How to Learn Psycho Cut in Pokémon Legends Z-A: A Comprehensive Guide

The upcoming release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A has ignited excitement among trainers eager to explore Lumiose City’s revitalized urban landscape and uncover the mysteries of its re-urbanization plan. A crucial aspect of mastering any Pokémon game, especially one with a potentially revamped battle system, is understanding how to acquire and utilize powerful moves. In this guide, we will delve into everything you need to know about learning Psycho Cut in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, focusing on which Pokémon can learn it, where to find the move tutor, and how it relates to specific side missions like Side Mission 87.

Understanding Psycho Cut: A Powerful Psychic-Type Attack

Psycho Cut is a Physical Psychic-type move known for its high critical hit ratio. This makes it a valuable asset in battle, allowing Pokémon to bypass an opponent’s defenses with increased frequency. In previous generations, Psycho Cut had 70 base power and 90% accuracy. While its stats might be subject to change in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, its core function as a critical-hit-focused move will likely remain. This makes it exceptionally useful against Pokémon with high Defense stats, such as Rock and Steel types, where landing a critical hit can significantly amplify its damage output.

The Advantages of Using Psycho Cut

• High Critical Hit Ratio: Provides a significant advantage by increasing the chance of dealing double damage.
• Physical Attack: Targets the opponent’s Defense stat, making it effective against Pokémon with low Defense but high Special Defense.
• Psychic-Type Coverage: Offers valuable coverage against Fighting and Poison-type Pokémon, which are prevalent threats in many Pokémon regions.
• Versatile Movepool Inclusion: Many Pokémon with diverse movepools can learn Psycho Cut, adding flexibility to your team composition.

How Psycho Cut Might Differ in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Given the historical changes to move mechanics introduced in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, it’s prudent to expect some adjustments to Psycho Cut’s functionality. Potential alterations might include:

• Agile and Strong Styles: Psycho Cut may gain Agile and Strong Style variations, impacting its speed and power, respectively.
• PP (Power Points) System: The PP system might be altered or removed, as was the case in Arceus, potentially relying on a different resource management system.
• Move Learning Methods: The method for learning Psycho Cut could be different, possibly involving specific trainers or in-game events.

Pokémon That Can Learn Psycho Cut in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

While a definitive list is impossible before the game’s release, we can extrapolate from previous games which Pokémon are likely candidates for learning Psycho Cut in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. We’ve compiled a list of Pokémon that could potentially learn Psycho Cut.

Likely Candidates Based on Previous Games

• Gallade: This Psychic/Fighting-type Pokémon is a prime candidate, given its focus on physical attacks and its access to Psycho Cut in previous generations.
• Gardevoir: This Psychic/Fairy-type is more geared towards Special Attack, it still learns Psycho Cut in past titles, and might continue to do so.
• Scyther/Scizor: As a Bug/Steel-type, Scizor benefits greatly from having Psychic-type coverage and has consistently learned Psycho Cut.
• Bisharp/Kingambit: These Dark/Steel-types are known for their aggressive, physical fighting style, and Psycho Cut is a logical fit for their movepool.
• Lucario: As a Fighting/Steel-type, Lucario’s diverse movepool and focus on physical attacks make it a likely candidate.
• Zoroark/Hisuian Zoroark: These Dark-types are cunning and versatile, and Psycho Cut aligns with their strategic combat style.
• Alakazam: This powerful Psychic-type can cover its weakness with Psycho Cut.
• Ninetales/Alolan Ninetales: This Fire/Ice type covers its weakness with the strong psychic move Psycho Cut.
• Absol: This Dark-type Pokémon is a notable exclusion from the list of potential Psycho Cut learners. If Side Mission 87 requires Psycho Cut, you’ll need to rely on another Pokémon in your party.

Pokémon with a Lower Probability but Possible Inclusion

• Greninja: With its versatile movepool and history of learning unconventional moves, Greninja could potentially learn Psycho Cut.
• Aegislash: This Steel/Ghost-type could benefit from the added coverage, but its moveset tends to be more defensively oriented.

Locating the Move Tutor for Psycho Cut

In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, move tutors played a pivotal role in enabling Pokémon to learn moves outside of their natural level-up progression. We anticipate a similar system in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

Potential Locations for the Move Tutor

• Training Grounds: Similar to Legends: Arceus, a dedicated training ground within Lumiose City could house the move tutor. This area might be specifically designed for Pokémon training and battles.
• Pokémon Center: The Pokémon Center, a staple of the series, could also serve as a hub for move tutoring services. This would provide convenient access for trainers throughout their journey.
• Battle Facility: If Lumiose City features a battle facility, such as a Battle Tower or Battle Maison, the move tutor might be located within this structure.
• Specific Building: A designated building within Lumiose City could host the move tutor, perhaps tied to a specific story event or quest line.

How to Identify the Move Tutor

• Unique Dialogue: The move tutor will likely have distinctive dialogue that indicates their expertise in teaching Pokémon moves.
• Visual Cues: Look for characters dressed in attire that suggests they are trainers or mentors, such as uniforms or specialized clothing.
• Interactive Prompts: Interacting with the move tutor should trigger a prompt or menu that allows you to select which Pokémon and moves you wish to learn.

