I agree with Eo fully in terms of set order. Toxic shouldn't even be a slash in this metagame.
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Zapdos (Analysis)
- Thread starter NatGeo
- Start date
No, don't stick them together. Choice is for most practical purposes decidedly inferior to Voltlos, while Offensive has Roost to distinguish itself, which is really important considering that Zapdos is weak to Stealth Rock.
I didn't read the whole thread, but if it hasn't been mentioned I think that you should mention HP grass as an option on the substitute set (and the other sets as well) to deal with swampert.
Toxic (or simply setting up Toxic Spikes) both deal with bulky grounds of all sorts, while not sticking you with a move which gives coverage almost entirely redundant with Thunderbolt.
swampert sucks
But seriously, HP Grass gives horribly redundant coverage, and also does nothing to help your issue with Randorosu and Gliscor.
Oh, and Swampert is really bad in this metagame. That part I wasn't kidding about.
Agreeing with SDS here, HP Grass is kinda redundant this metagame, since there isnt really anything that you can hit it with for SE damage besides Swampert, who, again, is not seen at all in this metagame. Most Grounds and Waters are either neutral and take the hit well or they just are too darn bulky. When one of your main counters has a 4x weakness to a good move in your arsenal, you use it. When you never see that counter, however, it becomes redundant.
Still, it merits a small mention due to its utility last gen, so i put it on OC.
EDIT: Put Komodo's GP check in.
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OVERVIEW
<p> Zapdos has great offensive stats, with base 125 Special Attack and base 100 Speed. With Assisting this offensive prowess comes an is amazing typing, Electric/Flying, which only shared with Borutorosu, Emonga, and Rotom-F share. This typing allows for switching in on its resistances, which allow it to switch in on many moves which would hurt other Pokemon. This typing allows for easy switching into moves that would easily harm other Pokemon. Its wonderful defenses allow it to take on many powerful physical and special attackers in OU very easily with its numerous resistances. However, it Zapdos is weak to Stealth Rock, which, thankfully, can be alleviated by Roost. It Zapdos has a wide movepool, allowing it to run a variety of movesets for all play-styles, from including Offense, Semi-Offense, Stall, and even Baton Pass! Zapdos has very few noticeable flaws and counters, which are all very easily remedied. It Zapdos is a very usable Pokemon and a notable threat, albeit one that hasn't been changed much since HeartGold and SoulSilver.</p>
<p> However, this is not necessarily a good thing. With the introduction of Borutorosu, Zapdos will be competing for a team spot with an opponent that can hit physically as well as and specially with almost equal power. However, Zapdos has an edge in the form of its considerable bulk, access to Roost, Baton Pass, and Heat Wave, allowing it to hit both Steel and Grass-types.</p>
[SET]
Name: Substitute
Move 1: Substitute
Move 2: Roost
Move 3: Thunderbolt
Move 4: Heat Wave / Hidden Power Ice / Toxic
Item: Leftovers
Nature: Timid
Evs: 192 HP / 64 Def / 252 Speed
Set Description
<p>This set is a very good set to at stalling the opponent to oblivion, and draining HP and PP with Poison and Pressure respectively. Many walls are easy prey to this set. Surprisingly enough, Tyranitar also is a target. (I think this is not something that really needs to be said and can be implied.) Anything that flies can be fried by Thunderbolt, though Gliscor Zapdos needs Hidden Power Ice to take it out to effectively handle Gliscor. Toxic is an option, although it does the same job as Toxic Spikes. If you absolutely cannot fit hazards like that in, or you want to hit Flying-Types and Levitators, then Toxic is a viable option. The few Steel-types that can switch in are Ice Punch Metagross, Calm Mind Jirachi, and Heatran. Ice Punch Metagross, Calm mind Jirachi, and Heatran are some of the few steel-types that can switch into this set. (I changed this as to not speak in the passive voice.) These can be nuisances. However, Metagross without Ice Punch can be handled by Heat Wave fairly easily.</p>
Additional Comments
<p> This set manages to juggle two important feats: outspeed most counters, and beat many walls. Baton Pass can be used if you want to pass a Substitute to a sweeper. Lucario is a great example, covering Zapdos' weaknesses, and being able to take out counters. U-Turn may be used to scout out for opponents, with the same being true for Volt Change. Toxic Spikes users are an absolute must, and they are required to make this set efficient. The best users of this are Forretress and Tentacrual, since they Rapid Spin, use Toxic Spikes, and cover many of Zapdos' weaknesses. Smeargle and Roserade get mentions for being able to make opponents fall asleep. However, they are not as effective as other Toxic Spikes users.</p>
<p> Also, an alternative EV spread may be used of 248 HP, 228 Special Defense and 32 Speed, so as to be able to stall opponents such as Burunguru and Blissey, which focus more on special attacks 248 HP, 228 Special Defense, and 32 Speed can be used as an alternative EV spread so that Zapdos can be able to stall opponents such as Burunguru and Blissey, which focus more on special attacks. (Again, passive.) This allows Zapdos to come in on different opponents then than would be advised of with a physically defensive set, much like the differences between the physical and special walls.</p>
[SET]
Name: Offensive
Move 1: Thunderbolt
Move 2: Heat Wave
Move 3: Hidden Power Ice
Move 4: Roost
Item: Life Orb / Leftovers
Nature: Timid
Evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Speed
Set Description
<p>This set fully takes advantage of Zapdos's wonderful attacking capabilities. It carries with it a certain element of surprise due to the fact that defensive wall sets have been more popular in the past. With Hidden Power Ice, no Pokemon besides Swampert resists the attacking combination of Electric/Ice/Fire. Leftovers and Life Orb are both viable choices to use on Zapdos, each with its pros and cons. Also, Timid is preferred but you can use Modest if you really want that power boost.</p>
<p> Roost is usually the better option over Volt Change, since it allows Zapdos to differentiate itself from Borutotosu, who lacks recovery to aid a sweep. It also gets rid of an annoying Rock weakness, which can make a difference in a metagame filled with Rock- and Ground-types. However, it gets rid of its Fighting resistance, which may or may not be a good thing in a metagame also filled with Fighting-types. Overall, Roost should be used over Volt Change, since if not it acts just like an inferior Borutorosu. It should be noted that, with Volt Change being used over Roost, Zapdos is acting as an inferior Borutorosu.</p>
Additional Comments
