Zangoose Movesets & Competitive Sets

Moves Belly Drum maximizes Zangoose's Attack, which immediately turns it into an offensive threat and dangerous late-game cleaner at the cost of 50% of its HP. Quick Attack makes up for Zangoose's merely decent Speed tier and becomes fairly powerful after it uses Belly Drum, allowing it to KO certain offensive checks such as Primeape and making it quite difficult to revenge kill without a faster Ghost-type. Knock Off provides Zangoose with coverage for Ghost-types such as Spiritomb, Jellicent, and Golurk, which are immune to Quick Attack. Close Combat rounds out Zangoose's coverage, giving it the ability to heavily damage Rock- and Steel-types that resist Quick Attack such as Regirock, Aggron, and Alolan Sandslash. Return could be considered over Close Combat in order to give Zangoose a more reliable, powerful STAB option that OHKOes the likes of Mudsdale at +6, though opting for it over Close Combat means that Zangoose cannot bypass Rock- and Steel-types. Furthermore, Return isn't really necessary, since Zangoose is already powerful enough to OHKO most threats with Quick Attack or Close Combat at +6. Set Details Jolly nature is ideal in order to outspeed Skuntank and Pinsir, allowing Zangoose to Quick Attack the former before a potential Sucker Punch. 4 EVs are placed in HP to ensure that Sitrus Berry will activate after Zangoose uses Belly Drum. Sitrus Berry restores 25% of Zangoose's HP, which leaves it at 75% after it uses Belly Drum. Immunity renders Zangoose immune to poison, meaning that it can freely switch in on Toxic Spikes and cannot be put on a timer with Toxic. Usage Tips Since Zangoose is a late-game cleaner, it should refrain from attempting to set up until after very physically bulky Pokemon like Mudsdale and faster Ghost-types such as Haunter and Oricorio-G have been either weakened or removed, as it is unlikely that it will get a second chance to attempt to do so. However, despite excelling as a late-game cleaner that can shred offensive teams, Belly Drum Zangoose is also capable of wallbreaking against balance teams. Zangoose's meager defenses and lack of resistances or immunities barring Ghost prevent it from reliably switching in on even weaker attacks, meaning that it should only be brought in following the use of Memento, through the use of U-turn or Volt Switch, or after a teammate is KOed. Zangoose should be cautious of switching in while entry hazards are up, as they further shorten its longevity and limit its ability to safely use Belly Drum and switching in on Toxic Spikes reveals Zangoose's set. Zangoose should mainly set up against slower Pokemon that it forces out like Aurorus. Team Options Belly Drum Zangoose fits on offensive teams, primarily Sticky Web teams, as they are more than capable of providing the support that Zangoose needs in order to do its job well. Sticky Web support from Pokemon such as Smeargle and Shuckle slows foes down, which can give Zangoose an easier time sweeping and leave it less reliant on Quick Attack against faster foes. Furthermore, the former can use Spore to help Zangoose create setup opportunities as well as Nuzzle to keep faster foes like Primeape in check, while the latter can provide useful Knock Off support or wear down Pokemon with Toxic. Zangoose appreciates being paired with Pursuit trappers such as Skuntank and Spiritomb, since they can remove faster Ghost-types that easily revenge kill Zangoose like Haunter and Oricorio-G. The former can also provide entry hazard removal, while the latter can cripple physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp, which can potentially ease setup. Memento support from the likes of Alolan Dugtrio, Jumpluff, and the two previously mentioned Pursuit trappers is very much appreciated due to Zangoose's frailty giving it a difficult time freely setting up. Jumpluff can additionally put foes to sleep with Sleep Powder, which can make cleaning for Zangoose easier. Dual screens support from Electrode augments Zangoose's bulk, which is useful for giving it an easier time with both setting up and stomaching attacks subsequent to using Belly Drum. Electrode is also capable of generating momentum with Explosion or Volt Switch. As a late-game cleaner, Zangoose appreciates being paired with strong wallbreakers like Aurorus that can pave the way for Zangoose to finish teams off by either heavily damaging or removing physically bulky Pokemon like Tangela. Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Ferroseed and Qwilfish is appreciated, as the chip damage can be useful for guaranteeing certain KOs such as on Skuntank with +6 Quick Attack. Entry hazards being up also prevents Sturdy users like Regirock and Golem from taking one hit and KOing Zangoose in return. Entry hazard removers like Swanna, Kabutops, and Rotom-F can prove useful for limiting the damage that Zangoose has to take prior to using Belly Drum, which gives it an easier time setting up and subsequently cleaning. Swanna is also capable of checking Fighting-types, specifically Gurdurr, for Zangoose as well as threatening physically bulky Pokemon like Alolan Persian and Sableye with Supersonic Skystrike.

