Sableye has always been a tricky Pokémon to use effectively in battles, but in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, it has received some interesting updates that make it a viable option for both casual and competitive players. With its unique Ghost/Dark typing, Sableye can be a fantastic counter to Psychic and Ghost types, but only if you know how to make the most of its move pool. In this guide, I’ll break down the best moves to equip Sableye with and some tips for maximizing its potential.



Core Moves for Sableye



When building a Sableye for battle, focus on moves that complement its natural typing and capitalize on its high utility. Here are some of the moves I recommend:



1. Shadow Claw

Shadow Claw is one of the strongest Ghost-type moves for Sableye. It has high critical-hit potential and decent power, making it reliable against Psychic-types that would otherwise give Sableye trouble.



2. Foul Play

Foul Play leverages the opponent’s Attack stat, which is perfect since Sableye’s own Attack isn’t its strongest point. Against physically strong foes, this move can turn the tables quickly.



3. Recover

Sableye’s bulk can be a bit underwhelming, so pairing Recover with its moveset ensures it can stay in battle longer. Timing Recover properly can make Sableye frustrating to take down.



4. Fake Out

Fake Out is great for disrupting an opponent’s strategy, especially in the early turns of a fight. It can also buy your team a crucial turn to set up, which is essential for strategic play.



Situational Options



Depending on your team composition and what kind of battles you’re facing, you might consider these moves:



Taunt: Excellent against setup sweepers or support Pokémon.

Power Gem: Covers Sableye’s weakness against Dark-types, which otherwise can be troublesome.

Knock Off: Very useful for crippling opponents by removing their held items.



Tips for Optimizing Your Sableye



Nature and EV Spread: A Calm or Impish nature works well depending on whether you want a more defensive or utility-oriented Sableye. Focus EVs in HP and Defense or Special Defense for longevity.



Team Synergy: Pair Sableye with Pokémon that resist Fairy-type moves, which are its biggest threat.



Item Choice: Leftovers or Black Glasses can be surprisingly effective, depending on your strategy.



Additional Resources



For players who want to experiment with fully optimized Sableye builds or explore custom Pokémon options, platforms like U4GM offer ways tobuy custom Pokémon or evencheap custom Pokémon if you’re looking for specific movesets or natures. While it’s possible to train everything manually, having a head start can save a lot of time, especially for competitive play.



Sableye in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a highly versatile Pokémon that rewards careful planning and strategic play. By focusing on a balanced moveset with Shadow Claw, Foul Play, Recover, and utility options like Fake Out, you can make it a significant threat on your team. Experiment with situational moves and consider resources like U4GM for custom Pokémon if you want to optimize your battle-ready Sableye quickly. With the right setup, Sableye can surprise even the most seasoned trainers.