<p>As said before, almost nothing resists Zapdos's attacking combo, so the one-and-only utility counter to special attackers, Blissey, will do just fine in countering it. That said, Blissey can be taken out by strong Pursuit users. Those with powerful Fighting-type moves are good for this job, such as Scizor, who has Superpower. This set is actually frail and weak to priority, especially when compared to the more defensive sets. Thus, a Pokemon that can resist priority will do great as a partner. Skarmory gets an honorable mention for resisting priority, as well as having high Defense, and the ability to set up hazards. While it is somewhat frail to start off, if you decide to run Volt Change instead off Roost, then you are not going to last nearly as long, so support is a must if you decide to have a more hit-and-run style of play.</p>
(Tentative)[SET]
Name: Physical Wall
Move 1: Thunderbolt
Move 2: Roost
Move 3: Heat Wave / Hidden Power Ice
Move 4: Thunder Wave / Roar
Item: Leftovers
Nature: Bold
evs:248 HP / 228 Def / 32 Spe
Set Description
<p>With base 125 Special Attack and no defensive stats under 90, Zapdos makes an ideal tank, able to absorb hits with ease from physical attackers, tanks, and walls. Heat Wave and Thunder Wave make a more defensive set together, with paralysis support, while being able to hit Steel-types and Grass-types at once, especially the likes from of Nattorei. Hidden Power Ice should be used with Roar, so as to create a pseudo-Bolt/Beam combo with Thunderbolt. However, since there are always Pokemon that can resist both attacks, Roar is used, so it can make the opponent attack only once.</p>
<p> New and very powerful attackers are giving Zapdos a run for its money. Many new Bulk Up users can take advantage of Zapdos to set up and gain health as it tries to Roost, since Drain Punch has gotten a considerable upgrade this generation. However, Zapdos still has great walling capabilities, being able to manage several key threats.</p>
Additional Comments
<p> Like almost any specially-oriented Pokemon, this set is walled by Blissey, so pack a good Pursuit Pokemon like Tyranitar. Since it is weak to Stealth Rock, it may be necessary to have a Rapid Spinner like Starmie or Forretress.</p>
<p> Depending on what moves you run, different Pokemon can counter this Zapdos. Swampert will have a good time easily counter when Zapdos is lacking Hidden Power Grass. Likewise, without Hidden Power Ice, Dragon-types and Ground-types will be a threat, such as Hippowdon and Salamence. When Heat Wave is not in a moveslot, Ice-types will hurt be a pain. Tyranitar is a good all-around counter to this set, as with boosted Speicial Special Defense in sandstorm, it can take all of its attacks and hit hard with STAB Rock-type moves. Finally, this generation of Pokemon has brought very powerful physical attackers which can easily OHKO this set, which is why it is recommended you bring this Zapdos in on a weaker attacker, or resisted attacks.</p>
<p> However, many of these Pokemon are easily taken out by their appropriate counters. Swampert is very afraid of Celebi, who can do quadruple damage to it with Grass Knot or Leaf Storm. Mamoswine can easily take care of Ground- -types and Dragons and Dragon-types with a powerful Ice Shard, nullifying the speed of Choice Scarf Garchomp. Powerful Ice attackers on the special side, like Rotom-F, can take care of physically defensive Pokemon like Hippowdon. Rotom-F is a good choice for this due to the fact that it now gets a STAB Blizzard and Levitate, allowing it to take many Ground-type attacks with no problems.</p>
[SET]
Name: Special Wall
Move 1: Thunderbolt
Move 2: Roost
Move 3: Thunder Wave / Light Screen
Move 4: Heat Wave / Hidden Power Ice
Item: Leftovers
Nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 228 SpD / 32 Speed
Set Description
<p>This set is similar to the physical wall at first glance, though it is meant to be used in a different way. This set can switch in on special attackers the other sets cannot, like Starmie, while keeping decent all-around defenses. It can still take neutral physical attacks, though attacks that do super effective damage will still hurt.</p>
<p> Thunderbolt, its main STAB attack, always does a large amount of damage, even without investment in Special Attack., and It can keep firing off Thunderbolts with Roost restoring half of its HP, and alleviating its Rock weakness, which helps against several Pokemon. Thunder Wave can be used to cripple switch-ins. physical attackers switching in, or any attacker. Light Screen may be used for team support, as well as to greatly increasing increase its Zapdos's ability to sponge special attackers. Lastly, your last moveslot can be used either to hit Steel-types and Grass-types with Heat Wave, or Dragon-types and others with Hidden Power Ice, again creating a pseudo-Bolt/Beam combo. Heat Wave gets extra merit for being able to hit Nattorei, a prominent threat.</p>
Additional Comments
<p> This set parallels this set all other sets in terms of problems (Not sure if that's what you meant here.). Blissey is a pain in the neck, as is Tyranitar; make sure you pack something like Scizor or Roobushin, which both can cover its weaknesses, and eliminate Zapdos's counters. Swampert and Celebi can also switch on this set, though they will have a hard time taking it out dealing damage. This set welcomes Toxic Spikes from tried-and-true users like Tentacruel. Also, since this set lacks in Defense, defensively inclined Pokemon on the physical side, like Nattorei and Gliscor, can work with Zapdos, especially if Light Screen can cover their weaker defensive side.</p>
[SET]
Name: AgilPass
Move 1: Agility
Move 2: Baton Pass
Move 3: Substitute
Move 4: Thunderbolt
Item: Leftovers
Nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 140 Def / 88 SpA / 32 Spe
Set Description
<p> The idea of this set is to come in on something pathetically weak to Zapdos, use Agility on the switch out, Substitute as they attack, and Baton Pass or switch. Since you will outspeed the majority of OU after a 2x +2 boost, you don't need many Speed EVs. Those can go in defenses. 32 Speed EVs allows you to outspeed all unboosted Tyranitar. The EVs in Defense can be put in Special Defense to withstand special attackers and vice-versa. Each support move has its own benefits; Agility helps slow, bulky Pokemon like Roobushin punch holes, while Substitute gives ffrail Pokemon, like Hihidaruma, a buffer against attacks, such as Hihidaruma. Above all, be careful: this is not meant to use Agility and sweep.</p>
Additional Comments
<p>Zapdos is fairly unique among Baton Passers, with its blend of resistances, great bulk, and amazing special attacking prowess. Baton Pass users are usually hard to defeat one-on-one, this one more so due its high defenses. Fighting and Steel-types are excellent recipients of boosts, due to resisting most of Zapdos's weaknesses. </p>
<p>There are some important speed tiers you must watch for once you use an Agility. 246 makes you speed tie with Choice Scarf'd Base 100 Pokemon after an Agility. Likewise, 223 before makes you speed tie with Choice Scarf Genosect after an Agility. Lastly, if you are that afraid, you can go below 213 Speed to avoid a speed tie with Choice Scarf Shandera. All of these numbers are important, because if Zapdos speed ties with any of these, the Baton Pass recipient has a chance of getting attacked. In many cases, that is certainly not what is wanted.</p>
[SET]
Name: Choice
Move1: Thunderbolt
Move 2: Heat Wave
Move 3: Volt Change / U-turn
Move 4: Hidden Power Ice
Item: Choice Scarf /Choice Specs
Nature: Timid
evs: 4 Defense / 252 SpA / 252 Speed
Set Description
