Pokemon GO Zacian: Ultimate Guide for 2024

Zacian is a popular Fairy-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO. With a maximum CP of 3,829, Zacian is a solid choice for Ultra League battles and various raid encounters.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Zacian in Pokemon GO, including its stats, best moveset, counters, and tips for using it effectively in both PvE raids and PvP battles.

📊 Zacian Base Stats & Overview

Zacian (#888) is a Fairy-type Pokemon from Generation 8. As a Legendary Pokemon, Zacian is extremely rare and powerful, typically only available through special raid events or research breakthroughs.

Base Stats
Attack	254
Defense	236
Stamina	192
Total Stats	682
Max CP	3,829
Buddy Distance	3 km

With 254 Attack, 236 Defense, and 192 Stamina, Zacian has a total stat product of 682. Its exceptionally high Attack stat makes it a premier choice for dealing massive damage in raids and gym battles.

⚔️ Best Moveset for Zacian

Choosing the right moveset is crucial for maximizing Zacian’s potential in Pokemon GO. The optimal moveset varies depending on whether you’re using Zacian for raids, gym battles, or PvP.

Best Raid & Gym Moveset

For PvE content like raids and gym battles, you want moves that maximize DPS (Damage Per Second). The best Fairy-type moves will benefit from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), increasing damage by 20%.

Best PvP Moveset

In PvP battles, energy generation and coverage moves become more important. You’ll want a fast move that charges energy quickly and charged moves that provide good type coverage.

🎯 Zacian Type Effectiveness

Understanding type effectiveness is crucial for both using Zacian effectively and knowing how to counter it. As a Fairy-type Pokemon, Zacian has specific strengths and weaknesses.

⚠️ Weaknesses (Takes Super Effective Damage From)

Zacian is weak to: Poison, Steel-type moves. When battling against Zacian, use Pokemon with these types to deal 1.6x (or 2.56x for double weaknesses) damage.

• Poison – Deals increased damage
• Steel – Deals increased damage

🛡️ Resistances (Takes Reduced Damage From)

Zacian resists: Fighting, Bug, Dark, Dragon-type moves. This means Zacian takes reduced damage (0.625x or less) from these attack types.

• Fighting – Reduced damage
• Bug – Reduced damage
• Dark – Reduced damage
• Dragon – Reduced damage

🏆 Zacian PvP Analysis

Zacian can be used in Pokemon GO’s GO Battle League PvP battles. Here’s how it performs in each league:

Great League (1500 CP Limit)

With a max CP of 3,829, Zacian would need to be under-leveled for Great League. Check if the stats at 1500 CP are competitive before investing resources.

Ultra League (2500 CP Limit)

Zacian can be used in Ultra League but won’t reach its full stat potential due to the 2500 CP cap.

Master League (No CP Limit)

Zacian can hold its own in Master League with proper support, though it may struggle against the top-tier threats like Dialga, Giratina, and Mewtwo.

⚔️ Zacian Raid Guide

Zacian appears as a Tier 5 Legendary raid boss during special events. Here’s what you need to know to defeat and catch it:

Raid Boss Stats

• Tier: 5 (Legendary)
• Recommended Trainers: 4-6 with optimal counters
• Boss CP: ~50,000+
• Catch CP Range: 2,000 – 2,500 (weather boosted: 2,500 – 2,800)

Tips for Defeating Zacian

1. Use Pokemon with moves that exploit Zacian’s weaknesses
2. Dodge charged moves when possible to preserve your Pokemon
3. Coordinate with your raid group for maximum efficiency
4. Use a weather boost when possible for stronger attackers

🎯 Best Counters for Zacian

Whether you’re battling Zacian in raids, gyms, or PvP, knowing the best counters is essential for victory. Here are the top Pokemon to use against Zacian:

Top Counter Pokemon

The best counters exploit Zacian’s weaknesses to Poison, Steel-type moves:

