When it comes to building a solid team in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, one Pokémon that often gets overlooked for its tanking potential is Shiny Pangoro. While Pangoro may not immediately stand out as a traditional tank, its unique combination of stats and movepool makes it a formidable defensive powerhouse. In this guide, we'll go over how to make the most out of your Shiny Pangoro as a tank, including movesets, strategies, and general tips to get the most out of this powerhouse.
Pangoro is a Fighting/Dark-type Pokémon with a surprisingly strong defensive presence. Despite its offensive capabilities, it has a good balance of HP and Defense that allows it to withstand a surprising number of hits. As a Shiny Pokémon, it also has that cool factor, and who doesn't love the extra shiny touch to their team?
The key to using Shiny Pangoro effectively in a tank role is understanding its strengths and weaknesses. It's naturally resistant to Psychic-type moves, and its Dark typing helps it shrug off status conditions and special attacks. However, Pangoro's main vulnerability comes from Fairy and Flying-types, so keep that in mind when building your team around it.
To make the most out of your Shiny Pangoro, you'll want to focus on moves that boost its survivability and allow it to take hits while still dealing decent damage. Here’s a solid moveset for a tanky build:
Bulk Up – This move increases both Attack and Defense, allowing Pangoro to become more formidable as it takes hits. It's essential for building its tanking potential over time.
Knock Off – A strong Dark-type move that also removes any held items from the opposing Pokémon. This helps remove pesky items like Leftovers or Sitrus Berries that could otherwise sustain your opponent.
Hammer Arm – A powerful Fighting-type move that can deal significant damage while also lowering your Speed. The trade-off is worth it for the extra damage output.
Parting Shot – A strategic move that lowers the opponent’s Attack and Special Attack, giving you the ability to pivot and switch to another Pokémon if the situation demands it.
With this moveset, you’re giving your Shiny Pangoro the ability to boost its defenses, deal damage, and even disrupt your opponent’s strategies. Its bulk combined with these moves makes it a solid tank option, even in tough situations.
For a tanking role, the best nature for Pangoro is Impish (increasing Defense and decreasing Special Attack). This will help maximize its defensive capabilities while still allowing it to function offensively when needed.
As for EV distribution, prioritize 252 HP / 252 Defense / 4 Attack. This setup ensures that Pangoro can take hits efficiently, especially from physical attackers. The leftover points can be put into Attack to give it a little more offensive punch.
While Shiny Pangoro is a strong tank, it’s not invincible. It’s crucial to pair it with teammates who can cover its weaknesses. For example, consider using Steel- or Fairy-types to counteract its weaknesses to Fairy-type moves. Pokémon like Aegislash or Mawile can provide excellent support.
It’s also helpful to have a solid special attacker on your team, since Pangoro’s special defense is a bit lackluster. Consider pairing it with a Pokémon like Alakazam or Gengar to deal with opponents that might challenge Pangoro's defenses.
When using Shiny Pangoro in battle, the main goal is to outlast your opponent through strategic play. Here are a few tips to maximize its effectiveness:
Know When to Use Bulk Up: Don’t rush to use Bulk Up at the start of the battle. It’s important to wait until you can safely set up, as Pangoro can be vulnerable before it boosts its defenses.
Switching Is Key: Don’t hesitate to switch Pangoro out if a Pokémon with a strong Fairy- or Flying-type move is about to hit the field. Let your other team members handle those threats while Pangoro focuses on tanking physical hits.
Parting Shot for Pivoting: If things are looking grim, Parting Shot can be a life-saver. Use it to lower your opponent’s offensive stats and then switch to a different Pokémon. This move not only helps Pangoro survive longer, but it can also give your team the upper hand by weakening your opponent.
If you’re looking to add a Shiny Pangoro to your team but don’t have one yet, there are plenty of ways to acquire it. One option is to buy shiny pokemon from a trusted source. For those looking for a safe transaction, visiting a safe shiny pokemon shop is always a good idea. Just make sure you’re purchasing from a reputable source like U4GM, where you can find a wide selection of Shiny Pokémon.
Shiny Pangoro is an underrated tank in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, offering both offensive and defensive capabilities that can turn the tide of battle in your favor. With the right moveset, nature, and EV distribution, it can be a force to be reckoned with in any team. Always be mindful of its weaknesses, and make sure to support it with teammates who can cover those gaps.
As always, whether you're a casual player or a competitive battler, having fun with your team is key. Shiny Pangoro may just be the Pokémon that surprises your opponents, proving that even a seemingly underappreciated Pokémon can shine when given the right care and strategy.
