Analysis
Zangoose in the February 2025 metagame acts as both a fantastic wallbreaker and late game sweeper. Its ability Toxic Boost paired with Facade means that you can have an effective 215 base power move before STAB while maintaining a solid speed tier. After a Swords Dance, Facade can OHKO max defense Weezing, Uxie, Sigilyph, 2HKO Bewear, as well as having a very favorable roll to OHKO Togedemaru. Its speed tier leaves it in a very good position as even when Adamant, it outspeeds Hitmonchan and Breloom, both of which it has a roll to OHKO with a +2 Quick Attack.
Zangoose can fit onto a lot of archetypes but it benefits the most from Sticky Web. Being able to outpace all of the speedsters as well as having insurance against Choice Scarf is super valuable as it really relies on Swords Dance to let Quick Attack deal enough damage to threaten them from full health. Zangoose doesn’t need Sticky Web to function, but Stealth Rock is an absolute must without it because it turns so many rolls to OHKO with Quick Attack at +2 to guaranteed OHKOs. The lack of ghost types in the meta means that you can just run all normal or normal/fighting moves. Zangoose’s main drawback is that you need to position it well to be effective. It knocks out most things from over half with Facade but you still need the turn for Toxic Orb to kick in. The other downside is that it’s not the most splashable Pokemon in the world. If there is nothing to take advantage of its breaking power then it’s taking up a team slot better used for other things. It fits best on Offense and HO with some occasional uses in Balance.
Cores
Zangoose + Araquanid + Pangoro is a great Sticky Web core as either Pangoro or Zangoose can work to break down walls while the other cleans games.
Zangoose + support Persian-Alola is a better fit for more balance style teams because spreading paralysis to Pokemon faster than Zangoose makes them super easy targets for Zangoose to clean up later. Parting Shot can also open up opportunities to get Zangoose into sweeping position and removes the need to wait a turn before the Toxic Orb takes effect.
Written by qbking3