Pokemondex
#0262mightyena
#0264linoone

zigzagoon

Generation III · #0263 — Tiny Raccoon Pokémon

Zigzagoon, the Tiny Raccoon Pokémon designated as National Pokédex #263, made its debut in Generation III as one of the earliest Pokémon encountered in the Hoenn region. As a Normal-type Pokémon, Zigzagoon represents the archetypal early-game companion, boasting an exceptional catch rate of 255 and a base friendship value of 70, making it exceptionally easy to obtain and bond with from the start of a trainer's journey. With a total base stat spread of 240 distributed across modest offensive and defensive capabilities, Zigzagoon establishes itself as an accessible entry-level Pokémon that evolves into the more formidable Linoone at level 20. The species gained significant additional representation with the introduction of the Galarian regional variant in Generation VIII, which transforms Zigzagoon into a Dark/Normal-type with an extended evolutionary line culminating in the powerful Obstagoon, demonstrating the species' enduring relevance across multiple generations of Pokémon games.

Base Stats

HP38
Attack30
Defense41
Sp. Atk30
Sp. Def41
Speed60
Total240
Height

0.4m

Weight

17.5kg

Category

Tiny Raccoon Pokémon

Gender

Male 50% / Female 50%

Color

brown

Shape

quadruped

Habitat

grassland

Abilities
Pickup

Picks up other Pokémon's used and Flung held items. May also pick up an item after battle.

Gluttony

Makes the Pokémon eat any held Berry triggered by low HP below 1/2 its max HP.

Quick FeetHidden

Increases Speed to 1.5× with a major status ailment.

Zigzagoon Biology & Physical Characteristics

Zigzagoon is a quadrupedal mammalian Pokémon that bears striking resemblance to a raccoon or badger, characterized by its distinctive zigzag-patterned fur composed of alternating layers of cream and brown coloration. The species features a brown head with spiky, triangular ears, a prominent black nose, and a black mask-like marking around its brown eyes that evokes the appearance of a natural raccoon. Its upper jaw contains a jagged edge with two pointed teeth visible in its lower jaw when opened, contributing to its somewhat mischievous expression. The Pokémon possesses four limbs with three claws on each foot and pink paw pads, with the forefoot being cream-colored while the hind feet maintain the brown coloration of its body. A particularly notable feature is its brush-like tail that extends proportionally from its compact frame, standing at merely 0.4 meters in height and weighing 17.5 kilograms, making it one of the smallest mammalian Pokémon available in the early game experience.

Pokedex Numbers

national#263
hoenn#12
kalos central#12
updated hoenn#12
galar#31
crown tundra#71

Training

EV Yield1 Speed
Catch Rate255
Base Happiness70
Base Exp.56
Growth Ratemedium

Breeding

Egg Groupsground
GenderMale 50% / Female 50%
Egg Cycles15 (4080 steps)

Zigzagoon Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups

Zigzagoon exhibits a perfectly balanced gender ratio with precisely 50 percent male and 50 percent female individuals occurring naturally in the wild, ensuring equal breeding accessibility regardless of which gender a trainer encounters. The species belongs to the Field egg group, classifying it within a broad category of terrestrial and mammalian Pokémon that share compatible breeding genetics, allowing it to produce offspring when paired with other Field group Pokémon or with Ditto, the universal breeding partner. With an egg cycle duration of 15 cycles translating to approximately 3,599 to 3,855 steps required for incubation, Zigzagoon represents a relatively quick breeding option compared to many other species, making it accessible for trainers seeking to obtain multiple specimens or breed for favorable natures and individual values. The species maintains a moderate medium-fast growth rate, neither particularly accelerated nor delayed in its experience point accumulation, contributing to its well-rounded early-game accessibility. Breeding Zigzagoon allows trainers to obtain individuals with hidden abilities such as Quick Feet, which increases speed to 1.5 times when the Pokémon possesses a major status ailment, providing strategic breeding opportunities for competitive teams seeking specific ability configurations.

