ThePokemonfranchise 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,thePokemon X and Y(generation 6) games famously introducedmega evolutions.
While most of these mechanics are generation-specific, some gimmicks, due to their popularity, have found a place in other generations ofPokemongames, such as mega evolutions. Z-moves are a gimmick in the generation 7 games that harness the power ofPokemonand their trainers to unleash a powerful new move. Z-moves are devastating and come in various forms, one of which isPokemon-specific attacks that vary in power.
Power
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As you’re able to 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.
180
Malicious Moonsault is an Incineroar exclusive move with a physical Attack stat of 180, tied as themost 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 opposingPokemonuses the move Minimize — a fairly niche use, so it’s unlikely to trigger, but the damage potential is astronomical.
In what is the coolest-looking Z-move, Incineroar is depicted running at an enemyPokemon, landing a classic wrestling move known as the ‘moonsault’ within a fabricated wrestling ring.
190
Although a seemingly cute attack — learned by the Pikachu-likePokemon,Mimikyu — don’t be fooled; Let’s Snuggle Forever is apowerful Fairy-typeattack 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 enemyPokemonto 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.
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.
Searing Sunraze Smash is a Z-move learned by the legendaryPokemonSolgaleo. 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.
210
Pulverizing Pancake is the Z-move for the iconic NormalPokemon,Snorlax. Pulverizing Pancake expands the power of Giga Impact, having the sleepingPokemonrun at immense speed toward an enemy and sitting on them for maximum pulverization. It is a unique move that leans onthe very best humor of thePokemonfranchise.
It is also powerful — thestrongest NormalPokemonZ-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.
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.
Catastropika is thestrongest ElectricPokemonZ-move, paired with Snorlax’s ‘Pulverizing Pancake’ attack as the highest physical attack ofPokemon-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.
Aside from its cool name, Light That Burns the Sky is a powerful Z-move exclusive to the legendaryPokemonUltra Necrozma. Arguably the best move learned by aPokemon,Light That Burns the Sky, is unique in that it chooses to be an Attack orSpecial Attack ability, depending on what is higher for the attackingPokemon. It also negates any special abilities an enemyPokemonmay have, making the Z-move very dangerous in battle and the strongest Z-move on this list.
Light That Burns the Sky has a Special Attack of 200, making it one of thestrongestPokemonmovesoverall, 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 targetPokemon, can’t be understated.