Moves Facade is Zangoose's strongest move that can reach insane amounts of damage in conjunction with STAB and Toxic Boost. Knock Off allows Zangoose to hit Ghost-types such as Golurk and Jellicent that would otherwise switch in. Close Combat is used to get the super effective hit on Rock- and Steel-types such as Regirock, Probopass, and Aggron, which can stomach Zangoose's other attacks. Swords Dance is an option to boost Zangoose's Attack to tremendous levels, helping it muscle past Pokemon such as Sableye and turning it into a fearsome sweeper with Quick Attack. However, the lack of Close Combat coverage means that Zangoose finds it a lot harder to break past Normal-resistant Pokemon like Regirock, Alolan Sandslash, and Carracosta. Quick Attack is good for cleaning up weakened Pokemon, which is also a good way to activate Zangoose's Toxic Orb in the process. Set Details Toxic Orb is necessary to activate Zangoose's Toxic Boost ability and power up its Facade. An Adamant nature makes Zangoose slightly better at wallbreaking, while a Jolly nature is an option to outspeed base 80 Speed Pokemon such as Shiftry as well as outpacing Pinsir and Adamant Kangaskhan. Usage Tips Zangoose should be used as a wallbreaker, breaking down the opposing team's defensive core so that a partner can clean up later on. Free switches from a slow U-turn or Volt Switch are vital for Zangoose to function well because it does not like taking hits and it needs its Toxic Orb to activate so that it can deal the maximum amount of damage. Bringing Zangoose in against a very low HP Pokemon and knocking them out with an attack is another good way to activate Toxic Orb. Make sure to be wary of double switches from your opponent's Ghost-, Rock- and Steel-types, as those can rack up Toxic damage and limits the number of turns Zangoose can stay in. If you are using Swords Dance, setting up can be quite hard due to Zangoose's terrible bulk. Try to set up on predicted switches, Protects aiming to stall out Zangoose's Toxic damage, Choice-locked Ghost-types, or very passive Pokemon like Clefairy. Team Options Primeape is a good partner, not only because of its access to U-turn, but also because Zangoose breaks down physical walls such as Mudsdale and Musharna really well, allowing Primeape to use Close Combat freely. Fire-types like Combusken and Simisear are great partners, as they can take on Sableye, which gives Zangoose issues. Pokemon that resist Fighting such as Jellicent can stop Pokemon like Gurdurr and Primeape that try to revenge kill Zangoose. Healing Wish support from Pokemon like Mr. Mime is appreciated, as Zangoose is often worn down a lot by its Toxic Orb. Entry hazard removal can be crucial, since Zangoose has limited health already and hates to be worn down more by Stealth Rock and Spikes. Some options include Hitmonchan and Swanna, as they can threaten defensive answers to Zangoose like Regirock.

