Zygarde

Zygarde
Yveltal
718
Diancie
Ability	Aura Break (Only 10% and 50%) Power Construct
First game	Pokémon X and Y (2013)
Creator	Game Freak

Zygarde <sup>(JPJapanese: ジガルデ

Romaji: Jigarude)</sup> is a species of Pokémon in the series of the same name. It is a dual-type Dragon-type/Ground-type Pokémon that made its first appearance in the sixth generation games, X and Y. In Pokémon Sun and Moon, it gained two new forms, 10% and Complete, with the original being renamed to 50% Forme, as well as a Cell mechanic to change between the forms. It is a member of the Aura trio with Xerneas and Yveltal.

Physiology and Behaviour

Zygarde is a green and black Pokémon whose form depends on the percentage of Zygarde Cores and Zygarde Cells it has gathered together. Zygarde's Cores and Cells do not have the power to battle alone and can only fight when combined to form Zygarde. As seen in the anime, should Zygarde be affected by outside influence, its color changes from green to red. Zygarde serves as the protector of the planet’s ecosystem. It is said this Legendary Pokémon is a guardian of the ecosystem, due to its role to defend the world's order and the Z due to its name. Zygarde keeps a close watch on the planet and on its two counterparts Xerneas and Yveltal, ensuring the equilibrium of the planet and the cycle of life and death are kept in check. Additionally it is capable of reversing the effects of its counterpart's abilities Fairy Aura and Dark Aura. Normally, Zygarde avoids getting involved in conflicts unless the ecosystem is in great danger. As seen in the anime, should Zygarde be affected by outside influence, its color changes from green to red.

Zygarde Cells and Cores

Zygarde Cores are the brains of the Zygarde, and a Zygarde may contain up to five Cores. A Zygarde Core is a small, green Pokémon with a gelatinous body. It has a large, round head with a beak-shaped protrusion on the front, a thin, hook-shaped tail, and a red hexagon suspended in its body. Within its head is a single eye with a black pupil; beside this eye is another white oval that may be a second eye.

The Zygarde Core remains in watch of the region, usually living in caves. The Cores have their own will and are sometimes able to act on their own. The Zygarde Core can send a signal to Zygarde Cells, commanding them to fly towards it to form Zygarde's body in order to protect the ecosystem. Zygarde Cores are capable of absorbing sunlight to regain their strength, can speak telepathically, communicate with other Cores, and use the Cells to observe the ecosystem, as depicted in the anime. Zygarde Cores can also turn invisible.

Zygarde Cells make up every other part of Zygarde and appear nearly identical to the Zygarde Core. Unlike the Core, it has a flat body and head. It has a green pupil, a simpler, unhooked tail, and a darker green, more elongated hexagon within its midsection.

Zygarde Cells tend to be scattered around the Pokémon world, allowing the Zygarde Cores to observe the ecosystem, seeing through their eyes, as depicted in the anime. The Zygarde Cells form the rest of Zygarde's body and are only able to act on the Core's orders. The Cells also have the ability to fly in amazing speed, allowing them to reach a Zygarde Core from far away. Even though they are scattered all over the world, they're extremely hard to find as they are almost always invisible.

50% Form

Zygarde 50% Forme has a serpentine body with green and black markings. Most of its back, head, and neck are black, while the underbelly and the tip of its tail are green. Its eyes are made of four green hexagons, similar to an insect with compound eyes, and there is a thin, white line down the center of its face. Across the back of its neck is a large frill made of five long, flat protrusions that each have two small, green hexagons on them. There are three short tendrils on either side of its chest; they are black on the right and green on the left. Its tail also ends in five tendrils. It has many small, green hexagon markings on its body capable of glowing.

The 50% Forme of Zygarde is formed from half of its Cores and Cells reuniting. Zygarde is thought to monitor those who destroy the ecosystem from deep within its cave. This form of Zygarde is known to be both ruthless and mercilessly destroying anyone who stands in its way. Should the region's ecosystem fall into disarray, it will appear and reveal its power. This power is Zygarde changing into the powerful Complete Forme. Zygarde can summon and control massive roots, which it can use to attack and cover areas. It is shown to affect the weather by changing the sky to the color red.

10% Form

Zygarde 10% Forme has a relatively small canine body. It is primarily black with a green collar and a leash-like extension on its neck. Additional green markings include two hexagon markings on its chest, a small hexagon over each eye, the area around its mouth, and its front left paw. There is an elongated, red hexagon marking attached to the collar marking. Its eyes are white hexagons with no discernible pupils and there is a thin, white line on its forehead. On each of its legs are hexagonal extensions: two on the back of each elbow, one behind each knee, and two on each hip. One of the hip extensions is longer than the other on each hip. Zygarde 10% Forme also has razor-sharp teeth.

