Ampharos stands as one of the most versatile Electric-types in Pokemon Legends Z-A, and its Mega Evolution into an Electric/Dragon powerhouse makes it absolutely devastating. Whether you’re battling through Lumiose City’s story or crushing competitive opponents, this lighthouse Pokemon can illuminate your path to victory with the right strategy.
Why Ampharos Is a Top-Tier Electric Choice
With impressive Special Attack stats and a unique Electric/Dragon typing upon Mega Evolution, Ampharos offers unmatched offensive coverage. While it lacks speed, its tankiness and special attacking prowess compensate beautifully, making it a reliable heavy hitter that can weather storms and deliver crushing blows.
Table of Contents
Optimal Ampharos Moveset Pokemon Legends Z-A: Campaign vs Competitive
Campaign Build (Story Mode)
| Move | Type | Purpose | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thunderbolt | Electric | Primary STAB | Consistent damage output |
| Dragon Pulse | Dragon | Mega Evolution STAB | Coverage after Mega form |
| Focus Blast | Fighting | Coverage | Reduces enemy SpDef |
| Thunder Wave | Electric | Utility | Opponent speed reduction |
Thunderbolt serves as your bread-and-butter Electric STAB move with perfect reliability. Dragon Pulse becomes crucial post-Mega Evolution, giving you powerful Dragon-type coverage. Focus Blast obliterates Rock, Ice, and Steel-types while potentially lowering Special Defense—making subsequent attacks even deadlier. Thunder Wave cripples faster opponents, negating Ampharos’s speed disadvantage.
Competitive Build (Online Battles)
| Move | Type | Purpose | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thunderbolt | Electric | Primary STAB | Reliable damage |
| Dragon Pulse | Dragon | Mega STAB | Dragon coverage |
| Light Screen | Psychic | Defense | Reduces special damage |
| Power Gem | Rock | Coverage | Flying/Fire counter |
Light Screen transforms Ampharos into a special tank, reducing incoming special attack damage significantly. Power Gem provides essential Rock coverage against Flying-types that resist Electric moves. This defensive setup allows Ampharos to outlast opponents in extended battles. Need more competitive strategies? Check our Pokemon Legends Z-A battle tactics guide.
Best Nature: Modest Is Essential
Modest nature (+Special Attack, -Attack) is non-negotiable for Ampharos. Since you’re running purely special moves, dumping physical Attack for increased Special Attack maximizes damage output. This nature perfectly complements Ampharos’s 115 base Special Attack (165 when Mega Evolved!).
Ampharos Stats Breakdown
Standard Form
- HP: 90 | Attack: 75 | Defense: 85
- Special Attack: 115 | Special Defense: 90 | Speed: 55
Mega Ampharos
- HP: 90 | Attack: 95 | Defense: 105
- Special Attack: 165 (+50) | Special Defense: 110 | Speed: 45
Notice the trade-off: Mega Evolution rockets Special Attack to an incredible 165 but drops Speed to 45. This reinforces Ampharos’s role as a slow, powerful special attacker that prioritizes damage over going first.
How to Obtain Ampharos & Ampharosite
Catching Evolution Line:
- Mareep: Wild Zone 1
- Flaaffy (evolves at Lv 15): Wild Zones 6 & 16
- Ampharos (evolves at Lv 30): Not a wild spawn, but Alpha version appears in Wild Zone 16
Ampharosite Location: Defeat Rogue Mega Ampharos during Main Mission 23 to unlock this crucial Mega Stone. This story-locked requirement means you’ll need to progress significantly before accessing Mega Evolution.
Strategic Training Tips
EV Focus: Max out Special Attack and HP for optimal performance. Special Defense investment helps competitive builds survive longer.
Speed Compensation: Use Thunder Wave strategically to slow opponents, minimizing your speed disadvantage. Partner with Trick Room users in doubles for devastating results.
Type Coverage: Ampharos struggles against Ground-types. Always have a teammate ready to handle Earthquake users. Visit our team building guide for synergy recommendations.
FAQs
Is Ampharos’s low Speed stat a dealbreaker?
Not at all! Ampharos’s tankiness and devastating Special Attack compensate for its 55 Speed (45 when Mega Evolved). Use Thunder Wave to cripple faster opponents, or embrace the slow-but-powerful playstyle. Its bulk allows it to survive hits and retaliate with massive damage, making Speed less critical than raw power.
Should I Mega Evolve Ampharos immediately in every battle?
It depends on your strategy. Mega Evolution grants incredible offensive power (+50 Special Attack) and Dragon typing, but the Speed drop can be problematic against already-fast teams. Save Mega Evolution for matchups where you need the extra power or Dragon typing for coverage. Against slower defensive teams, Mega Ampharos absolutely dominates.