Moves Facade is Zangoose's most spammable and strongest attack, being boosted by STAB and Toxic Orb to an absurd 315 Base Power. Knock Off hits Ghost-types such as Gourgeist, Mismagius, and Haunter for huge damage. Close Combat smacks Rock-and Steel-types such as Rhydon, Steelix, and Ferroseed for super effective damage and has excellent synergy with Facade and Knock Off. Quick Attack is useful priority for revenge killing weakened offensive threats, and it somewhat mitigates Zangoose's only decent Speed stat. Set Details Maximum Attack and Speed EVs are used to hit as hard and as fast as possible. An Adamant nature is preferred over Jolly because the extra Speed will very rarely matter due to Zangoose's awkward Speed tier, and the extra power that comes with Adamant allows Zangoose to revenge kill offensive threats with Quick Attack more reliably. A Jolly nature does allow Zangoose to outspeed Pinsir, Adamant Kangaskhan, Vivillon, Timid Mesprit, and Hidden Power Rock and Fire variants of Lilligant. Toxic Orb is the most reliable way to status Zangoose, triggering Toxic Boost and increasing Facade's power. Toxic Boost provides Zangoose's main niche over other Normal-types in the tier. Usage Tips Zangoose is best used in the early- and mid-game, where it can break down walls for late-game cleaners such as Swellow and Barbaracle to clean up. Activating Toxic Orb can often be tricky, but the easiest way to do so is to give Zangoose a free switch in, usually through a slow Volt Switch or U-turn. Other opportunities to safely activate Toxic Orb throughout the battle are forcing out a low-HP Focus Sash user such as Jynx with Quick Attack and revenge killing a weakened slower threat such as Mesprit with Knock Off or Aurorus with Close Combat. Zangoose wears itself down very quickly, so it is essential to fully utilize every turn that it is alive. If your opponent has a Ghost-type such as Rotom or Mismagius, it is often optimal to click Knock Off, as even if they chose not to switch in said Ghost-type, knocking another foe's item off is useful as well. Lastly, if your opponent lacks a Ghost-type, it is very safe to click Facade, as it will do huge damage to anything that doesn't resist it, and any Rock- or Steel-type that does resist Facade will be slower than Zangoose and will not enjoy taking a super effective Close Combat the following turn. Team Options Pokemon that make use of Volt Switch and U-turn such as Lanturn, Scyther, and Rotom are great partners for Zangoose, as they generate momentum and grant Zangoose with free switches in to start tearing through an opposing team. Musharna can effectively pivot into Fighting-types which plague Zangoose. Other Normal-types such as Tauros, Swellow, and Kangaskhan are also solid partners for Zangoose, as Zangoose muscles through typical Normal-type checks such as Steelix, Rhydon, and Ferroseed, clearing the way for another Normal-type to wreak havoc. Healing Wish support coming from Mesprit, Mega Audino, or Lilligant is also terrific for Zangoose, as it gives Zangoose a second opportunity to break down the opposing team after it has been weakened in the early- or mid-game. Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Omastar, Garbodor, and Ferroseed is very useful for Zangoose, as having Spikes and Stealth Rock up on the opponent's side of the field makes Zangoose's job of wallbreaking far easier.

This set, if used properly, can nearly OHKO the entire tier after a boost. Factoring in Swords Dance, Zangoose hits 658 Attack with a Jolly nature. A +2 Toxic-boosted Facade will OHKO Alomomola and can possibly OHKO Tangela. However, due to its frailty, Zangoose struggles to set up Swords Dance; in the long run, it might not even be worth the hassle to set it up. Close Combat will demolish Rock- and Steel-types, such as Bastiodon, Carracosta, and Gigalith. The fourth move depends on what Pokemon Zangoose wants to defeat. Quick Attack allows Zangoose to bypass faster Pokemon that try to revenge kill it, but it is then walled by Ghost-types. Night Slash permits Zangoose to hit Ghost-types, but it is then checked by faster Pokemon such as Primeape and Charizard. Here are a few calculations to show you how fearsome Zangoose is after a Swords Dance with just a Jolly nature: +2 Facade vs. 252/252+ Alomomola:97.8% - 115.2% +2 Facade vs. 240/252+ Musharna: 115.9% - 136.7% +2 Quick Attack vs. 0/0 Primeape: 100% - 117.7% +2 Quick Attack vs. 4/0 Gardevoir: 91.7 - 108.3% A Jolly nature allows Zangoose to Speed tie with Kangaskhan and Jolly Sawk. However, an Adamant nature can be used for more power, and with a Swords Dance boost, Zangoose can OHKO defensive Misdreavus and Tangela with the appropriate move and Stealth Rock support. If you opt to run Quick Attack on Zangoose, a Pursuit trapper such as Skuntank is required, as Zangoose cannot do a thing against Ghost-types. Alternatively, if you choose to run Night Slash, Zangoose is vulnerable to faster Pokemon, particularly common Choice Scarf variants of Primeape and Charizard. Tanks or walls, such as Alomomola, Lickilicky, Golem, and Metang, make good teammates because they can either counter those Pokemon or take a hit and strike back. Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Garbodor, Piloswine, Roselia, and Golem are recommended. With just Stealth Rock support, Zangoose's Quick Attack can possibly OHKO threats such as Charizard, Sawsbuck, and Pinsir at +2. Kangaskhan shares a common Fighting-type weakness, but it works well with Zangoose because they share similar checks, which they can both weaken until one of them can break through.