10% Zygarde is created when a Zygarde Core combines with only 10% of the total Zygarde Cells. 10% Zygarde Forme is skilled at close range combat. It is also capable of running at speeds greater than 60 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour). A single Core acts as the brain for the 10% form. This allows it to take action separately from Zygarde's 50% Forme, which comprises its main body, for a short time before separating.

Complete Forme

Zygarde Complete Forme has a large, humanoid body with a long tail similar to Zygarde 50% Forme's body. There are several flat protrusions around its head and triangular protrusions around its neck. These protrusions create a crown shape. On its face are three white hexagonal marks: one in the middle of its forehead with a line through it and two that act as eyes. There are an additional five green hexagons on its face: four along the bottom and one in the middle of a short protrusion on top. Each shoulder has two serpentine wings protruding from it. The wings all have an undulating pattern and a hexagon near the tip: blue on the right side and red on the left. There are multiple white protrusions on its body: three on each hand acting as claws, one on each knee, and one and the front of each foot. Additionally, there are green hexagons surrounding its wrists and two under the white protrusions on its knees and feet. Its abdomen has a vertical, hexagonal pattern with a thin, white line on either side. Across its chest is a thin, zigzagging opening that fades between five colors: red, orange, white, cyan, and blue. The chest can open, revealing five cores of each color. Above this opening are two large green, hexagonal marks.

The Complete Forme of Zygarde is formed when all 100% of its Cells and Cores come together. Zygarde Complete Forme contains separate Cores for each of its wings and its tail. In this case, each Core can make decisions and act independently of the others. Zygarde is shown capable of using the mouths of its tail and wings to propel itself by shooting beams out of them. In the same episode, Zygarde Complete Forme is shown to restore an unbalanced ecosystem and weather back to normal. The opening on its chest can radiate enough energy to destroy everything around it. This form only appears to neutralize huge threats to the ecosystem. This form is powerful enough to overwhelm even its counterparts, Xerneas and Yveltal.

Appearances

Main Pokémon games

In Pokémon X and Y, Zygarde 50% Forme appears in Terminus Cave after becoming Champion.

In Pokémon Sun and Moon, ninety-five Zygarde Cells and five Zygarde Cores are scattered throughout Alola. If brought to the Aether Foundation lab on Alola Route 16, depending on how many Cells the player has, Zygarde 10% Forme with Aura Break, 50% Forme with Aura Break, or 50% Forme with Power Construct are available.

In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, a 50% Forme Zygarde can be found in Resolution Cave after becoming Champion. After catching Zygarde, a different Zygarde can be obtained from Dexio after battling him in the Aether Foundation lab on Alola Route 16, obtaining the Zygarde Cube.

Super Smash Bros. series

Zygarde appears as a Spirit, in both 50% and Complete forms, in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

In the anime

Zygarde in the anime

Zygarde played an important role in the 19th season of the Pokémon anime.

A Shiny 10% Forme Zygarde appeared in Pokémon Horizons: The Series, under the ownership of Gibeon.

A Complete Forme Zygarde appeared in Pokémon Generations, where Red and his Pikachu encountered it at the end of Terminus Cave.

Origin and inspiration

Zygarde's 10%, 50%, and Complete Formes may be inspired in part by the three children of Loki and Angrboða: Fenrir (10%), Jörmungandr (50%), and Hel (Complete).

Zygarde 50% Forme's appearance is based on a serpent in the shape of the letter Z. It may also draw inspiration from Jörmungandr, a sea serpent that encircles the earth; and Níðhöggr, a dragon that gnaws at the roots of Yggdrasil, the world tree. Its flat shape and wriggling movement may be inspired by the tsuchinoko, a Japanese cryptid, and its snakelike appearance may be inspired by nāga, a class of snake entities in South and Southeast Asian cultures.

Zygarde 10% Forme may be based on the wolf Fenrir. The green leash-like object around its neck could be based on Gleipnir, the rope that binds Fenrir. Its left front paw has a different color from the others, being green instead of black, which is possibly a reference to Fenrir biting off the god Týr's right hand in reprisal for being bound by him. This Forme could also draw inspiration from Garmr, the watchdog that guards Helheim's gate. In appearance, it resembles a Doberman Pinscher.

Zygarde Complete Forme may be based on Hel, the ruler of Helheim, the realm of the dead in Nordic myth. The colors on its Complete Forme's chest match the colors of the real-world flag of France, the country which inspired the region of Kalos. These colors also match the colors of Xerneas and Yveltal. Design-wise, it resembles a humanoid giant mecha despite its organic basis; its light-up technological appearance, "transforming"/"combining" gimmick, and the face-like pattern on its chest are all tropes commonly used for fictional mecha.

Zygarde Cells and Zygarde Cores may be based on cells as well as flatworms (specifically planaria) and single-celled organisms such as slime molds and members of Euglena. Some planarians' ocelli also resemble eyes, which may have inspired the designs for the Cell and Core Zygarde. The hexagons within them may represent a cell nucleus.

