Zoroark (Japanese: ゾロアーク Zoroark) is a Dark-type Pokémon introduced in Generation V.
It evolves from Zorua starting at level 30.
In Hisui, Zoroark has a dual-type Normal/Ghost regional form. It evolves from Hisuian Zorua starting at level 30.
Both it and Zorua were the first Generation V Pokémon to be revealed to the public on February 10, 2010. Zoroark initially debuted as a silhouette before being revealed in full.
The Hisuian forms of it and Zorua were revealed in a teaser video on October 21, 2021.
Biology
Zoroark is a bipedal, slate gray, fox-like Pokémon with crimson and black accents. It has a pointed snout and ears with red insides. It also has some red that rims its eyes and mouth. Zoroark has a large, red, voluminous mane with black tips, tied into a ponytail, as a teal bangle down its length separates a mass of the mane from the lower portion. It has a black ruff on its upper body, pointed at the shoulders from which its arms extend. Its upper arms are thin, whereas its lower arms, while still slim, are bulkier. The arms have spiky extensions of fur at the elbows, and it has red claws on its hands and feet. Zoroark's eyes are red-rimmed with light blue irises.
Zoroark can create illusions that are indistinguishable from reality, deluding many people simultaneously. It can even create illusory landscapes in the forests where it dwells, to hide its territory and protect its den. However, Zoroark is incapable of physically changing itself into another form; it is merely capable of casting illusions. When a Zoroark takes the form of a human, it is capable of human speech. It can make convincing illusions of attacks, and these illusions are extremely realistic, enough to fool even cameras and make one believe they're being physically affected, though the illusion does not have any direct physical effect. Lonely Trainers tend to use Zoroark to create illusions in order to ease their own burden of solitude. There are stories of Zoroark punishing people who tried to capture it with illusions.
Zoroark lives in groups, where unity is strong. It is extremely protective of those it cares about and will go to any lengths to keep them safe, including risking its own life, and it can hold grudges against those who harm its loved ones. Zoroark will hide its Zorua young in its mane to protect them and carry them around.
Prior to Generation VII, Zoroark and its pre-evolved form, Zorua, were the only known Pokémon capable of learning the move Night Daze. Additionally, Zoroark, its pre-evolved form, Zorua, and their regional forms, are the only known Pokémon that can have Illusion as an Ability.
Forms
Zoroark has a Hisuian regional form: Hisuian Zoroark.
In the Hisui region, Zoroark takes on a drastic ghostly appearance due to dying from the harsh conditions and being reborn through spite. Its main body color is now disheveled with light gray with red and white accents. Hisuian Zoroark's head and face are similar to its Unova counterpart but colored gray. It has gray ears with black insides and two white markings on both sides of the face. The ears also have light red split parts. The long mane has changed into a longer mane that is colored white with the ends of each tips being colored light and dark red, while covering the right side of Zoroark's face. The arms and legs have several red spots and light red fur that dangles around. The claws and toes of Zoroark are colored black. The eyes are now red with yellow sclera.
As a result of its appearance, Hisuian Zoroark was said to resemble an embodiment of death. The illusions channeled through Hisuian Zoroark's long withering fur are full of spite. Uniquely, this spiteful illusion can cause physical harm to its opponent on both the inside and outside. This power comes from the hatred it has for every living thing in the world. Hisuian Zoroark's illusion malice is powerful enough to drive anyone who sees it to insanity due to their terror. Hisuian Zoroark recklessly attacks its foes or nemeses, to the point its own bitter energy can cause physical harm onto itself. Despite its extremely hostile and aggressive nature to everything, Hisuian Zoroark can be compassionate to those it cares about, such as Hisuian Zorua, and it will become an invaluable ally once someone earns its trust.[1] Hisuian Zoroark prefers to reside in the cold areas where it lingers onto. Like its Unova counterpart, Hisuian Zoroark can make its illusion of humans talking, to the point of easily fooling anyone in order to get food.
