Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: How to Get (& Evolve) Zorua

Zorua evolves into Zoroark at level 30, but finding the Trickster Fox isn’t easy in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet because of its Illusion Ability.

Zorua and its evolution Zoroark are Dark-type Pokémon returning in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, but the Trickster Fox and Illusion Fox are difficult to find because of their unique ability, Illusion. They are inspired by the shape-shifting Kitsune of Japanese folklore, except Zorua, and Zoroark only appear to change forms, an illusion, whereas kitsune physically alter their bodies. The movie Zoroark: Master of Illusions proved that the PokéDex entries are true; Zoroark are savagely protective of their kind.

Both Pokémon have the Illusion Ability and no other potential hidden ability in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. However, wild Zorua and Zoroark do not accurately display the effects of their caught versions used in battle by players or trainers. Caught Zorua and Zoroark Illusion Abilities cause the Pokémon to appear as the very last Pokémon in that player’s party, and they will appear as that Pokémon until Zorua/Zoroark takes damage. Taking damage disables Illusion, and they will both return to their normal appearance. Wild Zorua and Zoroark lose Illusion once they are engaged in battle. However, they will look like other Pokémon before being engaged, but their disguise makes finding the two more complicated than most Pokémon.

Related: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: How to Catch (& Evolve) Pawmi

How to Find Zorua and Zoroark

Zorua evolves into Zoroark at level 30, but Zoroark is also found in the wild. Zorua and Zoroark share the disguise mechanism with another Pokémon. Tracking them down will be the same as finding Ditto in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Using the ZL button to enter Lock On mode is suggested by YouTuber AbdallahSmash026 because locking on to a Pokémon displays its name and level once the player has encountered its kind before. If the player hasn’t engaged it before, three question marks will replace the name and level. However, Zorua and Zoroark’s Illusion does not affect the name displayed above the Pokémon, and if they have been encountered before, their actual name will still appear above them when locked onto. Players who have not encountered Zorua and Zoroark will still see three question marks above the disguised Pokémon. Identifying all the Pokémon in the area makes finding them easier than engaging Pokémon at random, especially since both are rare in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

According to the Pokémon Database, Zorua and Zoroark have a 10% chance of appearing in their spawning locations. Zorua can be found in two locations, Tagtree Thicket and West Province Area Three. Tagtree is northwest of a fast travel location in East Province Area Three. West Province Area Three is northwest of Medali, which has two fast travel locations. Zoroark is found later in the game at Socarrat Trail in the very northwest of Paldea, but catching Zorua early is the better play.

Maybe it’s just the determination from needing to get their Zorua back, but Anime-Zoroark is absurdly powerful. Even though Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s Zoroark probably couldn’t take on Suicune, Entei, and Raikou simultaneously like in the movie, it’s still strong. Players planning to use it on their team should take advantage of its high Sp. Attack by either catching one with a Nature that raises Sp. Attack or use a Nature Mint to give it the desired Nature. Dropping 20,000 at a Chansey Supply for a Nature Mint in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet might be the better play because of Zorua and Zoroark’s rarity.

More: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: How to Find (& Catch) Drifloon

Sources: YouTube/AbdallahSmash026, Pokémon Database