Best Rock-Type Pokémon in Pokémon Legends Z-A: Tier List and Analysis
Rock-type Pokémon are the quintessential bruisers of the Pokémon world, boasting high Defense stats and powerful physical attacks. They are perfect for absorbing hits and dishing out heavy damage. However, this strength often comes with a trade-off: a long list of common weaknesses that can make them vulnerable. In Pokémon Legends Z-A, Mega Evolutions provide a massive boost to this type, turning several solid contenders into top-tier threats.
This guide breaks down all the confirmed Rock-type Pokémon in the game, ranking them from the dominant S-Tier to the situational D-Tier to help you build the strongest team.
Rock-Type Pokémon Tier List
Here is the definitive tier list for all fully evolved Rock-type Pokémon in Pokémon Legends Z-A, taking into account their stats, typing, and access to Mega Evolution.
| Tier | Pokémon |
|---|---|
| S-Tier | Mega Tyranitar, Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Aggron |
| A-Tier | Mega Diancie, Mega Barbaracle, Tyranitar |
| B-Tier | Aggron, Diancie, Aerodactyl, Barbaracle |
| C-Tier | Onix, Aurorus |
| D-Tier | Lairon, Pupitar, Larvitar, Aron, Binacle |
S-Tier: The Unshakeable Elite
The Pokémon in this tier are true titans. They possess overwhelming power, excellent stats, and game-changing abilities that make them the best of their class.
- Mega Tyranitar: A pseudo-legendary for a reason, Mega Tyranitar is a destructive force of nature. Its already monstrous Attack, Defense, and Special Defense stats are pushed to staggering levels. The Rock/Dark typing provides it with a powerful offensive combination, allowing it to threaten a huge portion of the Pokédex with moves like Stone Edge and Crunch. Its sheer bulk and power make it one of the most dominant Pokémon in the game.
- Mega Aerodactyl: Speed is the name of the game for Mega Aerodactyl. Upon Mega Evolving, it becomes one of the fastest Pokémon available, capable of out-speeding nearly any opponent. This incredible Speed, combined with a high Attack stat, allows it to function as a devastating revenge killer or lead attacker.
- Mega Aggron: Mega Aggron is the ultimate defensive wall. It trades its Rock/Steel typing for pure Steel, which drastically reduces its weaknesses, and its Defense stat skyrockets to an incredible level. While it loses its Rock-typing offensively, it is often found on teams needing a Rock-type, and its pre-evolution fits the bill. It can absorb nearly any physical hit and retaliate with powerful attacks.
A-Tier: Powerful and Formidable
A-Tier Pokémon are exceptional combatants that excel in their roles. They may have a minor flaw holding them back from S-Tier, but they are still top-class choices for any team.
- Mega Diancie & Mega Barbaracle: Both of these new Mega Evolutions bring significant power. Mega Diancie becomes a fast special attacker with a great Rock/Fairy typing, capable of hitting hard with moves like Moonblast and Diamond Storm. The new Mega Barbaracle gains a substantial boost to its Attack and Speed, turning it into a formidable physical sweeper with access to the powerful Shell Smash.
- Tyranitar: Even without its Mega Evolution, Tyranitar is a beast. Its base stats are fantastic, and its Sand Stream ability can disrupt weather-based strategies while chipping away at opponents’ health. It’s a reliable and powerful choice from the moment you get it.
B-Tier: Solid and Dependable
These Pokémon are strong and can fill important roles on a team, but they have more defined weaknesses or are slightly outclassed by the tiers above.
- Aggron: With a great Defense stat and solid Attack, Aggron can function as a reliable physical tank. Its Rock/Steel typing gives it numerous resistances, but also two 4x weaknesses to Fighting and Ground, which can be easily exploited.
- Diancie, Aerodactyl, & Barbaracle: In their base forms, these three are all solid Pokémon. Diancie has incredible defensive stats, Aerodactyl is very fast, and Barbaracle can set up and sweep with Shell Smash. They are all viable but are truly unlocked by their Mega Evolutions.
C-Tier and D-Tier: Niche and Outclassed
Pokémon in these tiers are either not fully evolved or have significant flaws that make them difficult to use effectively in most battles.
- Onix (C-Tier): Onix is known for its high Defense, but its extremely low HP and Attack stats make it difficult to use in serious battles. It serves mostly as an early-game wall before you find better options.
- Aurorus (C-Tier): Aurorus possesses the Rock/Ice typing, which is one of the worst defensive combinations in the game, leaving it with 4x weaknesses to Fighting and Steel. This extreme frailty makes it a liability against many common threats.
- Unevolved Pokémon (D-Tier): This tier consists of unevolved Pokémon like Larvitar, Pupitar, Aron, and Lairon. While necessary for obtaining their powerful final forms, they should be evolved as quickly as possible and not used in significant battles.