This set acts as a wallbreaker, as it's able to break down NU's most sturdiest walls. Facade becomes a powerful move after Toxic Orb is activated, reaching a Base Power of 210 when STAB is factored in. Close Combat grants additional coverage on Rock- and Steel-types that resist Facade, such as Golem, Regirock, and Probopass. Night Slash completes Zangoose's coverage, as it is able to hit Ghost-types, specifically Golurk and Misdreavus, which would otherwise be able to switch freely into any other move Zangoose has. Finally, Zangoose has access to Quick Attack, which allows it to defeat weakened, faster opponents, such as Charizard and Primeape. A Jolly nature is preferred because it allows Zangoose to Speed tie with Kangaskhan and outspeed positive-natured base 80 and 85 Speed Pokemon, such as Gardevoir and Sawk. However, an Adamant nature can be used to 2HKO Alomomola, Tangela, and offensive Regirock. Protect could be used over Quick Attack to guarantee Toxic Orb's activation, but it forces Zangoose to give up a moveslot and isn't useful outside of activating Toxic Orb. Entry hazard support from Golem and Garbodor is recommended to snag crucial KOs on the likes of Kangaskhan and Gardevoir. Zangoose appreciates slow Volt Switch support from users such as Eelektross, as it can activate its Toxic Orb without having to take a hit or relying on defeating the opponent. Eelektross also can take care of Alomomola and Tangela; the former can Toxic stall Zangoose, and the latter can deal heavy damage with Giga Drain. Dark-types such as Skuntank can remove Ghost-types, allowing Zangoose to freely use Close Combat and Facade. Common Fighting-types, such as Primeape and Gurdurr, can check Zangoose; a Psychic-type such as Musharna is a good teammate to tank hits and set up with Calm Mind. Late-game sweepers, such as Swords Dance Samurott and Shell Smash Carracosta, appreciate having Zangoose as a wallbreaker, as it can take down their counters for them to successfully sweep.