<p> With a Choice Scarf equipped, Zapdos makes an excellent anti-lead, especially with great Speed and offense, as well as passable bulk. It can hit many leads for super effective damage, especially since Drizzle Politoed will be running around, as well as other leads that set up hazards, like Azelf and Nattorei. Zapdos can outspeed many opposing leads, and have has the ability to hit many of them for hard damage, especially with good coverage in Electric/Ice/Fire.</p>
<p> Thunderbolt can take out many leads by itself. Heat Wave allows it to take out Nattorei, one of the most prominent new defensive Pokemon this generation, especially with its use of Stealth Rock. Hidden Power Ice allows it to take out Dragonite and Flygon. If in a tight spot, Volt Change can be used to make an offensive pivot towards a counter towards that certain lead's counter. If you feel nervous about it failing on a Ground-type however, U-turn may be used. U-turn can also be used to a degree of effectiveness due to the ever-common Deoxys-S being hit for super effective damage.</p>
Additional Comments
<p> Regular counters to Zapdos will suffice here. Blissey and Evolution Stone Chansey will be able to stall till the cows come home, and Swampert and Tyranitar can take this counter when it Zapdos lacks Hidden Power Grass. Water-types can even take Hidden Power Ice and Heat Wave, though it is unlikely your opponent will want to take that risk, though if they do, you are forced to lose 1/4 of your health on the switch back in. Thus, strong physical attackers like Roobushin, Ononokusu, and Scizor can take many of these these threats with boosted attacks.</p>
<p> Unfortunately, without Roost at its arsenal on this set, Zapdos is decidedly inferior to Borutorosu, which outclasses it. Also without Roost, Zapdos loses one of its major assets, cutting its longevity by a large amount. Rapid Spin support is a definite must from users like Forretress. If, however, you cannot fit this, and even if you can, Wish support is a good idea, especially with the updated Wish mechanics, making Chansey and Blissey very viable teammates. Also, Choice Specs is a viable option on Zapdos, acting like a tank of sorts, with its decent bulk and typing, as well as its powerful Special Attack stat.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Every set listed above can be walled by Blissey and Chansey in some form, so Fighting-types and Pursuit users are welcome, as well as status absorbers. Tyranitar and Scizor both fill in a Pursuiter niche with their sky-high attack and access to Superpower, allowing them, not just to put holes in walls, but the entire opposing team. Guts users, such as Machamp and Heracross, are a good choice for absorbing Blissey's Thunder Wave, such as Machamp and Heracross. Snorlax also gets a mention for immunity to Toxic.</p>
<p> The sole reason Hidden Power Grass is mentioned on most of these sets is to prevent you from getting walled by Swampert, who will be a dangerous threat otherwise. There are many times, however, where Hidden Power Grass cannot be put in a moveslot, so Grass-types like Shaymin-S, Celebi, and Virizion are reliable teammates, such as Shaymin-S, Celebi, and Virizion. Water-types like Burungeru, Kerudio, Daikenki, and Swampert are also good Ground-type counters, such as Burungeru, Kerudio, Daikenki, and Swampert.</p>
<p> Zapdos's Flying type grants it several resistances and immunities, though at the high cost of being weak to Stealth Rock. Thus, sets without Roost, and even sets that have Roost, will all greatly need Rapid Spin support to increase their survivability by a large amount. Starmie gets a mention for covering some of Zapdos' weaknesses, and vice-versa, as well as hitting hard off of base 110 Special Attack with Hydro Pump to defeat Ghost-types. Doryuuzu can fill this role as well to an extent, though it is only really effective in Sandstorm. This forces many of its teammates to run Leftovers, which causes a loss of power for the offensive sets, though defensive sets will already be running that item. Defensive sets will also appreciate Toxic, so as to stall out the opponent in a defensive set. Forretress and Tentacruel can fill this niche nicely, having access to both Toxic Spikes and Rapid Spin.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p> With infinite rain starting to appear on many teams, Thunder is starting to look like a viable option to replace Thunderbolt, having more Base Power and a good chance to paralyze the opponent. That said, Sunny Day teams can appear on just as many, so it can be an interesting option to run Rain Dance, allowing Zapdos to fire off Thunder off of a Base Special Attack identical to Sazandora, with the additional perk of nullifying the benefits of sun.</p>
<p> Hidden Power Grass was a standard on almost all offensively-inclined Zapdos in previous generations to combat its arch-enemy, Swampert. However, Swampert usage as a whole is not nearly as high as it was last generation, due to the input of better Stealth Rock users and Buly Waters bulky Water-types, specifically Nattorei and Burungeru. Thus, Hidden Power Grass is not needed on any of these sets. However, if you have a serious problem with Swampert, or any Water/Ground Pokemon you come across, Hidden Power Grass can work as an option.</p>
<p> A RestTalk set is viable, being the standard in ADV, though it most certainly has lost its effectiveness with the advent of powerful attackers. Thunder Wave is another interesting option, allowing it to pave a way for slower sweepers like Rhyperior and Shibirudon. Discharge can be used if you want a damaging move with accuracy and paralysis chance, though the loss of power is not nice. Metal Sound has a niche role, though it requires more investment and less payoff than other sets.</p>
<p> Defensive sets generally have near max HP and heavy investment on one side of the defensive spectrum, with the rest being put into Speed. 248 is the norm for HP investment, since it allows you to switch onto into Stealth Rock five times instead of four, not counting Leftovers. If you are more worried about Leftovers, you can still run max HP. Max Speed and a Speed-boosting nature are absolute musts on the offensive sets, allowing you to, at worst, speed tie with positive-natured base 100s like Celebi. If you want Lucario to be out of the picture on defensive sets, however, you will generally need 176 EVs in Speed to outspeed all nonboosted Lucario. Remaining EVs should be Maxed in HP, then throw the rest thrown into Defense / Special Defense. Despite the loss in defensive EVs, it doesn't hurt as much, as it seems to outspeed threats.</p>
[Counters]
<p> Predominant special walls like Blissey and Evolution Stone Chansey will wall all special attackers, including Zapdos. Other Pokemon with high Special Defense can take Zapdos well. Snorlax gets an honorary mention for being immune to Toxic Spikes while it has due to Immunity, though Think Thick Fat versions will have to be on their toes. Anything resistant to Thunderbolt, its main STAB, will be fine as well, including Jolteon and Zeburaika.</p>
<p> Hidden Power also makes a big decision on what you can and cannot take counter. Non-Hidden Power Ice Zapdos can be taken countered by Ground types, like Gliscor and Hippowdon. Dragons are in the same boat, though to a lesser extent due to special bulk in Pokemon like Latias. Swampert can take all variants of Zapdos without Hidden Power Grass.</p>
