Goodra is one of the most reliable tanks in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Its incredible defensive stats and versatile move pool make it a great choice for players who want a Pokémon that can absorb hits while supporting the team. In this guide, we’ll break down how to build a Shiny Goodra as a defensive tank, the best moves to use, and some practical tips for maximizing its potential in battle.
Why Choose Goodra as a Defensive Tank
Goodra’s appeal comes from its high special defense and respectable HP. Unlike many other Dragon-types that focus on offense, Goodra can soak up hits from both physical and special attackers, giving your team more breathing room. Its natural bulk allows you to stay in fights longer, making it perfect for longer battles or tougher wild encounters.
From my experience, having a solid defensive Goodra in your lineup makes a noticeable difference when facing trainers who spam strong moves or have unpredictable strategies. You don’t have to constantly heal it, which frees you up to focus on your other Pokémon or set up advantageous situations.
Recommended Nature, Ability, and EV Spread
For a defensive tank build, you’ll want to maximize Goodra’s survivability:
Nature: Bold or Calm – depending on whether you want more physical or special defense.
Ability: Sap Sipper is excellent against Grass-type moves, but Marvel Scale is ideal if you want extra bulk when affected by status.
EV Spread: 252 HP / 252 Special Defense / 4 Defense is a classic setup that allows Goodra to take hits from special attackers while still remaining decently resilient against physical moves.
This setup ensures that Goodra can survive longer against the majority of opponents without being overly complicated to manage.
Essential Moves for Defensive Play
A tank build isn’t just about stats—it’s about having moves that let you control the battle. Here are some recommended moves for a defensive Goodra:
Dragon Tail: A great move for phasing out opponents while dealing damage.
Recover: Vital for self-sustain; it keeps Goodra healthy throughout longer fights.
Toxic: Ideal for wearing down bulky foes over time.
Thunderbolt / Fire Blast: Cover weaknesses and give Goodra offensive options when needed.
Mixing these moves ensures that Goodra isn’t just sitting there—it's actively controlling the pace of battle. Personally, I like pairing Dragon Tail with Toxic to gradually chip away at tough opponents while staying healthy.
Items to Consider
Holding items can elevate Goodra’s tankiness even further. Some solid options include:
Leftovers: Steady recovery every turn, which synergizes perfectly with Recover.
Assault Vest: Great if you’re focusing purely on special defense and don’t need status moves.
Rocky Helmet: Punishes physical attackers, adding extra damage each time Goodra is hit.
These items are situational, so it’s worth experimenting to see what fits your playstyle best.
Finding or Acquiring a Shiny Goodra
If you’re someone who loves the extra sparkle, a Shiny Goodra is not only visually appealing but also a fun bragging right in multiplayer battles. For players struggling to find one in-game, some platforms allow you to buy shiny Pokémon Legends ZA safely. This can save time and ensure you get exactly the Pokémon you want for your team.
Remember, whether you decide to grind in the wild or acquire it through other means, having a shiny variant doesn’t impact battle effectiveness—it’s purely for aesthetics—but it can make your defensive tank feel a bit more special.
Customizing Your Goodra for Specific Roles
While the defensive build is solid for general battles, you might want to tweak Goodra to fit your personal strategy. Some players like to create custom Goodra with unique movesets or EV spreads that focus on niche roles like walling specific types or supporting with status effects. For those interested in this approach, you can explore services that let you buy custom Pokémon ZA, which makes experimenting with specialized builds much faster.
Personally, I enjoy trying different custom setups, as it allows me to counter popular meta picks without committing to long training sessions. It’s a convenient way to test strategies and optimize your team composition.
Tips and Tricks for Using Defensive Goodra
Lead or Mid-Game Placement: Defensive Goodra works best either as a lead to control early pressure or mid-game to absorb hits while your attackers deal damage.
Predict Opponent Moves: Use your bulk to force switches and capitalize on enemies making suboptimal choices.
Pair with Support Pokémon: Pokémon with status heals or entry hazard removals can make Goodra even harder to take down.
Keep an Eye on Dragon and Fairy Threats: Goodra resists Dragon moves but is weak to Fairy attacks, so planning your team around these threats is important.
Shiny Goodra is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a reliable tank to their Pokémon Legends: Z-A team. With the right nature, EV spread, moveset, and item, it can survive punishing hits, control the battlefield, and provide a safe pivot for your team. Whether you grind to catch one or explore options to buy shiny Pokémon Legends ZA or custom Pokémon ZA, Goodra is a tank that delivers both function and flair.