Hisuian Zoroark and Zorua are the only known Pokémon capable of learning the move Bitter Malice.
Evolution
Zoroark evolves from Zorua.
Hisuian Zoroark evolves from Hisuian Zorua.
Hisuian Zoroark
Game data
Pokédex entries
| This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation V. |
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| Generation V | | Unova
B W : #077 | | Unova
B2 W2 : #152 |
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| Black | Bonds between these Pokémon are very strong. It protects the safety of its pack by tricking its opponents. |
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| White | Each has the ability to fool a large group of people simultaneously. They protect their lair with illusory scenery. |
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| Black 2 | Stories say those who tried to catch Zoroark were trapped in an illusion and punished. |
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| White 2 |
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| Generation VI | | Kalos
Mountain #125 | | Hoenn
#— |
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| X | Each has the ability to fool a large group of people simultaneously. They protect their lair with illusory scenery. |
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| Y | Bonds between these Pokémon are very strong. It protects the safety of its pack by tricking its opponents. |
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| Omega Ruby | Each has the ability to fool a large group of people simultaneously. They protect their lair with illusory scenery. |
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| Alpha Sapphire | Bonds between these Pokémon are very strong. It protects the safety of its pack by tricking its opponents. |
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| Generation VIII | | Galar
Isle of Armor #088 | | Sinnoh
#— | | Hisui
#220 |
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| This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. |
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| Sword | This Pokémon cares deeply about others of its kind, and it will conjure terrifying illusions to keep its den and pack safe. |
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| Shield | Seeking to ease the burden of solitude, lonely Trainers tell Zoroark to show illusions to them. |
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| Hisuian Zoroark |
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| Legends: Arceus | 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. |
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| Generation IX | | Paldea
#229 | | Kitakami
#— | | Blueberry
#— |
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| Scarlet | Stories say those who tried to catch Zoroark were trapped in an illusion and punished. |
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| Violet | Each has the ability to fool a large group of people simultaneously. They protect their lair with illusory scenery. |
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Game locations
| This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation V. |
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In side games
| This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation V. |
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| Generation VIII | |
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| This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation VIII side games. |
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In events
Zoroark
| Games | Event | Language/Region | Location | Level | Distribution period |
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| BW | Pokémon Smash! Zoroark | Japanese | Japan | 50 | January 16 to February 6, 2011 |
| BW | Pokémon Smash! Zoroark | Japanese | Japan
Wi-Fi | 50 | February 15 to March 14, 2011 |
| BW | Summer 2011 Zoroark | English | Europe | 50 | June 11 to October 23, 2011 |
| BW | Summer 2011 Zoroark | French | Europe | 50 | June 11 to October 23, 2011 |
| BW | Summer 2011 Zoroark | German | Europe | 50 | June 11 to October 23, 2011 |
| BW | Summer 2011 Zoroark | Italian | Europe | 50 | June 11 to October 23, 2011 |
| BW | Summer 2011 Zoroark | Spanish | Europe | 50 | June 11 to October 23, 2011 |
| BW | Station Zoroark | Korean | South Korea | 50 | June 26 to August 28, 2011 |
| BW | Zoroark Month Zoroark | English | Australia and North America | 50 | September 16 to October 16, 2011 |
| BW | Zoroark Month Zoroark | French | Australia and North America | 50 | September 16 to October 16, 2011 |
| ORAS | Sly Zoroark | American region | Online | 50 | November 4 to 20, 2015 |
| XYORAS | Sly Zoroark | PAL region | Online | 50 | November 6, 2015 to January 7, 2016 |
| XYORAS | Pokémon EXPO Gym Zoroark | Japanese region | Online | 45 | November 19, 2015 to May 31, 2016 |
Hisuian Zoroark
Held items
Hisuian Zoroark
Stats
Base stats
Zoroark
Hisuian Zoroark
Due to the different way stats are calculated in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, exact minimum and maximum stats are not shown in this table.
