Zapdos Movesets & Competitive Sets

Set Description Zapdos can effectively stall out foes' PP with its ability Pressure and Substitute + Protect. Substitute can block status moves from Pokemon like SubSeed Celesteela and Rillaboom. Protect lets Zapdos scout the foe's move. Toxic is extremely useful to KO foes more quickly and cripple other stall Pokemon lacking Rest, like stall Cresselia or Gastrodon. Thunderbolt prevents Zapdos from being a fully passive option. It can deal super effective damage to Trick + Choice Scarf and Taunt users such as Togekiss and Tapu Fini. EVs Maximum Speed investment allows Zapdos to Speed tie other base 100 Speed Pokemon like Entei, Volcarona, and opposing Zapdos and Galarian Zapdos. The 200 HP EVs allow Substitute to be used five times, and the remaining EVs are put in Defense to reduce damage from opposing Struggle. Usage Tips Use Protect first to quickly start stalling and block status moves, then use Substitute to block the foe's next move. Zapdos can continue this cycle until their PP is depleted. Toxic can be used when behind a Substitute, putting foes on a timer. Thunderbolt should be used against Trick + Choice Scarf or Taunt users like Togekiss and Tapu Fini, as well as Primarina due to Encore.

Set Description Thunderbolt and Hurricane are strong STAB moves that KO top-tier Pokemon like Togekiss, Tapu Fini, and both Urshifu formes. Heat Wave hits Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Magnezone, and certain Metagross sets hard, while Charge Beam improves the Cresselia matchup. Static can potentially cripple physical attackers such as Arcanine and Urshifu-R. Pressure can be used to potentially bluff a stall set. EVs This set runs maximum Speed EVs to Speed tie other base 100 Speed Pokemon like Entei, Volcarona, and opposing Zapdos and Galarian Zapdos. Usage Tips Usually, use the strongest move for the target, but against Cresselia, use Charge Beam so Zapdos can keep up with Cresselia's Calm Mind boosts.

Set Description Life Orb Zapdos OHKOes prominent threats with its STAB Hurricane, like both Urshifu formes and Volcarona. Heat Wave provides a super effective move against Steel-types like Magnezone and Ferrothorn. Thunderbolt allows Zapdos to beat Pokemon like Togekiss, Volcanion, and Primarina, but Thunder may be used instead to OHKO bulky Primarina. Protect provides insurance against Custap Berry users like Galarian Moltres and Primarina, while Laser Focus + Heat Wave beats Registeel. Metal Sound helps versus Calm Mind stall Pokemon like Cresselia. EVs Maximum Speed EVs let Zapdos outspeed both Urshifu formes and Speed tie with other base 100 Speed Pokemon like opposing Zapdos, Volcarona, and Entei. The HP and Special Defense investment is used to tank Overheat from Volcanion after Life Orb recoil. Usage Tips Usually use Hurricane on neutral targets, as it will do the most damage, and use super effective moves when applicable. If running Thunderbolt, use it versus Primarina, and use Protect if it doesn't OHKO to safeguard against Custap Berry sets. Laser Focus should be used turn 1 versus stall Pokemon like Registeel.

Set Description Zapdos combines its defensive and offensive utility in this set. Eerie Impulse and Roost allow it to survive hits from slower special attackers like Choice Specs Porygon-Z, Volcanion, and Primarina. Charge Beam improves the Cresselia matchup, as it can boost Zapdos's Special Attack and has a lot of PP. Hurricane hits both Urshifu formes for super effective damage while providing a high damage output overall. EVs 232 Speed EVs with the Timid nature get the jump on both Urshifu formes, and the 96 Special Defense EVs allow Zapdos to survive a Hyper Beam from Choice Specs Porygon-Z after an Eerie Impulse. Usage Tips Use Eerie Impulse against threatening special attackers such as Porygon-Z. When attacking, use the strongest move, except against Cresselia. There, use Charge Beam in tandem with Eerie Impulse and Roost until Zapdos can do considerable damage with Hurricane.

Set Description The combination of Substitute and Roost allows Zapdos to stall out foes by decreasing their PP. Thunderbolt helps versus Trick + Choice Scarf and Encore users like Togekiss and Primarina, respectively. However, this set uniquely beats Pokemon like Choice Specs Porygon-Z and Volcanion as well, using Eerie Impulse to survive their strong hits. EVs 76 Speed EVs with a Timid nature get the jump on Modest Porygon-Z, and the special bulk allows Zapdos to survive Draco Meteor from Modest Choice Specs Naganadel. The remaining EVs are put in Defense to help versus Pokemon like Choice Band Kartana and Assault Vest Arcanine. Usage Tips Against SubSeed Rillaboom, use Substitute turn 1 to block Leech Seed, but use Roost against faster special attackers like Naganadel to capitalize on the Maranga Berry boost. Eerie Impulse helps Zapdos survive hits from slower special attackers such as Choice Specs Porygon-Z. Instead of a status move, Zapdos should use Thunderbolt versus Encore users like Primarina, as well as faster Taunt or Trick users such as Tapu Fini and Togekiss.

Set Details Zapdos's ability to combine numerous critical offensive and defensive traits into one teamslot situates it as an effective option among the tier's many pivots. Discharge is preferred for consistently answering Venomicon and Venomicon-E, but Volt Switch is still a powerful option on Zapdos because it's incredibly hard to block; Zapdos's strong Hurricane acts as a spammable STAB option and punishes Ground-types like Garchomp and Landorus-T that attempt to stop it from pivoting, while Heat Wave allows it to actively counter other Ground-types like Equilibra. Heat Wave is also necessary to prevent opposing Cawmodore from successfully sweeping. The given EV spread allows Zapdos to always tank +6 Cawmodore's Acrobatics, outspeeds Timid Volcanion, and puts the remainder in Special Attack to hit as hard as possible. Pokemon like Heatran, Galarian Slowking, and Tyranitar will often attempt sponging Zapdos's attacks, so teammates such as Landorus-T, Colossoil, and Urshifu-R that can pressure these Pokemon out are good partners. Zapdos can still struggle against other special walls like specially defensive Clefable and even Slowking, which makes wallbreakers like Kartana and Melmetal powerful teammates. Zapdos is effective at weakening common Ground-types like Landorus-T, so Pokemon who appreciate this like Swords Dance Garchomp, Heatran, and Victini are strong partners as well. Because Zapdos can easily paralyze Pokemon like Tornadus-T and Landorus-T that carelessly pivot with U-turn on it, partners like Hex Dragapult and Protective Pads Melmetal that can take advantage of this are useful to have on Zapdos's team.

Set Details Defensive Zapdos acts as a more durable check to physical attackers like Venomicon-E and Steel-types such as Melmetal and Kartana. Discharge is necessary for reliably answering Flying-type like Venomicon, Venomicon-E, and Tornadus-T while enabling Zapdos to spread paralysis multiple times per game in conjunction with Static, although Volt Switch can be chosen instead if one values its ability to regularly grab momentum. Hurricane is an option that lets Zapdos pressure common Ground-types like Landorus-T and Garchomp better at the cost of being unable to significantly threaten Heatran and bulky Water-types. Heat Wave is vital to answer Steel-type like Equilibra, Kartana, Melmetal, and Cawmodore. Toxic is a strong option for Zapdos against foes like Astrolotl, Tapu Koko, and Landorus-T; however, Defog provides valuable role compression for many teams, although Zapdos still tends to be crippled by Knock Off and Toxic from common Stealth Rock setters like Landorus-T in the process. 20 Speed EVs allow Zapdos to outspeed Modest Volcanion and Adamant Bisharp, while the rest of its EVs maximize its physical bulk for attackers like Kartana, Cawmodore, and Urshifu-R. Zapdos's ability to spread paralysis with Discharge and Static is heavily appreciated by its teammates, especially slower wallbreakers like Melmetal, Volcanion, and Tapu Lele that may be easily revenge killed otherwise. Because Zapdos is a good answer to Kartana, Rillaboom, and Tornadus-T, Urshifu-R and common Ground-types like Landorus-T are effective teammates. Ferrothorn is another good partner that can ease Zapdos's burden in checking offensive Grass-types, with Ferrothorn also acting as a servicable answer to Ice-types like Weavile and Arctozolt that would trouble Zapdos. It's incredibly common for Zapdos to be hit with Knock Off by a Pokemon like Zeraora, Landorus-T, Kartana, or Tornadus-T early in the game, so having a Knock Off absorber or secondary answer to some of these Pokemon like Clefable is advisable. Defog Zapdos also has a particularly difficult time against defensive Ground-types, so teammates that easily pressure them like Weavile, Venomicon, and Tapu Fini are good to have around.

Set Details Offensive Zapdos doubles down on its high Special Attack and great typing to punch holes into teams while maintaining much of its defensive utility. The combination of Thunderbolt, Hurricane, and Heat Wave is excellent coverage; Zapdos's powerful Hurricane lets it blow past the bulky Ground-types like Landorus-T and Colossoil that might want to switch into an expected Thunderbolt, while Heat Wave lets Zapdos answer Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Melmetal that may otherwise prove annoying. Zapdos is commonly run on rain teams, in which case Thunder and Weather Ball can be easily substituted over Thunderbolt and Heat Wave, respectively. A Timid nature is preferred to always outspeed Urshifu-R and Choice Specs Tapu Lele. Maxing out on offensive power leaves Zapdos unable to check Pokemon like Cawmodore, Venomicon-E, and Kartana, so it needs partners that can deal with those threats; Dragapult, Slowbro, and Buzzwole are good teammates to answer those Pokemon, respectively, with the former two also able to pivot Zapdos onto the field to start firing off powerful attacks. Offensive Zapdos is still a strong check to other Steel-types like Melmetal, Equilibra, and Ferrothorn, which teammates like Tapu Lele and Weavile appreciate having answered. Grass- and Ground-types like Kartana, Landorus-T, and Garchomp greatly appreciate Zapdos's ability to check bulky Flying-types like Corviknight and Tornadus-T. Finally, Zapdos fits quite well on rain teams, so partners such as Pelipper and Barraskewda are highly effective teammates, both of which are able to pivot Zapdos onto the field with U-turn and Flip Turn, respectively.

Thunderbolt as a primary attack offers consistent damage outside of Dynamax and a strong Max Lightning within Dynamax. Hurricane offers Zapdos a very strong STAB Max Airstream, boosting the Speed of it and its ally, and offering super effective damage against common Pokemon like Amoonguss and Venusaur. However, its low accuracy can be a hinderance outside of Dynamax. Heat Wave is typically the third attack to deal heavy damage with Max Flare to tough Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Solgaleo, and most importantly Zacian-C. Given how often Zapdos is paired with Kyogre, Weather Ball can potentially give Zapdos a way to hit Incinieroar and other Fire- or Ground-types. Also, when Zapdos is with Groudon or facing it, Weather Ball can offer a stronger and more consistent Fire-type attack. However, Weather Ball is overall less consistent and relies on bringing a weather setter alongside Zapdos. Life Orb is Zapdos's most common item, maximizing its damage to rip through teams with very powerful Max Moves. Safety Goggles is an alternative that allows Zapdos to better deal with Amoonguss and Venusaur by ignoring their powder moves. The given EV spread allows Zapdos, when Dynamaxed, to always survive a Modest Mystic Water Kyogre Max Geyser based off Water Spout. It and the Timid nature also maximize Speed to potentially win Speed ties against base 100s like Charizard and opposing Zapdos. A Modest nature instead increases its damage output at the cost of being outsped by Timid Kyogre and Dialga.

