Getting the mighty Crowned forms of Zacian and Zamazenta in Pokémon GO isn’t just about luck—it’s about understanding the grind. With GO Fest 2025 bringing these legendary Pokémon to the spotlight, trainers worldwide are wondering: exactly how many raids will it take?
The short answer? You’ll need an average of 10 raids each for both Crowned Sword Zacian and Crowned Shield Zamazenta. But there’s more to the story than just numbers.
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Understanding the Crowned Energy System
To transform your Hero of Many Battles Zacian into its Crowned Sword form, you need 1,000 Crowned Sword Energy and the Charged Attack Iron Head. The same applies to Zamazenta with 1,000 Crowned Shield Energy and Iron Head.
Here’s where it gets interesting: you won’t catch the Crowned forms directly from raids—you’ll encounter the Hero forms instead, which can then be transformed.
Raid Requirements Breakdown
| Form | Energy Required | Average Raids Needed | Special Move Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crowned Sword Zacian | 1,000 Crowned Sword Energy | ~10 raids | Iron Head |
| Crowned Shield Zamazenta | 1,000 Crowned Shield Energy | ~10 raids | Iron Head |
Note: Energy amounts may vary per raid based on performance and bonuses
The GO Fest 2025 Advantage
During GO Fest 2025, ticket-holding players can access exclusive Special Research featuring both Crowned forms. This significantly reduces the grind for event participants.
Both legendary Pokémon are appearing in five-star raids during the global GO Fest event, making this the perfect time to stock up on the required energy.
Shiny Hunting Considerations
Want that golden opportunity? The estimated shiny rate is around 1 in 20 for both Pokémon during GO Fest 2025. This means if you’re hunting for shiny versions, you might need significantly more raids.
For shiny hunters, consider:
- Regular players: 20+ raids for shiny chance
- GO Fest ticket holders: Better odds through Special Research
- Casual players: Focus on one Pokémon at a time
Maximizing Your Raid Efficiency
Pro Tips for Smart Raiding:
- Team Up: Coordinate with local trainers to ensure raid success
- Remote Raids: Use Remote Raid Passes strategically during peak hours
- Focus Strategy: Concentrate on one legendary at a time to reach the 1,000 energy threshold faster
- Event Timing: Take advantage of increased spawn rates during GO Fest
Meta Impact of Crowned Forms
Both Crowned forms excel in Raids and Max Battles, with signature attacks offering Adventure Effects—Behemoth Blade boosts ATK while Behemoth Bash boosts DEF. This makes the investment worthwhile for competitive players.
Budget-Friendly Approach
Not everyone can afford 20 raids in a weekend. Here’s a realistic approach:
- Week 1-2: Focus on Zacian raids (5 raids minimum)
- Week 3-4: Switch to Zamazenta raids (5 raids minimum)
- Use free daily passes whenever these raids are available
- Save premium passes for guaranteed high-energy rewards
Key Takeaways
Getting Crowned Zacian and Zamazenta requires patience and strategy. While the average of 10 raids per Pokémon might seem daunting, the investment pays off with two of the most powerful legendary Pokémon in the game.
Remember, the Delightful Days Season runs from June 3 to September 2, 2025, giving you plenty of opportunities beyond just GO Fest to collect these legendary creatures.
For more Pokémon GO strategies and raid guides, check out our legendary raid calendar and team building guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get Crowned Energy from other sources besides raids?
A: Currently, five-star raids are the primary source of Crowned Energy. GO Fest 2025 Special Research may provide additional opportunities for ticket holders, but raids remain the most reliable method.
Q: Do I need to have Iron Head before transforming my Pokémon?
A: Yes, both Zacian and Zamazenta must know the Charged Attack Iron Head before they can be transformed using Crowned Energy. You can teach this move using a Charge TM if your Pokémon doesn’t already know it.