Cost of Learning Psycho Cut

Learning Psycho Cut from the move tutor will likely require a specific currency or resource. In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, this was often Merit Points (MP) or in-game currency. Be prepared to gather the necessary resources to unlock the move for your chosen Pokémon.

Side Mission 87 and the Importance of Psycho Cut

The mention of Side Mission 87 highlights the practical importance of learning Psycho Cut in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. While the specifics of the mission remain unknown, we can speculate based on the information provided.

Possible Objectives of Side Mission 87

• Defeating Specific Pokémon: The mission might require you to defeat a particular Pokémon using Psycho Cut, possibly one that is weak to Psychic-type attacks.
• Using Psycho Cut in a Specific Location: The mission could involve using Psycho Cut to interact with the environment, such as cutting down an obstacle or activating a mechanism.
• Demonstrating Proficiency with Psycho Cut: The mission might task you with showcasing your skill in using Psycho Cut in battle, potentially requiring you to land a certain number of critical hits.
• Unlocking a new Area: The mission could require the use of Psycho Cut to unlock new area in the game, advancing through the storyline.

Why Absol Cannot Learn Psycho Cut

The detail that Absol cannot learn Psycho Cut is crucial. If Side Mission 87 hinges on using Psycho Cut, players will need to select a different Pokémon from their party to complete the objective. This emphasizes the importance of having a diverse team with access to a variety of moves.

Strategies for Completing Side Mission 87

• Choose the Right Pokémon: Select a Pokémon from the list above that can learn Psycho Cut and is well-suited for the mission’s potential challenges.
• Level Up Your Pokémon: Ensure that your chosen Pokémon is at a sufficient level to handle the battles or tasks required by the mission.
• Optimize Your Movepool: In addition to Psycho Cut, equip your Pokémon with other moves that provide coverage against different types of opponents.
• Gather Necessary Items: Stock up on potions, revives, and other items that can help you sustain your Pokémon during the mission.
• Experiment and Adapt: Be prepared to adjust your strategy based on the specific requirements of the mission.

The Role of Psycho Cut in the Re-Urbanization of Lumiose City

The narrative context of Pokémon Legends: Z-A centers around the re-urbanization of Lumiose City. While Psycho Cut might seem like a purely combat-oriented move, it could potentially play a role in this broader theme.

Potential Narrative Applications of Psycho Cut

• Clearing Obstacles: Psycho Cut could be used to clear debris or overgrown vegetation that is obstructing the city’s redevelopment efforts.
• Restoring Infrastructure: The move could be used to repair or reinforce weakened structures, such as bridges or buildings.
• Protecting Construction Sites: Psycho Cut could be employed to defend construction sites from wild Pokémon or other threats that are disrupting the re-urbanization process.
• Discovering Hidden Areas: Psycho Cut could be used to cut through overgrown areas, uncovering hidden areas or passageways within the city.

How Psycho Cut Contributes to the Game’s Theme

By incorporating Psycho Cut into the re-urbanization narrative, the game could emphasize the interconnectedness of Pokémon and human society. It could demonstrate how Pokémon abilities can be harnessed to improve the environment and contribute to the overall well-being of the community.

Mastering Psycho Cut: Tips and Strategies for Battle

Beyond its potential narrative applications, Psycho Cut remains a potent move in battle. Here are some tips and strategies for maximizing its effectiveness:

Team Composition

• Type Coverage: Ensure that your team has adequate coverage against a variety of types, including those that resist Psychic-type attacks.
• Synergy: Choose Pokémon that complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses, creating a well-rounded and balanced team.
• Role Specialization: Designate specific roles for your Pokémon, such as attackers, defenders, and supporters, to optimize your team’s overall performance.

Battle Tactics

• Predicting Opponent’s Moves: Anticipate your opponent’s moves and switch to a Pokémon that has a type advantage.
• Status Effects: Utilize status effects, such as paralysis or poison, to weaken your opponent and create opportunities for attack.
• Strategic Switching: Switch Pokémon strategically to maintain momentum and avoid unfavorable matchups.
• Critical Hit Focus: Employ moves or abilities that further increase the critical hit ratio of Psycho Cut, maximizing its damage output.

Item Usage

• Held Items: Equip your Pokémon with held items that enhance their stats or provide other benefits, such as Choice Band or Scope Lens.
• Battle Items: Utilize battle items, such as X Attack or X Speed, to temporarily boost your Pokémon’s stats and gain an advantage.
• Healing Items: Carry a supply of potions and revives to keep your Pokémon healthy and battle-ready.

Conclusion: Embracing the Power of Psycho Cut in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

As Pokémon Legends: Z-A approaches, understanding the intricacies of moves like Psycho Cut will be essential for success. By knowing which Pokémon can learn it, where to find the move tutor, and how it can be utilized in both battles and narrative contexts, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the challenges that await in Lumiose City. Whether you’re completing Side Mission 87 or simply seeking to optimize your team’s performance, mastering Psycho Cut will undoubtedly prove to be a valuable asset in your Pokémon journey. Stay tuned for more updates and strategies as we delve deeper into the world of Pokémon Legends: Z-A!

We hope this comprehensive guide helps you in your journey to master Psycho Cut in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Remember to experiment with different Pokémon, strategies, and move combinations to find what works best for you. Good luck, and happy training!