Zangoose is one of a whole host of physical Normal-type sweepers once deemed too powerful for UU, and have since returned to the tier in order to justify that claim. Unfortunately though, they have for the most part failed to make any significant impact on the metagame. On paper, Zangoose does not have many distinguishing features to make himself stand out from his Normal-type brethren -- Tauros and Ambipom are faster, and Ursaring and Slaking have more initial attack power. However, this should not deter you from using Zangoose -- he has above average stats in both Speed and Attack, and has one key factor that makes him exceptional: a very wide physical movepool. Swords Dance enables Zangoose to boost his Attack and possibly open up a sweeping opportunity. Return is the given STAB move, boasting both a relatively high Base Power and reliable accuracy. Close Combat is a blessing for Zangoose, as he can retaliate with feeling against Steel- and Rock-types who resist his STAB. The last slot has a number of options going for it. Quick Attack is the superior option since it can OHKO faster Pokemon like Alakazam, Sceptile, and Swellow after Stealth Rock. It also lets Zangoose defeat priority users such as Blaziken, Absol, and Hitmonlee. Shadow Claw can also be used to hit Ghost-type Pokemon; however, it is not very reliable, since Mismagius and Rotom are faster and usually carry Substitute for scouting, while Spiritomb is not hit super effectively. After a Swords Dance, Zangoose has the ability to break slower walls with relative ease -- even with a Jolly nature, just about everyone in UU is at least 2HKOed by him after a Swords Dance, and plenty more Pokemon are OHKOed: Damage Calculations +2 Jolly Zangoose Life Orb Return vs. 252 HP 252 Def Bold Milotic: 84.0% - 99.2% +1 Jolly Zangoose Life Orb Return vs. 252 HP 252 Def Impish Hitmontop: 73.0% - 86.2% +2 Jolly Zangoose Life Orb Close Combat vs. 252 HP Registeel: 120.3% - 141.8% +2 Jolly Zangoose Life Orb Close Combat vs. 252 HP Steelix: 96.0% - 113.0% +2 Jolly Zangoose Life Orb Close Combat vs. 252 HP Regirock: 93.4% - 109.9% +2 Jolly Zangoose Life Orb Close Combat vs. 136 HP Rhyperior: 92.1% - 108.4% +2 Jolly Zangoose Life Orb Close Combat vs. 252 HP Bold Cloyster: 111.8% - 131.6% +2 Jolly Zangoose Life Orb Quick Attack vs. 4 HP Alakazam: 115.9% - 136.9% +2 Jolly Zangoose Life Orb Quick Attack vs. 4 HP Sceptile: 78.7% - 92.9% +2 Jolly Zangoose Life Orb Quick Attack vs. 4 HP Dugtrio: 127.8% - 150.5% +2 Jolly Zangoose Life Orb Quick Attack vs. 4 HP Absol: 86.4% - 101.8% All of the above calculations were done assuming a Jolly nature. With an Adamant nature, however, Zangoose is guaranteed to OHKO many of these walls with one of his attacks, even without entry hazards, but will fail to outrun faster Pokemon such as positive nature Venusaur and Blaziken. Even so, an Adamant nature can be helpful to assure OHKOs on faster Pokemon with Quick Attack, such as Sceptile. With a Jolly nature, Zangoose has a fair chance to miss an OHKO on many walls, and while they will likely fail to OHKO him with one attack, their attack's damage on top of Life Orb recoil can end his sweep prematurely. Thus, it is recommended strongly that you save Zangoose for lategame when the opponent's walls have had a chance to accumulate some damage. However, although his Speed is decent, he is outrun and halted by a number of common threats. Drapion, Mismagius, and Rotom all outrun him and, while none of them can OHKO with a single unboosted attack, they highlight the point that Zangoose can easily be revenge killed before he has a chance to sweep. Quick Attack can remedy this, but if you lack Shadow Claw you are setup fodder for Mismagius and Spiritomb. The item choice is also an important one -- Life Orb is almost always the best choice, as it gives more power to all of Zangoose's moves, and without it he can miss some crucial OHKOs. A Jolly nature is best here to outrun neutral base 95s and 100s, such as Drapion and Arcanine, as well as positive nature base 80s like Kabutops and Venusaur. With no EV investment in HP, Zangoose takes minimum damage from indirect damage, such as Stealth Rock and the rare sandstorm. Although Zangoose's damage output is spectacular, the process of actually setting up Swords Dance to sweep can be a difficult one. Zangoose has to both switch in, possibly taking entry hazard damage, and set up, giving the opponent two turns in which to end him. Zangoose's defenses are gut-wrenchingly frail even for UU, and even those with the poorest offenses can find a way to damage him, not to mention the fact that even those at the bottom of the offensive barrel, such as Registeel and Chansey, can find a way to ruin him through