Zygarde Guide: Best Moveset, Counters & Pokemon GO Tips

Zygarde is a popular Dragon/Ground-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO. With a maximum CP of 3,379, Zygarde 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 Zygarde in Pokemon GO, including its stats, best moveset, counters, and tips for using it effectively in both PvE raids and PvP battles.

📊 Zygarde Base Stats & Overview

Zygarde (#718) is a Dragon/Ground-type Pokemon from Generation 6. As a Legendary Pokemon, Zygarde is extremely rare and powerful, typically only available through special raid events or research breakthroughs.

Base Stats
Attack	203
Defense	232
Stamina	239
Total Stats	674
Max CP	3,379
Buddy Distance	3 km

With 203 Attack, 232 Defense, and 239 Stamina, Zygarde has a total stat product of 674. Its impressive Defense stat makes it a bulky option that can take hits while dealing consistent damage.

⚔️ Best Moveset for Zygarde

Choosing the right moveset is crucial for maximizing Zygarde’s potential in Pokemon GO. The optimal moveset varies depending on whether you’re using Zygarde 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 Dragon/Ground-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.

🎯 Zygarde Type Effectiveness

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

⚠️ Weaknesses (Takes Super Effective Damage From)

Zygarde is weak to: Ice, Dragon, Fairy, Water, Grass-type moves. When battling against Zygarde, use Pokemon with these types to deal 1.6x (or 2.56x for double weaknesses) damage.

• Ice – Deals increased damage
• Dragon – Deals increased damage
• Fairy – Deals increased damage
• Water – Deals increased damage
• Grass – Deals increased damage

🛡️ Resistances (Takes Reduced Damage From)

Zygarde resists: Fire, Water, Electric, Grass, Poison, Rock-type moves. This means Zygarde takes reduced damage (0.625x or less) from these attack types.

• Fire – Reduced damage
• Water – Reduced damage
• Electric – Reduced damage
• Grass – Reduced damage
• Poison – Reduced damage
• Rock – Reduced damage

🏆 Zygarde PvP Analysis

Zygarde 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 3,379, Zygarde 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)

Zygarde 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)

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

⚔️ Zygarde Raid Guide

Zygarde 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 Zygarde

1. Use Pokemon with moves that exploit Zygarde’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 Zygarde

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

Top Counter Pokemon

The best counters exploit Zygarde’s weaknesses to Ice, Dragon, Fairy, Water, Grass-type moves:

Pokemon	Type	Why It Works
Mamoswine	Ice/Ground	Best Ice attacker with Powder Snow + Avalanche
Glaceon	Ice	Accessible Ice attacker with high damage
Weavile	Dark/Ice	Fast Ice damage dealer
Rayquaza	Dragon/Flying	Dragon Tail + Outrage
Salamence	Dragon/Flying	Dragon Tail + Draco Meteor
Dragonite	Dragon/Flying	Accessible Dragon attacker

Counter Strategy Tips

1. Prioritize Type Advantage: Use Pokemon with moves that are super effective against Zygarde
2. Consider Bulk: Tankier counters can survive longer and deal more total damage
3. Watch for Coverage Moves: Zygarde 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 Zygarde in Pokemon GO

Zygarde is a Legendary Pokemon and can be obtained through:

• Tier 5 Raids: Zygarde 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 Zygarde

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

Zygarde Evolution

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

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

💡 Pro Tips for Using Zygarde

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

1. IV Optimization

For raids and gym battles, prioritize Zygarde 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 Zygarde, 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

Zygarde works best when paired with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses. As a Dragon/Ground type weak to Ice, Dragon, consider adding team members that resist these types.

4. Weather Considerations

Take advantage of weather boosts:

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

📚 Zygarde in the Pokemon Franchise

Zygarde first appeared in Generation 6 of the main Pokemon series. For more detailed lore and information about Zygarde’s origins, check out Bulbapedia.

In Pokemon GO, Zygarde was introduced as part of the Generation 6 Pokemon rollout. It became available to catch after Niantic released the Generation 6 Pokemon update.

📊 How Zygarde Compares

Let’s see how Zygarde stacks up against other Dragon-type Pokemon:

Stat	Zygarde	Type Average	Rating
Attack	203	~180	⭐⭐⭐
Defense	232	~160	⭐⭐⭐
Stamina	239	~170	⭐⭐⭐
Max CP	3,379	~2,500	⭐⭐

🎯 Conclusion

Zygarde is a powerful Dragon/Ground-type Pokemon that can be a valuable addition to your Pokemon GO roster. With a max CP of 3,379 and solid base stats (203/232/239), it performs well in Ultra League PvP and can serve as a reliable raid attacker against appropriate targets.

Remember to:

• Optimize IVs based on your intended use (PvP vs PvE)
• Use the recommended moveset for maximum effectiveness
• Build a team that covers Zygarde’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.

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