Zacian - Hero of Many Battles
Attack
Defense
Stamina
Best Movesets
Analysis
Zacian - Hero of Many Battles is a good choice for a Fairy-type attacker in raids, having an average dps of somewhere between Togekiss and Gardevoir. It lacks a Fairy-type fast move, however, and Zacian's effectiveness can vary depending on its fast move's type effectiveness. Nonetheless, it is the tankiest option of the three.
It is worth noting that Zacian has a much more powerful forme on the horizon: Crowned Sword Zacian. Boasting one of the highest Attack stats ever and potentially access to its signature move, Behemoth Blade, Zacian-Crowned will almost certainly leave an impact on the PvE meta. There may be hope that, at some point in the future, any of your currently owned Zacian can transform into this overpowered forme through the form change mechanic.
Offense
- Metal Claw and Iron Head is the only same-type moveset that Zacian has, though it's a bit awkward without STAB. As a Steel-type attacker. however, it is largely outclassed by many other options.
- Snarl provides high energy gains and solid neutral coverage, making it the move of choice when relying on Charged Moves for SE damage.
- Fire Fang and Quick Attack have niches, but they're less useful.
- Play Rough is the charged move of choice due to its high STAB damage.
- Wild Charge is usable, but also often outclassed.
- Close Combat is the weakest option, and tends to have clashing effectiveness with Snarl.
Snarl and Quick Attack are equally viable Fast Attack options due to their energy gains. Snarl provides slightly higher energy gains and can chip away at Giratina and Metagross. Quick Attack has slightly more damage output and provides some pressure against opposing Zacian, Togekiss, and Dark-type Pokemon.
Close Combat is recommended due to its wide Fighting-type coverage, which is especially valuable against Zacian's weakness to common Steel-types. Play Rough benefits from STAB to deal considerable damage, allows Zacian to threaten Giratina, and doesn't self-debuff on use. Wild Charge can threaten Ho-Oh, Kyogre, and Togekiss, all of which can be potentially rough adversaries otherwise. A moveset containing both Play Rough and Wild Charge can be used to threaten both Giratina and Ho-Oh, but sacrificing the ability to break Steel-types is a substantial drawback.
Zacian's high CP currently prevents it from participating in Great League. If Zacian were to be obtained from Research Breakthrough or Special Research in the future, it will be eligible at level 15.