Hurricane is the most important move on this set and allows Zapdos to beat a majority of the metagame. Certain Pokemon such as Nidoking, Choice Band Dracovish, and Mamoswine are OHKOed, while bulkier Pokemon and Flying-resistant foes such as Toxapex, Swampert, and Excadrill risk being 2HKOed. Volt Switch is used to grab momentum, mainly against types that don't commonly carry an Electric immunity such as Psychic, Fairy, Ghost, and Dark. Heat Wave hits Steel-type Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Excadrill, and Aegislash, and along with Volt Switch, makes Zapdos able to break through Steel teams. Thunderbolt deals consistent damage against Pokemon like Galarian Corsola and Calm Mind Tapu Fini. Static can punish contact moves such as Excadrill's Rapid Spin and Landorus-T's U-turn. Rotom-W provides entry hazard removal and removes Stealth Rock, which otherwise limits the amount of times Zapdos can switch in. It can also utilize its defensive typing to check Pokemon such as Barraskewda under rain and Heatran for Zapdos. In return, Rotom-W appreciates Zapdos's ability to take out Grass-type Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu and Rillaboom with Hurricane. Magnezone's ability to trap Excadrill is amazing for Zapdos, as it can spam Volt Switch and beat Steel teams with it removed. Magnezone's defensive typing is also notable to take on Ice- and Rock-type attacks from the likes of Weavile and Tyranitar as well as Dragon Dance Dragapult. Alolan Raichu's Knock Off removes Galarian Slowking's Assault Vest in the matchup against Poison teams, allowing Zapdos to 2HKO the entire team with Hurricane. Zeraora is a physical wallbreaker that beats Pokemon such as Galarian Slowking, Tyranitar, and Blissey for Zapdos; in return, Zapdos deals with physical walls like Amoonguss and Hippowdon for Zeraora. Tapu Koko forms a good wallbreaking core with Zapdos that is very good against types like Ground, Water, and Dragon.

Volt Switch offers a decently powerful and accurate STAB move that OHKOs Urshifu-R while giving Zapdos a pivoting option. This is quite important for bringing in strong offensive threats shortly after Zapdos has set Tailwind. Hurricane is Zapdos's primary damage-dealing option, slamming Rillaboom for a super effective hit while offering a strong neutral hit on Pokemon such as Zygarde and Kyurem-B. Tailwind is Zapdos's main niche, allowing Pokemon with otherwise middling Speed stats such as Heatran and Zygarde to outspeed the vast majority of the tier, and pushing faster teammates to unmatched Speeds. Protect allows Zapdos to dance around the opponent's dangerous moves and let its user to maneuver themselves into a better position. Sitrus Berry allows Zapdos to survive a Choice Band Surging Strikes from Urshifu-R and gives it general longevity. Static can inflict game-changing status against attacking Rillaboom, Genesect, and Urshifu-R, the latter of which hits three times with Surging Strikes. The given EV spread and nature maximizes Zapdos' speed, allowing it to outspeed Urshifu-R and Speed tie with opposing Zapdos and Mew. More bulk can be added to survive specific attacks—a spread of 232 HP / 24 SpA / 252 Spe can be used to survive a Modest Choice Specs Dragapult Draco Meteor and a Jolly Choice Band Urshifu-R Surging Strikes without Sitrus Berry.

Zapdos's good typing, movepool, and Static make it a strong defensive anchor on many teams when given an HP or Defense donation. Discharge provides a consistent STAB attack that can spread paralysis on opponents; Volt Switch can be used instead and allows Zapdos to maintain momentum and pivot out of checks. Hurricane is a secondary STAB attack that crucially targets Electric-resistant foes such as Landorus-T and Rillaboom and carries a non-trivial confusion chance. Heat Wave is an option that deals less damage but can reliably beat Kartana and invalidate Ferrothorn as a check. Defog lets Zapdos control entry hazards for its team, helped by the fact that it can threaten the 2 most common Spikes users in Ferrothorn and Skarmory. Static allows Zapdos to potentially paralyse users of common contact moves like Knock Off and U-turn such as Rillaboom and Tornadus-T. 136 Speed EVs are used to outspeed neutral natured Rillaboom. Zapdos's best fit is on balance teams that need help checking Grass- and Fighting-type attackers like Rillaboom, Kartana, and Urshifu-R. Gods that provide high Defense donations like Zamazenta-C and Necrozma-DM are useful for maximising Zapdos's defensive capability. Zapdos's Defog means that it and Landorus-T can form a solid physically defensive Defogger core, with Landorus-T able to fit Toxic to wear down shared checks like Gastrodon. Having a secondary source of entry hazard removal also supports Zapdos after it loses its Heavy-Duty Boots to Knock Off Kartana. The threat of paralysis from Discharge and Static allows Zapdos to scare out many fast threats, such as Zamazenta-C and Kartana, so frail wallbreakers like Zygarde-10% and Weavile enjoy Zapdos's presence. These wallbreakers enjoy Zapdos's ability to clear entry hazards and pressure setters like Ferrothorn and Skarmory as well. Allies that help limit Ground-type switch-ins, such as Urshifu-R and Rotom-W, as well as Steel-types to help limit Ice- and Rock-type attackers, like Necrozma-DM or Heatran, are also appreciated.

With a potent STAB combination and Pressure, SubRoost Zapdos can become an excellent wincon on bulky teams, compensating for its low damage output by slowly wearing down counters such as Ferrothorn and Clefable. In addition, it can stall out the low-PP of moves used to target it, such as Tyranitar's Stone Edge and Heatran's Magma Storm. Its excellent special bulk allows it to answer threats such as opposing Zapdos, Serperior, and Galarian Moltres, although a lack of Defense investment means it falters against the likes of Kartana and Mega Lopunny. Also, since it plans to stall, it must beware stray burn or poison from otherwise free switchins into foes like Toxapex, Tapu Fini and Rotom-W. Substitute lets Zapdos safely attack passive Pokemon like Clefable, Toxapex, and Slowbro. Discharge spreads paralysis, with the reduction in Speed and potential full paralysis giving it more opportunities to use Substitute and chip foes. Meanwhile, Hurricane provides strong coverage, hitting Ferrothorn, Garchomp, and Gastrodon neutrally and Serperior super effectively. Hurricane's confusion chance compounds with Discharge's paralysis in limiting the foes' opportunities to move. The given EV spread allows Zapdos to outpace Modest Heatran, with the rest of the EVs ensuring Moonblast from uninvested Clefable never breaks its Substitute. SubRoost Zapdos excels on balance and semi-stall teams, which aid in slowly weakening its checks with residual damage. Spikes support from Skarmory, Mew, and Ferrothorn wears down Tyranitar, Chansey, Garchomp, Ferrothorn, and Heatran, all of which take little damage from Zapdos's attacks. Similarly, Toxapex provides Toxic Spikes to wear down the former three while limiting the opportunities of revenge killers such as Weavile, Kyurem, and Mega Diancie to force Zapdos out. Mega Latias is another fantastic partner that baits in Zapdos checks like Tyranitar, Heatran, and Chansey. It wears them down, limiting Tyranitar's chances to nail Zapdos with Pursuit, stifling Heatran's long-term Leftovers recovery, and forcing Chansey to burn Soft-Boiled PP in longer games. Additionally, Mega Latias answers Kartana effectively, reducing the risk of Zapdos losing its item, while Ice Beam variants threaten to KO Gliscor, which walls Zapdos. Pokemon that can cripple Weavile such as the aforementioned Toxapex holding Rocky Helmet, Volcarona, and Colbur Berry Mew help, as Weavile's Triple Axel can KO even Zapdos behind a Substitute. Knock Off support from Gliscor, Clefable, Ferrothorn, and Toxapex removes items such as Chansey's Eviolite, Heatran's Leftovers, and Tapu Koko's and Gastrodon's Heavy-Duty Boots, making them take more damage when switching into Zapdos.

Zapdos’s typing, bulk, and reliable recovery all make it a solid defensive presence, being able to check Pokemon like Corviknight, Mega Lopunny, Kartana, and Mega Gyarados on a consistent basis. Discharge is great due to its good paralysis chance, allowing it to cripple Pokemon like Kyurem and Tyranitar. Heat Wave allows Zapdos to threaten Rillaboom, Kartana, Mega Scizor, and especially Ferrothorn. Hidden Power Ice can consistently threaten Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Gliscor, which would otherwise stuff out Zapdos; however, Defog can be used over it to remove entry hazards against Pokemon like Ferrothorn. Unfortunately, Zapdos has a very poor matchup against many other hazard setters in the tier, most notably Mega Tyranitar and the aforementioned Landorus-T and Garchomp, making it somewhat unreliable as a hazard remover. Static is preferred over Pressure to potentially cripple offensive threats like Mega Lopunny, Mega Gyarados, and Mega Mawile. The EV spread shown allows Zapdos to outspeed Modest Heatran. Zapdos fits on many team archetypes as a solid defensive presence. It has a pretty bad matchup against the best hazard setters in the metagame such as Garchomp and Landorus-T, so checks to them such as Ice Beam Slowbro and Mega Latias, bulky Kartana, and Tapu Fini are very valuable partners. Zapdos especially has a poor matchup versus Heatran, as it can easily force out Zapdos using Magma Storm and Toxic, giving it an opportunity to set up Stealth Rock. Because of this, checks to Heatran such as Gliscor, Garchomp, and Gastrodon are necessary teammates for Zapdos. Wallbreakers that heavily appreciate Zapdos's paralysis support such as Mega Mawile and Mega Medicham are good partners for it as well.

Zapdos is a great choice on rain teams, as it provides a buffer against Pokemon like Kartana and Rillaboom while still exerting a great amount of offensive pressure. Weather Ball allows Zapdos to hit Pokemon such as Landorus-T, Gliscor, and especially Heatran super effectively in rain. Roost gives it longevity and allows it to consistently check Pokemon that rain struggles with such as Tangrowth, Kartana, and Rillaboom. The EV spread allows Zapdos to 2HKO Garchomp with Hurricane even without entry hazards up, and the Speed EVs allow it to outspeed Kommo-o and Adamant Mega Medicham, whilst the HP allows Zapdos to check the Pokemon it needs to more efficiently. Pelipper is a crucial partner for Zapdos, as its rain makes Zapdos's otherwise unreliable STAB moves have perfect accuracy and turns Weather Ball into a Water-type move, letting Zapdos more consistently pressure Pokemon such as Heatran, Garchomp, and Clefable. Zapdos pairs very well with Ferrothorn, as Ferrothorn’s Spikes support makes it harder for Pokemon such as opposing Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, and Heatran to switch into Zapdos. Additionally, Mega Swampert, Manaphy, and Ash-Greninja heavily benefit from Zapdos resisting Grass and removing Grass-types with Hurricane. Mega Swampert works particularly well, as it is able to overwhelm Pokemon Zapdos struggles with such as Blissey, Mega Tyranitar, and Tyranitar.

