When it comes to dominating the battlefield in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, few Pokémon embody raw offensive power and versatility quite like Garchomp. As a Ground/Dragon-type powerhouse, Garchomp has long been a staple of competitive play thanks to its incredible Speed, high Attack stat, and flexible movepool. In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, it remains one of the best options for players who want to crush opponents in both ranked battles and friendly matches.
Understanding Garchomp’s Strengths
Garchomp excels in two main areas: speed and adaptability. With a base Speed that allows it to outspeed most non-boosted threats, it can often deliver the first blow in battle. Its typing grants it key resistances to Fire, Poison, and Rock moves, though its double weakness to Ice remains a major concern.
In Z-A, the meta rewards fast and aggressive Pokémon that can pressure opponents quickly. Garchomp’s balanced offense makes it perfect for this environment. Players who already have experience with the species in earlier Pokémon titles will find it just as fierce here—if not more so, thanks to new move interactions and item combinations.
Recommended Garchomp Build
Nature: Jolly or Adamant
Ability: Rough Skin (Hidden Ability if available)
EV Spread: 252 Attack / 252 Speed / 4 HP
Held Item: Choice Scarf or Life Orb
Moveset Suggestions:
Earthquake – Garchomp’s strongest STAB move, offering excellent coverage and raw damage.
Dragon Claw / Outrage – Dragon-type STAB options; Dragon Claw offers consistency, while Outrage provides higher risk and reward.
Stone Edge – Deals with Flying-types and Ice-types trying to counter Garchomp.
Swords Dance / Fire Fang – Choose between a setup move or a coverage option for Steel-types.
This setup emphasizes Garchomp’s offensive potential. The Choice Scarf build turns it into an unstoppable revenge killer, while the Life Orb + Swords Dance combo can sweep unprepared teams.
Team Synergy
Garchomp works best alongside Pokémon that can handle Ice and Fairy-type threats. Good partners include Steel-types like Scizor or Heatran, which resist both of those weaknesses. Bulky Water-types such as Milotic or Gastrodon also make excellent partners, covering Ice-type attacks while supporting Garchomp’s offensive pressure.
If you’re building a more thematic or collection-based team, you might consider adding Alpha or Shiny variants for visual flair. Many players like to buy alpha shiny pokemon or buy shiny pokemon to complete their teams with rare and visually distinct versions. While these differences are purely cosmetic, they can make your lineup stand out in battles and screenshots alike.
Battle Strategy Tips
Lead Aggressively: Garchomp performs best when it sets the tempo early. Use Earthquake or Dragon Claw to immediately pressure your opponent’s lead Pokémon.
Predict Switches: Opponents often bring in Flying or Ice-types to counter Garchomp. Anticipate this and use Stone Edge or Fire Fang to punish those switch-ins.
Capitalize on Swords Dance: If you can safely set up once, Garchomp can sweep entire teams. Look for opportunities when facing passive or defensive Pokémon.
Keep It Healthy: Rough Skin can punish physical attackers, but don’t overextend. Switching Garchomp out at the right moment can preserve it for a decisive endgame strike.
Garchomp remains a cornerstone of competitive play in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Its balance of speed, power, and coverage gives players a reliable option that fits into many team compositions. Whether you’re fine-tuning your ranked team or just experimenting with builds, this land shark will not disappoint.
And while battle performance matters most, it’s hard to deny the appeal of collecting rare variants. Many trainers like to buy shiny pokemon or buy alpha shiny pokemon to showcase their personal style while battling online. However you choose to train it, a well-built Garchomp will always earn its place among your most trusted Pokémon.
