Zoroark
#571 Dark / Illusion Fox Pokemon
#571 Dark / Illusion Fox Pokemon
| Zoroark | |
|---|---|
| National Dex | #571 |
| Type | Dark |
| Species | Illusion Fox Pokemon |
| Height | 1.6 m (5'03") |
| Weight | 81.1 kg (178.8 lbs) |
| Abilities | Illusion |
| Generation | Gen 5 (Unova) |
Last updated: 2026-06-03
Zoroark is a Dark-type Pokemon introduced in Generation 5 in the Unova region. It evolves from Zorua starting at level 30. Known as the Illusion Fox Pokemon, Zoroark can transform into the last Pokemon in its trainer's party using its Illusion ability, perfectly copying its appearance. This makes Zoroark one of the most strategically deceptive Pokemon in competitive play.
Zoroark is a bipedal, fox-like Pokemon with gray and black fur, a red mane, and a flowing tail. Its design emphasizes its trickster nature. Zoroark has 120 base Special Attack and 105 base Speed, making it a fast special attacker. Its Illusion ability is its defining feature, allowing it to disguise itself as another team member to bait specific moves or avoid certain attacks.
Zoroark's Illusion ability creates mind games from team preview. By disguising as a Pokemon weak to Psychic (like a Fighting-type), Zoroark can bait the opponent into using Psychic moves, which Zoroark is immune to as a Dark-type. It then gets a free turn to attack or set up. This requires careful team construction and predicting the opponent's behavior.
A standard Zoroark set runs Nasty Plot, Dark Pulse, Flamethrower, and Focus Blast or Sludge Bomb. Nasty Plot boosts its 120 base Special Attack to threatening levels. Dark Pulse is reliable STAB with flinch chance. Flamethrower covers Steel-types like Scizor and Ferrothorn. Focus Blast hits Tyranitar and Hydreigon, while Sludge Bomb hits Fairy-types.
Zoroark can also run a physical set with Swords Dance, Knock Off, Sucker Punch, and Low Kick or U-turn. Its 105 base Attack is respectable but outclassed by its Special Attack. The physical set trades power for priority (Sucker Punch) and utility (Knock Off, U-turn). Choice Scarf sets with Trick can cripple walls while giving Zoroark immediate Speed.
Zoroark
Current form
Zoroark is a NU and PU threat, held back by its fragile 60/60/60 bulk despite its great Speed and Special Attack. Its Illusion ability gives it a unique strategic niche, but experienced players can predict its disguised switches. In Generation 9, Zoroark is ranked in PU. Common checks include priority moves from Scizor, Dragonite, and Lucario (Zoroark is too frail to take any hit), bulky Dark-types that resist Dark Pulse, and faster Choice Scarf users. Hisuian Zoroark, introduced in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, is Normal/Ghost-type with a different niche entirely.