Equipped with Flyinium Z, Zapdos is a powerful offensive force, KOing foes immune or resistant to Electric, such as Landorus-T, Garchomp, Gliscor, Kyurem, and Ferrothorn, after slight chip damage. While bulkier Ground-Types such as Gastrodon and Hippowdon avoid the OHKO, they struggle to survive Supersonic Skystrike + Hurricane. With opposing Ground-Types removed, Zapdos can freely wear down its checks, such as Chansey, Mega Latias, and Mega Tyranitar, with Volt Switch. However, the lack of bulk investment and Heavy-Duty Boots means it is an unreliable check to Kartana, Serperior and Mega Lopunny, especially if Stealth Rock is up. Thunderbolt is chosen as its primary Electric STAB move over Discharge to maximise its role as a wallbreaker. Roost increases its longevity against passive foes such as Toxapex, Ferrothorn, and Tapu Fini, as well as offsets Stealth Rock chip. It also allows Zapdos to stay out of range of the likes of Mega Lopunny, Mega Scizor, and Kartana. Zapdos's EV spread outspeeds Modest Tapu Lele and Kyurem whilst maximising its power, notably KOing bulkier variants of Gliscor after Stealth Rock. This Zapdos set fits best on offensive teams that can capitalize on its strong Volt Switch and its ability to remove Ground-types. It pairs exceptionally well with offensive pivots like Mega Lopunny and Urshifu-R, as well as strong but frail wallbreakers such as Mega Diancie, Mega Medicham, and Weavile. These attackers threaten the slow special walls that Zapdos pivots out of, like Chansey and Mega Tyranitar. In return, the former two bring Zapdos back in by using U-turn on bulky physical walls like Clefable and Toxapex. Mega Diancie helps block Stealth Rock while benefitting from Zapdos removing Ferrothorn and Gliscor. Weavile can Pursuit trap Mega Latias and Chansey and remove key items from foes with Knock Off. Due to Zapdos's Stealth Rock weakness and tendency to use Volt Switch, Defog support from the likes of Tapu Fini, Rotom-W, Gliscor, and Landorus-T allows it to switch in and pivot more frequently and minimize the need for Zapdos to use Roost. Zapdos also offensively threatens Kartana and Serperior for these teammates. Alternatively, entry hazard pressure from Zapdos's teammates such as Garchomp, Gliscor, Landorus-T, Ferrothorn, and Heatran may also force the opponent to use Defog themselves, removing their own entry hazards to Zapdos's benefit. Mega Mawile is another fantastic partner, as it can exploit Chansey and Mega Latias, as well as Weavile, which enjoys switching into Zapdos after revenge killing Zapdos.

Zapdos fills the role of a bulky Flying-type capable of both offensively and defensively checking many Pokemon in the AAA metagame, such as Talonflame, Desolate Land Heatran, Volcarona, and Moltres, as well as most Fighting-types including Galarian Zapdos. Zapdos's STAB moves allow it to hit almost every relevant Pokemon for at least neutral damage while also having a 30% chance to cripple something with paralysis or confusion. Weather Ball is another attacking option, most notably hitting Desolate Land Heatran for significant damage. U-turn allows Zapdos to pivot out on a predicted switch to a counter, which is a great trait to have in a momentum-reliant tier like AAA and allows it to still make progress against teams with reliable answers to it. Roost gives Zapdos significant longevity and allows it to absorb hits over the course of a longer battle. Zapdos's EVs are very customizable and can be changed depending on what a team needs it to do. The given spread maximizes Zapdos's bulk and power while still outspeeding Modest Heatran. Zapdos can fit on many different team archetypes because of its ability to take neutral hits while threatening powerful attacks back. If Zapdos is not running Weather Ball, it is very weak to Desolate Land users such as Heatran, as it resists Hurricane and takes neutral damage from Thunder, as well as lowering the accuracy of both of those moves to 50% due to the harsh sun. Thus, Zapdos appreciates Pokemon such as Assault Vest Silvally-Dragon that can switch in on the Fire-types safely and then pivot out. Zapdos pairs very well with Pokemon that can threaten specially defensive Pokemon such as Blissey and Assault Vest Swampert that take neutral damage from its STAB attacks. Good partners for this include Zarude and Terrakion. These attackers pair very well with U-turn, as they are able to take advantage of the momentum Zapdos creates. In return, Zapdos can threaten their walls such as Corviknight.

Zapdos is an excellent user of Pressure stall with Toxic and Roost. Substitute helps it avoid status and stall most Pokemon with Toxic and Roost. Toxic helps Zapdos beat defensive Pokemon like Avalugg and Porygon2 while also putting offensive threats like Landorus-T and Tapu Lele on a timer. Toxic also helps wear down Ground-types such as Gastrodon and Swampert. Discharge has a nice chance to paralyze opposing Pokemon, which makes it tougher for them to KO Zapdos, and also hits Poison- and Steel-types like Toxapex and Celesteela. Discharge paralysis can also provide speed control against Pokemon like Choice Scarf Greninja. Heavy-Duty Boots allows Zapdos to switch in without worrying about its Stealth Rock weakness, while Leftovers provide passive recovery. Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature helps Zapdos outspeed threats such as Mimikyu, Suicune, and Tapu Bulu. 248 HP EVs allows Zapdos to set up 4 Substitutes and maximize the health of the Substitute. Flying teams appreciate Zapdos's ability to annoy offensive threats such as Scizor and weaken walls like Porygon2. Zapdos should set up Substitute on passive Pokemon such as Klefki, Mandibuzz, and Toxapex and stall them out. It should try to spread Toxic on the opposing team early to make it easier to stall late-game. Zapdos should avoid getting statused and getting its item removed by Knock Off or Corrosive Gas, as both limit its ability to function as a wall. Celesteela acts as a great partner for Zapdos with its ability to take on Ice- and Rock-type attacks while also having Flamethrower to hit Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Excadrill, which Zapdos can struggle with. Leech Seed and Toxic from Celesteela further help in removing pressure from Zapdos. Mega Aerodactyl also works great alongside Zapdos, as it can KO Ice-types with Stone Edge, use Pursuit to deal with threats like Victini, and provide Stealth Rock support. Landorus-T and Gliscor are both good Electric-immune partners, with Choice Scarf Landorus-T also dealing with faster threats and bringing Zapdos in with U-turn and Gliscor acting as a status absorber and forming a good stallbreaker core with Zapdos. Setup sweepers such as Dragon Dance Mega Aerodactyl and Dragonite appreciate Zapdos's ability to weaken teams, allowing them to pull off an easier late-game sweep. Tornadus-T is also an excellent partner with U-turn to bring in Zapdos, Heat Wave and Focus Blast to KO Steel-types, and Knock Off to remove items. It can also act as an offensive Defogger in case Zapdos gets hit by Knock Off or is running Leftovers. Leftovers Zapdos also appreciates Defog support from Mantine, which can act as a switch-in to special Ice-type attacks and has Haze for setup sweepers. Pokemon such as Landorus, Mega Charizard Y, and Moltres can help Zapdos deal with Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and specially defensive Heatran.

Zapdos's unique Speed tier and decent bulk allow it to function well with a SubToxic set while also being a crucial Ground-type immunity thanks to its Flying typing. Substitute allows Zapdos to avoid being affected by status ailments like poison and burn from Pokemon like Mega Sableye and Ferrothorn while also coordinating well with Pressure and recovering with Roost to increase longevity. Discharge is Zapdos's primary STAB attack and it's used over Thunderbolt to increase odds of paralysis on Poison- and Steel-types like Mega Venusaur and Ferrothorn that aren't affected by Toxic while also making it harder for Pokemon to revenge kill it. Toxic is required to beat Ground-type Pokemon like Hippowdon, Seismitoad, and Gastrodon along with opposing walls and bulky Pokemon Mega Latias and Porygon2. Heavy-Duty Boots negates Stealth Rock damage, while Leftovers helps Zapdos recover behind Substitute. Pressure helps stall out moves with low PP like Stone Edge, Diamond Storm, and Hydro Pump. Maximum EVs in Speed with a Timid nature allow Zapdos to outpace Pokemon like non-Choice Scarf Landorus-T and Tapu Lele, while 248 HP EVs are used over 252 HP EVs to allow it to set up Substitute four times and increase its overall bulk. Alolan Golem helps with Ice-types that threaten Zapdos like Kyurem and Alolan Ninetales with its Rock-type STAB attacks and Stealth Rock, while in return Zapdos's part Flying typing helps it switch into Ground- and Fighting-types like Gastrodon, Excadrill, Mega Gallade, and Hawlucha. Tapu Koko helps with Fighting-, Dragon-, and Dark-types like Terrakion, Kommo-o, and Hydreigon with Dazzling Gleam, and with Alolan Raichu, they both help Zapdos with faster threats it cannot deal with like Terrakion and Zarude. Magnezone traps and eliminates Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Jirachi with Hidden Power Fire and Body Press that Zapdos cannot damage, while also hitting Ice- and Fairy-type Pokemon like Mamoswine and Tapu Bulu with Flash Cannon. Zeraora and Thundurus help with Dark-, Ice-, and Rock-types like Weavile, Mamoswine, and Tyranitar and notable defensive Normal-types like Blissey and Porygon2 with Close Combat and Superpower, respectively. Zeraora can also get rid of troubling Grass-types like Mega Venusaur and Tapu Bulu with Z-Bounce. Zapdos appreciates Rotom-W pivoting it in safely with Volt Switch, spreading status with Will-O-Wisp and Toxic, hitting Ground- and Rock-types like Nidoking, Landorus-T, and Alolan Golem with Hydro Pump, and providing an additional Ground immunity thanks to Levitate. Its also able to switch into Fire- and Water-types like Cinderace and Greninja.

Zapdos is one of the best defensive Pokemon for Electric teams due to its ability to deal with Ground- and Grass-types like Excadrill, Landorus-T, Rillaboom, and Tapu Bulu with its Flying typing, provide Defog support to remove entry hazards, and keep itself healthy with Roost. Volt Switch is used to pivot teammates in, whereas Discharge is used to spread paralysis on Pokemon like Latias and Mega Venusaur, which are threats to Electric teams. Heat Wave is required for Zapdos to damage common Steel- and Grass-types like Ferrothorn, Excadrill, Rillaboom, and Mega Scizor. Pressure allows Zapdos to stall out defensive Pokemon like Ferrothorn, Toxapex, and Mew, and Static allows it to potentially paralyze Pokemon that tend to use contact moves like Victini, Tapu Bulu, and Mega Lopunny. 80 Speed EVs with a Timid nature allow Zapdos to outpace Pokemon like Diggersby, Tapu Bulu, and Bisharp, while 252 HP and 176 Defense EVs allow it to take on physical attackers like Rock Slide Excadrill and Waterfall Mega Swampert. All of Zapdos's teammates appreciate its utility in removing entry hazards thanks to Defog and its ability to check Steel- and Grass-types like Excadrill, Ferrothorn, and Rillaboom with Heat Wave. Tapu Koko and Alolan Raichu form a great offensive core, and because of their high Speed, they can check faster threats like Hydreigon and Mega Diancie. In return, Zapdos pivots them in safely with Volt Switch. Tapu Koko can notably defeat Dragon-types like Mega Altaria and Kommo-o with Dazzling Gleam, while Alolan Raichu can beat Poison-types like Mega Venusaur and Nihilego with Psychic. Magnezone can get rid of Ice-types that threaten Zapdos, like Kyurem and Weavile, with Flash Cannon while in return, Zapdos can switch into Fighting-types like Mega Gallade and Hawlucha. Alolan Golem also helps Zapdos with Ice-types like Alolan Ninetales and Weavile with its Rock-type STAB attacks. Rotom-W forms a defensive core with Zapdos and provides Will-O-Wisp support to cripple physical attackers, while both pivot teammates in with Volt Switch. Rotom-W can also switch into threatening Fire- and Water-types like Victini, Greninja, and Urshifu-R. Zeraora and Thundurus help with bulky Pokemon that Zapdos cannot harm like Blissey and Porygon2 and Dark-, Ice-, and Rock-types such as Tyranitar, Piloswine, and Nihilego while Zapdos's Volt Switch brings them in safely. Rotom-C is a nice special attacker that deals with Ground / Water Pokemon like Gastrodon and Seismitoad that Zapdos has a hard time getting rid of. Regieleki is a powerful wallbreaker with Choice Specs that can outspeed threats like Latios and Volcarona, and is a beast in Electric Terrain. Both Rotom-W and Rotom-C provide a secondary Ground immunity but aren't reliable checks to Mold Breaker Excadrill.