Type effectiveness
Zoroark
| Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is: | |
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Hisuian Zoroark
| Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is: | |
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Learnset
Zoroark
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Zoroark
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Zoroark
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations
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Hisuian Zoroark
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Zoroark
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Zoroark
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Zoroark
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Zoroark
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution or an alternate form of Zoroark
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations
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Hisuian Zoroark
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Zoroark
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution or an alternate form of Zoroark
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Zoroark
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- Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Zoroark
- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Zoroark
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Zoroark
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations
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Hisuian Zoroark
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- Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Zoroark
- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Zoroark
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Zoroark
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Zoroark
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Zoroark
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Zoroark
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations
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Hisuian Zoroark
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Zoroark
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Zoroark
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Hisuian Zoroark
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- A superscript level indicates that Zoroark can learn this move normally in Generation IX
- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Zoroark
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Zoroark
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations
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TCG-only moves
Side game data
Zoroark
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Pokémon Rumble Rush | Walking Speed: 1.42 seconds | Base HP: 51 | | | Base Attack: 80 | Base Defense: 51 | Base Speed: 70 |
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Hisuian Zoroark
Pokémon GO| File:GO571H.png | Base HP: 146 | Base Attack: 261 | Base Defense: 128 | | Egg Distance: N/A | Buddy Distance: 5 km | Evolution Requirement: N/A | | Fast Attacks: | | Charged Attacks: |
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Evolution data
Zoroark
Hisuian Zoroark
Sprites
| This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation V. |
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In the anime
Main series
Major appearances
Zoroark debuted in Zoroark: Master of Illusions. She was threatened by Grings Kodai into attacking Crown City, under the guises of Suicune, Entei, and Raikou, in exchange for Zorua's safety. However, until later on in the film, she was unaware of the fact that Zorua had managed to escape.
A Zoroark appeared in a flashback in The Secret Princess!, under the ownership of Mohn. At some point after the disappearance of its Trainer, Zoroark ran away and disappeared. It physically debuted in Chasing Memories, Creating Dreams!, where it encountered Gladion and joined his team on his quest to find Mohn.
Other
Zoroark made its main series debut in The Island of Illusions!. It inhabited Grand Spectrala Islet and used its Illusion Ability to create giant Pokémon in order to protect the other Pokémon on the island from poachers, as well as running an abandoned Pokémon Center to take care of wild Pokémon. Decades earlier, it was a Zorua that a Nurse Joy once cared for, later evolving once Nurse Joy left the island.
Minor appearances
Pokémon: Hisuian Snow
Shiny Hisuian Zoroark in Pokémon: Hisuian Snow
Hisuian Zoroark debuted in Fiery Reflections in Snow, where a group of them inhabited Alabaster Forest in Alec's youth. A Shiny Hisuian Zoroark appeared in Two Hues, where it scares an Alpha Garchomp away to save the Galaxy Team and their old friend Alec.
In the manga
Pocket Monsters HGSS
Zoroark debuted in PMHGSS17.
Pokémon Adventures
A Zoroark appeared in Scizor Defends as a resident of the Pokémon Village.
A Zoroark appeared in Chesnaught Protects.
Pokémon + Nobunaga's Ambition ~ Ranse's Color Picture Scroll ~
A Zoroark appeared in The Scarlet Scroll: Kunoichi's Situation, under the ownership of Kotarō.
Pokémon RéBURST
Hariru has a Zoroark, which was evolved from Zorua. He can use it as a Burst form.
In the TCG
Main article: Zoroark (TCG)Other appearances
Zoroark in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS.
Zoroark appears as a Poké Ball summon. In the 3DS version of the game, it is unlocked after clearing 10-Man Smash. Upon release, it uses Fury Swipes to send fighters into the air, slash them repeatedly, and smash them back down. This move is very similar to Greninja's Final Smash.
Zoroark trophy in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS
Zoroark also appears as a trophy in both versions of the game.