Held Items

Potion
omega ruby50%
Potion
alpha sapphire50%
Potion
sun50%
Potion
moon50%
Potion
ultra sun50%
Potion
ultra moon50%
Revive
omega ruby5%
Revive
alpha sapphire5%
Revive
sun5%
Revive
moon5%
Revive
ultra sun5%
Revive
ultra moon5%
Oran Berry
ruby5%
Oran Berry
sapphire5%
Oran Berry
emerald5%
Oran Berry
firered5%
Oran Berry
leafgreen5%
Oran Berry
diamond5%
Oran Berry
pearl5%
Oran Berry
platinum5%
Oran Berry
heartgold5%
Oran Berry
soulsilver5%
Oran Berry
black5%
Oran Berry
white5%
Oran Berry
black 25%
Oran Berry
white 25%

Sprites

zigzagoon Front
Front
zigzagoon Back
Back
zigzagoon Shiny Front
Shiny Front
zigzagoon Shiny Back
Shiny Back
zigzagoon Home
Home
zigzagoon Home Shiny
Home Shiny
zigzagoon Showdown
Showdown
zigzagoon Showdown Shiny
Showdown Shiny

Held Items

potion

healing

Restores 20 HP.

Cost: 200

potion

healing

Restores 20 HP.

Cost: 200

potion

healing

Restores 20 HP.

Cost: 200

potion

healing

Restores 20 HP.

Cost: 200

potion

healing

Restores 20 HP.

Cost: 200

potion

healing

Restores 20 HP.

Cost: 200

revive

revival

Revives with half HP.

Cost: 2000

revive

revival

Revives with half HP.

Cost: 2000

revive

revival

Revives with half HP.

Cost: 2000

revive

revival

Revives with half HP.

Cost: 2000

revive

revival

Revives with half HP.

Cost: 2000

revive

revival

Revives with half HP.

Cost: 2000

oran-berry

medicine

Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 10 HP.

Cost: 80

oran-berry

medicine

Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 10 HP.

Cost: 80

oran-berry

medicine

Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 10 HP.

Cost: 80

oran-berry

medicine

Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 10 HP.

Cost: 80

oran-berry

medicine

Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 10 HP.

Cost: 80

oran-berry

medicine

Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 10 HP.

Cost: 80

oran-berry

medicine

Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 10 HP.

Cost: 80

oran-berry

medicine

Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 10 HP.

Cost: 80

oran-berry

medicine

Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 10 HP.

Cost: 80

oran-berry

medicine

Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 10 HP.

Cost: 80

oran-berry

medicine

Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 10 HP.

Cost: 80

oran-berry

medicine

Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 10 HP.

Cost: 80

oran-berry

medicine

Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 10 HP.

Cost: 80

oran-berry

medicine

Held: Consumed at 1/2 max HP to recover 10 HP.

Cost: 80

TMs & HMs

tm01

black white

tm01

black 2 white 2

tm01

lets go pikachu lets go eevee

tm01

ultra sun ultra moon

tm01

omega ruby alpha sapphire

tm01

sun moon

tm01

x y

tm02

crystal

tm02

gold silver

tm03

ruby sapphire

tm03

platinum

tm03

firered leafgreen

tm03

heartgold soulsilver

tm03

diamond pearl

tm03

emerald

tm03

xd

tm03

colosseum

tm03

lets go pikachu lets go eevee

tm04

gold silver

tm04

crystal

+648 more TMs/HMs

Zigzagoon Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms

Zigzagoon occupies the first position in two distinct evolutionary lines, each leading to progressively more powerful forms suited to different regional variations and playstyles. In the standard evolution chain, Zigzagoon evolves into Linoone upon reaching level 20, maintaining its Normal-type classification while significantly improving its speed stat and overall combat capabilities. The Galarian regional variant of Zigzagoon introduces a more complex evolutionary pathway, beginning at level 20 when it transforms into Galarian Linoone, a Dark/Normal-type that enhances the original's offensive potential through the addition of Dark-type movepool and abilities. This Galarian Linoone can undergo a final evolution into Obstagoon, a remarkable badger-like Pokémon that requires leveling up to level 35 specifically during nighttime hours, representing one of the few time-restricted evolutions in the Pokémon franchise. This evolutionary line culminates in Obstagoon, a powerful Dark/Normal-type with significantly enhanced attack statistics and access to signature moves like Obstruct, demonstrating how Zigzagoon's modest beginnings can evolve into formidable late-game threats depending on regional variant choice.