Zapdos is a great offensive option on Electric teams because of its high Special Attack enhanced by Choice Specs, which allows it to serve as an effective wallbreaker and offensive pivot. Hurricane is amazing because it gives Electric a way to effectively hit bulky Grass-types like Mega Venusaur, Rillaboom, and Cradily, which can be an overall difficult matchup. It's also useful against Dragon-types like Latias and Mega Altaria. Heat Wave allows it to take on Ice-, Steel-, and Grass-types such as Glastrier, Excadrill, Mega Scizor, and Ferrothorn. Hidden Power Ice allows Zapdos to hit Dragon- and Ground-types like Dragonite, Garchomp, and Landorus super effectively. Thunderbolt is an option for a stronger Electric STAB, though it is hard to justify using it over Hidden Power Ice. Volt Switch allows Zapdos to pivot into its teammates to gain momentum throughout the match. Thunderbolt can also be run if Hidden Power Ice is being used in the third slot, but pivoting with Volt Switch is generally more useful. Choice Specs increases Zapdos's wallbreaking potential, and 252 Speed EVs let it outspeed Timid Heatran and Tapu Lele. Choice Specs Zapdos doesn't run Roost normally, so using Rotom-W as an entry hazard remover with Defog over Pain Split is more favorable. Rotom-W acts as an Ice-type resist, forms a Ground-immune core with Zapdos, and notably helps with Fire- and Ground-types like Heatran and Mamoswine with Hydro Pump. Alolan Golem sets Stealth Rock and helps with Ice-types like Kyurem and Alolan Ninetales that threaten Zapdos with its Rock-type attacks, and in return Zapdos can get rid of Grass- and Ground-types like Breloom, Rillaboom, and Mega Garchomp that can KO Alolan Golem. Magnezone is a nice Fairy resist that deals with Ice- and Rock-types like Mamoswine, Kyurem, and Mega Diancie that threaten Zapdos with Flash Cannon. Zeraora and Thundurus can check Normal-, Dark-, Ice-, and Rock-types like Porygon2, Blissey, Weavile, Mamoswine, and Tyranitar with their respective Fighting-type attacks. Tapu Koko and Alolan Raichu are great offensive options and because of their high Speed, they can check faster threats like Mega Diancie and Zarude, while Zapdos can generate momentum and bring them in with Volt Switch. Tapu Koko deals with Dragon-, Fighting-, and Dark-types such as Kommo-o, Mega Latios, Terrakion, and Hydreigon thanks to Dazzling Gleam, and Alolan Raichu deals with Poison-types like Mega Venusaur and Nihilego.

Specially defensive Zapdos is an excellent pick on Flying-type teams due to its ability to switch into threatening special attackers such as Choice Scarf Latias, Gengar, and Magnezone and provide Defog support for its teammates. Volt Switch helps Zapdos pivot and maintain momentum, while Discharge deals with Pokemon like Celesteela and Toxapex better and does not force Zapdos to switch out. Heat Wave hits Steel-types like Excadrill and Ferrothorn. Toxic can be used on teams with reliable way of dealing with Steel-types, as it helps put threats like Diggersby and Garchomp on a timer, which otherwise can deal with Zapdos's other moves, and deals with walls like Porygon2. Heavy-Duty Boots allows Zapdos to safely switch in throughout the battle without worrying about its Stealth Rock weakness. Defog in conjunction with Pressure can stall out Stealth Rock's PP. Static is an alternative to have an easier time spreading paralysis, especially in conjunction with Discharge. 80 Speed EVs along with a Timid nature helps Zapdos outspeed Pokemon such as Jolly Diggersby, maximum Speed Heatran, and Tapu Bulu. Maximum HP investment and 176 Special Defense EVs allows Zapdos to take multiple hits from Pokemon such as Gengar and Latias. All of Zapdos's teammates appreciates its Electric neutrality allowing it to switch in against special attacks like Thunderbolt from unboosted Mega Latios. Zapdos should try to come in on a predicted Stealth Rock use to decrease its PP, use Volt Switch to bring in teammates safely, and avoid getting statused or having its Heavy-Duty Boots removed by Knock Off. Stealth Rock-weak teammates such as Mega Aerodactyl and Mega Charizard Y greatly appreciate Defog support from Zapdos. Celesteela is a great partner alongside Zapdos, as it can switch in against Ice- and Rock-type attacks thanks to its excellent typing and wear down teams with Leech Seed and Toxic. Leech Seed's additional healing is also greatly appreciated by Zapdos. Mantine forms a great defensive core with Zapdos, with Mantine appreciating Zapdos's ability to switch in on Electric-type moves and Zapdos benefitting from Mantine tanking Ice-type moves. Mantine also switches into powerful Water-type attacks like Keldeo's Hydro Pump, and Zapdos running Defog allows Mantine to be less passive and run other moves such as Toxic. Haze from Mantine further helps Zapdos against setup sweepers. Pokemon like Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Charizard Y, and Landorus-T appreciates Zapdos's ability to bring them safely in with Volt Switch; in return, the former two can KO Ice-types, while the latter can KO Rock-types. Mega Aerodactyl can also Pursuit trap Pokemon such Victini and Trick Latios, which threatens Zapdos. Landorus and Mega Charizard Y help in breaking through walls, like Hippowdon and Heatran, for Zapdos, making it easier to wear down offensive threats. They also help in dealing with Poison- and Steel-types like Mega Venusaur and Ferrothorn if Zapdos is running Toxic over Heat Wave. Tornadus-T can also act as a secondary Defogger and forms a great pivoting core with Volt Switch Zapdos while also taking on Pokemon like Mega Venusaur, which Zapdos struggles with.

A bulky variant of Zapdos is useful for continually sponging hits and being able to serve as a multi-purpose pivot. While Volt Switch is most commonly opted to retain momentum, Thunderbolt and Discharge are both very reasonable alternative options to maintain Electric offensive pressure. Heat Wave gives Zapdos useful coverage to help it hit more targets effectively when it comes in, however, Eerie Impulse gives Zapdos more defensive flexibility and allows it to shut down special attacking Dynamax threats. Thunder Wave is useful for slowing down foes for teammates. The given EVs allow Zapdos to outspeed key threats after a Max Airstream, such as Jolly Cinderace and Adamant Choice Scarf Dracovish, while maximizing its physical bulk. Items Rocky Helmet pairs well with Zapdos's longevity, effectively punishing Pokemon that use contact moves such as Urshifu-R. Sitrus and Wiki Berry allow Zapdos to gain back HP to survive and stall out weaker Dynamax attacks.

Zapdos with a Choice item provides an element of surprise, sporting either a very fast or very strong pivot option, which allows it to get a momentum advantage against serious threats to it, such as Tyranitar and Nihilego. Volt Switch is most often opted for due to its far superior damage output, but U-turn can be used on the Choice Scarf set to not get immunity locked against Ground-types like Hippowdon. Heat Wave is the chosen coverage option in order to OHKO Excadrill and Magnezone with a Choice Specs boosted attack, two otherwise potent checks to Zapdos' STAB combination. Static is the most useful ability for potential paralysis, but Pressure does a good job of disguising Zapdos's true role to your foe.

Zapdos makes an excellent Dynamax Attacker thanks to its STAB Max Airstream and great natural bulk. Thunderbolt is the most reliable Electric-type STAB option for Zapdos to get high damage output. Volt Switch isn't as powerful while Dynamaxed, but allows Zapdos to pivot and bait out common switch-ins if it does not wish to Dynamax. Heat Wave gives Zapdos useful coverage, but can be replaced with Substitute to bait out status moves, such as Hippowdon's Yawn. Roost is generally always included to keep Zapdos healthy and give it access to Max Guard. While quite rare, Steel Wing on an all-out-attacking set can surprise traditional counters such as Nihilego, and allows you to beat most variants of Mimikyu as well with accumulating Defense boosts from Max Steelspike. Static is best for potentially punishing contact moves with paralysis, since the set is unlikely to survive long enough for Pressure to be particularly useful. However, Pressure can still be used on this set to reveal less about your Zapdos's intentions and stall out moves with very low PP. Timid is usually the best nature for Zapdos, allowing it to outspeed key threats such as Mimikyu and Urshifu. However, Modest gives it a major power boost otherwise. Items Life Orb is highly recommended for maximizing Zapdos's power while Dynamaxed. If another Pokemon is already holding Life Orb, Sharp Beak is a reasonable alternative to boost Max Airstream.

Kee Berry allows for Zapdos to beat almost every physical attacker that does not resist its dual STAB combination, effectively stalling out a variety of opposing Dynamax options. Discharge is opted for in order to status opponents to win over a long period of time. However, in a pure stall scenario without a timer, Thunderbolt can be opted for so that the opponent loses less turns from Paralysis lock and is forced to use its PP. Eerie Impulse allows Zapdos to get the best of special attacking threats, becoming nearly unbreakable after repeated uses. It also has high PP, which is useful for stalling turns. Heat Wave can be used to gain greater offensive coverage options, which is particularly useful for beating out Ferrothorn. This set's EV spreads allow Zapdos to outspeed Adamant Dracovish, and outspeed Jolly Cinderace after one use of Max Airstream.

Moves Thunder is Zapdos's best offensive move and should be used whenever stalling the opposing Pokemon isn't a viable choice. Common threats defeated by Gigavolt Havoc include Mega Gyarados, Primarina, Mega Slowbro, Tapu Fini, Kartana, Celesteela, Choice Scarf Porygon-Z, and Heatran. Zap Cannon is a viable option over Thunder, giving Zapdos a harder-hitting Z-Move and a better chance of hitting and paralyzing the foe. However, not having the higher accuracy of Thunder means you can lose out on important 2HKOs such as against Mega Mawile, Heatran, and Choice Scarf Timid Genesect. Zap Cannon can also make PP stall matchups more difficult, because a Pokemon does not lose PP if it is fully paralyzed. In exchange, the higher paralysis chance of Zap Cannon gives higher chances of winning against faster threats Zapdos can 2HKO, such as Naganadel. Toxic is present to outstall threats that can tank or are immune to Gigavolt Havoc, such as Mega Altaria, Donphan, Clefable, Necrozma, and Porygon2. Roost is a reliable recovery option that can also be useful in shedding Zapdos's Flying typing for a turn, allowing Zapdos to win mind games and defeat Pokemon with coverage moves for Flying-types, such as Donphan and Mega Swampert. Because Electric shares no weakness with Electric / Flying typing, being able to use Roost to change typing is a powerful asset. The final move is Substitute, giving Zapdos a reliable win against the ever-present Magearna, as well as wins over important threats such as Necrozma, Porygon2, Chansey, and usually Aegislash. Set Details 240 HP EVs and 136 Special Defense EVs with a Calm nature allow Zapdos to survive a Hyper Beam from Modest Porygon-Z and an Ice Beam from Timid Choice Specs Greninja. 28 Special Attack EVs ensure an OHKO against uninvested Porygon-Z. 112 Defense EVs with the given HP investment give Zapdos enough physical bulk to sometimes keep a Substitute against Donphan's Ice Shard, as eventually having a Substitute not broken is critical in order to beat Donphan. Pressure allows Zapdos to PP stall, in conjunction with Substitute and Roost, Pokemon that use Choice items or simply don't have much PP, such as Magearna and Choice Specs Necrozma. Electrium Z is the best item for this set, allowing Zapdos to pick up many OHKOs with very little Special Attack investment. Usage Tips A safe turn 1 play against most slower Pokemon is often Substitute, allowing Zapdos to block any status moves or Z-Moves they may want to use immediately. This is especially true against Magearna, Chansey, and Aegislash. Against Magearna, make sure Zapdos always stays behind a Substitute to avoid potentially taking a critical hit. Eventually, Fleur Cannon will not break the Substitute, and you can use Roost to guarantee the win. Against Donphan, you need to be aware of the mind game between Roost and Earthquake and of the possible Head Smash. Use Substitute on turn 1 to scout for Head Smash. If Donphan has Head Smash, you need to choose the correct turn to Roost. Using Roost on turn 2 or 3 is much better than on turn 4, because on turn 4 Zapdos will be in range of being KOed by Ice Shard. If Donphan has Rock Tomb instead, purposefully tank the hit so Zapdos becomes slower and no longer needs to worry about Earthquake. Eventually, this matchup becomes a loop of Ice Shard against Substitute and Roost. Continue using Roost and Substitute until Ice Shard fails to break the Substitute. Then, use Toxic to ensure the win. Against Aegislash, use Substitute and Roost to survive and recover against Never-Ending Nightmare. Use Gigavolt Havoc on a turn you think the opponent will not use King's Shield. Against Heatran, use Thunder on turn 1. If it misses, use Roost; otherwise, Gigavolt Havoc KOes. Zap Cannon and Thunder have decent chances of inflicting paralysis, which can be used to occasionally win matches you would otherwise lose, such as against Choice Specs Genesect and Naganadel. Team Options Zapdos has losing matchups against many of the bulky offense Pokemon that can't be reliably Toxic stalled, such as Mega Charizard X and Y, physical Dragonite, Mega Gardevoir, and Zygarde. Bulky Water- and Fairy-types, such as Primarina, Mega Slowbro, and Tapu Lele, can each handle a combination of those threats, while Zapdos handles threats such as Metal Sound Celesteela, Magearna, and other Water-types that threaten these complements. Zapdos also has excellent synergy with Fire-types such as Heatran and Victini that can handle the various Fairy-, Steel-, and Grass-types that Zapdos may not be able to, notably Mega Gardevoir, Tapu Lele, Choice Specs Genesect, and Tapu Bulu. Zapdos deals with Protean Greninja, Porygon2, and bulky Water-types that threaten such Fire-types.