status afflictions. To help Zangoose set up, you can try to reduce the damage dealt to him by opponents by using dual screens, which can be set up by someone like Uxie, who can also set up Stealth Rock and use Memento to give Zangoose a free switch in. The use of Memento also lowers the opponent's offensive power, forcing them to switch and giving Zangoose that all-important turn to set up. In other situations you can simply wait and sacrifice one of your Pokemon in order to switch Zangoose in for free, or try to clear a hole using Explosion. When Zangoose is actually in play, you will need to find a way to set him up without taking too much damage. Against offensive teams, dual screens support is a great help, and you may also consider Baton Passing a Substitute to Zangoose to protect it from status. As for who Zangoose can actually set up on, those Pokemon with mediocre assaults are the best bets, the most notable being Chansey, since Zangoose can take a Seismic Toss and is immune to Toxic (just try to avoid Thunder Wave). You can also try Tricking a weaker Pokemon such as Registeel and letting Zangoose set up on him, but this has a very high chance of failing. If Zangoose can force an opponent out, either because you bluff the intention of attacking (if your opponent's Pokemon is on low health but still needed) or your opponent believes that the appropriate move is to switch to someone bulkier or a faster revenge killer (which can be good or bad depending on who they choose, but by this point you should have worked out your opponent's team accurately enough to know what this will entail). Stealth Rock support is heavily recommended for this set, as it can make the difference between a 2HKO and an OHKO. Paralysis support or a Baton Passed Agility is also viable in case Zangoose should be outsped, since the extra Speed can occasionally mean the difference between a win and a loss. Defensive Spiritomb is one of this set's greatest foes, and thus Blaziken can be one of this set's greatest allies since he resists Spiritomb's Dark-type STAB and is immune to Will-O-Wisp, and has the potential to OHKO with STAB Fire Blast. Rest Talk Hariyama also resists Dark-type attacks, can heal off burns with Rest or use them to activate Guts, but does not have anything to hit back at Spiritomb with. Houndoom also resists both Ghost- and Dark-type attacks and can take advantage of Will-O-Wisp with Flash Fire. In the case of Hitmontop, a Spiritomb of your own will hinder your opponent, as it is immune to Fighting-type moves and Rapid Spin.

Zangoose is also capable of running a Flail set. Substitute and Endure are both options to bring Zangoose down to 1 HP, which activates its pinch Berry and powers up Flail. Shadow Ball allows Zangoose to hit the Ghost-types that are immune to Flail. There are three options for the last moveslot: Fire Blast will 2HKO or 3HKO Skarmory, and takes it down far more effectively than Focus Punch will. Focus Punch has the advantage when it comes to Rock-types such as Tyranitar, however. Swords Dance can further strengthen Zangoose's Flail; a resisted 1 HP Flail is as powerful as a neutral Focus Punch. The EVs listed provide Zangoose with enough Speed to outrun neutral Heracross, which is particularly useful if running Fire Blast. Otherwise, just use an Adamant nature with maximum Attack and Speed.

Zangoose has the raw power to sweep unboosted, but not with Skarmory in the way. To remedy this, it can run a Counter set to surprise Skarmory. Taunt prevents Skarmory from setting up Spikes or phazing with Roar, and Counter lets Zangoose use Skarmory's Drill Peck against it. This is certainly an original alternative to the Swords Dance set.

This set's ability to hit hard right off the bat can be a nasty surprise for Pokemon such as Aerodactyl, who expect Zangoose to try and set up. It is a handy alternative to the Swords Dance set, especially for players who find it difficult to set up and sweep with Zangoose's poor defenses.

Zangoose can take advantage of its high Speed and even higher Attack to attempt a sweep after setting up Swords Dance. STAB Return is a powerful move to sweep with, while Shadow Ball hits any Ghost-types that might attempt to block Zangoose's sweep; finally, Quick Attack can be used in the last slot to put a dent on Ninjask or KO any Endure + Salac Berry users. Brick Break and Hidden Power Ground are also viable options should you fear Zangoose being walled by Rock- and Steel-types; Brick Break hits Tyranitar harder, potentially OHKOing with an Adamant nature, whereas Hidden Power Ground hits Metagross and Jirachi harder than Return does. Note that Brick Break has slightly more power on Pokemon such as Steelix and Rhydon.