeper in double battles. This moveset was constructed to take down the opponent's team with destructive special power. Throat Spray activates when a Pokemon uses a sound-based move (in this case Hyper Voice or Snarl) and boosts Zoroark's special attack stat by 2 stages. Focus Sash helps protect Zoroark from being one-shotted and allowing it to atleast use a crucial move when brought out. With Illusion, Zoroark appears as the last pokemon in the party until it takes direct damage.
◆ Foul Play is a physical STAB-boosted 95-base power Dark-type move (uses target's attack stat in damage calculation).
◆ Snarl is a special STAB-boosted 55-base power Dark-type move (100% chance to lower the foes special attack by 1 stage).
◆ Burning Jealousy is a special 70-base power Fire-type move (100% burns a target that had a stat rise this turn).
◆ Incinerate is a special 60-base power Fire-type move (destroys the foes berry/gem).
◆ Sludge Bomb is a special 90-base power Poison-type move (30% chance to poison the target).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/nca23b
Movepool
Want to know what moves Zoroark can learn? Check out the full list of moves available in the Pokemon Sword/Shield generation.
Sort and organize the learnset by type, category, accuracy, and power. Moves in bold get the same-type attack bonus (STAB) when used by Zoroark.
Damage Modifiers:
Combo List
These are a list of several common move combinations Zoroark can perform in Sword/Shield. Not every combo going to be game-changing, but some can be pretty fun to play with. Sometimes these can be easily overlooked or forgotten, hence why we find and list them here. Discover what items, abilities, and moves this Pokemon can use in combination with each other to gain a strategic advantage in competitive battles.
Competitive SS Move and Ability Combos for Zoroark
- Moves: Swagger + Foul play
- Moves: Swagger + Psych up
- Moves: Rest + Sleep talk
- Moves: Rest + Snore
- Move: Swagger + Item: Mirror Herb
- Move: Assurance + Item: Rocky Helmet
- Move: Fling + Item: King's Rock
- Move: Facade + Item: Flame Orb
- Move: Facade + Item: Toxic Orb
- Moves with Priority: Detect, Endure, Protect, Sucker Punch
- Moves that inflict status (and combo with the move Hex): Burning Jealousy, Toxic
Moves that boost Zoroark's stats
- Agility
- Calm Mind
- Hone Claws
- Nasty Plot
- Swords Dance
Most notable and possible best moves for Zoroark
- Burning Jealousy
- Dark Pulse
- Fake Tears
- Flamethrower
- Hyper Beam
- Knock Off
- Nasty Plot
- Night Daze
- Protect
- Rest
- Sludge Bomb
- Snarl
- Taunt
- Toxic
- Trick
- U-turn
Common Effort Values for Zoroark in Sword and Shield
- Timid Nature ( 4/0/0/252/0/252 )
- Timid Nature ( 0/0/0/252/4/252 )
- Optimize Zoroark's Defensive EV-spread for Pokemon Sword and Shield
Usage Data
Explore the latest analytical usage data for this Pokémon from various VGC and online competitions. We use this data to develop our strategies and movesets. The data is categorized by competition and skill level: top-ranking trainers, mid-level players, and entry-level players.
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Here are the best movesets for Zoroark. Top rated Zoroark Sword/Shield movesets. You can find Zoroark builds Sword/Shield. Zoroark movesets Sword/Shield are listed here. VGC Zoroark Competitive Movesets can be found here. Find various EV spreads, find the best nature for Zoroark in Sword/Shield along with competitive movesets. Basic info and Movesets for evolution