Trophy information
NA: This Dark-type Pokémon will protect its home and anyone it cherishes by creating illusions to fluster opponents. When it uses Fury Swipes, it will vanish from view and then suddenly appear next to its targets, launching them upward. It will then finish them off by sending them crashing back down.
PAL: This Dark-type Pokémon is a powerful illusionist, and uses its power to confuse any that would threaten its home and loved ones. When it uses its Fury Swipes attack, it vanishes, then reappears next to an opponent and sends them flying into the air. It then slashes at them furiously before slamming them into the ground.
Zoroark appears again as a Poké Ball summon retaining its behavior from the previous game. It also appears as a Spirit.
Zoroark in Pokémon UNITE
Main article: Zoroark (UNITE)Zoroark is playable through obtaining a Unite License. It is a melee speedster that starts as Zorua, which evolves into Zoroark at level 5.
Trivia
Zoroark in Pokémon Battle Chess
- Zorua, Zoroark, and their Hisuian forms were designed by Atsuko Nishida.[2][3]
- No other Pokémon has the same type combination as Hisuian Zoroark and its pre-evolution.
- Hisuian Zorua and Zoroark are also the only Pokémon immune to both of their types.
- Incidentally, they are the only Pokémon possessing, within the Generation VI type chart, the only possible type combination to be immune to both of their types, as the Normal and Ghost types are the only types immune to each other.
- Hisuian Zorua and Zoroark are the only Pokémon for whom one of each of their types cancels out a weakness of the other type: Ghost's immunity to Fighting cancels out Normal's weakness to Fighting, and Normal's immunity to Ghost cancels out Ghost's weakness to Ghost.
- Zoroark was first revealed by Junichi Masuda as a silhouette in the February 7, 2010 edition of Pokémon Sunday. Its full image was later revealed in the March 2010 issue of CoroCoro, alongside its pre-evolved form Zorua.
- Due to its debut before Generation V in Zoroark: Master of Illusions, it can be seen as a parallel to Lucario, which debuted in Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, prior to the release of Generation IV. Unlike Lucario, however, Zoroark was revealed at the same time as its pre-evolved form.
- Though evolving from Zorua at level 30, pre-release information from CoroCoro suggested it would evolve from Zorua by a method different from known evolution methods. What this method might have been if it was true is unknown.
- Zoroark and its pre-evolution Zorua are the only non-Mythical Pokémon to have been event-exclusive for a time, prior to the release of Pokémon Black 2 and White 2.
- Zoroark appears in Pokémon Battle Chess BW Version. Along with Emboar, Zoroark doesn't behave similarly to any traditional piece in chess.
- Prior to Version 1.2.0 of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Hisuian Zoroark's base stats were the same as Unovan Zoroark's. This change was undone when Hisuian Zoroark became available in those games. Similar occurrences happened to Hisuian Zorua and Kleavor.
- Furthermore, prior to the Version 2.0.1 update, Unovan Zoroark was unable to learn Encore via TM, while its pre-evolution could.
Origin
Zoroark appears to be based on the kitsune of Japanese folklore, a shape-shifting mythical fox that would trick unsuspecting travelers for fun. Its facial markings may draw from Kabuki and Noh theater makeup. It also resembles a werewolf, due to the fact that it is an anthropomorphic canid with a propensity for shape-shifting. According to Ken Sugimori, Zoroark's large mane being tied into a ponytail is supposed to be a stand-in for its lack of a tail.[4]
Hisuian Zoroark may draw inspiration from vengeful ghosts and revenants. Its coloration may be based on kitsune masks. The red portions on its arms and legs resemble frostbite sores.
Name origin
Zoroark may be a combination of zorro (Spanish for fox) and dark, 悪 aku (evil), or arch- (prefix for "top" or "chief").
In other languages
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| More languages |  Hindi | ज़ोरोआर्क Zoroark | Transcription of its English/Japanese name |  Russian | Зороарк Zoroark | Transcription of English name |  Thai | โซโรอาร์ค Soroak | Transcription of Japanese name |
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Related articles
References
External links
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