Where to Find

hoenn route 110

hoenn

rubyLv. 12-12 (20% chance)
sapphireLv. 12-12 (20% chance)

petalburg woods

hoenn

rubyLv. 6-6 (10% chance)
rubyLv. 5-5 (20% chance)
sapphireLv. 6-6 (10% chance)

+1 more

hoenn route 104

hoenn

rubyLv. 4-4 (10% chance)
rubyLv. 5-5 (10% chance)
rubyLv. 4-4 (20% chance)

+5 more

hoenn route 120

hoenn

rubyLv. 25-25 (20% chance)
sapphireLv. 25-25 (20% chance)

hoenn route 117

hoenn

rubyLv. 13-13 (20% chance)
rubyLv. 14-14 (10% chance)
sapphireLv. 13-13 (20% chance)

+1 more

hoenn route 121

hoenn

rubyLv. 26-26 (20% chance)
sapphireLv. 26-26 (20% chance)

hoenn route 101

hoenn

rubyLv. 2-2 (20% chance)
rubyLv. 3-3 (5% chance)
rubyLv. 3-3 (10% chance)

+9 more

hoenn route 123

hoenn

rubyLv. 26-26 (20% chance)
sapphireLv. 26-26 (20% chance)

hoenn route 116

hoenn

rubyLv. 6-6 (20% chance)
rubyLv. 7-7 (4% chance)
rubyLv. 8-8 (4% chance)

+3 more

hoenn route 118

hoenn

rubyLv. 24-24 (20% chance)
rubyLv. 26-26 (10% chance)
sapphireLv. 24-24 (20% chance)

+3 more

hoenn route 103

hoenn

rubyLv. 4-4 (10% chance)
rubyLv. 3-3 (10% chance)
rubyLv. 3-3 (20% chance)

+8 more

hoenn route 102

hoenn

rubyLv. 4-4 (10% chance)
rubyLv. 3-3 (20% chance)
sapphireLv. 4-4 (10% chance)

+5 more

hoenn route 119

hoenn

rubyLv. 25-25 (20% chance)
rubyLv. 27-27 (10% chance)
sapphireLv. 25-25 (20% chance)

+3 more

sinnoh route 202

sinnoh

diamondLv. 3-3 (20% chance)
diamondLv. 3-3 (20% chance)
pearlLv. 3-3 (20% chance)

+3 more

bell tower

johto

heartgoldLv. 21-21 (10% chance)
heartgoldLv. 21-21 (10% chance)
heartgoldLv. 20-20 (10% chance)

+33 more

sprout tower

johto

heartgoldLv. 4-4 (10% chance)
heartgoldLv. 3-3 (10% chance)
heartgoldLv. 4-4 (10% chance)

+5 more

unknown all rattata

johto

heartgoldLv. 20-20 (10% chance)
heartgoldLv. 20-20 (10% chance)
heartgoldLv. 20-20 (10% chance)

+5 more

burned tower

johto

heartgoldLv. 14-14 (10% chance)
heartgoldLv. 14-14 (10% chance)
heartgoldLv. 14-14 (10% chance)

+5 more

kalos route 2

kalos

xLv. 4-4 (5% chance)
xLv. 3-3 (10% chance)
yLv. 3-3 (10% chance)

+1 more

Zigzagoon Behaviour and Natural Habitat

Zigzagoon is defined by its restless, inquisitive nature and constant wandering behavior driven by an insatiable curiosity about its surroundings. According to multiple Pokédex entries, the species exhibits an almost compulsive need to explore, perpetually zigzagging back and forth as it investigates anything that captures its attention, leaving behind distinctive zigzag-patterned footprints as evidence of its meandering travels. The Pokémon is particularly notable for its exceptional ability to locate items while searching through grass and soil, abilities reflected in its signature Pickup ability which allows it to recover items discarded by other Pokémon after battle or even find items while exploring. Zigzagoon marks its territory by rubbing its bristly back fur against trees, leaving scent markings that establish its domain. The species has also been documented employing a defensive strategy of playing dead to deceive potential adversaries in battle, suggesting a level of cunning beneath its seemingly simple demeanor. The standard Hoennian variety is noted as friendlier and calmer compared to its Galarian counterpart, which exhibits notably different behavioral patterns.

Pokedex Entries

ruby

ZIGZAGOON restlessly wanders everywhere at all times. This POKéMON does so because it is very curious. It becomes interested in anything that it happens to see.

sapphire

The hair on ZIGZAGOON’s back is bristly. It rubs the hard back hair against trees to leave its territorial markings. This POKéMON may play dead to fool foes in battle.

emerald

Rubbing its nose against the ground, it always wanders about back and forth in search of something. It is distinguished by the zigzag footprints it leaves.

fireredleafgreen

A POKéMON with abundant curiosity. It shows an interest in everything, so it always zigs and zags.

diamondpearlplatinum

It walks in zigzag fashion. It is good at finding items in the grass and even in the ground.

heartgoldsoulsilver

It gets interested in everything, which is why it zigs and zags. It is good at finding items.

blackwhite

It walks in zigzag fashion. It is good at finding items in the grass and even in the ground.

