How To Get Zorua In Pokemon Black
Zorua is a mischievous Dark‑type Pokémon that first appeared in Generation V. In Pokemon Black, Zorua is not found in the wild, but it can be obtained through a specific in‑game event. This guide explains everything you need to know to add Zorua to your party, from the required items to the exact steps you must follow. Whether you are a newcomer looking for a reliable Dark‑type starter or a veteran aiming to complete your Pokédex, the process is straightforward once you understand the mechanics.
Understanding Zorua’s Role
Zorua’s signature ability, Illusion, lets it disguise itself as the last Pokémon in your party, which can be a powerful tool for surprise attacks. Its base stats are modest, but its movepool includes moves like Night Shade, Dark Pulse, and U-turn, making it versatile in both offensive and defensive roles. Because Zorua evolves into Zoroark at level 30, many trainers aim to capture it early and train it to evolve, unlocking a formidable Pokémon with a higher offensive presence.
Prerequisites Before You Begin
- Play through the main storyline until you reach the point where you can battle your rival for the second time.
- Have a Pokémon with the move Cut to access certain areas, and a Pokémon that knows Rock Smash for hidden pathways.
- Make sure you have an empty slot in your party or PC storage for Zorua.
- Save your game before initiating the event, in case you need to retry.
Where Zorua Appears
Zorua is not encountered in the wild in Pokemon Black. Instead, it is given as an in‑game gift by a character named Rood, who appears after you have battled your rival for the second time. Rood can be found in a specific location within Driftveil City, and the interaction triggers the Zorua encounter.
Step‑by‑Step Guide to Obtain Zorua
- Progress the Story – Continue the main plot until you have challenged the Elite Four and returned to Unova. After defeating the Elite Four, you will receive a call to return to your hometown, which unlocks the rival battle.
- Second Rival Battle – Locate your rival in the Battle Subway or in the area near the Pokémon League. Defeat him in the second encounter. This battle is mandatory; the game will not trigger the Zorua event until it is completed.
- Travel to Driftveil City – From the Pokémon League, head west toward Castelia City, then continue south through Route 4 and Route 5 until you reach Driftveil City. The city is known for its bustling market and the Pokémon Center.
- Find Rood – Rood is positioned near the north side of the city, close to the Pokémon Center’s entrance. He is a young trainer who will approach you after you have completed the rival battle.
- Interact with Rood – Talk to Rood, and he will offer you a Zorua as a gift. Accept the offer, and the game will prompt you to choose a slot for the new Pokémon.
- Save the Game – After receiving Zorua, immediately save your game. This ensures that you keep the Pokémon even if you accidentally trigger a battle that could cause a faint.
Tips for a Successful Capture
- Although Zorua is given as a gift, you can still use a Pokéball to “catch” it if you prefer to record the capture in your Pokédex. Choose a standard Pokéball for simplicity.
- Make sure your party has at least one Pokémon with a status‑inducing move (like Sleep Powder or Thunder Wave) in case you decide to catch Zorua in a later battle scenario.
- If you plan to evolve Zorua into Zoroark, keep it in your party and train it to level 30. Using experience‑boosting items such as the Rare Candy can speed up the process, but be cautious not to over‑level your other team members.
Using Zorua in Battle
Once you have Zorua, its Illusion ability can be leveraged to disguise it as a less threatening Pokémon, confusing opponents and allowing you to set up strategic moves. For example, you can disguise Zorua as a low‑level Patrat and then use U‑
