Zekrom

Last updated: 2026-06-03

Zekrom Overview

Zekrom is a Dragon/Electric-type Legendary Pokemon introduced in Generation 5 in the Unova region. It serves as the mascot for Pokemon Black and is part of the Tao Trio alongside Reshiram and Kyurem. Known as the Deep Black Pokemon, Zekrom symbolizes the concept of ideals, while its counterpart Reshiram represents truth. Zekrom can use its tail to generate electricity and create thunderstorms.

Zekrom is a large, bipedal dragon with black scales, blue accents, and a generator-like tail that produces electricity. Its design emphasizes power and industry, with mechanical elements integrated into its body. Zekrom has 150 base Attack, one of the highest among Dragon-types, and 120 base Special Attack, making it a fearsome mixed attacker. Its ability Teravolt negates the abilities of opposing Pokemon when attacking.

Battle Strategy

Zekrom is primarily a physical attacker in competitive play. Fusion Bolt is its signature Electric STAB with 100 base power, which doubles to 200 when used after Fusion Flare in doubles. Bolt Strike is its strongest Electric move at 130 base power with 20% paralysis chance. Dragon Claw or Outrage provide Dragon STAB. Fly or Hone Claws compensate for its limited Flying coverage.

A standard Zekrom set runs Dragon Dance, Bolt Strike, Dragon Claw, and Fusion Bolt or Earthquake. Dragon Dance boosts its 150 base Attack and 90 base Speed. With Teravolt, Zekrom ignores abilities like Multiscale (Lugia), Intimidate (Landorus-T), and Levitate, letting it hit Ground-types with Electric moves. Life Orb or Dragonium Z boost its damage output.

Zekrom can also run a Choice Band set for immediate power. With Band, Bolt Strike OHKOes many neutral targets. Outrage is a powerful Dragon STAB with confusion risk. Earthquake covers opposing Steel-types and Rock-types like Primal Groudon and Tyranitar. Stone Edge or Crunch provide additional coverage against Flying and Psychic-types respectively.

Evolution Chain

Competitive Usage

Zekrom is a top-tier threat in Ubers and restricted VGC formats. Its Dragon/Electric typing gives it unique resistances and only three weaknesses (Ground, Ice, Dragon). In VGC, Zekrom has been a popular restricted pick alongside Kyogre or Xerneas. Common checks include Primal Groudon (resists Electric, sets sun weakening Bolt Strike), physically defensive Fairy-types like Xerneas and Tapu Fini (immune to Dragon, resist Electric), and faster Pokemon like Mega Rayquaza and Mega Salamence that can OHKO with Earthquake or Dragon Ascent.

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