The Pokemon franchise has a range of generation-specific gimmicks that characterize its many regions. For example, the generation 4 series of games, Pokemon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, is known for mechanics such as the underground. In contrast, the Pokemon X and Y (generation 6) games famously introduced mega evolutions.
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While most of these mechanics are generation-specific, some gimmicks, due to their popularity, have found a place in other generations of Pokemon games, such as mega evolutions. Z-moves are a gimmick in the generation 7 games that harness the power of Pokemon and their trainers to unleash a powerful new move. Z-moves are devastating and come in various forms, one of which is Pokemon-specific attacks that vary in power.
8 Extreme Evoboost
Strongest Status Move
|
Type |
Normal |
|---|---|
|
Category |
Status |
|
Required Move |
Last Resort |
|
Power |
N/A |
As you can guess from its name, Extreme Evoboost is the Z-move of Eevee. Unlike the other moves on this list, Extreme Evoboost is a status move that significantly increases Eevee's Attack, Defense, and Speed stats by 6. The move is an evolution of the move 'Last Resort.'
Extreme Evoboost is not the most powerful on this list, but it is the only Z-move with a status implication (and a pretty powerful one), making it worthwhile — though also earning it last place on this list in terms of stat power.
7 Malicious Moonsault
Best Dark Move
|
Type |
Dark |
|---|---|
|
Category |
Physical |
|
Required Move |
Darkest Lariat |
|
Power |
180 |
Malicious Moonsault is an Incineroar exclusive move with a physical Attack stat of 180, tied as the most powerful Dark-type Z-move. While noticeably weaker than other moves on this list with the second-weakest power stat, Malicious Moonsault deals significant damage, and it can double its damage if an opposing Pokemon uses the move Minimize — a fairly niche use, so it's unlikely to trigger, but the damage potential is astronomical.
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In what is the coolest-looking Z-move, Incineroar is depicted running at an enemy Pokemon, landing a classic wrestling move known as the 'moonsault' within a fabricated wrestling ring.
6 Let's Snuggle Forever
Best Fairy Move
|
Type |
Fairy |
|---|---|
|
Category |
Physical |
|
Required Move |
Play Rough |
|
Power |
190 |
Although a seemingly cute attack — learned by the Pikachu-like Pokemon, Mimikyu — don't be fooled; Let's Snuggle Forever is a powerful Fairy-type attack that makes snuggling the last thing you want to do. The move, dealing 190 physical damage, is the strongest Fairy Z-move in which Mimikyu engulfs an opposing enemy Pokemon to dish out damage, smothering the Pocket Monster until it is defeated. The Z-move comes in more powerful than Malicious Moonsault, but not quite as strong as Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom in terms of its power stat.
5 Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom
Best Ghost Move
|
Type |
Ghost |
|---|---|
|
Category |
Special |
|
Required Move |
Moongeist Beam |
|
Power |
200 |
The most powerful Ghost-type move on this list, Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom is a more powerful version of Lunala's Moongeist Beam, with a Special Attack of 200. Much like the Light That Burns the Sky Z-move, Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom can negate an opponent's abilities before attacking.
The move has Lunala transport enemies through a portal before attacking them with several powerful lasers from the sky. Lunalium Z is required for players to wield the move. Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom ties with Searing Sunraze Smash on this list with a power of 200; however, it comes in just behind the Steel Z-Move due to Solgaleo being the stronger of the two light trio Pokemon.
4 Searing Sunraze Smash
Best Steel Move
|
Type |
Steel |
|---|---|
|
Category |
Physical |
|
Required Move |
Sunsteel Strike |
|
Power |
200 |
Searing Sunraze Smash is a Z-move learned by the legendary Pokemon Solgaleo. An evolution of Sunsteel Strike, Searing Sunraze Smash ups the ante, dealing 200 physical damage as the most powerful Steel Z-move. Solgaleo unleashes a massive explosion of energy upon enemies after the attack, spinning into a ball of light to deal maximum damage.
Dusk Mane Necrozma can also learn the move alongside Solgaleo. The next entry, Snorlax's Pulverizing Pancake, is slightly more powerful than Searing Sunraze Smash, keeping Searing Sunraze Smash from advancing further up this list.
3 Pulverizing Pancake
Strongest Normal Move
|
Type |
Normal |
|---|---|
|
Category |
Physical |
|
Required Move |
Giga Impact |
|
Power |
210 |
Pulverizing Pancake is the Z-move for the iconic Normal Pokemon, Snorlax. Pulverizing Pancake expands the power of Giga Impact, having the sleeping Pokemon run at immense speed toward an enemy and sitting on them for maximum pulverization. It is a unique move that leans on the very best humor of the Pokemon franchise.
It is also powerful — the strongest Normal Pokemon Z-type attack with a physical attack stat of 210, just tied with the immense power of the next entry. Due to its Normal typing, it comes a hair behind Catastropika on the list.
2 Catastropika
Strongest Electric Move
|
Type |
Electric |
|---|---|
|
Category |
Physical |
|
Required Move |
Volt Tackle |
|
Power |
210 |
Catastropika is a Z-move exclusive to Pikachu. The Z-move is an upgraded version of Pikachu's classic attack, Volt Tackle. It requires players to wield the z-crystal Pikanium Z. A powerful attack, Catastropika has a base state of 210 power, making it the strongest physical attack Pikachu can learn as a Z move. Much like its lesser form, Pikachu uses the attack to build up electric energy and striking opponents with an electric ball of damaging proportions.
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Catastropika is the strongest Electric Pokemon Z-move, paired with Snorlax's 'Pulverizing Pancake' attack as the highest physical attack of Pokemon-specific Z-moves. Despite the move's overwhelming power, Catastropika comes in just shy of first place on this list due to its sole focus on attack power, lacking special abilities that the number 1 entry possess.
1 Light That Burns The Sky
Best All Around Move
|
Type |
Psychic |
|---|---|
|
Category |
Special |
|
Required Move |
Photon Geyser |
|
Power |
200 |
Aside from its cool name, Light That Burns the Sky is a powerful Z-move exclusive to the legendary Pokemon Ultra Necrozma. Arguably the best move learned by a Pokemon, Light That Burns the Sky, is unique in that it chooses to be an Attack or Special Attack ability, depending on what is higher for the attacking Pokemon. It also negates any special abilities an enemy Pokemon may have, making the Z-move very dangerous in battle and the strongest Z-move on this list.
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Light That Burns the Sky has a Special Attack of 200, making it one of the strongest Pokemon moves overall, and due to its unique abilities laid out above, the strongest Z-move. The flexibility afforded by using the higher of the Attack or Special Attack stat, in addition to bypassing any special abilities of the target Pokemon, can't be understated.
Players must use the Ultranecrozium Z-Ring to access the move.
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