<p> Fighting-types, oddly enough, can be a threat to Zapdos if carrying Drain Punch, and if they have a Rock-type move. Roost is useless in the face of many of them Fighting-types, since they most likely will be slower. The exception would be Terakion, which has good enough STABs that it can run two boosting moves, and threaten with boosted Rock-type moves.</p>
<p> Tyranitar is the greatest threat to Zapdos. Its Special Defense is boosted in the sandstorm, and it can fire back with powerful STAB moves. Lastly, powerful attackers introduced this generation can take all Zapdos out, defensive or not, such as Hihidaruma, Ononokusu, and Shandera.</p>
[DREAM WORLD]
<p> Zapdos got a major upgrade this generation in Lightningrod. Whenever it switches into an Electric attack, it has no risk of paralysis, and raises its Special Attack to astonishing levels. With max investment and a Timid nature, it hits 524, which is nothing to laugh at. Overall a very good ability, though at a heavy cost (You should re-write that entirely if you want it included.). Lightningrod and Heat Wave are illegal together, as is the same for Lightning Rod and Baton Pass. With these limitations kept in mind, Lightningrod would likely be most viable on the special wall, as it allows it Zapdos to beat its opponents easier. This would also be is also because all the other sets need one of the illegal moves or Pressure. </p>
<p> Zapdos has great offensive stats, with base 125 Special Attack and base 100 Speed. With Assisting this offensive prowess comes an is amazing typing, Electric/Flying, which only shared with Borutorosu, Emonga, and Rotom-F share. This typing allows for switching in on its resistances, which allow it to switch in on many moves which would hurt other Pokemon. This typing allows for easy switching into moves that would easily harm other Pokemon. Its wonderful defenses allow it to take on many powerful physical and special attackers in OU very easily with its numerous resistances. However, it Zapdos is weak to Stealth Rock, which, thankfully, can be alleviated by Roost. It Zapdos has a wide movepool, allowing it to run a variety of movesets for all play-styles, from including Offense, Semi-Offense, Stall, and even Baton Pass! Zapdos has very few noticeable flaws and counters, which are all very easily remedied. It Zapdos is a very usable Pokemon and a notable threat, albeit one that hasn't been changed much since HeartGold and SoulSilver.</p>
<p> However, this is not necessarily a good thing. With the introduction of Borutorosu, Zapdos will be competing for a team spot with an opponent that can hit physically as well as and specially with almost equal power. However, Zapdos has an edge in the form of its considerable bulk, access to Roost, Baton Pass, and Heat Wave, allowing it to hit both Steel and Grass-types.</p>
[SET]
Name: Substitute
Move 1: Substitute
Move 2: Roost
Move 3: Thunderbolt
Move 4: Heat Wave / Hidden Power Ice / Toxic
Item: Leftovers
Nature: Timid
Evs: 192 HP / 64 Def / 252 Speed
Set Description
<p>This set is a very good set to at stalling the opponent to oblivion, and draining HP and PP with Poison and Pressure respectively. Many walls are easy prey to this set. Surprisingly enough, Tyranitar also is a target. (I think this is not something that really needs to be said and can be implied.) Anything that flies can be fried by Thunderbolt, though Gliscor Zapdos needs Hidden Power Ice to take it out to effectively handle Gliscor. Toxic is an option, although it does the same job as Toxic Spikes. If you absolutely cannot fit hazards like that in, or you want to hit Flying-Types and Levitators, then Toxic is a viable option. The few Steel-types that can switch in are Ice Punch Metagross, Calm Mind Jirachi, and Heatran. Ice Punch Metagross, Calm mind Jirachi, and Heatran are some of the few steel-types that can switch into this set. (I changed this as to not speak in the passive voice.) These can be nuisances. However, Metagross without Ice Punch can be handled by Heat Wave fairly easily.</p>
Additional Comments
<p> This set manages to juggle two important feats: outspeed most counters, and beat many walls. Baton Pass can be used if you want to pass a Substitute to a sweeper. Lucario is a great example, covering Zapdos' weaknesses, and being able to take out counters. U-Turn may be used to scout out for opponents, with the same being true for Volt Change. Toxic Spikes users are an absolute must, and they are required to make this set efficient. The best users of this are Forretress and Tentacrual, since they Rapid Spin, use Toxic Spikes, and cover many of Zapdos' weaknesses. Smeargle and Roserade get mentions for being able to make opponents fall asleep. However, they are not as effective as other Toxic Spikes users.</p>
<p> Also, an alternative EV spread may be used of 248 HP, 228 Special Defense and 32 Speed, so as to be able to stall opponents such as Burunguru and Blissey, which focus more on special attacks 248 HP, 228 Special Defense, and 32 Speed can be used as an alternative EV spread so that Zapdos can be able to stall opponents such as Burunguru and Blissey, which focus more on special attacks. (Again, passive.) This allows Zapdos to come in on different opponents then than would be advised of with a physically defensive set, much like the differences between the physical and special walls.</p>
[SET]
Name: Offensive
Move 1: Thunderbolt
Move 2: Heat Wave
Move 3: Hidden Power Ice
Move 4: Roost
Item: Life Orb / Leftovers
Nature: Timid
Evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Speed
Set Description
<p>This set fully takes advantage of Zapdos's wonderful attacking capabilities. It carries with it a certain element of surprise due to the fact that defensive wall sets have been more popular in the past. With Hidden Power Ice, no Pokemon besides Swampert resists the attacking combination of Electric/Ice/Fire. Leftovers and Life Orb are both viable choices to use on Zapdos, each with its pros and cons. Also, Timid is preferred but you can use Modest if you really want that power boost.</p>
<p> Roost is usually the better option over Volt Change, since it allows Zapdos to differentiate itself from Borutotosu, who lacks recovery to aid a sweep. It also gets rid of an annoying Rock weakness, which can make a difference in a metagame filled with Rock- and Ground-types. However, it gets rid of its Fighting resistance, which may or may not be a good thing in a metagame also filled with Fighting-types. Overall, Roost should be used over Volt Change, since if not it acts just like an inferior Borutorosu. It should be noted that, with Volt Change being used over Roost, Zapdos is acting as an inferior Borutorosu.</p>
Additional Comments
<p>As said before, almost nothing resists Zapdos's attacking combo, so the one-and-only utility counter to special attackers, Blissey, will do just fine in countering it. That said, Blissey can be taken out by strong Pursuit users. Those with powerful Fighting-type moves are good for this job, such as Scizor, who has Superpower. This set is actually frail and weak to priority, especially when compared to the more defensive sets. Thus, a Pokemon that can resist priority will do great as a partner. Skarmory gets an honorable mention for resisting priority, as well as having high Defense, and the ability to set up hazards. While it is somewhat frail to start off, if you decide to run Volt Change instead off Roost, then you are not going to last nearly as long, so support is a must if you decide to have a more hit-and-run style of play.</p>
