Effective Methods to Get Zacian & Zamazenta in Pokémon GO

The legendary Hero Duo of the Galar region, Zacian and Zamazenta, stand as two of the most sought-after Pokémon for any trainer's collection. Zacian, the crowned warrior wielding a fabled sword, and Zamazenta, its majestic counterpart bearing an unbreakable shield, offer immense power to any team.

Adding these powerful creatures to your Pokédex is a challenge, but it is certainly achievable with the right strategy. If you're wondering exactly how to get Zacian and Zamazenta in Pokémon GO, this guide will break down the primary methods for encountering and catching these legendary beasts.

Part 1. What Are Zacian and Zamazenta in Pokémon GO?

In Pokémon GO, Zacian and Zamazenta are a pair of highly sought-after Legendary Pokémon from the Galar region, known as the "Hero Duo." They are primarily available through special Five-Star Raid events.

Essentially, Zacian is a top-tier attacker, representing the sword, while Zamazenta is an incredibly durable defender, embodying the shield. Both are powerhouses, especially in their alternate "Crowned" forms, and are considered dominant forces in the Master League.

Feature	Zacian (Hero of Many Battles)	Zamazenta (Hero of Many Battles)	Crowned Sword Zacian	Crowned Shield Zamazenta
Typing	Fairy	Fighting	Fairy / Steel	Fighting / Steel
Weaknesses	Poison, Steel	Flying, Psychic, Fairy	Ground, Fire	Fire, Fighting, Ground
Signature Move	N/A	N/A	Behemoth Blade	Behemoth Bash
Primary Role	Offensive Attacker	Bulky Defender	Top-Tier Offensive Attacker	Top-Tier Defensive Anchor
Best Use (PvE)	Strong Fairy-type attacker in raids.	Outclassed by other Fighting-types.	Elite Steel-type attacker for raids.	Highly durable but lower damage output.
Best Use (PvP)	Solid in Master League.	Decent bulk in Master League.	Dominant in Master League, counters many top Pokémon.	Excellent in Master League due to immense bulk and strong matchups.

Part 2. How to Get Zacian and Zamazenta in Pokémon GO?

Zacian and Zamazenta are not available in the wild. The main way to catch them is through 5-Star Raid Battles during special events. Here are the detailed methods and the steps you need to follow:

Method 1: Battle Them in 5-Star Raids

Zacian and Zamazenta often appear as 5-Star Raid Bosses. To catch them, follow these steps:

Step 1: Enter a 5-Star Raid using a Raid Pass or Remote Raid Pass.
Step 2: Gather a strong team: Defeating them usually requires 4–6 experienced Trainers.
Step 3: Catch attempt: After victory, use the Premier Balls you've earned to try catching them.

Method 2: Special Trade with a Friend (Most Reliable Non-Raid Option)

You can trade for Zacian/Zamazenta from someone who already has one.

Step 1: You and your friend must be Level 10+ and within ~100 meters (trades can't be done remotely). Legendary Pokémon are a Special Trade → usually 1 per day (sometimes more during events). Mythicals can't be traded (not relevant here—Zacian/Zamazenta are Legendary and tradable).

Step 2: You can increase Friendship first (to lower Stardust cost). Send/open gifts daily, raid together, battle in gyms/GBL, or trade other Pokémon. Higher friendship tiers reduce the Stardust required for the Special Trade.

Step 3: Once you're Best Friends, any daily interaction can trigger Lucky Friends. A Lucky Trade guarantees the traded Pokémon becomes Lucky (cheaper to power up later), but doesn't reduce the trade Stardust cost.

Step 4: Decide which Pokémon you'll offer back. Aim for long-distance trades (100 km+ origin distance) when possible for extra Candy and a better XL Candy chance.

Step 5: Open the Nearby/Trainer screen → Trade → select Zacian or Zamazenta. Confirm the Stardust cost shown on the screen (varies by friendship and whether it's a new Pokédex entry). Complete the trade. IVs reroll on trade (higher floor if Lucky).