Pokemon	Type	Why It Works
Roserade	Grass/Poison	Poison Jab + Sludge Bomb
Gengar	Ghost/Poison	Shadow Claw + Sludge Bomb
Toxicroak	Poison/Fighting	Poison Jab + Sludge Bomb
Metagross	Steel/Psychic	Bullet Punch + Meteor Mash
Dialga	Steel/Dragon	Metal Claw + Iron Head
Excadrill	Ground/Steel	Metal Claw + Iron Head

Counter Strategy Tips

1. Prioritize Type Advantage: Use Pokemon with moves that are super effective against Zacian
2. Consider Bulk: Tankier counters can survive longer and deal more total damage
3. Watch for Coverage Moves: Zacian may have moves that counter its own counters
4. Weather Boost: Take advantage of weather conditions that boost your counter’s attacks

📍 How to Get Zacian in Pokemon GO

Zacian is a Legendary Pokemon and can be obtained through:

• Tier 5 Raids: Zacian appears in 5-star raids during special events
• GO Battle League: Occasionally available as a reward at Rank 20+
• Special Research: May be featured in special research storylines
• Trading: Trade with friends who have a spare Zacian

Keep an eye on official Pokemon GO announcements for when Zacian will be available!

Zacian Evolution

Check the Pokédex for complete evolution information including candy costs and special evolution requirements.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

💡 Pro Tips for Using Zacian

Here are some advanced strategies and tips to maximize Zacian’s potential in Pokemon GO:

1. IV Optimization

For raids and gym battles, prioritize Zacian with high Attack IVs (15 Attack is ideal). The Attack stat contributes most to damage output in PvE content.

For PvP battles, the ideal IVs depend on the league:

• Great League: Look for low Attack, high Defense and HP (0/15/15 is often ideal)
• Ultra League: Similar to Great League, optimize for stat product under 2500 CP
• Master League: Perfect 15/15/15 IVs are best since there’s no CP cap

2. Power Up Priority

Before investing Stardust and Candy into Zacian, consider:

• Do you have enough resources? (Powering to level 50 costs 296,000 Stardust and 296 Candy)
• Will this Pokemon fill a gap in your battle team?
• Are there better alternatives for the same role?
• Do you have the optimal moveset or need Elite TMs?

3. Team Composition

Zacian works best when paired with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses. As a Fairy type weak to Poison, Steel, consider adding team members that resist these types.

4. Weather Considerations

Take advantage of weather boosts:

• When catching: Weather-boosted Zacian spawns at higher levels (up to 35)
• When battling: Weather that boosts Fairy moves increases your damage output
• When raiding: Spawn weather-boosted counters by raiding in appropriate weather

📚 Zacian in the Pokemon Franchise

Zacian first appeared in Generation 8 of the main Pokemon series. For more detailed lore and information about Zacian’s origins, check out Bulbapedia.

In Pokemon GO, Zacian was introduced as part of the Generation 8 Pokemon rollout. It became available to catch after Niantic released the Generation 8 Pokemon update.

📊 How Zacian Compares

Let’s see how Zacian stacks up against other Fairy-type Pokemon:

Stat	Zacian	Type Average	Rating
Attack	254	~180	⭐⭐⭐
Defense	236	~160	⭐⭐⭐
Stamina	192	~170	⭐⭐
Max CP	3,829	~2,500	⭐⭐⭐

🎯 Conclusion

Zacian is a powerful Fairy-type Pokemon that can be a valuable addition to your Pokemon GO roster. With a max CP of 3,829 and solid base stats (254/236/192), it stands as one of the premier options for high-level content including Master League PvP and Legendary raids.

Remember to:

• Optimize IVs based on your intended use (PvP vs PvE)
• Use the recommended moveset for maximum effectiveness
• Build a team that covers Zacian’s weaknesses
• Take advantage of weather boosts when possible

For more Pokemon guides and the complete Pokedex, visit our Pokemon GO Database. Check out our PvP Rankings for the current meta and Raid Guides for battle strategies.

Last updated: January 2026. Information based on the latest Pokemon GO game data.

← Previous

Obstagoon Pokemon GO: Complete Guide, Best Moveset & Counters

Next →

Zamazenta Pokemon GO: Complete Guide, Best Moveset & Counters