(Tentative)[SET]
Name: Physical Wall
Move 1: Thunderbolt
Move 2: Roost
Move 3: Heat Wave / Hidden Power Ice
Move 4: Thunder Wave / Roar
Item: Leftovers
Nature: Bold
evs:248 HP / 228 Def / 32 Spe
Set Description
<p>With base 125 Special Attack and no defensive stats under 90, Zapdos makes an ideal tank, able to absorb hits with ease from physical attackers, tanks, and walls. Heat Wave and Thunder Wave make a more defensive set together, with paralysis support, while being able to hit Steel-types and Grass-types at once, especially the likes from of Nattorei. Hidden Power Ice should be used with Roar, so as to create a pseudo-Bolt/Beam combo with Thunderbolt. However, since there are always Pokemon that can resist both attacks, Roar is used, so it can make the opponent attack only once.</p>
<p> New and very powerful attackers are giving Zapdos a run for its money. Many new Bulk Up users can take advantage of Zapdos to set up and gain health as it tries to Roost, since Drain Punch has gotten a considerable upgrade this generation. However, Zapdos still has great walling capabilities, being able to manage several key threats.</p>
Additional Comments
<p> Like almost any specially-oriented Pokemon, this set is walled by Blissey, so pack a good Pursuit Pokemon like Tyranitar. Since it is weak to Stealth Rock, it may be necessary to have a Rapid Spinner like Starmie or Forretress.</p>
<p> Depending on what moves you run, different Pokemon can counter this Zapdos. Swampert will have a good time easily counter when Zapdos is lacking Hidden Power Grass. Likewise, without Hidden Power Ice, Dragon-types and Ground-types will be a threat, such as Hippowdon and Salamence. When Heat Wave is not in a moveslot, Ice-types will hurt be a pain. Tyranitar is a good all-around counter to this set, as with boosted Speicial Special Defense in sandstorm, it can take all of its attacks and hit hard with STAB Rock-type moves. Finally, this generation of Pokemon has brought very powerful physical attackers which can easily OHKO this set, which is why it is recommended you bring this Zapdos in on a weaker attacker, or resisted attacks.</p>
<p> However, many of these Pokemon are easily taken out by their appropriate counters. Swampert is very afraid of Celebi, who can do quadruple damage to it with Grass Knot or Leaf Storm. Mamoswine can easily take care of Ground- -types and Dragons and Dragon-types with a powerful Ice Shard, nullifying the speed of Choice Scarf Garchomp. Powerful Ice attackers on the special side, like Rotom-F, can take care of physically defensive Pokemon like Hippowdon. Rotom-F is a good choice for this due to the fact that it now gets a STAB Blizzard and Levitate, allowing it to take many Ground-type attacks with no problems.</p>
[SET]
Name: Special Wall
Move 1: Thunderbolt
Move 2: Roost
Move 3: Thunder Wave / Light Screen
Move 4: Heat Wave / Hidden Power Ice
Item: Leftovers
Nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 228 SpD / 32 Speed
Set Description
<p>This set is similar to the physical wall at first glance, though it is meant to be used in a different way. This set can switch in on special attackers the other sets cannot, like Starmie, while keeping decent all-around defenses. It can still take neutral physical attacks, though attacks that do super effective damage will still hurt.</p>
<p> Thunderbolt, its main STAB attack, always does a large amount of damage, even without investment in Special Attack., and It can keep firing off Thunderbolts with Roost restoring half of its HP, and alleviating its Rock weakness, which helps against several Pokemon. Thunder Wave can be used to cripple switch-ins. physical attackers switching in, or any attacker. Light Screen may be used for team support, as well as to greatly increasing increase its Zapdos's ability to sponge special attackers. Lastly, your last moveslot can be used either to hit Steel-types and Grass-types with Heat Wave, or Dragon-types and others with Hidden Power Ice, again creating a pseudo-Bolt/Beam combo. Heat Wave gets extra merit for being able to hit Nattorei, a prominent threat.</p>
Additional Comments
<p> This set parallels this set all other sets in terms of problems (Not sure if that's what you meant here.). Blissey is a pain in the neck, as is Tyranitar; make sure you pack something like Scizor or Roobushin, which both can cover its weaknesses, and eliminate Zapdos's counters. Swampert and Celebi can also switch on this set, though they will have a hard time taking it out dealing damage. This set welcomes Toxic Spikes from tried-and-true users like Tentacruel. Also, since this set lacks in Defense, defensively inclined Pokemon on the physical side, like Nattorei and Gliscor, can work with Zapdos, especially if Light Screen can cover their weaker defensive side.</p>
[SET]
Name: AgilPass
Move 1: Agility
Move 2: Baton Pass
Move 3: Substitute
Move 4: Thunderbolt
Item: Leftovers
Nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 140 Def / 88 SpA / 32 Spe
Set Description
<p> The idea of this set is to come in on something pathetically weak to Zapdos, use Agility on the switch out, Substitute as they attack, and Baton Pass or switch. Since you will outspeed the majority of OU after a 2x +2 boost, you don't need many Speed EVs. Those can go in defenses. 32 Speed EVs allows you to outspeed all unboosted Tyranitar. The EVs in Defense can be put in Special Defense to withstand special attackers and vice-versa. Each support move has its own benefits; Agility helps slow, bulky Pokemon like Roobushin punch holes, while Substitute gives ffrail Pokemon, like Hihidaruma, a buffer against attacks, such as Hihidaruma. Above all, be careful: this is not meant to use Agility and sweep.</p>
Additional Comments
<p>Zapdos is fairly unique among Baton Passers, with its blend of resistances, great bulk, and amazing special attacking prowess. Baton Pass users are usually hard to defeat one-on-one, this one more so due its high defenses. Fighting and Steel-types are excellent recipients of boosts, due to resisting most of Zapdos's weaknesses. </p>
<p>There are some important speed tiers you must watch for once you use an Agility. 246 makes you speed tie with Choice Scarf'd Base 100 Pokemon after an Agility. Likewise, 223 before makes you speed tie with Choice Scarf Genosect after an Agility. Lastly, if you are that afraid, you can go below 213 Speed to avoid a speed tie with Choice Scarf Shandera. All of these numbers are important, because if Zapdos speed ties with any of these, the Baton Pass recipient has a chance of getting attacked. In many cases, that is certainly not what is wanted.</p>
[SET]
Name: Choice
Move1: Thunderbolt
Move 2: Heat Wave
Move 3: Volt Change / U-turn
Move 4: Hidden Power Ice
Item: Choice Scarf /Choice Specs
Nature: Timid
evs: 4 Defense / 252 SpA / 252 Speed
Set Description
<p> With a Choice Scarf equipped, Zapdos makes an excellent anti-lead, especially with great Speed and offense, as well as passable bulk. It can hit many leads for super effective damage, especially since Drizzle Politoed will be running around, as well as other leads that set up hazards, like Azelf and Nattorei. Zapdos can outspeed many opposing leads, and have has the ability to hit many of them for hard damage, especially with good coverage in Electric/Ice/Fire.</p>