Tailwind helps Zapdos's teammates to outspeed many foes for three turns. Thunderbolt is the strongest of Zapdos's attacks and hits Water- and Flying-types. Hidden Power Ice gives Zapdos coverage for Landorus-T and Mega Salamence, while the multi-target Heat Wave helps Zapdos to knock out Grass- and Steel-types like Mega Metagross and Ferrothorn. Roost heals half of Zapdos's HP, increasing its longevity. Detect helps to reveal opposing Pokemon's moves and allows Zapdos to survive double targeting. Wiki Berry and Sitrus Berry heal 50% or 25% when Zapdos is at 25% or 50%, respectively. Wiki Berry is generally more useful because it restores more HP, but Sitrus Berry is less risky. The given EV spread with a Calm nature enables Zapdos to be 3HKOed by Adamant Landorus-T's Rock Slide, survive Ludicolo's rain-boosted Hydro Vortex 15 out of 16 times, and outspeed +1 base 100s under Tailwind. Alternatively, a Modest nature can be used for more power in exchange for special bulk. This Zapdos set is good for teams that don't wish to rely on a Seed or that don't have place for Tapu Fini or Tapu Lele. Steel-types are good teammates. Aegislash and Celesteela provide additional utility in Wide Guard, which protects Zapdos from Rock Slide and other multi-target moves. Intimidate and Fake Out support from the likes of Incineroar, Scrafty, and Hitmontop is appreciated by Zapdos, as it helps Zapdos to survive more physical attacks and set up Tailwind. Tyranitar can be a good teammate for Zapdos because they cover each other's weaknesses pretty well.

Tailwind provides speed control for your team for three turns. Thunderbolt hits Flying- and Water-types like Celesteela and Tapu Fini. Hidden Power Ice with Thunderbolt provides good coverage. It hits Mega Salamence and Landorus-T for a large amount of damage. Heat Wave is a spread move that hits Grass-types such as Amoonguss harder than Hidden Power Ice. Roost increases Zapdos's longevity and allows it to stay on the field for more time. Misty Seed and Psychic Seed increase Zapdos's special bulk by one stage in Misty and Psychic Terrain, respectively. The given EV spread with the Modest nature allows Zapdos to survive Tapu Lele's Shattered Psyche in Psychic Terrain when Zapdos's Seed is activated and outpace +1 base 100s under Tailwind. Also, Zapdos 2HKOes most standard variants of Tapu Fini with Thunderbolt. You must be careful with switches because Terrain Seeds are consumed after activating, and without a Special Defense boost, Zapdos loses a lot of special bulk. Before bringing Zapdos into the field with the Terrain that activates its Seed, you should eliminate or weaken Pokemon that can force it out. You must have Tapu Lele or Tapu Fini in your team, depending on Zapdos's Seed. Steel-types such as Kartana and Mega Metagross can take on Pokemon that are very threatening to Zapdos such as Tyranitar, while Zapdos freely switches into Ground-type attacks for them. Mega Metagross is particularly useful if you run Psychic Seed Zapdos, as Psychic Terrain will strengthen Mega Metagross's Zen Headbutt alongside with activating Zapdos's Psychic Seed. Intimidate support from the likes of Incineroar, Scrafty, and Landorus-T helps Zapdos to take on physical attacks more easily. Scrafty deserves a special mention because it provides both Fake Out and Intimidate support and threatens Tyranitar.

Tailwind doubles your team's Speed for three turns. It helps Pokemon with mediocre Speed outspeed faster foes. Thunderbolt is the STAB move, hitting Water- and Flying-types such as Politoed and Celesteela. Hidden Power Ice hits Landorus-T and Mega Salamence hard. Detect allows Zapdos to survive strong attacks and double targets. Heat Wave is a spread move that hits Grass-types, especially Ferrothorn, hard. Electrium Z is necessary for the powerful 175-Base Power Gigavolt Havoc, which has a big chance to OHKO +1 Tapu Fini with some chip damage. The given EV spread with Modest nature gives Zapdos much offensive presence. With this spread, Zapdos OHKOes uninvested Landorus-T and usually OHKOes Naive Mega Salamence with Hidden Power Ice, while it survives Jolly Mega Metagross's Zen Headbutt under Psychic Terrain and Timid Mega Charizard Y's sun-boosted Flamethrower. A Timid nature with 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe also can be used, as it Speed ties with other positive-nature base 100s like Mega Charizard Y and 2HKOes no-bulk Mega Metagross with Heat Wave, though with this EV spread Zapdos loses a lot of bulk. You should use Zapdos either early- or mid-game to provide speed control for your team. Leading with Zapdos is fine because it brings Zapdos onto the field safely. Don't overrate Zapdos's bulk; switch it out from possible super effective moves or Z-Moves. Alternatively, use Detect. Zapdos appreciates Wide Guard support because it is weak to the multi-target Rock Slide. Aegislash is decent teammate because it can provide Wide Guard support and switch into Rock-type attacks. In return, Zapdos can freely switch into Ground-type attacks. Fake Out support from the likes of Incineroar and Scrafty helps Zapdos to setup Tailwind more easily. Steel-types such as Mega Metagross and Kartana work with Zapdos well because they threaten Tyranitar, one of the best Zapdos counters. Zapdos can take on Water-types such as Tapu Fini and switch into Ground-type attacks. These Pokemon also appreciate the speed control provided by Tailwind.

Moves Substitute allows Zapdos to avoid status while also being able to stall almost any Pokemon down in tandem with Toxic and Roost. Toxic is used to beat opposing walls like Porygon2 and put offensive Pokemon such as Landorus-T and Kyurem-B on a timer. It also wears down most Ground-types that are immune to Discharge. Discharge is primarily used as a STAB move that can paralyze opposing Pokemon, making it harder for them to KO Zapdos. It also hits most Poison- and Steel-type Pokemon that are immune to Toxic. Roost is used to keep Zapdos healthy, especially after using a couple of Substitutes. Set Details 136 Speed EVs with a Timid nature are used to creep maximum Speed Heatran and avoid its fast Toxic, as well as to outpace Suicune and Nidoking. Maximum HP investment with the remaining EVs put into Special Defense allows Zapdos to maximize the health of its Substitute and its own bulk. Pressure is used to further deplete the PP of threatening moves like Magma Storm, Stone Edge, and Sludge Bomb, and Toxic is used so that Zapdos can force the users of these moves out. Leftovers allows Zapdos to passively recover health behind its Substitute without being forced to use Roost. Usage Tips Take advantage of passive Pokemon like Mega Sableye to easily set up Substitute and stall them out. Use Toxic liberally throughout the battle to spread status early-game. This allows Zapdos to stall more later in the game, taking pressure off the rest of the team. Zapdos should avoid getting poisoned or burned, as it will make it immensely difficult for it to properly wall opposing Pokemon. Avoid getting hit by Knock Off, as losing its Leftovers makes it harder for this set to be effective. Take advantage of Discharge's paralysis chance to provide some speed control against Pokemon like Greninja. However, be wary of accidentally paralyzing a wall like Porygon2 or Cradily, as this will make them harder for your team to take down. Try to use Substitute when the opposing Pokemon is badly poisoned or if you expect a Z-Move from a Pokemon that is slower than Zapdos, such as Tapu Bulu or Heatran. Team Options Mantine is a great Defogger that can take Ice-type attacks for Zapdos while also being able to check threats to Zapdos like Choice Scarf Greninja. Its Haze also helps Zapdos immensely with setup sweepers like Azumarill. Celesteela also helps check Zapdos's threats thanks to its amazing typing, allowing it to take many Rock- and Ice-type attacks Zapdos is weak to, while its Flamethrower can help get rid of opposing Steel-types like Ferrothorn that make it difficult for Zapdos to be effective. Skarmory helps take physical attacks that Zapdos is usually vulnerable to, can use Defog to remove Stealth Rock and prevent it from harming Zapdos, and has Whirlwind to phaze setup sweepers that would take advantage of Zapdos. Mega Aerodactyl is a fantastic assistant for Zapdos, as it can KO opposing Rock- and Ice-types with Earthquake and Stone Edge. It also provides Stealth Rock support and Pursuit traps threats to Zapdos like Victini. Landorus-T and Gliscor are both good Electric-immune teammates that can still assist Zapdos. Choice Scarf Landorus-T also acts as a good pivot with U-turn and is a reliable way to keep faster foes in check, while Gliscor helps stallbreak opposing teams with its good bulk, high passive recovery, pseudo status immunity, and Taunt. Tornadus-T is an excellent pivot with its Speed and access to U-turn, and is also an excellent offensive Defogger that can KO opposing Steel-types with Heat Wave and remove opposing items with Knock Off.

