Skip to main content
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • Videos
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
    • G+RLS Podcast
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
  • Home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Videos
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
    • G+RLS Podcast
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
Trending
  • Golden Joystick Awards 2026
  • Deal of the Day
  • G+RLS Podcast
  • Countdown to GTA 6
  • Join our monthly RPG Club
  • Game of the Week
  • Submit your clips. Win prizes
  • RPG Hub
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
  1. Games
  2. RPG

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

Guides
By Phillip Martinez
Published 17 August 2022

The best Pokemon to battle Zacian in Pokemon Go

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Pokemon Go Zacian
(Image credit: Niantic)
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Subscribe to our newsletter

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. 

Latest Videos FromGamesRadar+
Watch full video here:

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.

You may like
  • Pokemon TCG Pocket Best Mega Rayquaza ex deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket
  • best decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket All Secret missions in Pokemon TCG Pocket
  • Team Rocket Boss in Pokemon TCG Pocket Best Pokemon TCGP decks and meta tier list (September 2026)

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
Pokemon Moveset
Mega Gengar Lick and Sludge Bomb
Mega Beedrill Poison Jab and Sludge Bomb
Mega Scizor Bullet Punch and Iron Head
Metagross Bullet Punch and Meteor Mash
Nihilego Acid and Sludge Bomb
Victreebell Acid and Sludge Bomb
Dialga Metal Claw and Iron Head
Roserade Poison Jab and Sludge Bomb
Excadrill Metal Claw and Iron Head
Genesect Metal 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.

You may like
  • Pokemon TCG Pocket Best Mega Rayquaza ex deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket
  • best decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket All Secret missions in Pokemon TCG Pocket
  • Team Rocket Boss in Pokemon TCG Pocket Best Pokemon TCGP decks and meta tier list (September 2026)

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 Attack Charged Attack
Fire Fang Wild Charge
Snarl Close Combat
Metal Claw Play Rough
Quick Attack Iron Head
Phillip Martinez
Phillip Martinez
Social Links Navigation

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.

Read more
Pokemon TCG Pocket
Pokemon Best Mega Rayquaza ex deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket
 
 
best decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket
Pokemon All Secret missions in Pokemon TCG Pocket
 
 
Team Rocket Boss in Pokemon TCG Pocket
Pokemon Best Pokemon TCGP decks and meta tier list (September 2026)
 
 
Raikou ex leaping through lightning
Tabletop Gaming This new Pokemon card from Delta Reign is 'shockingly' powerful, get an exclusive first look here
 
 
Pokemon Legends Z-A Mystery Gift codes for Mega Garchomp Z
Pokemon All Pokemon Legends Z-A Mystery Gift Codes and Rewards (September 2026)
 
 
Pokemon Go codes linked to the Lego collaboration
Pokemon Pokemon Go codes (September 2026) and how to redeem them
 
 
Latest in RPG
Geralt rides a horse through a swamp in The Witcher 3 Remastered.
The Witcher The Witcher 3 Remastered PC performance is tanking because of Geralt's luscious locks, CDPR says
 
 
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 character Verso
RPGs Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 "broke" T-Pain with its "too sad" intro: "It gets worse? Absolutely not"
 
 
The Blood of Dawnwalker
RPGs 6 things I need from The Blood of Dawnwalker's sequel
 
 
Geralt looks upon two bags from which he can loot in The Witcher 3 Remastered.
The Witcher What is The Witcher 3 Remastered Loot Merge?
 
 
The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past expansion screenshot
The Witcher The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past plays out differently if you've finished the RPG's second expansion
 
 
Witcher 3
The Witcher How to transmog your equipment in Witcher 3 Remastered and create a new look for Geralt
 
 
Latest in Guides
Contol Resonant
Action RPGs How to find all Shum Arcade machines in Control Resonant
 
 
Geralt looks upon two bags from which he can loot in The Witcher 3 Remastered.
The Witcher What is The Witcher 3 Remastered Loot Merge?
 
 
Witcher 3
The Witcher How to transmog your equipment in Witcher 3 Remastered and create a new look for Geralt
 
 
Alex and Steve from Minecraft wear capes earned by redeeming Minecraft Dungeons 2 codes.
Minecraft How to redeem Minecraft Dungeons 2 codes
 
 
Control Resonant
Action RPGs How to complete the New Growth quest and what to do with Doctor Underhill in Control Resonant
 
 
Geralt in The Witcher 3 Remastered.
The Witcher What does simulate Witcher 2 save mean in The Witcher 3?
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. CD Projekt Red is on top of it
    1
    The Witcher 3 Remastered PC performance is tanking because of Geralt's luscious locks, CD Projekt Red says, but there's a temporary fix "until this is addressed in a patch"
  2. 2
    Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake leaker throws his weight behind reports of a new Uncharted game
  3. 3
    After 20 years and 38 films, Marvel boss Kevin Feige says he still has "a lot of movies" to make in the MCU
  4. 4
    Kathleen Kennedy says stepping down as Lucasfilm president was a "bit of a relief" after the "incredible challenge" of replacing George Lucas
  5. 5
    The 8Bitdo FlipPad isn't my absolute favorite way to play Game Boy games, but it could win me over this time next week

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...