Pokémon Sun and Moon: Z-Moves and Z-Crystals Guide - Z-Rings

Z-Moves are a new element that adds a bit of spice to Pokémon Sun and Moon's battles. Z-Moves are special attacks and abilities that can be performed once in a battle with the aid of Z-Crystals. This Pokemon Sun and Moon guide to Z-Moves and Z-Crystals will tell you all you need to know.

If you need help understanding what Z-Moves and Z-Crystals are all about, we're here to help. You can also check out our Pokémon Sun and Moon guide for everything you need to know about this awesome Alolan adventure.

What Are Z-Moves in Pokemon Sun and Moon?

Z-Moves are powerful attacks and abilities fueled by items called Z-Crystals. You gain Z-Crystals as you travel through Alola and surmount certain challenges.

There are restrictions to Z-Moves. Some are restricted to certain Pokémon, and other Z-moves can only be performed when a Pokémon has a move in their dossier that corresponds with the Z-Crystal they're holding.

For example, Snorlax can only perform the devastating "Pulverising Pancake" move if it knows Giga Impact and is holding the Snorlium-Z Z-Crystal. However, any Pokémon can learn the Breakneck Blitz Z-Move as long as it's holding the Normalium-Z Z-Crystal and knows a Normal-type attack.

What Do I Need to Perform a Z-Move in Pokemon Sun and Moon?

To pull off Z-Moves, you need a Z-Ring. You receive this as you play through Pokémon Sun and Moon's story, so you can't miss it. You also need Z-Crystals, which you pick up as you work through the game's story.

There are 18 general Z-Crystals that correspond with the 18 Pokémon types in the series (e.g. "Ghostium-Z, Grassium-Z, Electrium-Z," etc). Any Pokémon can use the Z-Moves that these crystals unlock, provided they know at least one attack that matches up with the Z-Crystal's elemental type.

There are eight known Pokémon-specific Z-Crystals. The rules for using Pokémon-specific Z-Crystals are a little tougher, because the Pokémon needs to know a specific move before they can unlock the Crystal's power. For instance, Snorlax can't unlock the power of Snorlium-Z and use Pulverising Pancake unless it knows Giga Impact.

What Does Each Z-Move Do in Pokemon Sun and Moon?

Here's a list of known Z-Moves so far, and what each move does:

• Breakneck Blitz (Normal-type) -- Does big Normal-type damage to an enemy once per battle.
• All-Out Pummelling (Believed to be Fighting-type) -- All-Out Pummelling appears to be a Fighting-type move that damages an enemy.
• Never-Ending Nightmare (Ghost-type) -- Performs heavy Ghost-type damage to a target.
• Inferno Overdrive (Fire-type) -- Performs heavy Fire-type damage to a target.
• Hydro Vortex (Water-type) -- Performs heavy Water-type damage to a target.
• Bloom Doom (Grass-type) -- Performs heavy Grass-type damage to a target.
• Gigavolt Havoc (Electric-type) -- Performs heavy Electric damage to a target.
• Maximum Psy-Breaker (Believed to be Psychic-type) -- Maximum Psy-Breaker appears to deal heavy Psychic-type damage to an enemy.
• Ultimate Dragon Burn (Believed to be Dragon-type) -- Ultimate Dragon burn appears to deal heavy Dragon-based damage to an enemy.

Which Pokémon Have Pokémon-Specific Z-Moves in Pokemon Sun and Moon?

Here are the Pokémon confirmed to have Z-Moves and Z-Crystals exclusive to them:

• Pikachu - Can perform Catastropika.
• Alolan Raichu - Can perform Stoked Sparksurfer.
• Eevee -- Can perform Extreme Evoboost.
• Snorlax -- Can perform Pulverizing Pancake.
• Decidueye -- Can perform Sinister Arrow Raid.
• Incineroar -- Can perform Malicious Moonsault.
• Primarina -- Can perform Oceanic Operetta.
• Alola's Guardian Deities -- Can perform Guardian of Alola.

Now that you've sorted out the deal behind Z-Moves, read our Best Pokémon Sun and Moon starter guide, learn how to transfer Ash's Greninja from the Pokémon Sun and Moon Demo to the full game, and discover how you can build your ultimate Pokémon team.