Moves Volt Switch grants Zapdos a means of pivoting so that it can slowly bring in its teammates safely. Discharge is an option over Volt Switch, most notably threatening foes with a 30% paralysis chance while keeping Zapdos in the field as opposed to forcing it to pivot out. Defog removes entry hazards from the field that would otherwise interrupt the momentum of Electric teams by slowly chipping them down. Roost grants Zapdos a means of reliable recovery, lengthening its presence throughout a battle and allowing it to absorb weak attacks more readily. Heat Wave is important coverage for Zapdos, most notably hitting Steel-types that it otherwise cannot threaten such as Excadrill and Ferrothorn. Set Details 80 EVs in Speed with a Timid nature allow Zapdos to outspeed Jolly Diggersby as well as Pokemon like Heatran and Tapu Bulu. The remainder of its EVs are placed into HP and Defense to maximize its ability to absorb physical attacks, notably surviving Diggersby's Return, Tapu Bulu's Stone Edge, and Mega Diancie's Diamond Storm and walling Choice Scarf Excadrill's Rock Slide. Leftovers is used to grant Zapdos more sustainability throughout a battle. Static gives Zapdos a passive 30% chance to paralyze foes that make contact with it. Pressure could be used in place of Static in order to stall out the PP of weak attackers in conjunction with its bulk and recovery. It also can notably stall out Stealth Rock users' PP when combined with Defog. Usage Tips Switch Zapdos into common hazard setters that do not threaten it such as Torkoal, Skarmory, and Ferrothorn in order to immediately remove hazards from the field as they set them. Utilize Zapdos's great bulk in order to take on threatening attackers such as Choice Scarf Excadrill and Diggersby as well as physical attackers that lack coverage to damage Zapdos such as Scizor and Mega Pinsir. Make the most of Zapdos's immunity to Ground by switching in on predicted Ground-type attacks from Pokemon such as Landorus and Excadrill. However, be careful of Pokemon that may predict this switch and utilize a Rock-type move such as Rock Slide from Choice Band Excadrill, which will deal a huge blow to Zapdos. Try to preserve Zapdos's HP as much as possible throughout the battle with Roost to continuously remove hazards from the field and switch into attacks. If using Discharge, use it freely for the chip damage and for the chance to paralyze foes, which neutralizes their Speed for teammates to better handle them. When using Volt Switch, utilize it to keep momentum up against the opposing team by pivoting out on predicting bulky switch-ins such as Chansey and Mega Venusaur in order to bring in a teammate that can effectively deal with them. Additionally, utilize Volt Switch against faster foes in order to safely bring in teammates such as Alolan Raichu and Thundurus. However, be wary of using Volt Switch when Zapdos is at low health, as it will be unable to switch into attackers if its HP isn't maintained. Avoid Toxic users such as Swampert and Cradily as much as possible, as Toxic hampers Zapdos's ability to continuously absorb attacks throughout the battle and puts Zapdos on a timer. Team Options Tapu Koko and Alolan Raichu are great offensive Pokemon that help keep faster foes in check and pair well with Zapdos, as they appreciate a defensive backbone to fall back onto as well as Zapdos's Ground immunity. Rotom-Wash pairs amazingly defensively with Zapdos, completing a decent defensive backbone for the team. It also provides Will-O-Wisp support to nullify physical attackers, which allows Zapdos to even more readily take them on. Alolan Golem is the only viable entry hazard setter for Electric teams and can help take on Ice-types for Zapdos with its STAB Rock-type attacks. It also helps Zapdos by taking on specially defensive Pokemon that Zapdos cannot touch such as Chansey. Thundurus is another physical attacker that can take on Normal-, Ice-, and Rock-types for Zapdos such as Chansey, Mamoswine, and Mega Diancie. Magnezone is a powerful special attacker that can take notably take on Mega Venusaur for Zapdos as well as trap Steel-types such as Excadrill. Zeraora is a powerful physical attacker for Electric that can effectively remove Pokemon that Zapdos otherwise cannot handle such as Chansey and Porygon2 and greatly appreciates Zapdos's slow pivoting to safely bring it in. Mega Manectric is a great offensive pivot that appreciates being able to switch out to Zapdos following a Volt Switch. It also provides Intimidate support, granting Zapdos more opportunities to come in, even against physical attackers. Xurkitree is yet another special attacker that can notably take on Electric-immune Pokemon such as Swampert and Gastrodon that Zapdos cannot touch with its Energy Ball.

Moves Volt Switch is used so that Zapdos can pivot out of the fight to keep momentum going. Roost allows Zapdos to recover its health and allows it to continue to be useful in the match. Defog removes entry hazards from the field, easing the need for the move on other teammates so they can run other moves. Heat Wave hits Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and Excadrill to keep them from walling Zapdos. Discharge can be used over Volt Switch so that Zapdos has a reliable STAB move that also has a decent paralysis chance. Toxic can be used over Heat Wave to hit incoming walls and checks to Zapdos like Porygon2 and Landorus-T, putting them on a timer. Set Details Maximum HP investment, 176 Special Defense EVs, and a Calm nature allow Zapdos to be as bulky as possible and survive a multitude of hits from offensive Pokemon like Gengar and Latios. Zapdos runs 80 Speed EVs to make sure that it outspeeds Adamant Bisharp and Adamant Diggersby. Leftovers is used to give Zapdos as much passive recovery as possible. Pressure is Zapdos's best ability, as it allows it to deplete the PP of opposing sweepers that it walls, limiting their choices and forcing switches. Usage Tips Volt Switch should be used once Zapdos has successfully removed Stealth Rock from the field so its teammates can come in safely. Using it against faster Pokemon allows Zapdos to bring in teammates like Mega Aerodactyl and Landorus-T safely, while using it against slower Pokemon allows it to safely pivot out to a wall like Mantine or Gliscor so they can completely stop the foe. Try to avoid having Zapdos getting its passive recovery nullified, as losing its Leftovers to Knock Off or getting hit with a status move makes it harder for Zapdos to effectively wall opposing Pokemon. Try to switch Zapdos in on a predicted Stealth Rock use, as it makes it easier to deplete the opposing Pokemon's PP for that move, allowing your team to be able to switch into the fight more easily. Make sure that Zapdos is healthy before it switches out, as it will make it easier for it to Defog effectively later in the match. Zapdos can provide speed control by spreading paralysis with Discharge, which can be really useful to keep revenge killers like Kommo-o in check. Zapdos should use Toxic on a predicted switch to a wall or an Electric-immune Pokemon so that it can put them on a timer and give its team the upper hand. Try to bluff Toxic against balance teams that are vulnerable to it like Normal so that you can surprise would-be switch-ins. Heat Wave is also important to keep hidden so you can surprise switch-ins like Ferrothorn and Bisharp in the Steel matchup, allowing you to get the upper hand in the fight. Team Options The entire team appreciates Zapdos's ability to remove Stealth Rock effectively, as most Flying-types are weak to it. Its teammates also appreciate its neutrality to Electric-type moves. Celesteela can wear down opposing Pokemon with Toxic and Leech Seed, and Leech Seed in particular can provide Zapdos with additional healing, allowing it to force out even more Pokemon. It also has a spectacular typing and great bulk that allow it to take Ice-type attacks for Zapdos as well. Mantine is an excellent switch-in to Pokemon like Greninja and can form a great defensive Defog core with Zapdos. Its Haze also allows it to make setup sweepers less of a problem for Zapdos. Landorus-T can utilize Choice Scarf to remove threats to Zapdos with its powerful Earthquake, such as Nidoking and Terrakion. Tornadus-T is a great assisting Defogger that helps take down checks to Zapdos like Mega Venusaur with Hurricane. It also forms a nice pivoting core with Zapdos and appreciates Zapdos's ability to get rid of certain Steel-types that it struggles against, such as Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor. Mega Aerodactyl appreciates Zapdos's ability to wear down opposing walls and attackers so that it can clean opposing teams more easily. In return, it can remove threats such as Taunt Tapu Koko and Trick Latios so Zapdos isn't crippled or removed. Skarmory can switch into physical attacks from Pokemon like Excadrill and Mega Gallade, as well as neutralize physical Rock-type attacks. Mega Charizard Y can break down the walls that Zapdos struggles against like Ferrothorn, making it easier for Zapdos to wear down opposing offensive Pokemon.

Moves Thunderbolt is a decently powerful attack that lets Zapdos avoid being a momentum drain, especially in conjunction with its coverage move of choice. Although a spread-reduced Heat Wave from a non-Fire-type like Zapdos isn't particularly strong, it still provides Zapdos with coverage for Kartana, Genesect, and Ferrothorn. If Landorus-T and Zygarde are larger issues for Zapdos's teammates, it can instead run Hidden Power Ice. Either coverage move also gives Zapdos a way to dent Amoonguss and Tapu Bulu and prevent them from switching in for free. Tailwind helps Zapdos's whole team be more threatening in future turns, while Roost ensures Zapdos can fulfill its job later on in the match. Roost also benefits from Tailwind, as the move enables Zapdos to shrug off an otherwise super effective move like Ice Beam. If using a Seed, Zapdos should always carry Roost to stay healthy with its boosted Special Defense. For Wiki Berry sets, Whirlwind phazes boosted setup sweepers like Kommo-o and prevents Trick Room by forcing setters out before they can use the move. Wiki Berry sets may also run Protect, as Zapdos is a common recipient of double targeting due to it often lacking room for the move. Set Details A Wiki Berry offers automatic healing, which is especially nice if activated by Stealth Rock upon entering the field. Such sets do well with the listed spread, which ensures Zapdos's survival of Tapu Koko's Gigavolt Havoc at full HP as well as its ability to take two hits from unboosted Zygarde's Thousand Arrows; one neutral hit and one super effective one after Zapdos is smacked down. After investing enough into Speed to outrun Pelipper and, under Tailwind, all relevant Choice Scarf users, the remaining investment is dumped into Special Attack. Misty Seed and Psychic Seed are alternative item options that work well with ally Tapu Fini and Tapu Lele, respectively, boosting Zapdos's Special Defense to allow it to stay healthy longer between Roost and boosted bulk. If Zapdos opts for one of these items, a spread of 244 HP / 80 Def / 16 SpA / 104 SpD / 64 Spe with a Modest nature should be used to guarantee Mega Metagross's Ice Punch and Mega Charizard Y's Overheat in the sun are unable to take out a boosted Zapdos, even after Stealth Rock. With Static, Zapdos threatens contact attackers with potential paralysis. Usage Tips Setting Tailwind is often important for Zapdos's teammates, but don't see it as essential; it's often more useful for Zapdos to attack immediately. Wiki Berry sets can pivot much more freely, as Seed sets only get one chance to take advantage of their boosted Special Defense. Still, don't be afraid to switch out a Zapdos whose Seed has activated; this set can be valuable even without the Seed bonus and it shouldn't stay on the field if it's in a passive or otherwise disadvantageous position. Zapdos is generally useful throughout the game, so it should be kept healthy if possible and not used as a simple vessel for Tailwind once in the game. Roost does this and also helps stall out turns against would-be offensive counters like Tyranitar and Kyurem-B, giving Zapdos's teammates time to take out these threats while it stomachs the now-neutrally effective attacks. Avoid pivoting too recklessly with Zapdos if the opponent sets Stealth Rock, as the added damage greatly cuts into Zapdos's longevity. The sole notable exception to this rule would be if Zapdos is weakened to the point that its next switch into Stealth Rock will activate its Wiki Berry. Team Options Wallbreakers with middling Speed stats appreciate​ Zapdos's Tailwind, making Kyurem-B, Genesect, Tapu Bulu, and Tapu Lele all valuable partners. Tapu Lele and Tapu Fini activate Zapdos's Seed if running this; they also offer decent matchups against Kyurem-B and Tyranitar for Zapdos. Other decent options for taking out these threats include Kartana and Mega Metagross. Regardless of its coverage move choice, Zapdos will need teammates that can take on the targets of the move it doesn't pick. Kyurem-B, Tapu Bulu, and Hidden Power Ice Landorus-T pair well with Heat Wave sets by taking on Landorus-T and Zygarde reasonably well. Hidden Power Ice sets should consider Volcanion, Incineroar, and Victini as teammates to cover Ferrothorn and Genesect.