<p> Thunderbolt can take out many leads by itself. Heat Wave allows it to take out Nattorei, one of the most prominent new defensive Pokemon this generation, especially with its use of Stealth Rock. Hidden Power Ice allows it to take out Dragonite and Flygon. If in a tight spot, Volt Change can be used to make an offensive pivot towards a counter towards that certain lead's counter. If you feel nervous about it failing on a Ground-type however, U-turn may be used. U-turn can also be used to a degree of effectiveness due to the ever-common Deoxys-S being hit for super effective damage.</p>
Additional Comments
<p> Regular counters to Zapdos will suffice here. Blissey and Evolution Stone Chansey will be able to stall till the cows come home, and Swampert and Tyranitar can take this counter when it Zapdos lacks Hidden Power Grass. Water-types can even take Hidden Power Ice and Heat Wave, though it is unlikely your opponent will want to take that risk, though if they do, you are forced to lose 1/4 of your health on the switch back in. Thus, strong physical attackers like Roobushin, Ononokusu, and Scizor can take many of these these threats with boosted attacks.</p>
<p> Unfortunately, without Roost at its arsenal on this set, Zapdos is decidedly inferior to Borutorosu, which outclasses it. Also without Roost, Zapdos loses one of its major assets, cutting its longevity by a large amount. Rapid Spin support is a definite must from users like Forretress. If, however, you cannot fit this, and even if you can, Wish support is a good idea, especially with the updated Wish mechanics, making Chansey and Blissey very viable teammates. Also, Choice Specs is a viable option on Zapdos, acting like a tank of sorts, with its decent bulk and typing, as well as its powerful Special Attack stat.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Every set listed above can be walled by Blissey and Chansey in some form, so Fighting-types and Pursuit users are welcome, as well as status absorbers. Tyranitar and Scizor both fill in a Pursuiter niche with their sky-high attack and access to Superpower, allowing them, not just to put holes in walls, but the entire opposing team. Guts users, such as Machamp and Heracross, are a good choice for absorbing Blissey's Thunder Wave, such as Machamp and Heracross. Snorlax also gets a mention for immunity to Toxic.</p>
<p> The sole reason Hidden Power Grass is mentioned on most of these sets is to prevent you from getting walled by Swampert, who will be a dangerous threat otherwise. There are many times, however, where Hidden Power Grass cannot be put in a moveslot, so Grass-types like Shaymin-S, Celebi, and Virizion are reliable teammates, such as Shaymin-S, Celebi, and Virizion. Water-types like Burungeru, Kerudio, Daikenki, and Swampert are also good Ground-type counters, such as Burungeru, Kerudio, Daikenki, and Swampert.</p>
<p> Zapdos's Flying type grants it several resistances and immunities, though at the high cost of being weak to Stealth Rock. Thus, sets without Roost, and even sets that have Roost, will all greatly need Rapid Spin support to increase their survivability by a large amount. Starmie gets a mention for covering some of Zapdos' weaknesses, and vice-versa, as well as hitting hard off of base 110 Special Attack with Hydro Pump to defeat Ghost-types. Doryuuzu can fill this role as well to an extent, though it is only really effective in Sandstorm. This forces many of its teammates to run Leftovers, which causes a loss of power for the offensive sets, though defensive sets will already be running that item. Defensive sets will also appreciate Toxic, so as to stall out the opponent in a defensive set. Forretress and Tentacruel can fill this niche nicely, having access to both Toxic Spikes and Rapid Spin.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p> With infinite rain starting to appear on many teams, Thunder is starting to look like a viable option to replace Thunderbolt, having more Base Power and a good chance to paralyze the opponent. That said, Sunny Day teams can appear on just as many, so it can be an interesting option to run Rain Dance, allowing Zapdos to fire off Thunder off of a Base Special Attack identical to Sazandora, with the additional perk of nullifying the benefits of sun.</p>
<p> Hidden Power Grass was a standard on almost all offensively-inclined Zapdos in previous generations to combat its arch-enemy, Swampert. However, Swampert usage as a whole is not nearly as high as it was last generation, due to the input of better Stealth Rock users and Buly Waters bulky Water-types, specifically Nattorei and Burungeru. Thus, Hidden Power Grass is not needed on any of these sets. However, if you have a serious problem with Swampert, or any Water/Ground Pokemon you come across, Hidden Power Grass can work as an option.</p>
<p> A RestTalk set is viable, being the standard in ADV, though it most certainly has lost its effectiveness with the advent of powerful attackers. Thunder Wave is another interesting option, allowing it to pave a way for slower sweepers like Rhyperior and Shibirudon. Discharge can be used if you want a damaging move with accuracy and paralysis chance, though the loss of power is not nice. Metal Sound has a niche role, though it requires more investment and less payoff than other sets.</p>
<p> Defensive sets generally have near max HP and heavy investment on one side of the defensive spectrum, with the rest being put into Speed. 248 is the norm for HP investment, since it allows you to switch onto into Stealth Rock five times instead of four, not counting Leftovers. If you are more worried about Leftovers, you can still run max HP. Max Speed and a Speed-boosting nature are absolute musts on the offensive sets, allowing you to, at worst, speed tie with positive-natured base 100s like Celebi. If you want Lucario to be out of the picture on defensive sets, however, you will generally need 176 EVs in Speed to outspeed all nonboosted Lucario. Remaining EVs should be Maxed in HP, then throw the rest thrown into Defense / Special Defense. Despite the loss in defensive EVs, it doesn't hurt as much, as it seems to outspeed threats.</p>
[Counters]
<p> Predominant special walls like Blissey and Evolution Stone Chansey will wall all special attackers, including Zapdos. Other Pokemon with high Special Defense can take Zapdos well. Snorlax gets an honorary mention for being immune to Toxic Spikes while it has due to Immunity, though Think Thick Fat versions will have to be on their toes. Anything resistant to Thunderbolt, its main STAB, will be fine as well, including Jolteon and Zeburaika.</p>
<p> Hidden Power also makes a big decision on what you can and cannot take counter. Non-Hidden Power Ice Zapdos can be taken countered by Ground types, like Gliscor and Hippowdon. Dragons are in the same boat, though to a lesser extent due to special bulk in Pokemon like Latias. Swampert can take all variants of Zapdos without Hidden Power Grass.</p>
<p> Fighting-types, oddly enough, can be a threat to Zapdos if carrying Drain Punch, and if they have a Rock-type move. Roost is useless in the face of many of them Fighting-types, since they most likely will be slower. The exception would be Terakion, which has good enough STABs that it can run two boosting moves, and threaten with boosted Rock-type moves.</p>
