Vinnie is probably the first big test you will encounter in your journey with *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*. While veterans may breeze through the battle, new players have a lot to consider when taking on his team. This guide covers everything you need to know about Vinnie’s lineup and how to counter it effectively.
## Vinnie’s Team Lineup and Weaknesses
Rintaro’s team consists of the following Pokémon:
– **Houndoom** (Level 30, Grass-type)
Weak to Water, Fighting, Ground, and Rock-type moves.
– **Sharpedo** (Level 30, Water-type)
Vulnerable to Bug, Fairy, Grass, Fighting, and Electric-type moves.
– **Buneary** (Level 30, Fire-type)
Weak against Fighting-type moves.
– **Mega Drampa** (Level 32, Normal/Dragon-type)
Has weaknesses to Fighting, Dragon, Ice, and Fairy-type moves.
Understanding these weaknesses is key to building a team that can counter Vinnie efficiently.
## A Secret Weapon: Free Heracross “Bois”
The game includes a secret advantage you can utilize—a free Heracross named **Bois**. This powerful Pokémon can be a game-changer in the fight against Vinnie and many other battles throughout the game.
To obtain Bois, complete Side Mission 002: “**A Use for an Evolution Stone**”. The location for this side mission can be found on our [Interactive Map](#).
Once you have Bois, equip him with **Brick Break** and **Rock Smash**. If Bois is over Level 30, he can power through Vinnie’s lineup with ease.
## Additional Team Recommendations
While Bois is a great asset, having backup is always smart. Consider evolving a **Pancham** into **Pangoro**. Pangoro is an excellent choice for this battle as it counters most of Vinnie’s Pokémon with a strong moveset, especially utilizing Fighting-type attacks.
Additionally, including an **Absol** in your party can provide reliable support if you need extra durability or utility during the fight, though it’s generally not required.
## Final Tips
Focus on assembling a team rich in Fighting-type Pokémon and moves. With Bois, Pangoro, and a well-prepared roster, this battle should be a breeze.
Good luck, and enjoy your adventure in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*!
—
Check out our [*Pokémon Legends: Z-A* Interactive Map](#) for more tips and locations!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146516/how-to-beat-vinnie-pokemon-legends-za-weaknesses-counters
