Pangoro is first introduced as a detained Pokémon at the Ryme City Police Station where Pikachu is also being wrongfully detained at. Although initially appearing aloof at first, Pangoro assists Pikachu's investigations by helping Pikachu access the duct system which connects the rooms at the police station. Pangoro also helps Pikachu and Luxray coordinate their escape from detainment at the police station by distracting the humans while Pikachu escapes.
Tim and Pikachu later meet Pangoro at the bamboo forest at Bamboo Borough where Pangoro helps clear boulders blocking the path. Pangoro also protects the team from a Unitas member's Golem which had been under the influence of a Control Cube.
It is strongly implied that Pikachu had met Pangoro at the same bamboo forest as a Pancham many years ago, when Pikachu had protected Pancham after it had become injured and paralyzed by a beserk Pokémon. Pancham is healed by Harry Goodman at the time with a Heal Powder. Pangoro later recognizes Pikachu at the police station, although Pikachu does not recognize Pangoro due to his memory loss.
Pangoro is later recruited by Pikachu in the final case investigating Unitas at the Pokémon Unity Lab. Pangoro's strength is again used to move crates blocking the team's path in various rooms. Pangoro also helps Tim and the rest of the group escape from Unitas members by buying them time by battling against Unitas members. Pangoro is later brought in by Merloch alongside Luxray, Darmanitan, and Growlithe at the climax of the game under the effects of a Control Cube, although it is freed from its effects when Merloch (fused with Deoxys) accidentally breaks the cube controller.
Personality and characteristics
Although appearing aloof at first, Pangoro is willing to assist Pikachu in helping his investigations at the Ryme City Police Station, and also readily lends its strength to protect others. Pangoro is introduced as the Boss of the Bamboo Forest, although its role in the forest otherwise is unknown.
Ride action
Pangoro can be ridden on by Pikachu at various points in the game. Pressing the R button allows Pangoro to push a heavy object (such as boulders and crates) in front of it. This will push the object one space at a time, although objects pressed against other objects or walls cannot be pushed. Objects cannot be pulled backwards, and the - button can be pressed to restart the puzzle.