Pro tips

• Coordinate during community meetups for more trade partners.
• If dust is tight, wait until you're Ultra/Best Friends before trading a new Legendary.

Method 3: Time-Limited/Special Research (Event-Gated)

Occasionally, Niantic features Zacian/Zamazenta as encounter rewards in event research (free or paid tickets).

Step 1: Look for events that mention encounters with Zacian or Zamazenta in Timed Research or Special Research.

Step 2: Claim/Buy the ticket (if required). If it's paid, purchase from the in-game shop before the deadline.

Step 3: Finish tasks before they expire. Typical steps: win raids, make Excellent Throws, defeat Grunts/Leaders, catch Fairy/Fighting types, etc.

Step 4: When a step lists "Encounter: Zacian/Zamazenta", tap to start the encounter and catch it like a research reward.

Step 5: Timed Research expires; Special Research usually doesn't—but limited-time encounters tied to an event can.

Pro tips

• Stack bonuses (Star Pieces/Lucky Egg) for the other rewards you’ll earn on the way.
• If you can't raid much, research encounters are a great backup—grab the ticket early.

Method 4: GO Battle League–Linked Research Windows (Occasional)

During some seasons or celebration weeks, Niantic has offered GBL Timed Research that leads to encounters with the current 5★ raid boss or grants raid passes specifically for them.

Step 1: Open GBL tab during featured weeks and check the Timed Research.

Step 2: Complete the GBL tasks (e.g., battle X times, win Y sets).

Step 3: Claim encounter/raid-pass rewards and use them to get Zacian/Zamazenta when featured.

Note: This doesn't run every season—treat it as a bonus path when announced.

Method 5: Community Coordination Without Traveling (Invites & Campfire)

Use Raid Invitations and Campfire to join more raids efficiently—even though you're still raiding, this method helps if local lobbies are sparse.

Step 1: Add active raiders (local Discords/Facebook/Reddit, in-game friends).

Step 2: Use Niantic Campfire to find live raids and organize lobbies.

Step 3: Accept raid invites during Raid Hour or event windows to maximize attempts.

Step 4: Rotate gyms using maps/community pings to target whichever of the duo is currently active.

More attempts = more chances to catch, better IVs, or the shiny when available.

Method 6: Event Boxes & Bonuses that Indirectly Lead to Them

Sometimes event bundles or research lines give Premium/Remote Raid Passes and buffs that make it easier/cheaper to secure Zacian/Zamazenta.

Step 1: Check the Shop during their feature week for boxes with raid passes.

Step 2: Claim free event research that awards passes or encounter items.

Step 3: Use bonuses (extra raid damage, more daily passes, extended raid timers) to stack more clears.

Method 7: Use TunesKit Location Changer

Struggling to find active Raid Battles or special events in your area? With TunesKit Location Changer's GPS simulation, you can instantly transport your avatar to any location on the map. This allows you to effortlessly join exclusive raids worldwide, complete region-specific research tasks, and discover rare Pokémon, all from the comfort of your home.

How to Get Zacian & Zamazenta in Pokémon GO via TunesKit Location Changer

Step 1 Connect iPhone or Android to PC

Download and install the TunesKit Location Changer by following the on-screen instructions. Launch it on your computer. Connect your Android phone via USB (ensure USB Debugging is enabled) or your iPhone via Bluetooth. Click the Start button on the main interface. Then select Game Mode to move on.

Step 2 Set Pokémon Go Coordinates

Once you can access to the map interface, click on the Jump Teleport icon. In the search bar, enter the name or coordinates of the location you want to go to. Once confirmed, click the Start Moving button.

Step 3 Start Joystick Movement

3.1 After teleporting, it is highly recommended to use the joystick to simulate walking instead of instantly interacting with the game. Click on the Joystick Movement icon (multiple circles) in the top-right. A virtual joystick will appear on the map.