Moves Volt Switch functions as a STAB move that hits Water- and Flying-types super effectively while helping Zapdos's team gain momentum and bring in a teammate safely. However, being forced to switch is not always a positive trait of this move, as damage from Stealth Rock can build quickly with the additional pivoting. Thunderbolt is Zapdos's strongest accurate Electric-type move. Discharge has a considerable chance to paralyze foes, which can leave them significantly more vulnerable to being revenge killed. Heat Wave is one of Zapdos's primary selling points as a defensive tank; the coverage it provides alongside Zapdos's Electric-type STAB move is invaluable. It allows Zapdos to effectively check Kartana, Excadrill, Mega Lucario, and Mega Scizor. Hidden Power Ice heavily damages Mega Salamence, Landorus-T, and Garchomp. This keeps them from setting up further, forcing them to launch a last-ditch effort attack or to simply switch out. Toxic is a good utility move that puts a timer on defensive behemoths such as Porygon2 and Cresselia. In combination with Roost, Zapdos is able to stall for additional poison damage. Roost is a vitally important move for Zapdos to stay healthy so it can fulfill its role as a defensive wall. Set Details EVs are used to maximize HP and Defense, and a Bold nature is chosen to maximize Zapdos's physical bulk, letting it handle physical threats such as Mega Salamence with a Dragon Dance boost. 20 Speed EVs allow Zapdos to outspeed neutral base 70 Pokemon, most notably Breloom. Rocky Helmet punishes physical attackers every time they use a contact move; this is particularly useful against Mega Gyarados, Mega Salamence, and Mega Blaziken. Wiki Berry provides a single-use burst of recovery, healing 50% of Zapdos's max HP. This can be particularly useful when Zapdos has to switch frequently while Stealth Rock is active, as it will activate automatically when Zapdos is put below 25% of its max HP. Leftovers provides a steady and much-welcomed source of passive recovery. This can help alleviate the damage taken from harmful weather and status on a turn-by-turn basis. Static punishes contact attacks with a significant chance to paralyze. This can be particularly useful when Zapdos is being used to take on certain physical attackers that are either naturally fast or boost their own Speed, such as Kartana, Mega Gyarados, and Mega Salamence. Pressure helps Zapdos use Roost to stall out foes that rely on low-PP moves such as Stone Edge and Fire Blast. It also allows for a means of checking the foe's Speed; when Zapdos is led or brought in after a double KO, take note of whether Pressure activates before a foe's ability to determine which Pokemon is faster. Usage Tips Since this set aims to use Zapdos as a physical wall, use it to switch into the dangerous physical attackers it can handle such as Mega Salamence, Mega Gyarados, Azumarill, and Mega Scizor. When using Toxic in combination with either Discharge or Static, be careful not to paralyze Pokemon you need to badly poison. Accidentally paralyzing a Porygon2, for instance, could leave it significantly harder to KO than if it were badly poisoned. Even without much Speed investment, Zapdos is still faster than many bulky attackers. It can use its naturally high Speed to its advantage and attempt to stall out the PP of certain Rock-, Ice-, and Electric-type moves with Pressure and Roost. Team Options Zapdos is often paired with Pokemon that struggle with Mega Salamence or bulky Water-types, appreciating Zapdos handling them. Mega Blaziken in particular is a common partner; alongside Ferrothorn, this forms a popular core. Zapdos also finds itself as a fairly common option on sand teams, being able to tackle bulky Water-types and Celesteela, which Tyranitar and Excadrill can struggle with, and switch into the Fighting- and Ground-type attacks that threaten them both. Steel-types, such as Mega Metagross and Heatran, can switch into Toxic, which cripples Zapdos, and Ice-type attacks, which hit Zapdos super effectively. Mega Metagross and Heatran can also benefit from having Zapdos as a teammate, as it can comfortably switch into Ground-type attacks.

Moves Defog is crucial to this set, as it allows Zapdos to clear entry hazards, particularly Stealth Rock, from its side, which is extremely important for Flying, as most Flying-types are weak to Stealth Rock. Roost is an important move for Zapdos, as it provides it with reliable recovery, giving it the longevity to better utilize its typing and ability to clear hazards from the field. Discharge provides Zapdos with a reliable way to deal damage, and, due to its chance of paralyzing the foe, it can give opponents second thoughts about setting up against Zapdos. Volt Switch is also an option instead of Discharge, as it provides momentum. However, it has a lower Base Power than Discharge; forces Zapdos to keep switching, which can cause it to take heavy damage from Stealth Rock; and leaves Zapdos unable to paralyze foes, which can make it setup bait. Toxic will put foes on a timer, preventing them from stalling and often forcing switches, and helps Zapdos wear down opposing walls. Heat Wave is an option instead of Toxic, as it allows Zapdos to hit Steel-types such as Mega Scizor and Ferrothorn, both of which can threaten Flying and switch into Zapdos easily otherwise. Set Details Maximum HP investment is used to greatly increase Zapdos's overall bulk. 16 Speed EVs are used to allow Zapdos to outspeed base 70 Speed Pokemon without a boosting nature, such as Adamant Bisharp. The rest of the EVs are put into Special Defense with a Calm nature to allow Zapdos to take as many special hits as possible. There is also the possibility of running an alternative spread of 252 HP / 148 SpD / 108 Spe with a Calm nature, as this allows Zapdos to outspeed maximum Speed base 70 Speed Pokemon with a boosting nature, such as Jolly Bisharp, Cloyster, and Breloom, and then potentially KO them before they get to attack. Pressure is used on this set, as it allows for more effective PP stalling with Roost, which can often be crucial; furthermore, if Static is used, Zapdos cannot use Defog, as it is illegal. Leftovers provides Zapdos with passive recovery, greatly increasing its longevity. Usage Tips Zapdos can be used as a switch-in to a majority of special attackers including Pokemon like Hydreigon and Thundurus. Its reliable recovery means it is consistently able to switch into these attackers, so you should always try and keep it at full health by making you sure you use Roost as often as possible. However, it is unable to switch into extremely hard-hitting Pokemon such as Mega Charizard Y. Zapdos is able to beat many opposing walls through a combination of Toxic and Pressure; Toxic is able to put the foe on a timer, forcing your opponent to either sacrifice the Pokemon or switch it out, while Pressure allows Zapdos to PP stall certain attacks. It is also important to make sure Stealth Rock is off the field as much as possible, as it prevents Zapdos from switching into lots of hits it otherwise would be able to wall, such as Gengar's Shadow Ball and Thundurus's Thunderbolt. This can be done by switching Zapdos in while the foe sets the Stealth Rock and then using Defog immediately. Zapdos is also capable of stalling out Stealth Rock users due to Pressure, as Pressure means Defog has more PP than the foe's Stealth Rock. It is also a good idea to try and spread status with Zapdos as much as possible earlier in the game so as to better support your team. To avoid being worn down too easily, it is best to use Roost often and to avoid status moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Toxic, as they greatly reduce Zapdos's longevity. Zapdos should feel free to use its Electric-type STAB moves when it's safe, as Discharge's secondary effect of paralyzing can cripple foes and can dissuade switches or punish opponents attempting to switch in Pokemon that would counter Zapdos, whilst Volt Switch gives you momentum against switches and the ability to switch into a counter to whatever the opponent brings in. Team Options The most common teammate for Zapdos is Skarmory, as they form the "SkarmDos" core, which is seen on most Flying-type teams and is able to wall a majority of the metagame. The two Pokemon work together especially well, as they cover each others weaknesses; Skarmory is able to take Ice- and Rock-type attacks for Zapdos, and Zapdos is able to take Electric-type attacks for Skarmory. Their stats also complement each other, as Zapdos is a great specially defensive wall, and Skarmory is a great physically defensive wall. Thanks to its fantastic Speed tier and access to Knock Off and Hurricane, Assault Vest Tornadus-T can deal with certain special wallbreakers that Zapdos cannot handle properly, such as Choice Specs Latios. Tornadus-T can also form a pivoting core with Zapdos if the latter is running Volt Switch. As well as defensive options, Zapdos works well with offensive Pokemon. It pairs especially well with Mega Gyarados, as, due to its typing, Gyarados is able to take Ice-type attacks that would otherwise threaten Zapdos, and Zapdos is also able to remove entry hazards from the field to allow Gyarados to switch more freely as well as to wear down walls that may otherwise prevent Gyarados from sweeping through Toxic. Zapdos is also a good partner for Dragonite, as it can keep hazards off the field, which keeps Dragonite's Multiscale intact, allowing it to perform better. Another Pokemon that appreciates hazard removal from Zapdos is Mega Charizard Y, which would otherwise take heavy damage from entry hazards. It is also able to beat some Ice-types that would otherwise threaten Zapdos with their super effective attacks. Both Landorus formes work well with Zapdos. Landorus can set Stealth Rock and take care of problematic Steel-types like Heatran and Bronzong. Landorus-T forms a VoltTurn core with Zapdos. This core is especially potent because of Landorus-T's Intimidate and Ground / Flying typing. This means it is able to take Rock-type attacks for Zapdos, while Zapdos takes the special hits that Landorus-Therian is less oriented to take. Gliscor is also a potential partner, acting as a stallbreaker for Zapdos by using Taunt against opposing walls and also absorbing any crippling status for it.

Roost allows Zapdos to act as a reliable Defogger. With Discharge, Zapdos can paralyze and limit faster threats like Kingdra. Alternatively, Zapdos can use Volt Switch to provide pivot support. Toxic cripples opposing Zapdos, Latios, and Ground-types like Mega Swampert and Gastrodon. Heat Wave covers Breloom, Nidoking, and Steel-types like Excadrill and Ferrothorn. However, Zapdos prefers Toxic over Heat Wave, since its teammates can deal with the previously mentioned Pokemon. 16 Speed EVs allow Zapdos to outspeed Adamant base 70 Speed foes, namely Bisharp, Mega Swampert, and Breloom. Pressure works well with Defog, allowing Zapdos to keep entry hazards off the field against Stealth Rock setters like Empoleon, Hippowdon, and non-Toxic variants of Jirachi. All of Zapdos's teammates appreciate its ability to tank special attacks, clear entry hazards with Defog, and spread status with Discharge and Toxic. Rotom-W checks Ground-types like Choice Band Excadrill and Mamoswine, and it can switch into and threaten most physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp. It also provides a slow Volt Switch. Air Balloon Magnezone can trap and KO Steel-types like Excadrill and Ferrothorn with Hidden Power Fire. Given the opportunity, Substitute + Calm Mind Raikou can sweep through Psychic teams with Shadow Ball. Raikou also forms a dual Pressure stalling core with Zapdos. Thundurus's access to Grass Knot and Hidden Power Ice allows it to check Swampert and pose a massive threat to Ground teams. It can also use Prankster Thunder Wave to cripple faster threats like Choice Scarf Victini. Thanks to its fantastic Speed tier and Intimidate, Mega Manectric can wear down physical attackers and create momentum with Volt Switch. Additionally, Mega Manectric's Fire- and Ice-type coverage allows it to check Ferrothorn and dent Dragon-types like Mega Garchomp and Dragonite.

