Zarude

Legal regulations: regulation-m-a

Zarude is the Dark/Grass attacker that brings a unique coverage combination and genuine utility to Regulation M-A teams. Its Dark/Grass STAB pairing is one of the format's more unusual combinations — Dark pressures the Psychic and Ghost pieces while Grass hits the Ground and Water cores — and its signature move, Jungle Healing, provides recovery and status removal for itself and its partner. Its speed tier is respectable, letting it outrun many non-restricted attackers, and its bulk is solid enough to absorb a hit. Its weaknesses are the ones Dark and Grass types share — vulnerable to Fighting, Fire, Ice, Flying, Poison and Bug — and its offensive output, while strong, is not elite, so it relies on positioning and support. It functions best as a mid-game pivot or as a support piece that pressures while healing its team. Zarude pairs well with partners that handle the Fire and Fighting threats it invites and with redirection that protects it. It is a flexible, underrated pick for balanced teams that want unique coverage and recovery in a single slot.

Use this page to understand Zarude's role in the current VGC metagame. Check the base stats and Level 50 benchmarks to plan your EV spreads. Review common moves, items, abilities and Tera types to see what the community uses most. The partners section shows which Pokémon pair well with Zarude, while counters and checks highlight what to watch out for in team preview.

Last updated: July 2026 (Regulation Set M-A). Data is based on available competitive trends and editorial review.

Zarude performs best when its role is clearly defined in team preview. As a Physical Attacker and Speed Control Pokémon, focus on positioning it where it can execute its job without being forced into unfavorable exchanges.

When teambuilding, pair Zarude with Pokémon that cover its type weaknesses (see counters section below) and provide the speed control or redirection it needs to function. Review the common moves and items section for established sets, then adjust based on your team's specific needs.