Zacian vs Zamazenta: Which Legendary is stronger in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet VGC?

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's VGC updated its rules for Regulation Set G, allowing for several legendary Pokemon to become eligible for player-vs-player battles in both singles and doubles formats. Eligible additions include the Galar region's legendary duo of heroic Pokemon in Zacian and Zamazenta, but which is better for VGC battles? In Regulation G, Zamazenta has emerged as the superior option.

While Zacian was considered the better pick in Generation VIII, by and large, Zamazenta's profile has increased substantially in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's VGC since both Pokemons' restricted status was removed in Regulation G. However, it doesn't hurt to examine why exactly Zamazenta has become the favorable pick among Galar's legendary heroes in Generation IX.

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Why Zamazenta has surpassed Zacian in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet VGC

Crowned Shield Zamazenta attacks with Behemoth Bash in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Although Zacian has solid offensive output in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Zamazenta is a domineering physical waller who can also inflict immense damage with the right moveset and EV training. Specifically, moves like Body Press and Iron Defense create a potent combo where Zamazenta deals damage based on its increased Defense stat, which can take out unprepared opponents in one hit.

Moreover, moves like Heavy Slam calculate Zamazenta's weight into damage calculation, and Substitute allows it to avoid damage completely by attacks that give it trouble. The Body Press/Iron Defense combo is further bolstered via Zamazenta's Dauntless Shield ability, which boosts its Defense stat at the start of the battle.

When holding the (recommended) Rusted Shield held item, Zamazenta gains access to its Crowned Shield form, bolstering its Defense stat even further, giving it a Fighting/Steel type combination, and converting the move Iron Head into Behemoth Bash if Zamazenta knows Iron Head. In Crowned Shield form, Zamazenta is an incredibly difficult opponent to take down.

In addition to walling out physical attackers, Zamazenta's Special Defense solid as well, so special attackers in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet VGC won't have an easy time defeating it. If Zamazenta can successfully use Iron Defense even once, it has already increased its Defense stat immensely when coupled with Dauntless Shield, making Body Press a deadly move toward most targets.

Zacian is still solid, but Zamazenta has surpassed it thanks to its offensive and defensive abilities (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Throw in a Fairy Tera Type, and Zamazenta becomes a spectacular defender in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet VGC with plenty of offensive potential as well. This isn't to say Zacian can't do damage, but its defensive pedigree isn't as stout as its shield-themed counterpart. Zamazenta simply excels on offense and defense, especially with the moves above and its EV training geared for Defense and HP.

On a team with Pokemon like Glimmora and Dragonite, Zamazenta can easily wall out opponents and rough them up substantially. Dragonite can inflict immense physical damage while Glimmora lays traps for the unwary. Zamazenta still has its weaknesses, but in the hands of a capable trainer, it can be an incredible defender in Scarlet and Violet's VGC without sacrificing firepower.