Moves Thunderbolt hits Water- and Flying-types for super effective damage and chips away at neutral foes due to Zapdos's respectable Special Attack stat. Tailwind allows Zapdos to support its team, doubling their Speed for three turns. This swings momentum in your team's favor, allowing Pokemon with middling to fast Speed to wreak havoc on the opposing side. Hidden Power Ice hits Landorus-T and Dragon-types such as Salamence, Latios, and Hydreigon for more damage than Thunderbolt. Roost provides recovery, and the extra longevity enables Zapdos to set up Tailwind multiple times in the match and check threats more reliably. Roost also removes Zapdos's Flying typing, allowing it to stay in on Rock- and Ice-types that it outspeeds. Heat Wave may be used over Hidden Power Ice, as it dents Pokemon such as Ferrothorn and provides spread damage; however, the move is somewhat weak, as it fails to break Kyurem-B's Substitute. As such, it is recommended that the move is only used on sun teams. Set Details Rocky Helmet punishes physical attackers such as Mega Kangaskhan when they hit Zapdos, which allows Zapdos to rack up consistent residual damage on these Pokemon as it recovers with Roost. Sitrus Berry is a staple item in Doubles for bulkier Pokemon, providing a burst of recovery and increasing Zapdos's lifespan. Safety Goggles can also be used to ignore Spore and Rage Powder from Pokemon like Breloom and Amoonguss, making Zapdos an effective switch-in to both. The EV spread allows Zapdos to take two Rock Slides from Adamant Landorus-T after spread reduction and two Ice Beams from Modest Ludicolo. The Speed investment allows Zapdos to outspeed neutral-natured base 70 Pokemon such as Bisharp. The rest of the EVs are pumped into Special Attack along with a Modest nature in order to increase Zapdos's offensive presence. If Keldeo or Landorus-T are especially threatening, 96 EVs may be moved from Special Defense to Special Attack to OHKO them with Thunderbolt and Hidden Power Ice, respectively. Static lets Zapdos deter attackers such as Mega Kangaskhan from attacking it by threatening to paralyze them. Usage Tips Zapdos's bulk allows it to be easily switched in during the middle of the game to swing the momentum in your favor. Zapdos is also an effective lead against Mega Kangaskhan, threatening Rocky Helmet recoil damage and paralysis through Static if Mega Kangaskhan uses Fake Out on it. Use Roost liberally against Pokemon that Zapdos either threatens out or that can't harm it if you are predicting Protect or a switch out in order to keep Zapdos healthy. Zapdos gives a solid defensive backbone to a team with its excellent bulk and recovery, so utilize that by switching it into common threats such as Talonflame and Fighting-type moves from Pokemon such as Virizion. Tailwind is far from the only option on the first turn; attack if it makes more sense to do so. Team Options Mega Charizard Y aids Zapdos with sun for its Heat Wave, allowing it to break Kyurem-B's Substitute, and it appreciates the Tailwind Zapdos provides. Zapdos also beats one of the most common checks to sun teams in Talonflame. Fake Out users such as Mega Kangaskhan and Infernape and redirection users such as Jirachi help Zapdos set up Tailwind more easily. Steel-types like Aegislash and Mega Metagross take on Dragon-types and Mega Diancie, two of Zapdos's more difficult matchups. Hard hitters that appreciate Tailwind such as Hoopa-U, Mega Gardevoir, and Mega Kangaskhan are able to devastate the opponent's team with their Speed stat doubled. Fighting-types such as Keldeo are able to deal with Ice- and Rock-types such as Kyurem-B and Terrakion that threaten Zapdos with their STAB attacks. Breloom is one of Zapdos's best partners, working extremely well under Tailwind with its ability to incapacitate opposing Pokemon with fast Spores.

Moves Tailwind lets Zapdos double its team's Speed for four turns and is the major selling point of this set. Thunderbolt lets Zapdos hit Water- and Flying-types such as Suicune and Talonflame, respectively, hard. Hidden Power Ice is mainly used to give Zapdos a way to beat Landorus-T, Mega Salamence, and Garchomp. Alternatively, Heat Wave is an option to give Zapdos a spread move, especially if your team already has these threats covered. It also provides coverage on Grass- and Steel-types such as Amoonguss and Bisharp, respectively. Roost gives Zapdos more longevity. Protect is an option to guard Zapdos against status attacks and double targeting. Set Details Sitrus Berry gives Zapdos one-time instant recovery. Alternatively, Expert Belt boosts the power of super effective moves, and it is best used when running both Hidden Power Ice and Heat Wave. 156 Speed EVs let Zapdos outrun positive-natured Smeargle. 252 Special Attack EVs and a Modest nature maximize damage output. The rest are dumped into HP for some bulk. An alternative, more bulky spread would be 252 HP / 36 Def / 52 SpA / 148 SpD / 20 Spe. This lets Zapdos survive neutral-natured Kangaskhan's Double-Edge without Sitrus Berry as well as a Choice Specs-boosted Draco Meteor from Hydreigon, and the Speed EVs let Zapdos outspeed neutral-natured Bisharp. Alternatively, 116 Speed EVs allow Zapdos to outspeed positive-natured Breloom. Usage Tips Using Tailwind on the first turn can give you an advantageous position, which could easily decide the match. However, using Tailwind in the later turns of the match can also provide crucial momentum. If your opponent has Pokemon that often carry Taunt, such as Thundurus and Whimsicott, avoiding the obvious Tailwind and attacking instead will often pay off. Always try to avoid taking too many Rock Slides, as they hit Zapdos harder than it would like. Because Zapdos is also known to run bulky sets, keep in mind that your damage output may catch your opponents off guard. Team Options Fake Out users such as Mega Kangaskhan and Scrafty are great partners for Zapdos, giving it more freedom to set up Tailwind. Pokemon that enjoy Tailwind such as Breloom, Heatran, Sylveon, and Mega Kangaskhan work well together with Zapdos. To cover Zapdos's weaknesses, Steel-types such as Aegislash and Mega Metagross are great. Wide Guard support is good to block Rock Slide, and Pokemon such as Aegislash and Swampert are good for this. Because Zapdos can easily deal with Suicune, Pokemon that fear Suicune such as Terrakion, Heatran, and Mega Metagross can be good picks for teammates.

Moves Roost allows Zapdos to function as a wall, keeping itself healthy with reliable recovery. Thunderbolt is Zapdos's strongest and most reliable Electric-type STAB move, hitting Pokemon weak to it for respectable damage. Volt Switch can be used to allow Zapdos to gain momentum, bringing in a teammate safely while dealing damage and possibly breaking Focus Sashes, but being forced to switch after attacking can be costly, especially if Zapdos is left with low HP before using the move. Volt Switch is also useful for escaping from Mega Gengar and Wobbuffet, which would otherwise trap Zapdos with Shadow Tag. Discharge can be used for its higher chance of paralysis, though it can conflict with Toxic, so only use it in conjunction with Hidden Power Ice. Heat Wave is vital for Zapdos to break through Steel-types such as Excadrill, Klefki, and Aegislash, as well as Grass-types such as Breloom and Ferrothorn. Toxic gives Zapdos a way of whittling down defensive Pokemon such as Cresselia, Rotom-W, and Porygon2, allowing it to stall them out with Roost, while also giving it a means of damaging Pokemon such as Garchomp and Landorus-T. Hidden Power Ice, however, can be used as a method to deal immediate damage to offensive Pokemon such as Garchomp, Landorus-T, Mega Salamence, and Thundurus-T, and the choice should be based on what your team needs more coverage against. Roar allows Zapdos to phaze, shuffling out setup sweepers and allowing you to scout the opposing team early-game, though it generally won't be more useful than Toxic or Hidden Power Ice. Thunder Wave can also be used to spread paralysis, allowing Zapdos to cripple offensive Pokemon such as Mega Altaria, Mega Charizard X, and Mega Salamence that may try to set up. Set Details The given nature and EVs maximize Zapdos's physical bulk while ensuring it takes as little damage as possible from Stealth Rock, sand, and hail. Rocky Helmet punishes Pokemon that rely on contact moves to hit Zapdos, such as Talonflame, Azumarill, and most importantly, Mega Kangaskhan. Leftovers is still a viable choice, however, as it gives Zapdos passive recovery, boosting its durability and making it less reliant on Roost. An EV spread of 252 HP / 196 Def / 60 Spe with a Bold nature can be used to allow Zapdos to outrun neutral-natured base 75 Speed Pokemon and below, such as Mega Heracross, Breloom, Bisharp, and Cloyster, while still maintaining as much physical bulk as possible. Static is an excellent ability on Zapdos, threatening to paralyze Pokemon in addition to taking Rocky Helmet damage. This is especially great for switching into Mega Kangaskhan's Fake Out, since paralyzing it makes it much easier to check. However, Static is a difficult ability to get on Zapdos since it requires an obscure event. Because of this, if you are unable to get a hold of a good Static Zapdos, Pressure is still a good alternative that can make Zapdos better at PP stalling its foes. Usage Tips Take advantage of Zapdos's bulk and typing by using it to check physical attackers that will fail to immediately break through it, such as Azumarill, Scizor, Talonflame, and Gyarados, disposing of them with the appropriate move. Be especially liberal about switching into them if Zapdos is holding Rocky Helmet, as this wears them down as they attack, possibly even breaking their Focus Sash in the process. This is especially a good tactic if you are using Static Zapdos, since most of these Pokemon hate being paralyzed. Zapdos is one of the faster defensive Pokemon in Battle Spot thanks to its base 100 Speed stat, so take advantage of this when using moves such as Toxic and Roost against slower threats such as Cresselia and Rotom-W. If using Pressure Zapdos, take advantage of that and access to Toxic and Roost to stall out low-PP moves such as Stone Edge and Fire Blast, though be cautious if they are STAB moves, as they can outdamage the HP Zapdos recovers from using Roost. If running Volt Switch, be cautious when using it to escape from Wobbuffet, as your incoming Pokemon can end up taking a Mirror Coat. Team Options Water-types such as Suicune, Slowbro, and Azumarill appreciate Zapdos's ability to switch into Grass- and Electric-type moves, while they themselves can handle the Ice-type moves directed at Zapdos, and check threats such as Dragonite, Garchomp, and Mega Charizard X. Specially bulky Pokemon such as Porygon2, Chansey, and Cresselia can form a defensive core with Zapdos, checking threats such as Greninja and Mega Charizard Y for it, while Zapdos can switch in on the Fighting- and Bug-type moves aimed at them. Pokemon such as Conkeldurr, Mega Venusaur, Breloom, and Greninja appreciate Zapdos's ability to deal with Talonflame and Mega Kangaskhan. Blaziken is also an excellent teammate for Zapdos, as it appreciates Zapdos's ability to handle most of its checks, namely Talonflame, Slowbro, Azumarill, Gyarados, and Salamence, while Blaziken can handle the Rock- and Ice-type moves directed at Zapdos with ease. Aegislash is also a noteworthy partner for Zapdos, as Zapdos is immune to the Ground-type moves that plague Aegislash, while Aegislash can take Rock- and Ice-type moves for Zapdos. Aegislash can also switch into Toxic for Zapdos, while Zapdos can wear down Porygon2 for Aegislash by using Toxic itself.

This is a unique set which is quite effective against the popular Fire / Water / Grass cores, using Thunderbolt and Hidden Power Ice to form a pseudo-BoltBeam combination. Save for Swampert, this set usually comes out on top against most Pokemon commonly found in such cores. Thunderbolt is this set's generic STAB move, and Hidden Power Ice is usually the best coverage move to use alongside it. However, Hidden Power Flying is also a good option because it receives STAB and retains good neutral coverage; for example, Spikes Roserade is always 2HKOed by Hidden Power Flying. This set can be used in two different ways: a bulkier variant with access to Roost and decent coverage, or a purely offensive variant that sacrifices recovery for even better coverage in the form of Heat Wave; Roost is superior most of the time, though. This set must be played in different ways throughout the match. Early-game, Zapdos should use its great 383 Special Attack in tandem with Life Orb to wear down the opponent and wreak havoc on unprepared teams. Roost must then be used to increase Zapdos's longevity. Finally, late-game, Zapdos can use Agility to avoid being revenge killed by a Choice Scarf users such as Flygon or Darmanitan, easily OHKOing them with Hidden Power Ice and Thunderbolt, respectively. With the given EV spread, Zapdos will outrun Choice Scarf Mienshao after an Agility boost, hit like a truck due to maximum Special Attack, and be bulky enough to act as a pivot when needed. However, a 112 HP / 252 SpA / 144 Spe spread may be used in order to outrun Modest maximum Speed Kingdra in the rain, as well as Timid Choice Scarf Raikou. Zapdos can also use max Speed to outrun Jolly Heracross and Timid Nidoking. Another option is to forgo Roost for Heat Wave and use Hidden Power Grass in order to gain better coverage; however, this would require sacrificing Zapdos's defensive capabilities. Baton Pass works well along with Agility, and can be used at the cost of coverage or a loss in durability. However, Baton Pass is generally an inferior option because it diminishes this set's effectiveness as a standalone sweeper. This set really appreciates entry hazard and Rapid Spin support if Zapdos is on a balanced or bulky offensive team. If you are using an offensive team, the pressure of your sweepers often acts as good team support by minimizing the chances of the opponent using Rapid Spin and placing entry hazards. Good teammates for this set are physical attackers such as Hitmontop—who can also use Rapid Spin—and Machamp because they can beat many of Zapdos's counters, namely Snorlax, Umbreon, and Rhyperior.