In Pokémon Sun and Moon, Z-Moves are the Mega Evolutions of this generation. These new and powerful attacks can completely turn the tide in battle by having one Pokémon unleash a massive attack.
Trainers will need a Z-Ring and a Z-Crystal to unleash these Z-Moves that come with their own battle animations.
This is a guide to what Z-Moves are and what they can do, with the locations of all of the Z-Crystals in order of when you accept them. There are minor story spoilers for Sun and Moon included, so be aware.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Each typing has their own Z-Move and you can equip the correct Z-Crystal to a Pokémon that has an attack that is of the same type. For example, your Pikachu can use the Normal Z-Crystal if it knows Quick Attack.
- Like Mega Evolutions, only one Z-Move can be used once per battle. You’ll need to determine when to use the Z-Move for maximum impact, because it’s the only time you’ll be able to use it.
- Every attack your Pokemon knows affects the power of your Z-Move. A Z-Move Close Combat does more damage than a Z-Move powered Rock Smash.
Here's a list of every move and how much power it gives a Z-Move.
- Z-Moves also work with status moves. They will give an extra effect on top of the normal effect of your move for example. Stealth Rock with a Z-Move will increase the Defense of the Pokémon using it.
Here's a list of every change a Z-Move has on a status move.
- Moves like Protect and Detect do not stop Z-Moves, they just reduce the amount of damage taken.
- Moves like Fly and Dig DO make Z-Moves miss.
LOCATIONS
Normal Z-Crystal
Complete First Trial (Illim)
Fighting Z-Crystal
Defeat first Kahuna (Hau)
Water Z-Crystal
Defeat Second Trial (Lana)
Fire Z-Crystal
Defeat Third Trial (Kiawe)
Grass Z-Crystal
Defeat Fourth Trial (Mallow)
Rock Z-Crystal
Defeat second Kahuna (Olivia)
Trade with the Hiker in Tapu Village PokeCenter
Electric Z-Crystal
Defeat Fifth Trial (Sophocles)
Steel Z-Crystal
Defeat Fifth Trial (Molayne gifts it)
Ghost Z-Crystal
Defeat Sixth Trial (Acerola)
Bug Z-Crystal
Defeat Guzma in his hideout
Dark Z-Crystal
Defeat third Kahuna (Nanu)
Poison Z-Crystal
Gifted by Plumeria on Poni Island
Ground Z- Crystal
Defeat fourth Kahuna (Hapu)
Fairy Z-Move
Gifted by Mina at Vast Poni Canyon
Dragon Z-Move
Complete Seventh trial
Ice Z-Move
Mount Lanakila
Flying Z-Move
- Ten Carat Hill (need Tauros and Machamp)
POKEMON-SPECIFIC Z-CRYSTALS
Pikanium Z
Talk to the girl with the three Pikachu in Konikoni City
Pikachu needs to know Volt Tackle
Incineroar Z
Gifted by Kukui after defeating Guzma for first time (if Litten is your starter)
Gifted by Hau after becoming Champion.
Needs to know Darkest Lariat
Primarina Z
Gifted by Kukui after defeating Guzma for first time (if Popplio is your starter)
Gifted by Hau after becoming Champion.
Needs to know Sparkling Aria
Decidueye Z
Gifted by Kukui after defeating Guzma for first time (if Rowlet is your starter)
Gifted by Hau after becoming Champion.
Needs to know Spirit Shackle
Tapunium Z
After becoming Champion and catching/defeating Tapu Koko
Needs to know Nature’s Madness
Snorlaxium Z
Download special Munchlax
Alola Raichu Z
- Talk to woman in Seafolk Village (Steelix sub) and have Alola Raichu in your party
Eevee Z
Talk to the Man in the Thirfty Megamart and defeat the 8 Eeveelution trainers.
Vaporeon - Trainer School
Jolteon - ??
Flareon - Tide Song Hotel
Espeon - Geothermal Power Plant
Umbreon - Hau’oli Cemetary
Glaceon - Iki Town on Melemele
Leafeon - Hano Grand Resort on the beach
Sylveon - Seafolk Village(?)
But wait, there’s more! Check out our full list of Pokémon Sun And Moon Guides below:
How To Catch Every Legendary In Alola
Munchlax Distribution: How To Download Special Snorlax With Z-Crystal
Ash-Greninja Transfer: How To Bring Special Pokémon Over From Demo
Ability List: Every New Skill In The Game
Attacks List: Every New Move And Who Can Learn Them
Mega Stone List And Locations: When Can You Get Mega Evolution In Alola?
EV Training Guide: Ally Chaining And Hyper Training Explained
Breeding Guide: Everything You Need To Customize Your Perfect Pokémon
TM Locations: Every Move And Where To Find Them In Alola
Affection Guide: How To Raise Affection And Boost XP Gain With Pokémon Refresh
Ultra Beasts: Everything You Need To Know
Battle Tree: Rules, Scouting And Everything You Need To Know
Zygarde Cell Locations: How They Work And Where To Find Them
