Zangoose, the fierce-looking Normal-type Pokémon, is a fan favorite in Pokémon GO due to its aggressive battle style and sleek design. While Zangoose may not be the first choice for many players in the competitive scene, it holds its ground with the right strategy and moveset. In this article, we’ll break down how you can turn Zangoose into a formidable force in battles, from its best moves to team compositions.
Understanding Zangoose in Pokémon GO
Zangoose, originally from the Hoenn region, is a pure Normal-type Pokémon, giving it a unique set of strengths and weaknesses. Let’s start by looking at Zangoose’s key stats:
- Type: Normal
- CP (Combat Power): 2418 at max level
- Attack: 222 (High Attack stat makes Zangoose a glass cannon)
- Defense: 124
- Stamina: 177
With a high Attack stat and moderate stamina, Zangoose is best suited for fast, aggressive battles where it can hit hard before the opponent retaliates. However, its lower Defense means that Zangoose needs proper team support to shine.
Best Moveset for Zangoose
To maximize Zangoose’s potential in battle, it’s essential to pick the right moveset. The best combination of moves is:
- Fast Move: Shadow Claw
- Charge Move: Close Combat and Night Slash
Why Shadow Claw?
- Shadow Claw is one of the fastest Fast Moves available to Zangoose, generating energy quickly. It’s also a great counter against Ghost-types, which are normally strong against Zangoose.
Why Close Combat?
- Close Combat delivers a hard-hitting Fighting-type attack, which is perfect for dealing with Steel, Rock, and Dark-type Pokémon. It helps Zangoose counter some of its natural enemies and deal massive damage before going down.
Why Night Slash?
- Night Slash is a low-energy Charge Move that allows Zangoose to deal quick damage. It also has a chance to raise Zangoose’s Attack stat, which can turn the tide in long battles.
Strategic Team Compositions with Zangoose
Zangoose performs well in teams that cover its weaknesses and give it room to deliver devastating hits. Since Zangoose’s primary threat comes from Fighting-type Pokémon, it’s crucial to pair it with teammates that can handle those counters.
Recommended Teammates:
- Togekiss (Fairy/Flying-type)
- Why Togekiss? Togekiss can handle Fighting-types with ease, thanks to its Flying-type moves. Its bulkiness helps provide a buffer for Zangoose’s lower defense.
- Gyarados (Water/Flying-type)
- Why Gyarados? Gyarados provides excellent coverage for Fighting-types and resists many of Zangoose’s common counters, such as Steel-types.
- Swampert (Water/Ground-type)
- Why Swampert? Swampert’s versatility allows it to take out Rock and Steel-types, giving Zangoose more freedom to shine. Swampert’s ability to charge up powerful Charge Moves like Hydro Cannon adds to the team’s offensive strength.
Best Counters to Zangoose
While Zangoose can deal significant damage, it’s vulnerable to Fighting-type Pokémon due to its Normal-type nature. Here are a few Pokémon to watch out for:
- Machamp: With its Fighting-type moveset, Machamp can quickly dismantle Zangoose.
- Lucario: Lucario’s powerful combination of Fighting and Steel-type moves make it a direct counter to Zangoose.
- Conkeldurr: Another Fighting-type powerhouse that can handle Zangoose with ease.
To mitigate these threats, it’s important to bring in strong Fairy or Flying-type Pokémon to your team.
Optimal Battle Strategies
- Hit Hard and Fast: Zangoose’s high Attack stat means it’s best used to deal heavy damage early in the battle. Open with Zangoose to quickly wear down your opponent’s first Pokémon or use it as a mid-game sweeper.
- Use Energy Management Wisely: With Shadow Claw as its Fast Move, Zangoose can charge its energy quickly. This allows you to unleash Close Combat or Night Slash frequently, keeping pressure on your opponent.
- Avoid Prolonged Battles: Zangoose is not built for drawn-out battles due to its low Defense. It’s best to use it in quick, explosive encounters where you can knock out opponents before they retaliate.
When to Use Zangoose
Zangoose is most effective in the Ultra League or Great League, where its CP cap fits within the meta. It’s particularly useful in situations where you face Ghost-type Pokémon, as Shadow Claw helps it counter them effectively.
Conclusion
Zangoose may not be a top-tier Pokémon in every league, but with the right moveset and strategy, it can become a valuable asset in your team. Whether you’re looking to take down Ghost-types or land a surprise Close Combat, Zangoose has the potential to turn the tide of any battle.
Try out these strategies, experiment with different teammates, and watch Zangoose wreak havoc in your next Pokémon GO battle!
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