zoroark
Generation V · #0571 — Illusion Fox Pokémon
Zoroark, known as the Illusion Fox Pokémon, is a Dark-type Pokémon introduced in Generation V that represents one of the series' most deceptive and strategically intriguing creatures. First revealed to the public on February 10, 2010—initially as a silhouette before its full design was unveiled—Zoroark quickly captured the imagination of trainers and competitive players alike. Standing at 1.6 meters tall and weighing 81.1 kilograms, this sleek predator possesses a base stat total of 510, with particular emphasis on its Special Attack (120) and physical Speed (105), making it a formidable mixed attacker in battle. The Pokédex entries emphasize Zoroark's incredible ability to protect its pack through elaborate deception, describing how these Pokémon can simultaneously fool large groups of people and create illusory scenery to safeguard their lairs. The species' defining characteristic is its signature Ability, Illusion, which allows it to assume the appearance of the last conscious Pokémon in a trainer's party until it sustains damage from a direct attack—a mechanic that fundamentally changed how players approach team building and competitive strategy.
Base Stats
Height
1.6m
Weight
81.1kg
Category
Illusion Fox Pokémon
Gender
Male 87.5% / Female 12.5%
Color
gray
Shape
upright
Abilities
Takes the appearance of the last conscious party Pokémon upon being sent out until hit by a damaging move.
Zoroark Biology & Physical Characteristics
Zoroark is a bipedal, slate-gray fox-like Pokémon distinguished by striking crimson and black accents that give it an imposing appearance befitting its Dark-type classification. Its most prominent feature is an elaborate, voluminous red mane with black-tipped fur that flows into a distinctive ponytail, secured by a teal bangle that echoes the coloring found in its pre-evolution. The creature possesses pointed ears with crimson inner coloring, and its eyes are rimmed in red, creating an intense, piercing gaze that complements its cunning nature. Additionally, red markings frame its mouth, emphasizing its predatory design. The Hisuian form of Zoroark, introduced in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, represents a dramatic departure from its standard appearance, transforming it into a Normal/Ghost-type with a distinctly different silhouette and color palette that reflects the Hisui region's unique evolutionary influences. This regional variant shares the same height as its standard counterpart but weighs slightly less at 73.0 kilograms, and its stat distribution shifts to emphasize Special Attack (125) and Speed (110) even more prominently, while reducing its Attack stat to 100.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Zoroark Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Zoroark exhibits a notably skewed gender ratio, with approximately 87.5 percent of the species being male and only 12.5 percent female, making female Zoroark relatively rare encounters for trainers seeking gender-specific teams or breeding projects. This significant gender imbalance is not uncommon among Pokémon species but does mean that obtaining a female Zoroark requires either fortunate chance encounters or deliberate breeding strategies using Ditto. The species belongs to the Field Egg Group, classifying it alongside numerous terrestrial and mammalian Pokémon, which expands its breeding compatibility options considerably. Zoroark eggs require twenty cycles to hatch, translating to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps during which the Pokémon develops from embryonic form to hatchling. The base Friendship value of 70 indicates that Zoroark is moderately receptive to bonding with its trainer, though it may not immediately trust new trainers compared to species with higher base Friendship values. When breeding Zoroark, the offspring inherit moves from its genetic lineage and may demonstrate the Illusion Ability or, in some cases, the hidden Ability Cacophony, which nullifies sound-based moves directed at it—an alternative that provides utility in specific competitive and casual scenarios.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm00
sword shield
tm01
yellow
tm01
red blue
tm01
black white
tm01
black 2 white 2
tm01
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm01
x y
tm01
blue japan
tm01
red green japan
tm01
sword shield
tm02
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
yellow
tm03
red blue
tm03
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
blue japan
tm03
red green japan
tm04
emerald
tm04
firered leafgreen
tm04
ruby sapphire
tm04
diamond pearl
+792 more TMs/HMs
Zoroark Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Zoroark evolves from Zorua upon reaching level 30, a straightforward evolutionary progression that sees the young illusion fox develop into its mature, more powerful form. During this evolution, Zorua's base stats are substantially enhanced across the board, with Attack rising from 65 to 105, Special Attack increasing from 80 to 120, and Speed jumping from 35 to 105, creating a Pokémon dramatically more capable in competitive scenarios. The Hisuian form of Zoroark evolves from Hisuian Zorua under the same level threshold, maintaining this single-stage evolutionary line while introducing a completely different type combination and stat distribution reflective of the Hisui region's unique evolutionary pressures. Unlike many other Pokémon that gain access to Mega Evolution, Zoroark does not possess a Mega Evolution form, meaning trainers must rely on Dynamax and Gigantamax mechanics introduced in later generations, or traditional competitive movesets and item combinations, to maximize its potential in battle. This absence of a Mega form does not diminish Zoroark's competitive viability, as its naturally high offensive stats and unique Illusion Ability provide sufficient power without requiring temporary stat boosts.