3.2 Use your mouse to click and hold the joystick to move your character smoothly and realistically. You can adjust the walking speed. Let your character "walk around" the new area for a few minutes before you try to spin a Pokéstop or catch a Pokémon. This helps make your activity appear more natural.

Now you will see the local map, Pokéstops, Gyms, and Pokémon. You can now participate in raids, catch regional Pokémon, and complete research tasks.

What Not to Rely On (to save your time)

• Wild spawns: Zacian/Zamazenta do not appear in the wild.
• Eggs/Adventures Sync: Legendaries like these do not hatch from Eggs.
• Pokémon HOME → GO: You cannot transfer Pokémon into GO from HOME; only GO → HOME is supported.
• Team GO Rocket/Shadow: No Shadow versions available; Rocket encounters won't help.

Part 3. Best Counters for Zacian & Zamazenta

Zacian (Hero of Many Battles)

Top Counters	Recommended Movesets	Raid Catch CP (100% IV)
Metagross	Bullet Punch + Meteor Mash	2100 (no boost) / 2625 (Cloudy, Fog)
Nihilego	Poison Jab + Sludge Bomb	/
Dialga	Metal Claw + Iron Head	/
Roserade	Poison Jab + Sludge Bomb	/

Zamazenta (Hero of Many Battles)

Top Counters	Recommended Movesets	Raid Catch CP (100% IV)
Mewtwo	Confusion + Psystrike	2188 (no boost) / 2735 (Cloudy)
Moltres	Wing Attack + Sky Attack	/
Gardevoir	Confusion + Dazzling Gleam	/
Hoopa (Unbound)	Confusion + Psychic	/

Quick Tips:

Weather boosts can make raids tougher but also give higher CP catches.

Use Mega Evolutions:

• Mega Beedrill/Gengar → best for Zacian.
• Mega Pidgeot/Alakazam/Gardevoir → best for Zamazenta.

Part 4. Recommended Raid Teams for Zacian & Zamazenta

Zacian (Fairy-type):⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 – Tough but manageable with good counters)

Recommended Team (6 Pokémon)	Best Movesets
1. Metagross	Bullet Punch + Meteor Mash
2. Nihilego	Poison Jab + Sludge Bomb
3. Dialga	Metal Claw + Iron Head
4. Roserade	Poison Jab + Sludge Bomb
5. Excadrill	Metal Claw + Iron Head
6. Mega Beedrill / Mega Gengar (to boost Poison damage)	Poison Jab + Sludge Bomb / Lick + Sludge Bomb

Zamazenta (Fighting-type): ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 – Easier with strong Psychic & Flying attackers)

Recommended Team (6 Pokémon)	Best Movesets
1. Mewtwo	Confusion + Psystrike
2. Moltres	Wing Attack + Sky Attack
3. Gardevoir	Confusion + Dazzling Gleam
4. Hoopa (Unbound)	Confusion + Psychic
5. Lugia	Extrasensory + Aeroblast
6. Mega Pidgeot / Mega Alakazam / Mega Gardevoir (boost team damage)	Wing Attack + Brave Bird / Confusion + Psychic / Charm + Dazzling Gleam

✅ Quick Notes:

• Zacian hits hard and resists common Dragon attackers → requires better coordination.
• Zamazenta is more straightforward since Psychic, Flying, and Fairy attackers are widely available.
• With Weather Boosts (Cloudy for both), difficulty increases, but CP rewards are higher.

Part 5. FAQs about Zacian and Zamazenta in Pokémon GO

Part 6. Conclusion

The above are all the possible methods to get Zacian and Zamazenta in Pokémon GO. Your best chance to catch them is during 5-Star Raid Battles at special events like GO Fest or Raid Hours. They can also be obtained through Special Trades with friends or sometimes via event research encounters. Try TunesKit Location Changer to simulate your GPS location and to join global raids remotely without leaving your home!