In-game information

Pokédex entries

Title	Entry
Sixth Pokémon generation
Pokémon X	When the Kalos region's ecosystem falls into disarray, it appears and reveals its secret power.
Pokémon Y	It's hypothesized that it's monitoring those who destroy the ecosystem from deep in the cave where it lives.
Pokémon Omega Ruby	When the Kalos region's ecosystem falls into disarray, it appears and reveals its secret power.
Pokémon Alpha Sapphire	It's hypothesized that it's monitoring those who destroy the ecosystem from deep in the cave where it lives.
Seventh Pokémon generation
Pokémon Sun	This is Zygarde's form when it has gathered 50% of its cells. It wipes out all those who oppose it, showing not a shred of mercy.
Pokémon Moon	It's thought to be monitoring the ecosystem. There are rumors that even greater power lies hidden within it.
Pokémon Ultra Sun	This is Zygarde's form when about half of its pieces have been assembled. It plays the role of monitoring the ecosystem.
Pokémon Ultra Moon	Some say it can change to an even more powerful form when battling those who threaten the ecosystem.

10% Forme

Title	Entry
Seventh Pokémon generation
Pokémon Sun	Its sharp fangs make short work of finishing off its enemies, but it's unable to maintain this body indefinitely. After a period of time, it falls apart.
Pokémon Moon	This is Zygarde's form when about 10% of its cells have been gathered. It runs across the land at speeds greater than 60 mph.
Pokémon Ultra Sun	This is Zygarde when about 10% of its pieces have been assembled. It leaps at its opponent's chest and sinks its sharp fangs into them.
Pokémon Ultra Moon	Born when around 10% of Zygarde's cells have been gathered from all over, this form is skilled in close-range combat.

Complete Forme

Title	Entry
Seventh Pokémon generation
Pokémon Sun	This is Zygarde's form at times when it uses its overwhelming power to suppress those who endanger the ecosystem.
Pokémon Moon	This is Zygarde's 100% form. It has enough power to overwhelm even Xerneas or Yveltal.
Pokémon Ultra Sun	This is Zygarde's perfected form. From the orifice on its chest, it radiates high-powered energy that eliminates everything.
Pokémon Ultra Moon	Born when all of Zygarde's cells have been gathered together, it uses force to neutralize those who harm the ecosystem.

Game locations

Title	Location(s)
Sixth Pokémon generation
Pokémon X	Terminus Cave
Pokémon Y	Terminus Cave
Seventh Pokémon generation
Pokémon Sun	Aether Foundation lab on Route 16 (using Zygarde cells)
Pokémon Moon	Aether Foundation lab on Route 16 (using Zygarde cells)
Pokémon Ultra Sun	Resolution Cave (50%) Aether Base on Route 16 (10%, gift)
Pokémon Ultra Moon	Resolution Cave (50%) Aether Base on Route 16 (10%, gift)
Eighth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Sword	Max Lair (Dynamax Adventure)
Pokémon Shield	Max Lair (Dynamax Adventure)

Form Change

Zygarde	Use Zygarde Cube with 50 or more Cells*	Zygarde 50% Form

Zygarde	Have less than 50% of HP with Ability Power Construct	Zygarde Complete Form

Base Stats

50% Forme

Base Stats
HP	108
Attack	100
Defense	121
Sp. Attack	81
Sp. Defense	95
Speed	95
Total	600

10% Forme

Base Stats
HP	54
Attack	100
Defense	71
Sp. Attack	61
Sp. Defense	85
Speed	115
Total	486

Complete Forme

Base Stats
HP	216
Attack	100
Defense	121
Sp. Attack	91
Sp. Defense	95
Speed	85
Total	708

Gallery

Main article: Zygarde/gallery

Renders

Renders
X Y File:PKMNXY718-S.png Sword Shield File:PKMNSS718-S.png

10%

Renders
Sun Moon File:PKMNSM718-10-S.png Sword Shield File:PKMNSS718-10-S.png

Complete

Renders
Sun Moon File:PKMNSM718-C-S.png Sword Shield File:PKMNSS718-C-S.png

Trivia

• Zygarde is currently the last Pokémon in alphabetical order.
• Zygarde Complete Forme is the only Pokémon with a base stat total of 708.
• Zygarde Complete Forme has the highest base HP stat of all Ground-type Pokémon.
• Zygarde Complete Forme was the first in-battle transformation that changes the base HP of the user in question and the only one prior to the introduction of Dynamax.
  • Consequently, Zygarde is also the only Pokémon that can have its HP increased without Dynamaxing.
• Zygarde is the only Pokémon that has two standard Abilities but does not have a Hidden Ability.
• All of Zygarde's forms, even the Zygarde Core, possess at least one red hexagon in their design except 50% Zygarde.