Base Stats
Abilities
Type Matchups
View full type chart →Damage multipliers vs. normal / ghost typing. Ability-based immunities (e.g. Levitate) are not included.
Forms · 2 variations
Evolution Line
Battle & Lore Hub
Battle Strategy
Hisuian Zoroark functions as a glass-cannon revenge killer or setup sweeper that leverages its unique typing and Illusion ability to force switches. It typically uses its immunity to Normal, Fighting, and Ghost moves to safely enter the field and threaten opponents with high-speed Special Attacks.
Best Used In
Hisuian Zoroark excels in Gen 9 UU and RU tiers as a wallbreaker, but also sees play in Gen 9 OU 'Psychological Warfare' teams built around Illusion and hazard control.
Strengths
- ›Unique Normal/Ghost typing granting three immunities
- ›High 125 base Special Attack and 110 Speed
- ›Illusion ability allows for mind games and safe setups
- ›Wide special coverage including Focus Blast and Sludge Bomb
- ›Access to Nasty Plot and a signature move in Bitter Malice
Weaknesses
- ›Extremely frail with 55/60/60 defensive stats
- ›Weak to Dark-type priority moves like Sucker Punch
- ›Revealed instantly by entry hazards or status damage
- ›Over-reliance on Focus Blast for Steel-type coverage
Competitive Tips
- ›Equip Focus Sash to guarantee a Nasty Plot setup or a trade against faster threats.
- ›Use Illusion to disguise Zoroark as a Fighting-type teammate like Iron Valiant to bait and punish Ghost-type attacks.
- ›Utilize Bitter Malice early in the game to fish for Frostbite, effectively doubling your physical bulk.
- ›Run Tera Ghost to maximize the power of Shadow Ball/Bitter Malice or Tera Blast Fighting to reliably hit Kingambit.
- ›Keep entry hazards off the field with Rapid Spin or Defog to ensure Illusion remains intact.
Recommended Teammates
Great Tusk
Provides essential Rapid Spin support to keep hazards from breaking Zoroark's Illusion.
Kingambit
Zoroark can bait Fighting-type moves that Kingambit fears, while Kingambit pressures the Dark-types that threaten Zoroark.
Iron Valiant
A perfect Illusion target because it lures Ghost-type moves that Zoroark is immune to.
Gholdengo
Blocks Defog to keep the opponent's side pressured while sharing a synergy against Fairy and Steel types.
Zamazenta
Zoroark can masquerade as Zamazenta to lure and nullify Psychic-type attacks intended for the Fighting-type.
Game History
Introduced in Pokémon Legends: Arceus as a regional variant born from the souls of Zoroark driven out of their territory. It debuted in the competitive main series in Gen 9 via Pokémon HOME transfer, quickly establishing itself as a niche threat in OU and a staple in lower tiers.
Trivia
- ◆It is the only Pokémon in the entire franchise with the Normal/Ghost type combination.
- ◆Its signature move, Bitter Malice, is the only move that can inflict the Frostbite status in Legends: Arceus.
- ◆It is theorized to be based on the Onibi or the vengeful spirits of foxes that died in the snowy Hisuian climate.
- ◆In the anime special 'Pokémon: Hisuian Snow', it is depicted as a protective but misunderstood guardian of the icy forests.
- ◆Its white and red fur design reflects the traditional colors of Kitsune masks in Japanese theater.
- ◆Unlike the Unovan Zoroark, the Hisuian variant's hair flows wildly upward, resembling a manifestation of its spite.
Moves · 82 total
Level-Up
4 movesTM / HM
3 movesMove Tutor
2 movesOther
73 movesWhere to find· 13 games
Black
1 spot- •Lostlorn Forest
White
1 spot- •Lostlorn Forest
Black 2
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
White 2
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
X
2 spots- •Kalos Route 20
- •Pokemon Village
Y
2 spots- •Kalos Route 20
- •Pokemon Village
Omega Ruby
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Alpha Sapphire
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Ultra Sun
1 spot- •Poni Grove
Ultra Moon
1 spot- •Poni Grove
Sword
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Shield
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Legends: Arceus
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.