Vinnie is probably the first big test you will encounter in your journey with **Pokémon Legends: Z-A**. While veterans may breeze through this battle, new players have quite a bit to consider when facing his team. Here’s everything you need to know about Vinnie’s lineup and how to counter it effectively.
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### Vinnie’s Team and Their Weaknesses
Rintaro’s team consists of the following Pokémon, so be sure to prepare appropriate counters for each:
– **Houndoom** (Level 30, Grass-type)
Weak to: Water, Fighting, Ground, and Rock-type moves
– **Sharpedo** (Level 30, Water-type)
Weak to: Bug, Fairy, Grass, Fighting, and Electric-type moves
– **Buneary** (Level 30, Fire-type)
Weak to: Fighting-type moves
– **Mega Drampa** (Level 32, Normal/Dragon-type)
Weak to: Fighting, Dragon, Ice, and Fairy-type moves
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### Your Secret Weapon: Heracross (“Bois”)
The game actually provides a secret weapon for this fight—a free Heracross named **Bois**. This Pokémon can carry you through much of the game and is especially valuable in this battle.
To obtain Bois, complete Side Mission 002: *”A Use for an Evolution Stone.”* You can find details and the location for this mission on our [Pokémon Legends: Z-A Interactive Map](#).
Bois is an exceptional Pokémon due to its strength. Equip him with **Brick Break** and **Rock Smash**, and he can easily steamroll through Vinnie’s lineup as long as he is above Level 30.
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### Recommended Team Composition
While Bois is a strong choice, it’s not a bad idea to have a solid backup. Consider evolving a **Pancham** into a **Pangoro**. Pangoro is excellent for this battle, countering most of Vinnie’s picks effectively and boasting a powerful moveset for maximum damage.
Additionally, having an **Absol** in your party can be helpful as a reliable health bar if needed—though it’s unlikely you’ll rely on it heavily in this fight.
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### Summary
Focus primarily on building a team with strong **Fighting-type** Pokémon to exploit the weaknesses in Vinnie’s lineup. With Bois the Heracross leading the charge and a Pangoro backup, this battle should be a breeze.
Good luck on your adventure in **Pokémon Legends: Z-A**!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146516/how-to-beat-vinnie-pokemon-legends-za-weaknesses-counters
