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Zacian (Crowned Sword) Recommended Counters & Tips (November 2026)

By digancy ·

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Zacian (Crowned Sword)

Zacian (Crowned Sword) is a dual Fairy- and Steel-type Legendary Pokémon that is vulnerable to Fire- and Ground-type attacks. Thanks to its phenomenal defensive typing, it boasts heavy resistances to Bug, Normal, Flying, Poison, Rock, Grass, Psychic, Ice, Dark, and Fairy-type moves. You must bring a focused team of high-DPS Fire and Ground counters to break through its formidable base stats.


Zacian (Crowned Sword) will return to Five-Star raids during the Pokémon GO Wild Area 2026 in Sendai, Japan and Pokémon GO Wild Area 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. It will then be available globally from Monday, November 9, at 6:00 a.m. to Friday, November 13, at 9:00 p.m. local time.

For a broader look at what else is happening this month, be sure to check out The Complete List of November 2026 Pokémon GO Events.


Zacian (Crowned Sword) Overview

The Warrior Pokémon returns to Five-Star and Special Raids with world-class stats and game-changing offensive power.

StatsValues
TypeFairy / Steel
RegionGeneration 8 (Galar)
PokéDex Number888
WeaknessFire- and Ground-type attacks
ResistsBug, Normal, Flying, Poison, Rock, Grass, Psychic, Ice, Dark, and Fairy
Maximum Combat Power (CP)5629 CP
Best Fast AttackMetal Claw
Best Charged AttackBehemoth Blade
Boosted ConditionSunny/Clear or Snow weather
ShinyAvailable
Usefulness in PVPDominant #1 Meta Staple in Master League
Usefulness in RaidsS-Tier Top-Ranked Steel-type Attacker

Best Zacian (Crowned Sword) Recommended Counters

The following top Pokémon deal maximum super-effective damage to Crowned Sword Zacian:

POKÉMONRECOMMENDED MOVESET
Mega DelphoxFire Spin as a Fast Attack and Blast Burn as a Charged Attack
Primal GroudonMud Shot as a Fast Attack and Precipice Blades as a Charged Attack
BlacephalonIncinerate as a Fast Attack and Mind Blown as a Charged Attack
Mega Charizard YFire Spin as a Fast Attack and Blast Burn as a Charged Attack
Shadow ReshiramFire Fang as a Fast Attack and Fusion Flare as a Charged Attack
Shadow HeatranFire Spin as a Fast Attack and Magma Storm as a Charged Attack
Mega BlazikenFire Spin as a Fast Attack and Blast Burn as a Charged Attack
Shadow ChandelureFire Spin as a Fast Attack and Overheat as a Charged Attack
Mega GarchompMud Shot as a Fast Attack and Earth Power as a Charged Attack
ReshiramFire Fang as a Fast Attack and Fusion Flare as a Charged Attack

Note: Capitalize on Zacian’s Fire and Ground weaknesses. You can only use one Mega/Primal Pokémon active per raid lobby. Use a Mega Pokémon to boost team damage. OR use a Mega Pokémon that shares a similar type with  Zacian (Crowned Sword)and gain extra catch Candy.


Zacian (Crowned Sword) Raid Boss Moveset

When challenging Crowned Sword Zacian in raids, it can utilize any of the following attacks:

  • Fast Attacks: Metal Claw (Steel) or Air Slash (Flying)
  • Charged Attacks: Behemoth Blade (Steel), Play Rough (Fairy), Close Combat (Fighting), and Giga Impact (Normal)

Best Budget Zacian (Crowned Sword) Recommended Counters

If you lack premier Mega, Primal, or Shadow options, these accessible alternatives perform reliably in battle:

  • Chandelure with Fire Spin as a Fast Attack and Overheat as a Charged Attack.

  • Excadrill with Mud-Slap as a Fast Attack and Scorching Sands as a Charged Attack.

  • Heatran with Fire Spin as a Fast Attack and Magma Storm as a Charged Attack.

