Physiology
Zoroark is a bipedal fox-like Pokémon, and mainly grayish-brown in coloration with red and black accents. It has a pointed snout and ears, the insides of which have red coloration. Zoroark also has some red rimming its eyes and mouth. Zoroark has a large, voluminous mane, primarily red in coloration but with black tips. The mane also somewhat resembles a ponytail, as a teal bangle down its length separates a mass of the mane from the lower portion. Zoroark has a black ruff on its upper body, pointed at the shoulders from which its arms extend. Its upper arms are thin, whereas its lower arms, while still slim, are bulkier. The arms have spiky extensions of fur at the elbows, and Zoroark's three claws, as well as the claws on its feet, are red in coloration.
Gender differences
None.
Special abilities
Zoroark are capable of changing their physical appearance. They are capable of deluding many people simultaneously. However, unlike moves like Transform, this change doesn't effect type or attacks. They can make illusions of attacks, and these illusions are extremely realistic, to the point even cameras are fooled and one may believe they're being physically restrained. Zoroark, along with its pre-evolution, are the only Pokémon capable of learning Night Burst.
Behavior
Zoroark live in groups, where unity is strong. They are extremely protective of those they care about and are willing to go to any lengths to keep them safe, including risking their own life, and also hold grudges on those who harm their loved ones. Zoroark has the ability to create illusions to confuse foes, and will even create illusory landscapes to hide its territory.
Habitat
Zoroark appears to live in forests, and will create an illusory landscape to protect its den.
Diet
- Zoroark was first revealed by Junichi Masuda as a silhouette in the February 7, 2010 edition of Pokémon Sunday. Its full image was later revealed in the March 2010 issue of CoroCoro, alongside its pre-evolution, Zorua.
- Due to its debut before Generation V in Zoroark: Master of Illusions, it can be seen as a parallel to Lucario, which debuted in Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, prior to the release of Generation IV. Unlike Lucario, however, Zoroark was revealed at the same time as its pre-evolved form.
- Coincidentally, they both share the same names in Japanese and English versions of the game, are in the Ground Egg Group and need 1,059,860 Exp. to reach level 100.
- Zoroark and Zorua are the only two non-legendary Pokémon to be event-exclusive, discounting Rotom's alternate forms in Platinum.
Origin
Zoroark is likely based on kitsune of Japanese folklore, a shape-shifting mythical fox that would trick unsuspecting travelers for fun. This is similar to Ninetales, another Pokémon based on kitsune. Its facial markings draw from Kabuki and Noh theatre makeup. It also resembles a werewolf, due to the fact that it is an anthropomorphic canid, like most werewolves. Its large claws are also werewolf-like.
Name origin
Zoroark's name comes from zorro, Spanish for "fox", and the English word "dark". Also may come from 悪, aku (evil).