Mega Salamence is one of the most intimidating opponents you can face in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Known for its incredible Attack power, high Speed, and durable defenses, this Dragon- and Flying-type Pokémon can easily sweep unprepared teams. Whether you’re battling it in the wild, during a boss encounter, or in competitive play, having a solid strategy is essential. Here’s a detailed guide on how to defeat Mega Salamence effectively.
Understanding Mega Salamence’s Strengths
Mega Salamence gains the ability Aerilate, which turns its Normal-type moves into Flying-type moves and boosts their power. This makes attacks like Return or Double-Edge devastating. Its base stats focus heavily on Attack, Defense, and Speed, allowing it to tank physical hits while dishing out massive damage.
You’ll also need to watch out for moves like Dragon Claw, Earthquake, and Flamethrower, which give Mega Salamence wide coverage against many types. Because of its versatility, relying on one counter type isn’t enough—you’ll need a smart combination of strategy, typing, and timing.
Best Pokémon to Counter Mega Salamence
1. Ice-Type Specialists
Ice-type Pokémon remain Mega Salamence’s biggest weakness. Pokémon like Weavile, Mamoswine, or Glaceon can hit it super effectively with Ice Shard or Ice Beam. However, make sure they’re fast enough or can survive at least one hit.
2. Fairy-Type Tanks
Fairy-types like Sylveon and Primarina can take Dragon-type moves and retaliate with strong Moonblast attacks. Their natural bulk also helps withstand Salamence’s aerial onslaught.
3. Rock- and Steel-Type Defenders
Pokémon like Tyranitar or Metagross can hold their ground thanks to solid defenses. Metagross, in particular, can resist Flying- and Dragon-type attacks while countering with Meteor Mash or Ice Punch.
Strategy Tips for the Battle
Use Status Effects:
Inflicting Paralysis or Burn can significantly cripple Mega Salamence’s offensive power. Pokémon with moves like Thunder Wave or Will-O-Wisp can make the fight much easier.
Set Up Stealth Rock:
If you’re facing Mega Salamence in a longer encounter or competitive format, setting up Stealth Rock will chip away a quarter of its health every time it switches in.
Avoid Physical Attacks:
Because Mega Salamence has an incredibly high Defense stat, special attackers tend to perform better. Moves like Ice Beam, Moonblast, or Dragon Pulse from special-oriented Pokémon are often more effective than physical hits.
Recommended Team Setup
Building a balanced team is key to success. A good approach is to combine one Fairy-type, one Ice-type, and a bulky Steel- or Rock-type to handle coverage. Pairing that with a fast Electric-type like Jolteon or Rotom can give you the flexibility to deal with Salamence’s unpredictability.
If you’re looking to experiment with different team builds or want rare Pokémon for unique strategies, it’s worth exploring where other trainers find their teams. Many players mention that the best place to buy Pokémon for Legends ZA is from trusted online trading communities. And for collectors or competitive battlers, some prefer to buy Shiny Pokémon Legends ZA options to make their lineup both powerful and visually unique.
Defeating Mega Salamence in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is all about preparation and patience. Understanding its move patterns, exploiting its Ice and Fairy weaknesses, and building a team that can handle its high Speed will make the battle much more manageable. With the right counters and a bit of strategy, even this mighty Mega can be brought down.
Mastering battles like this not only improves your tactical play but also prepares you for future high-level encounters across Pokémon Legends: Z-A.