<p> Tyranitar is the greatest threat to Zapdos. Its Special Defense is boosted in the sandstorm, and it can fire back with powerful STAB moves. Lastly, powerful attackers introduced this generation can take all Zapdos out, defensive or not, such as Hihidaruma, Ononokusu, and Shandera.</p>
[DREAM WORLD]
<p> Zapdos got a major upgrade this generation in Lightningrod. Whenever it switches into an Electric attack, it has no risk of paralysis, and raises its Special Attack to astonishing levels. With max investment and a Timid nature, it hits 524, which is nothing to laugh at. Overall a very good ability, though at a heavy cost (You should re-write that entirely if you want it included.). Lightningrod and Heat Wave are illegal together, as is the same for Lightning Rod and Baton Pass. With these limitations kept in mind, Lightningrod would likely be most viable on the special wall, as it allows it Zapdos to beat its opponents easier. This would also be is also because all the other sets need one of the illegal moves or Pressure. </p>
[Overview]
<p>(remove space)Zapdos has great offensive stats, with base 125 Special Attack and base 100 Speed. Assisting this offensive prowess is amazing typing, Electric / Flying, which only Borutorosu, Emonga, and Rotom-F share; this typing allows for easy switching into moves that would easily harm other Pokemon. However, Zapdos is weak to Stealth Rock, which, thankfully, this can be alleviated by Roost. Zapdos has a wide movepool, allowing it to run a variety of movesets for all play-styles, including Offense, Semi-Offense, Stall, and even Baton Pass. Zapdos has very few noticeable flaws and counters, which are all very easily remedied. Zapdos is a very usable Pokemon and a notable threat, albeit one that hasn't been changed much since HeartGold and SoulSilver.</p><p>(remove space)However, this is not necessarily a good thing; with the introduction of Borutorosu, Zapdos will be competing for a team spot with an opponent that can hit physically and specially with almost equal power. However, Zapdos has an edge in the form of its considerable bulk, access to Roost, Baton Pass, and Heat Wave, allowing it to hit both Steel- and Grass-types super effectively.</p>
[SET]
Name: Substitute
Move 1: Substitute
Move 2: Roost
Move 3: Thunderbolt
Move 4: Heat Wave / Hidden Power Ice / Toxic
Item: Leftovers
Nature: Timid
Evs: 192 HP / 64 Def / 252 Speed
Set Description
[Set Comments]
<p>This set is very good at stalling the opponent into oblivion, and draining HP and PP with poison, and PP with Pressure respectively. Many walls are easy prey to this set. Anything that flies can be fried by Thunderbolt, though Zapdos needs Hidden Power Ice to effectively handle Gliscor. Toxic is an option, although it does the same job as Toxic Spikes. If you absolutely cannot fit hazards onto your team like that in, or you want to hit Flying-Types and Levitators, then Toxic is a viable option. Ice Punch Metagross, Calm mind Jirachi, and Heatran are some of the few steel-types that can switch into this set. These can be nuisances. However, Metagross without Ice Punch can be handled by Heat Wave fairly easily.</p>
[Additional Comments]
<p>(remove space)This set manages to juggle two important feats: outspeeding most counters, and beating many walls. Baton Pass can be used if you want to pass a Substitute to a sweeper. Lucario is a great example, covering Zapdos' weaknesses, and being able to take out counters. U-turn may be used to scout opponents, with the same being true for Volt Change. Toxic Spikes users are an absolute must, and they are required to make this set efficient. The best users of this are Forretress and Tentacrual, since they have access to Rapid Spin, the ability to use set up Toxic Spikes, and the typing to cover many of Zapdos' weaknesses. Smeargle and Roserade get mentions as they have access to sleep moves like Spore or Sleep Powder for being able to make opponents fall asleep, however, they are not as effective as other Toxic Spikes users.</p>
<p>(remove space)248 HP / 228 SpD / 32 Spe can be used as an alternative EV spread, so thatgiving Zapdos can be able the ability to stall opponents such as Burunguru and Blissey, which focus more on special attacks. This allows Zapdos to come in on different opponents than would be advised of a compared to the physically defensive set.</p>
[SET]
Name: Offensive
Move 1: Thunderbolt
Move 2: Heat Wave
Move 3: Hidden Power Ice
Move 4: Roost
Item: Life Orb / Leftovers
Nature: Timid
Evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Speed
Set Description
[Set Comments]
<p>This set fully takes advantage of Zapdos's wonderful attacking capabilities. It carries with it an certain element of surprise due to the fact that popularity of defensive wall sets have been more popular in the past. With Hidden Power Ice, no Pokemon beside Swampert resists the attacking combination of Electric / Ice / Fire. Leftovers and Life Orb are both viable choices to use on Zapdos, each with its pros and cons. Timid is preferred but you can use Modest if you really want that power boost.</p>
<p>(remove space)Roost is usually the better option over Volt Change, since it allows Zapdos to differentiate itself from Borutotosu, who lacks recovery to aid a sweep. It also gets rid of an annoying Rock weakness, which can make a difference in a metagame filled with Rock- and Ground-types. However, it gets rid of its Fighting resistance, which may or may not be a good thing is risky in a metagame also filled with Fighting-types. It should be noted that, with Volt Change being used over Roost, Zapdos is acting as an inferior Borutorosu.</p>
]Additional Comments]
<p>As said before, almost nothing resists Zapdos's attacking combo, so the one-and-only utility counter to special attackers, Blissey, will do just fine in countering it. That said, Blissey can be taken out by strong Pursuit users. Those with powerful Fighting-type moves are good for this job, such as Scizor, who has Superpower. This set is actually frail and weak to priority, especially when compared to the more defensive sets. Thus, a Pokemon that can resists common priority moves will do great as a partner. Skarmory gets an honorable mention for resisting priority, as well as having high Defense, and the ability to set up hazards. While it is somewhat frail to start off, if you decide to run Volt Change instead off Roost, then you are not going to last nearly as long, so support is a must if you decide to have use a more hit-and-run style of playstyle.</p>
(Tentative) [SET]
Name: Physical Wall
Move 1: Thunderbolt
Move 2: Roost
Move 3: Heat Wave / Hidden Power Ice
Move 4: Thunder Wave / Roar
Item: Leftovers
Nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 228 Def / 32 Spe
Set Description
[Set Comments]
<p>With base 125 base Special Attack and no defensive stats under 90, Zapdos makes an ideal tank, able to absorb hits with ease from physical attackers, tanks, and walls alike. Heat Wave and Thunder Wave make a more defensive set altogether, with paralysis support, while and being able to hit Steel-types and Grass-types simultaneously at once, especially the likes of Nattorei. Hidden Power Ice should be used with Roar, so as to creating a pseudo-Bolt/Beam combo with Thunderbolt. However, since there are always Pokemon that can resist both attacks, Roar is used, so it can make to remove the opponent from the field attack only once.</p>
