Special battle systems
Battle mechanics in Pokémon Quetzal
Pokémon Quetzal brings together four mechanics from different generations: Mega Evolution, Z-Moves, Dynamax and Gigantamax, and Terastallization. This page explains how to unlock and activate each one.
- Mega EvolutionMega Stones, the Mega Ring and permanent transformations outside battle.Read more ↓
- Z-MovesThe Z-Ring, standard crystals and species-specific crystals.Read more ↓
- Dynamax and GigantamaxThe Dynamax Band, Gigantamax Factor and G-Max Candy.Read more ↓
- TerastallizationThe Tera Orb, Tera Shards and assigning or removing Tera Types.Read more ↓
Mega Evolution
Mega Evolution temporarily transforms certain Pokémon in battle, increasing their stats and potentially changing their Ability. The Mega Ring is available in your Bag from the start of the game.
How to obtain Mega Stones
- DexNav: build search chains for the first evolutionary stage of the Pokémon whose Mega Stone you need. There is a 30% chance that it will be holding the stone.
- Legendary Trainers: defeat these special Trainers to unlock their Mega Stones at the market stalls in Slateport City.
How to use Mega Evolution
Give the Pokémon its Mega Stone to hold. In battle, select an attack, press Start and confirm the move with A.
Permanent Mega Evolution
Go to Options → Options+ → Miscellaneous, enable the Mega option and save your changes. Then select the Mega Stone in your Bag and use it directly on the Pokémon. Use it again to restore its normal form.
To transform Rayquaza, it must first learn Dragon Ascent. Then select the Mega option from the party menu.
Z-Moves
Z-Moves are powerful attacks linked to an elemental type or a specific species. The Z-Ring is in your Bag from the start of the adventure, and standard crystals are sold at the market stalls in Slateport City.
How to use a Z-Move
Give the Pokémon a Z-Crystal matching the type of one of its moves. For an exclusive crystal, it must also know the required attack. In battle, select the compatible move, press Start and confirm with A.
Exclusive Z-Crystals
- Pikashunium Z: defeat Red.
- Mewnium Z: defeat Selene.
- Tapunium Z: defeat Elio.
- Solganium Z: catch and register Solgaleo to unlock it in the shop.
- Lunalium Z: catch and register Lunala to unlock it in the shop.
- Ultranecrozium Z: catch and register Solgaleo, Lunala and Necrozma to unlock it in the shop.
- Marshadium Z: catch and register Marshadow to unlock it in the shop.
Dynamax and Gigantamax
Dynamax increases a Pokémon's size and HP and turns its attacks into Max Moves. Compatible species with the Gigantamax Factor active can take on their Gigantamax forms and use exclusive moves.
How to obtain the Dynamax Band
You can choose it as a starting item when setting up a new game. Otherwise, you can obtain it in the post-game after defeating Leon.
How to activate the Gigantamax Factor
Buy a G-Max Candy in Slateport City and use it on a compatible species, such as Charizard, Pikachu, Eevee, Snorlax or Cinderace. Using another G-Max Candy on that Pokémon disables the factor.
How to use Dynamax or Gigantamax
When choosing an attack in battle, press Start and select the move. Any Pokémon can Dynamax, but only those with the Gigantamax Factor active can use their Gigantamax forms.
Terastallization
Terastallization changes a Pokémon's defensive type and boosts attacks matching its Tera Type. You can choose the Tera Orb as a starting item when creating a new game. Otherwise, you can obtain it in the post-game after defeating Liko.
How to assign a Tera Type
Talk to the chef in Slateport City to obtain Tera Shards. Then open your Bag and use a shard of the appropriate type on the Pokémon. The ResetTeraShard item removes its Tera Type if you would rather give it the Gigantamax Factor.
How to use Terastallization
Enter battle with a Pokémon that has a Tera Type assigned. On the move selection screen, press Start and confirm with A on the chosen move.