  • Darmanitan with Fire Fang as a Fast Attack and Overheat as a Charged Attack.

  • Rhyperior with Mud-Slap as a Fast Attack and Earthquake as a Charged Attack.


Zacian (Crowned Sword) Raid Tips

  • Lead with a powerful Fire or Ground Mega Evolution (like Mega Delphox, Primal Groudon, or Mega Charizard Y) to grant massive damage boosts to your fellow lobby members.

  • Take advantage of Sunny/Clear weather in-game to boost both Fire and Ground-type attacks to max out overall DPS.

  •  Team up with local trainers in a party to double charged attack energy and clear the raid significantly faster.


Zacian (Crowned Sword) in Pokémon GO PvP

While Crowned Sword Zacian is a monster raid attacker, its arrival redefined the Master League meta:

  • Master League: With its rare Fairy/Steel defensive typing, massive attack stat, and the signature move Behemoth Blade paired with Close Combat, it exerts tremendous shield pressure and centralizes the open Master League format.


How Many Trainers are Needed?

Zacian (Crowned Sword) possesses elite defensive capabilities and immense offense. A team of 2 to 3 high-level trainers using maxed-out Primal Groudon or Mega Fire attackers can duo or trio it under Sunny weather. For general raid groups, a squad of 4 to 6 trainers will secure a reliable victory.


Maximize Your Catch Chances

  • Golden Razz Berries: Use them together with Excellent Curveball throws to maximize catch probability.

  • Gym Control & Friend Bonus: Fight at gyms controlled by your team color and raid alongside Ultra/Best Friends to gain extra Premier Balls.


Hundo CP for Zacian from Raid

After successfully defeating Crowned Sword Zacian, you will receive Crowned Sword Energy, items, rewards, and an encounter with Zacian (Hero of Many Battles). A perfect Zacian (Hero of Many Battles) has the following CP depending on when the raid was won.

  • Standard Catch CP (Level 20, No Weather Boost): 2188 CP.

  • Weather Boosted Catch CP (Level 25, Cloudy): 2735 CP.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can Zacian (Crowned Sword) be Shiny in Pokémon GO?

Yes! If you are lucky during your raids, you will have a chance to encounter a Shiny Zacian (Hero of Many Battles), making it one of the most prized additions to your collection.

What is the best Fast Attack for Zacian (Crowned Sword)?

In Trainer Battles and Raids, Metal Claw is preferred as its primary Fast Attack, synergizing with its Steel-typing and lethal signature move.

Does weather boost Zacian raids?

Zacian (Hero of Many Battles) encounters after the raid are weather-boosted by Cloudy weather, which elevates its catch CP up to Level 25. Meanwhile, its raid counters (Fire and Ground types) are boosted by Sunny/Clear and Snow weather conditions.


Crowned Sword Energy & Its Usefulness

Transforming your standard Zacian (Hero of Many Battles) into its ultimate Crowned Sword form requires a specific resource known as Crowned Sword Energy.

How to Get Crowned Sword Energy

  • Raid Battles: Defeating Crowned Sword Zacian in Five-Star raids awards Crowned Sword Energy. The faster you clear the raid lobby, the more energy you receive per win.

  • Special Research: Participating in designated global events and completing associated special research quest lines can yield lump sums of Crowned Sword Energy.

Transformation Requirements

To change your Zacian’s form, you will need:

  • 1,000x Crowned Sword Energy
  • 30x Zacian Candy
  • A Zacian that currently knows the Charged Attack Iron Head

Note: Once you perform this transformation on a specific Zacian for the first time, subsequent form changes for that exact Pokémon can be done freely without expending additional energy.


FUN FACT: Crowned Sword Zacian made its official Pokémon GO debut on May 29, 2025, during Pokémon GO Fest 2025 in Osaka, Jersey City, and Paris, followed by its global debut during Pokémon GO Fest 2025: Global .

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