Where to Find
lostlorn forest
unova
kalos route 20
kalos
+5 more
pokemon village
kalos
+9 more
poni grove
alola
Zoroark Behaviour and Natural Habitat
The bonds between individual Zoroark in a pack are remarkably strong, and these Pokémon demonstrate sophisticated cooperative behavior centered around mutual protection and deception. According to Pokédex entries, Zoroark protects the safety of its entire pack by strategically tricking opponents, employing its illusion abilities not merely as an offensive tactic but as a collective defense mechanism. The species constructs elaborate illusory scenery around their lairs, suggesting they are highly intelligent creatures capable of environmental manipulation and territorial behavior. Stories and legends have accumulated throughout the Pokémon world of trainers who attempted to catch Zoroark and became trapped within its illusions, suffering punishment for their aggression—tales that speak to the species' protective instincts and the serious consequences of underestimating their power. This suggests Zoroark inhabits forested or mountainous regions where they can establish hidden communities shielded by their illusory abilities. The species' preference for pack-based living and collaborative defense strategies indicates they are social Pokémon that value family units and community security above individual survival, making them significantly different from many other Dark-type Pokémon.
Pokedex Entries
Bonds between these Pokémon are very strong. It protects the safety of its pack by tricking its opponents.
Stories say those who tried to catch Zoroark were trapped in an illusion and punished.
Each has the ability to fool a large group of people simultaneously. They protect their lair with illusory scenery.
Each has the ability to fool a large group of people simultaneously. They protect their lair with illusory scenery.
Bonds between these Pokémon are very strong. It protects the safety of its pack by tricking its opponents.
Each has the ability to fool a large group of people simultaneously. They protect their lair with illusory scenery.
Bonds between these Pokémon are very strong. It protects the safety of its pack by tricking its opponents.
It doesn’t just transform itself—it also has the power to make hundreds of people see its illusions.
If it thinks humans are going to discover its den, Zoroark shows them visions that make them wander around in the woods.
This Pokémon cares deeply about others of its kind, and it will conjure terrifying illusions to keep its den and pack safe.
Seeking to ease the burden of their solitude, lonely Trainers tell Zoroark to show illusions to them.
With its disheveled white fur, it looks like an embodiment of death. Heedless of its own safety, Zoroark attacks its nemeses with a bitter energy so intense, it lacerates Zoroark's own body.
Zoroark Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Zoroark derives from 'Zoro,' a reference to the legendary masked swordsman Zorro, combined with 'ark,' likely referring to a mystical ark or place of refuge—apt nomenclature for a Pokémon that conceals itself through illusion and protects its pack. The Japanese name 'ゾロアーク' maintains this linguistic foundation while emphasizing the trickster archetype. Visually, Zoroark draws heavy inspiration from Inari, the Japanese kami associated with foxes and illusion, particularly the concept of kitsune—magical fox spirits in Japanese folklore known for their shapeshifting abilities and trickster nature. The elaborate crimson mane resembles the flowing hair of a mystical fox spirit, while the pointed ears, red facial markings, and overall silhouette evoke traditional depictions of supernatural foxes from Japanese culture. The teal bangle adorning the mane adds an element of mystical adornment, reinforcing the spiritual and illusory nature of the design. The slate-gray body color provides contrast while maintaining the Dark-type aesthetic, and the overall composition creates a Pokémon that feels simultaneously predatory and otherworldly, perfectly embodying both the cunning fox archetype and the supernatural deception central to its gameplay mechanics.
