Rogue Mega Banette in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is one of the most unpredictable Rogue Mega battles you’ll encounter in Lumiose City. Hiding in the alleys of the Jaune District, this Ghost-type Pokémon combines illusions, area-wide attacks, and tricky clones that make the encounter more about precision than raw power.
Rogue Mega Banette Type and Weaknesses
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Ghost |
| Weaknesses | Ghost and Dark-type attacks |
| Resistances | Bug and Poison |
| Immunities | Normal and Fighting |
| Recommended Level | 39 – 46 |
Mega Banette’s single typing limits its weaknesses but also makes it dangerous to face with other Ghost-types — they can deal double damage, yet they also take double in return. Dark-type Pokémon are your safest and most consistent option.
Best Pokémon to Counter Rogue Mega Banette
1. Absol (Dark-type)
Absol is the strongest counter to Mega Banette thanks to its Dark typing and balanced move pool. If you’ve completed Main Mission 9, you’ll already have both Absol and its Mega Stone (Absolite), giving you a clear advantage.
Recommended Moveset
- Swords Dance – sharply boosts Attack for stronger follow-ups.
- Shadow Claw – deals damage and reduces Banette’s Sp. Def.
- Night Slash – a high-crit Dark attack that hits hard.
- Ice Beam – optional ranged coverage for safer spacing.
Suggested Rotation: Swords Dance → Shadow Claw → Night Slash → Ice Beam → Shadow Claw
Mega Evolving Absol amplifies every move into Plus Moves, making it capable of breaking through Banette’s defenses even during its clone phases.
2. Sharpedo (Dark/Water-type)
Sharpedo’s high Attack and access to critical-hit boosting abilities make it another strong choice. Purchase Sharpedonite from Quasartico Inc. for 180 Mega Shards to unlock its Mega Evolution.
Recommended Moveset
- Focus Energy – increases critical-hit rate.
- Crunch – heavy Dark-type STAB move.
- Night Slash – consistent secondary Dark-type hit.
- Bite – low-cooldown filler to maintain pressure.
Move Loop: Focus Energy → Crunch → Night Slash → Bite
Sharpedo’s burst potential can quickly deplete Banette’s HP, but keep an eye on its defenses — time your dodges between attacks.
Battle Strategy: How to Defeat Rogue Mega Banette
1. Spot the Real Banette
During the fight, Rogue Mega Banette will spawn several clones. Each fake has a visible HP bar and name tag, while the real Banette shows no such markers. Always focus your attacks on the Banette without a bar or name above it.
2. Avoid Clone Spin and Slash Waves
When Banette charges up, clones appear and unleash three spinning slashes. Circle around the arena’s edge and dodge (press Y) right as they close in. Timing this correctly prevents chain damage from multiple hits.
3. Handle Confuse Ray Smartly
If your active Pokémon becomes confused, switch it out immediately. Waiting through confusion wastes turns and exposes your team to critical hits.
4. Stay Mobile
Banette frequently uses Phantom Force, Shadow Ball, and Shadow Sneak, disappearing into the ground before reappearing elsewhere. Keep moving laterally — the projectiles are slow but linger, so spacing matters.
5. Survive the Enraged Phase
At roughly 30–40% HP, Banette enters an enraged state, summoning even more clones that spin around the center. Stick near the outer rim of the arena, unleash long-range attacks like Ice Beam or Crunch, and only close in when it’s safe.
Rogue Mega Banette Moveset Summary
| Move | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Phantom Force | Ghost | Disappears and strikes from another location — dodge immediately. |
| Shadow Ball | Ghost | Fires a dark projectile; can lower Sp. Def. |
| Shadow Sneak | Ghost | Fast-moving shadow that tracks the target. |
| Confuse Ray | Ghost | Sends 3 orbs that cause Confusion on contact. |
| Slash | Normal | Direct melee swipe. |
| Double Team | Normal | Creates multiple copies to obscure the real Banette. |
Rewards for Defeating Rogue Mega Banette
Upon victory, you’ll receive the Banettite Mega Stone, allowing your own Banette to Mega Evolve during future battles. The fight also unlocks additional Rogue Mega encounters as part of the Lumiose City storyline.
Tips for Rogue Mega Banette
- Save your Mega Power Gauge for your strongest Pokémon’s Mega Evolution, not for occasional Plus Moves.
- Bring Revives and Super Potions; Banette’s Confuse Ray and clone attacks can wipe teammates unexpectedly.
- Avoid bringing Psychic-types, which take extra damage from Ghost attacks.
- Keep your team between levels 39 and 46 for a balanced challenge.
The Rogue Mega Banette battle in Pokémon Legends Z-A tests both timing and team synergy rather than sheer strength. By leaning on Dark-type counters like Absol or Sharpedo, staying mobile during clone phases, and managing your Mega Power effectively, you’ll take down this mischievous Ghost with confidence — and add a new Mega Stone to your growing collection. Play Now!
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