black 2white 2

It walks in zigzag fashion. It is good at finding items in the grass and even in the ground.

x

It walks in zigzag fashion. It’s good at finding items in the grass and even in the ground.

y

A Pokémon with abundant curiosity. It shows an interest in everything, so it always zigzags.

omega ruby

Zigzagoon restlessly wanders everywhere at all times. This Pokémon does so because it is very curious. It becomes interested in anything that it happens to see.

alpha sapphire

The hair on Zigzagoon’s back is bristly. It rubs the hard back hair against trees to leave its territorial markings. This Pokémon may play dead to fool foes in battle.

sword

It marks its territory by rubbing its bristly fur on trees. This variety of Zigzagoon is friendlier and calmer than the kind native to Galar.

shield

Zigzagoon that adapted to regions outside Galar acquired this appearance. If you’ve lost something, this Pokémon can likely find it.

Zigzagoon Name Origin & Design Inspiration

The name Zigzagoon derives directly from its most visually distinctive characteristic: the zigzag pattern adorning its fur and, metaphorically, the erratic zigzagging pattern of its movement through the world. The Japanese name 'Jiguzaguma' employs similar phonetic construction, emphasizing the zigzag element while incorporating references to its raccoon-like appearance through the 'guma' suffix. The design philosophy clearly prioritizes the concept of restless, wandering motion paired with the archetypal raccoon silhouette, creating an immediately recognizable early-game Pokémon that communicates both its behavioral tendencies and zoological inspiration through visual design alone. The zigzag motif appears consistently across the species' entire design vocabulary, from its fur patterns to its movement animation, creating a cohesive and memorable visual identity. The English genus designation 'Tiny Raccoon Pokémon' succinctly captures its size and primary inspirational source, while acknowledging its role as an approachable early-game encounter. The Galarian variant's darker coloration and more aggressive design elements reflect its Dark-type classification and more predatory behavioral patterns compared to the friendlier standard variety.

Learnable Moves

Zigzagoon can learn 81 moves:

Move
Type
Cat.
Power
Acc.
PP
attractnormal
Status
10015
baby doll eyesfairy
Status
10030
belly drumnormal
Status
10
bestownormal
Status
15
blizzardice
Special
110705
body slamnormal
Physical
8510015
captivatenormal
Status
10020
charge beamelectric
Special
509010
charmfairy
Status
10020
confidenormal
Status
20
covetnormal
Physical
6010025
cutnormal
Physical
509530
defense curlnormal
Status
40
digground
Physical
8010010
double teamnormal
Status
15
double edgenormal
Physical
12010015
echoed voicenormal
Special
4010015
endurenormal
Status
10
extreme speednormal
Physical
801005
facadenormal
Physical
7010020
flailnormal
Physical
10015
flingdark
Physical
10010
frustrationnormal
Physical
10020
fury cutterbug
Physical
409520
grass knotgrass
Special
10020
growlnormal
Status
10040
gunk shotpoison
Physical
120805
headbuttnormal
Physical
7010015
helping handnormal
Status
20
hidden powernormal
Special
6010015
hone clawsdark
Status
15
hyper voicenormal
Special
9010010
ice beamice
Special
9010010
icy windice
Special
559515
iron tailsteel
Physical
1007515
last resortnormal
Physical
1401005
mimicnormal
Status
10
mud shotground
Special
559515
mud sportground
Status
15
mud slapground
Special
2010010
natural giftnormal
Physical
10015
odor sleuthnormal
Status
40
pin missilebug
Physical
259520
protectnormal
Status
10
pursuitdark
Physical
4010020
rain dancewater
Status
5
restpsychic
Status
5
retaliatenormal
Physical
701005
returnnormal
Physical
10020
rock climbnormal
Physical
908520
rock smashfighting
Physical
4010015
rolloutrock
Physical
309020
roundnormal
Special
6010015
sand attackground
Status
10015
secret powernormal
Physical
7010020
seed bombgrass
Physical
8010015
shadow ballghost
Special
8010015
shock waveelectric
Special
6020
simple beamnormal
Status
10015
sleep talknormal
Status
10
snorenormal
Special
5010015
substitutenormal
Status
10
sunny dayfire
Status
5
super fangnormal
Physical
9010
surfwater
Special
9010015
swaggernormal
Status
8515
swiftnormal
Special
6020
tacklenormal
Physical
4010035
tail slapnormal
Physical
258510
tail whipnormal
Status
10030
take downnormal
Physical
908520
thiefdark
Physical
6010025
thunderelectric
Special
1107010
thunder waveelectric
Status
9020
thunderboltelectric
Special
9010015
ticklenormal
Status
10020
toxicpoison
Status
9010
trickpsychic
Status
10010
water pulsewater
Special
6010020
whirlpoolwater
Special
358515
work upnormal
Status
30

