If you are trying to catch Zorua in Pokémon GO, you may have noticed that this Pokémon does not appear like normal wild spawns. Unlike most Pokémon in the game, Zorua uses a special trick that makes it harder to find. Many players get confused because they think Zorua is not spawning at all, when in reality it is hiding in plain sight.
Zorua is known as the Tricky Fox Pokémon, and its behavior in Pokémon GO matches its personality from the main series games. Instead of appearing as itself, Zorua disguises itself as your Buddy Pokémon, which means you must use a different strategy to find and catch it.
In this complete guide, you will learn how to find Zorua, how its disguise works, the best tricks to spot it quickly, and tips to catch it easily. This article explains everything in simple steps so both new and experienced players can understand.
What Is Zorua in Pokémon GO?
Zorua is a Dark-type Pokémon originally introduced in Generation V. It is famous for its Illusion ability, which allows it to change its appearance to look like another Pokémon or even a human in the main series games.
Pokémon GO uses this same idea, but with a special twist.
In Pokémon GO, Zorua always appears as your current Buddy Pokémon on the map. This means you will not see Zorua directly in the wild. Instead, you will see a copy of your Buddy walking around, and when you catch it, the disguise disappears and reveals Zorua.
This makes Zorua one of the most unique Pokémon to catch in the game.
There is also another version called Hisuian Zorua, which has a different design and typing in the main series, but in Pokémon GO the catching method still follows the same illusion mechanic when available during events.
Why Zorua Is Hard to Find
Many players think Zorua is rare, but the real reason it feels rare is because of how it spawns.
Here is why Zorua is tricky:
- It never appears in its real form
- It copies your Buddy Pokémon
- Buddy Pokémon normally do not spawn in the wild
- Players often ignore the disguise
- It only reveals itself after being caught
Because of this, you must pay attention to what you see on the map.
If you know the trick, catching Zorua becomes much easier.
Step-by-Step Guide to Catch Zorua in Pokémon GO
Follow these steps carefully to increase your chances of finding Zorua quickly.
Step 1 – Set a Buddy Pokémon
The first step is choosing a Buddy Pokémon.
Open your profile and set any Pokémon as your Buddy.
Zorua will always copy this Pokémon, so your choice matters.
To make Zorua easier to spot, pick a Buddy that normally does not appear in the wild.
Good choices include:
- Legendary Pokémon
- Shiny Pokémon
- Rare Pokémon
- Large Pokémon
- Event Pokémon
For example, if your Buddy is Kyogre and you suddenly see a Kyogre in the wild, that is almost certainly Zorua.
This trick makes spotting Zorua much easier.
Step 2 – Look for Your Buddy on the Map
Once your Buddy is set, go outside and check the map.
Watch carefully for any wild Pokémon that looks exactly like your Buddy.
Normally, your Buddy does not spawn in the wild, so seeing another one is a big clue.
This is the main sign that Zorua is nearby.
If you see your Buddy walking around on the map, tap it immediately.
Most of the time, it will be Zorua in disguise.
Step 3 – Catch the Disguised Pokémon
When you tap the disguised Pokémon, the catch screen will appear like normal.
It will still look like your Buddy at this point.
Throw a Poké Ball and catch it just like any other Pokémon.
After the capture animation finishes, something special will happen.
Instead of the normal “Gotcha!” message, you will see an “Oh?” screen.
This is the same animation used when catching Ditto.
After the transformation, the Pokémon will reveal its true form as Zorua.
Congratulations, you caught Zorua.
Step 4 – Check the Stats After Catching
Do not worry about the CP or level of the disguise.
The stats you see before catching are not the real ones.
Once Zorua transforms, it will have its own level, CP, and IVs.
Sometimes the stats will be higher or lower than expected.
Always check the Pokémon after catching to see if it is good.
You can:
- Appraise it
- Power it up
- Evolve it later
Step 5 – Use Incense and Lures for More Spawns
If you want to find Zorua faster, increase the number of Pokémon around you.
You can do this by using:
- Incense
- Lure Modules
- Walking in busy spawn areas
- Playing during events
More spawns mean more chances for Zorua to appear.
This is one of the best ways to hunt it.
Bonus Trick – Use Auto Catch Devices
If you use devices like Pokémon GO Plus, the game can catch Pokémon automatically.
Sometimes Zorua will be caught without you seeing the disguise.
When you check your storage later, you may find Zorua inside.
This can be surprising, but it is normal.
Auto catch devices still work with Zorua because the game treats it like a normal spawn until the catch is finished.
Can Zorua Be Shiny in Pokémon GO?
Whether Zorua can be shiny depends on the current event.
Niantic sometimes releases shiny versions during special events.
When shiny Zorua is available:
- The disguise will not look shiny
- The transformation happens after catching
- You will see shiny Zorua after the reveal
Because of this, always catch every disguise you see.
You never know when it might be shiny.
How to Evolve Zorua
After catching Zorua, you can evolve it into Zoroark.
To evolve, you need:
- Zorua Candy
- Enough Stardust
Walk with Zorua as your Buddy to earn candy faster.
You can also use Rare Candy if needed.
Zoroark is a strong and stylish Pokémon, so evolving Zorua is worth it.
Common Mistakes Players Make
Many players miss Zorua because of small mistakes.
Here are common errors.
Ignoring Buddy Copies
Players think the spawn is a bug and walk away.
Always check duplicates.
Using Common Buddy Pokémon
If your Buddy is common, you will not notice the disguise.
Use rare Pokémon instead.
Not Playing During Events
Zorua appears more often during events.
Check announcements regularly.
Not Catching Every Spawn
Sometimes the only Zorua is the one you ignored.
Catch everything when hunting.
Tips to Find Zorua Faster
Follow these tips for best results.
- Use a rare Buddy
- Play in high spawn areas
- Use Incense
- Catch every duplicate
- Check storage often
- Play during events
These tips make Zorua hunting much easier.
Why Zorua Is One of the Most Fun Pokémon to Catch
Zorua is different from most Pokémon in Pokémon GO.
It does not just appear randomly.
You must notice the illusion and figure it out.
This makes catching it feel like solving a puzzle.
Many players enjoy this mechanic because it adds variety to the game.
Instead of only throwing Poké Balls, you must pay attention to what you see.
This makes Zorua one of the most interesting Pokémon in the game.
Final Thoughts
Catching Zorua in Pokémon GO is easy once you understand the trick. The key is remembering that Zorua always disguises itself as your Buddy Pokémon. By choosing a rare Buddy, watching the map carefully, and catching any duplicate you see, you can find Zorua without much trouble.
Use Incense, play during events, and check every spawn to increase your chances. With the right strategy, you can catch Zorua quickly and even evolve it into Zoroark.
Now that you know the steps, go out, set your Buddy, and start hunting the Tricky Fox Pokémon.
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