Learnable Moves
Zoroark can learn 93 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| agility | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| assurance | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| bounce | flying | Physical | 85 | 85 | 5 |
| brick break | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| burning jealousy | fire | Special | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| calm mind | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| confuse ray | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| covet | normal | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| crunch | dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| cut | normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| dark pulse | dark | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| embargo | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| encore | normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fake tears | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| feint attack | dark | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| flamethrower | fire | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| fling | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| focus blast | fighting | Special | 120 | 70 | 5 |
| foul play | dark | Physical | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| fury swipes | normal | Physical | 18 | 80 | 15 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| grass knot | grass | Special | — | 100 | 20 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hex | ghost | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hone claws | dark | Status | — | — | 15 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| hyper voice | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| imprison | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| incinerate | fire | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| laser focus | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| lash out | dark | Physical | 75 | 100 | 5 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| low kick | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| low sweep | fighting | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| mega kick | normal | Physical | 120 | 75 | 5 |
| mega punch | normal | Physical | 80 | 85 | 20 |
| nasty plot | dark | Status | — | — | 20 |
| night daze | dark | Special | 85 | 95 | 10 |
| night shade | ghost | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| night slash | dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| pain split | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| payback | dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psych up | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psychic | psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| punishment | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| pursuit | dark | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| retaliate | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| revenge | fighting | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| roar | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| scratch | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| shadow ball | ghost | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| shadow claw | ghost | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| skitter smack | bug | Physical | 70 | 90 | 10 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sludge bomb | poison | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| snarl | dark | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| snatch | dark | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| spite | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| swords dance | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| throat chop | dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| torment | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| trick | psychic | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| u turn | bug | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| uproar | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
Zoroark Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battles, Zoroark occupies a fascinating strategic niche as a mixed attacker with exceptional Speed and offensive prowess, supported by its signature Illusion Ability that fundamentally transforms team building philosophy. Its base Special Attack of 120 and Attack of 105, combined with a base Speed of 105, allow Zoroark to function as an effective physical or special sweeper, and the Illusion Ability enables it to masquerade as a defensive wall or support Pokémon until it takes damage, creating unpredictable team compositions that catch opponents off guard. A typical competitive moveset might include Dark Pulse for STAB Special Attack damage, Focused Blast or Close Combat to cover diverse defensive types, and Trick or Nasty Plot to manipulate items or amplify Special Attack respectively, though specific moves depend on the metagame format. However, Zoroark faces notable competitive limitations due to its relatively low defensive stats across the board—Defense and Special Defense both rest at only 60 base points, meaning it cannot afford to take hits and must leverage Speed and prediction to succeed. The species finds its greatest competitive utility as a fast special attacker that benefits immensely from Illusion mind games, though it typically requires careful team support, favorable matchups, and skillful play to overcome its defensive shortcomings against common threats.
Commonly Asked Questions About Zoroark
What type is Zoroark?
Zoroark is a dark type Pokemon.
What does Zoroark evolve from?
Zoroark evolved from zorua.
What are Zoroark's weaknesses?
Zoroark is weak to fighting, bug and fairy type moves.
Where can I find Zoroark?
Zoroark can be found in lostlorn forest (unova), kalos route 20 (kalos) and pokemon village (kalos) and 1 other locations.
Zoroark Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Zoroark achieved significant cultural prominence following its reveal in February 2010, generating excitement as one of the first Generation V Pokémon officially unveiled to the public and becoming an immediate favorite among fans intrigued by its design and mechanical complexity. The species gained further cultural traction through its featured role in the theatrical film 'Pokémon the Movie: Black—Victini and Zoroark,' released in 2011, where it served as a central character in an emotional narrative exploring themes of friendship, loyalty, and the consequences of human ambition. This major film appearance elevated Zoroark's prominence within the Pokémon franchise and introduced it to audiences beyond dedicated game players, cementing its status as a memorable and beloved Pokémon. The Illusion Ability itself became a landmark mechanic in competitive Pokémon, inspiring subsequent generations of game designers and influencing how players construct teams and approach strategic prediction. Beyond traditional media, Zoroark has appeared in multiple Pokémon spin-off games, trading card game releases featuring its artwork, and numerous merchandising products including plushies, figures, and apparel. The species represents a successful example of a Generation V Pokémon that transcended its generational introduction to become a franchise staple with lasting cultural significance.
Where to Find Zoroark in Every Pokémon Game
Zoroark's availability across the Pokémon game series varies considerably by generation and region, reflecting its gradual integration into the broader Pokédex. In its generation of origin, Black and White, Zoroark appeared as a relatively late-game encounter and holds Pokédex number 77 in the regional Alola Dex (introduced in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon), demonstrating its consistent presence in Alola's ecosystem. The species became progressively more accessible in subsequent generations, appearing in X and Y's Mountain Kalos area as entry number 125, and later in Sword and Shield's Isle of Armor expansion as number 88. Pokémon Legends: Arceus introduced the Hisuian Zoroark form as Pokédex entry 220, making it a significant catchable Pokémon within that game's regional evolution mechanics. The species appears as number 229 in the Scarlet and Violet Pokédex, indicating its presence in the more recent generation. Special event distributions have occasionally made Zoroark available through limited-time promotions, including event-exclusive Zoroark with hidden Abilities or unique movesets that standard wild encounters cannot provide. As a moderately rare Dark-type with 45 Catch Rate—equivalent to standard creatures rather than legends—Zoroark remains obtainable through traditional gameplay, though acquiring multiple individuals or specific natures for competitive purposes typically requires dedicated breeding or trading with other trainers.