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.