Zigzagoon Competitive Battle Guide

Despite its humble appearance and early-game availability, Zigzagoon possesses limited competitive viability in high-level play due to its base stat total of only 240 distributed unevenly across its movepool, with particular weakness in attack and special attack both resting at a mere 30 base points. The species' most notable competitive attribute is its exceptional speed tier of 60, which while modest by competitive standards, provides reasonable velocity for an early-game Pokémon when combined with items like Choice Scarf or abilities that amplify speed. The Pickup ability presents interesting strategic possibilities in casual and competitive formats by recovering items discarded during battle, though this utility proves marginal in serious competitive contexts where item reliability determines victory margins. Gluttony, its second normal ability, allows automatic consumption of held berries when health drops below 50 percent, potentially enabling unexpected survivability when equipped with appropriate berry selections. The hidden ability Quick Feet deserves particular attention in competitive contexts, as it transforms major status conditions—typically devastating disadvantages—into speed multipliers reaching 1.5 times, potentially allowing Zigzagoon to outspeed considerable portions of the metagame when paralyzed or afflicted with burn. However, Zigzagoon's limited offensive stats and meager movepool prevent meaningful competitive contribution, making it strictly a casual or novelty choice compared to its evolved form Linoone or the considerably more powerful Galarian evolution line.

Commonly Asked Questions About Zigzagoon

What type is Zigzagoon?

Zigzagoon is a normal type Pokemon.

What does Zigzagoon evolve into?

Zigzagoon evolves into linoone, then into obstagoon.

What are Zigzagoon's weaknesses?

Zigzagoon is weak to fighting type moves.

Where can I find Zigzagoon?

Zigzagoon can be found in hoenn route 110 (hoenn), petalburg woods (hoenn) and hoenn route 104 (hoenn) and 16 other locations.

Zigzagoon Cultural Impact & Franchise History

Zigzagoon holds significant cultural importance within the Pokémon franchise as one of the most iconic early-game encounters in Generation III, the widely beloved Hoenn region introduced through Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, games that represented a watershed moment for the franchise's mainstream acceptance. The species appears extensively throughout the animated Pokémon series, establishing itself as a recognizable and beloved character through multiple major and minor appearances that familiarized audiences worldwide with its distinctive zigzag characteristics and curious personality. In Pokémon Adventures and other manga adaptations, Zigzagoon appears as a recurring supporting character, further cementing its place in Pokémon lore and fan consciousness across multiple media formats. The introduction of Galarian Zigzagoon in Pokémon Sword and Shield sparked renewed interest in the species by providing an alternative evolutionary pathway leading to the entirely new Obstagoon line, demonstrating the franchise's continued commitment to reimagining classic early-game Pokémon through regional variations. Zigzagoon's approachable nature, distinctive visual design, and significant narrative presence in foundational Generation III games established it as a permanent fixture in Pokémon culture, recognized and appreciated by both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers alike, contributing meaningfully to Hoenn region nostalgia and representation.

Where to Find Zigzagoon in Every Pokémon Game

Zigzagoon demonstrates remarkable availability across the Pokémon franchise spanning multiple generations and game titles, beginning with its debut in Generation III's Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, where it appears as one of the earliest catchable Pokémon in the Hoenn region with its extraordinary catch rate of 255 facilitating immediate acquisition. The species' availability continued throughout Generation IV in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, where it remained accessible to trainers seeking early-game normal-type companions, and maintained presence through Generation V despite regional Pokédex restrictions in certain titles. Generation VI's Pokémon X and Y and Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire remakes ensured Zigzagoon's continued relevance, with the latter specifically offering enhanced availability befitting its original debut region. The revolutionary introduction of Galarian Zigzagoon in Generation VIII's Pokémon Sword and Shield expanded the species' accessibility considerably by providing Dark/Normal typing alongside the standard version, with distribution extending to the Crown Tundra DLC, offering multiple opportunities for acquisition. Modern availability remains consistent through Generation IX, with continued presence in Pokédex entries and game rosters ensuring trainers consistently encounter this iconic species regardless of which modern title they choose to play, cementing Zigzagoon as one of the franchise's most universally accessible Pokémon across its entire evolutionary history.