Pokemon Go Zacian Raid counters and everything you need to defeat them

Pokemon Go Zacian
(Image credit: Niantic)

We have some Pokemon Go Zacian Raid counters to help you capture one of the two heroes of the Galar region, Zacian and Zamazenta, reappearing in Raids for a limited time. 

We have Pokemon Go Zamazenta Raid Counters there, but here we're all about Zacian, the Pokemon Sword box legendary. They'll be occupying Five-Star Raids starting Thursday, August 18 at 10 a.m. local time and ending Wednesday, August 31 at 10 a.m. local time. So for 12 days trainers will have a chance at both Galar Legendaries to add to their dexes. 

However, those who played Pokemon Sword and Shield know that Zacian comes in two forms. The first, and most recognizable, is the Crowned Sword form shown on the cover art for Pokemon Sword. The Pokemon Go form of Zacian trainers will be able to battle in Pokemon Go - this time at least - is the Hero of Many Battles. 

If you’re looking to add this Pokemon to your collection, here’s everything you need to know about it and how to defeat it fast and easy. 

 Pokemon Go Zacian Counters 

Pokemon Go Zacian

(Image credit: Niantic)

The Hero of Many Battles Zacian is a pure Fairy-type, making it weak to just Poison and Steel-type attacks. While this form of Zacian is considered to be the weaker of the two, its pure typing makes it a bit difficult to damage.

In Pokemon Go there are not a lot of strong Poison-type attackers. Pokemon like Roserade and Gengar are more known for its Grass and Ghost-type attacks, respectively. However, as we lay out, they can still be viable options to go up against Hero of Many Battles Zacian, especially if trainers bring Mega Gengar into battle. 

Mega Beedrill is another great option to boost Poison moves of your team and deal a lot of damage. Just don’t expect Mega Beedrill to last long in battle especially if Zacian has some super effective moves -- more on that in the section below.

As for trainers looking to bring a Steel-type team, Mega Scizor was just added to the game and gives a viable attack option -- sorry Mega Steelix -- to bring into battle. The other must-have Pokemon to bring into battle against this Zacian is Metagross.

Otherwise, here’s a list of potential counters that trainers should consider when going into battle against Zacian in Pokemon Go.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Pokemon Go Hero Zacian Raid Counters
PokemonMoveset
Mega GengarLick and Sludge Bomb
Mega BeedrillPoison Jab and Sludge Bomb
Mega ScizorBullet Punch and Iron Head
MetagrossBullet Punch and Meteor Mash
NihilegoAcid and Sludge Bomb
VictreebellAcid and Sludge Bomb
DialgaMetal Claw and Iron Head
RoseradePoison Jab and Sludge Bomb
ExcadrillMetal Claw and Iron Head
GenesectMetal Claw and Magnet Bomb

 Pokemon Go Zacian Moveset 

Now that Zacian has appeared in Pokemon Go before, we now know what moves it can use in battle, and it’s a lot.

First, the Fast Attacks. This form of Zacian knows four different Fast Attacks: Fire Fang (Fire), Meta Claw (Steel), Snarl (Dark) and Quick Attack (Normal).

Of the two, Fire Fang is the move trainers should really look out for as it will deal a lot of damage to Mega Beedrill, Mega Scizor and other Poison and Steel types like Roserade and Metagross. 

 Snarl is also a move that will give Metagross some problems as Steel types haven't resisted Dark-type moves since Gen 6. 

As for Zacian’s Charged Attacks, Close Combat could give other Steel types like Dialga and Excadrill issues. It’s difficult to predict which moves Zacian will use, but trainers can utilize the recommended Pokemon screen when they first enter a Raid.

If it recommends Pokemon that are not weak to Fire moves, then it’s unlikely Zacian will have it. The same goes for Snarl and Close Combat. Pay attention to this and build your teams accordingly.

Here’s all the moves Zacian can use in Pokemon Go.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Fast AttackCharged Attack
Fire FangWild Charge
SnarlClose Combat
Metal ClawPlay Rough
Quick AttackIron Head
Phillip Martinez

I'm currently a GamesRadar guide contributor with a specialty in everything Pokemon GO. If you've wanted to know the best way to take down a Rayquaza, there's a good chance you read one of my guides. I previously have written for IBT Media, Newsweek and Screen Rant. I'm a huge fighting game fan and everything Pokemon, but I've grown to love RPGs.