1. What are Defensive Moves?
Before we get into specific moves, let's first define what we mean by "defensive moves." Defensive moves are those that help your Pokémon resist damage, heal, or prevent opponents from dealing too much harm. They’re perfect for those who like to play the long game, focusing on endurance and survival. Whether you're stalling for time or waiting for your opponent to make a mistake, these moves can help you stay in the fight longer.
2. What Are the Best Defensive Moves in Pokémon Legends: Z-A?
There are several moves in Pokémon Legends: Z-A that can boost your Pokémon's defense or cause a huge annoyance to your opponent. Let’s break them down:
Recover
Recover is one of the best healing moves in the game. By restoring up to 50% of your Pokémon’s HP, it allows your Pokémon to stay in the fight longer. If you’re going up against a particularly tough opponent, this move can help you last through their attacks, giving you the chance to wear them down.
Protect
Protect is a must-have for any defensive strategy. This move shields your Pokémon from all damage for one turn. It can be incredibly useful when you're trying to avoid a strong attack, stall for time, or simply scout out your opponent’s next move. Don’t underestimate the power of Protect in a battle—it can give you the extra turn you need to make a comeback.
Reflect and Light Screen
These two moves are essential for reducing the damage taken from physical and special attacks, respectively. Reflect halves the damage from physical moves for five turns, while Light Screen does the same for special attacks. These moves are perfect for boosting your team’s overall survivability, especially when facing opponents with high-damage moves. Be sure to use these moves early in the battle to ensure you get the most out of them.
Toxic
Toxic is a great way to outlast opponents. This move poisons the target, but unlike regular poison, it increases in intensity each turn. If you can get a Toxic on an opponent, it will gradually wear them down, no matter how strong their attacks are. It’s especially useful against bulky Pokémon who rely on healing or defensive moves.
Calm Mind
While this move doesn’t directly reduce the damage taken, it boosts your Pokémon's special defense and special attack, making them harder to hit with special moves. If you’re using a special defender like Umbreon or Blissey, Calm Mind can significantly improve your chances of surviving tough battles. Combine it with moves like Light Screen, and your Pokémon will be a fortress.
Substitute
Substitute is a clever move that allows you to create a decoy using some of your Pokémon’s health. While it takes away HP, it also protects your Pokémon from status conditions and some attacks. It’s a great way to block status-inflicting moves or take hits without worrying about your Pokémon’s health. This move is excellent for stalling and baiting your opponent into making mistakes.
3. How Can I Improve My Defensive Strategy?
Improving your defensive strategy doesn’t just involve using the right moves—it’s about building the right team too. Make sure your Pokémon has the right nature, moveset, and stats to make the most of defensive play. For example, using Pokémon with high special defense or physical defense will allow your team to withstand even the toughest hits.
Also, don’t forget about ability—abilities like Water Absorb, Volt Absorb, or Regenerator can make a huge difference in a defensive playstyle. They can heal your Pokémon or protect them from taking certain types of damage. It’s not just about what moves you use, but how you build your team around them.
4. Can I Buy Pokémon with Strong Defensive Moves?
Sometimes, if you're looking for a shortcut, you might consider buying shiny Pokémon. Some players choose to buy shiny Pokémon for a more competitive edge, especially if the shiny variant has high stats or ideal moves. If you want to buy shiny Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, there are several reputable platforms out there. Just make sure you’re buying from a trustworthy source like U4GM, which is known for offering safe and reliable transactions. However, buying shiny Pokémon isn’t always necessary. With the right strategy and a bit of luck, you can catch and train your own defensive powerhouse.
5. Should I Always Use a Defensive Strategy?
Defensive strategies are powerful, but they’re not always the best choice. While they can help you outlast an opponent, they’re often slower-paced and may not work against faster, offensive Pokémon. It's important to understand when to go on the offense and when to sit back and defend. The best trainers can adapt their strategy based on the situation.
If you're new to defensive play, start by using defensive moves with Pokémon that have decent bulk. You don’t need to go overboard—just a few well-placed defensive moves can make all the difference.
Defensive moves in Pokémon Legends: Z-A are essential for surviving tough battles. By using moves like Recover, Protect, and Toxic, you can outlast even the strongest opponents. Remember that a solid defensive strategy is more than just having the right moves—it’s about team composition and choosing the right Pokémon for the job. Whether you’re looking to buy shiny Pokémon or train your own, building a defensive team takes time and effort, but it’s incredibly rewarding.