<p>(remove space)New and very powerful attackers are giving Zapdos a run for its money, being much more powerful. Many new Bulk Up users can take advantage of Zapdos, to setting up and gain recovering health as it tries to Roost, since Drain Punch has gotten a considerable upgrade this generation. However, Zapdos still has great walling capabilities, being able to manage several key threats.</p>
[Additional Comments]
<p> Like almost any specially-oriented Pokemon, this set is walled by Blissey, so pack a good Pursuit user Pokemon like Tyranitar. Since it Zapdos is also weak to Stealth Rock, it may be necessary to have making a Rapid Spinner like Starmie or Forretress very helpful.</p>
<p>(remove space)Depending on what moves you run, different Pokemon can counter this Zapdos. Swampert will easily counter when Zapdos is lacking Hidden Power Grass, likewise, without Hidden Power Ice, Dragon- and Ground-types like Hippowdon and Salamence are be a threat, such as Hippowdon and Salamence. When Heat Wave is not in a moveslot, Ice-types will be a pain. Tyranitar is a good all-around counter to this set, as with boosted Special Defense in sandstorm, it can take all of Zapdos's attacks and hit hard with STAB Rock-type moves. Finally, this generation of Pokemon has brought very powerful physical attackers which can easily OHKO this set, which is why it is recommended you bring Zapdos in on a weaker attacker, or resisted attacks.</p>
<p> However, Many of these Pokemon are easily taken out by their appropriate counters. Swampert is very afraid of Celebi, who can do quadruple damage to it with Grass Knot or Leaf Storm. Mamoswine can easily takes care of Ground- and Dragon-types with a powerful Ice Shard, nullifying the Speed of Choice Scarf Garchomp. Powerful Ice-type attackers on the special side, like Rotom-F, can take care of physically defensive Pokemon like Hippowdon. Rotom-F is a good choice for this due to the fact that as it now gets a STAB Blizzard and Levitate, allowing it to take on many Ground-type attacks withoutno problems.</p>
[SET]
Name: Special Wall
Move 1: Thunderbolt
Move 2: Roost
Move 3: Thunder Wave / Light Screen
Move 4: Heat Wave / Hidden Power Ice
Item: Leftovers
Nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 228 SpD / 32 Speed
Set Description
[Set Comments]
<p>At first glance, this set is similar to the physical wall at first glance, though it is meant to be used in a different way. This set can switchinto special attackers the other sets cannot, like Starmie, while keeping decent all-around defenses. It can still take neutral physical attacks, though attacks that do super effective hits damage will still hurt.</p>
<p>(remove space)Thunderbolt, its main STAB attack, always does a large amount of damage, even without investment in Special Attack. It can keep firing off Thunderbolts, with while Roost helps restore half of its HP and alleviating its Rock weakness, which helps against several Pokemon. Thunder Wave can be used to cripple switch-ins. Light Screen may be used for team support, as well as to greatly increasing Zapdos's ability to sponge special attacks. Your The last moveslot can be used either to hit Steel-types and Grass-types with Heat Wave, or Dragon-types and others with Hidden Power Ice, again creating a pseudo-Bolt/Beam combo. Heat Wave gets extra merit for being able to as it hits Nattorei, a prominent threat.</p>
[Additional Comments]
<p>This set parallels all other sets in terms of problems. Blissey is a pain in the neck, as is Tyranitar; make sure you pack something like Scizor or Roobushin, which both of which can cover its weaknesses, and eliminate Zapdos's counters. Swampert and Celebi can also switch on this set, although they will have a hard time dealing damage. This set welcomes Toxic Spikes from tried-and-true users like Tentacruel. Also, since this set lacks Defense, defensively inclined Pokemon on the physical side, like Nattorei and Gliscor, can work with Zapdos, especially if Light Screen can cover their weaker defensive side.</p>
[SET]
Name: AgilPass
Move 1: Agility
Move 2: Baton Pass
Move 3: Substitute
Move 4: Thunderbolt
Item: Leftovers
Nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 140 Def / 88 SpA / 32 Spe
Set Description
[Set Comments]
<p>(remove space)The idea of this set is to come in on something pathetically weak to Zapdos, use Agility on the switch out, and proceed with Substitute as they attack, and or Baton Pass or switch. Since you will outspeed the majority of OU after a +2 boost, you don't need many Speed EVs, the extra EVs can go into defenses. 32 Speed EVs allows you to outspeed all unboosted Tyranitar. The EVs in Defense can be put in Special Defense to withstand special attackers and vice-versa. Each support move has its own benefits; Agility helps slow, bulky, Pokemon like Roobushin punch holes, while Substitute gives frail Pokemon, like Hihidaruma, a buffer against attacks. Above all, be careful: this is not meant to use Agility and sweep.</p>
[Additional Comments]
<p>Zapdos is fairly unique among Baton Passers, with its blend of resistances, great bulk, and amazing special attacking prowess. Baton Pass users are usually hard to defeat one-on-one, this one more so due its high defenses. Fighting- and Steel-types are excellent recipients of boosts, due to as they resisting most of Zapdos's weaknesses.(remove space)</p>
<p>There are some important Speed tiers you must watch for once you use an Agility. 246 makes you speed tie with Choice Scarfed base 100 Pokemon after an Agility. Likewise, 223 before makes you speed tie with Choice Scarf Genosect after an Agility. Lastly, if you are that afraid, you can go below 213 Speed helps to avoid a speed tie with Choice Scarf Shandera. All of these numbers are important, because if Zapdos speed ties with any of these, the Baton Pass recipient has a chance of getting attacked hit. In many cases, that is undesirable certainly not what is wanted.</p>
[SET]
Name: Choice
Move1: Thunderbolt
Move 2: Heat Wave
Move 3: Volt Change / U-turn
Move 4: Hidden Power Ice
Item: Choice Scarf /Choice Specs
Nature: Timid
evs: 4 Defense / 252 SpA / 252 Speed
Set Description
[Set Comments]
<p>(remove space)With a Choice Scarf equipped, Zapdos makes an excellent anti-lead, especially with great Speed, and offense(remove space), and well as passable bulk. It can hit many leads for super effectively damage, especially since Drizzle Politoed will be running around, as well as other leads that set up hazards, like Azelf and Nattorei. Zapdos can outspeed many opposing leads, and has the ability to hit many of them for hard damage, especially with good coverage in Electric / Ice /Fire.</p>
<p>(remove space)Thunderbolt can take out many leads by itself. Heat Wave allows it to take out Nattorei, one of the most prominent new defensive Pokemon this generation, especially with its use of Stealth Rock. Hidden Power Ice allows it to take out Dragonite and Flygon. If in a tight spot, Volt Change can be used to make an offensive pivot towards a counter. If you feel nervous about it failing on a Ground-type however, U-turn may be used. U-turn can also be used to a degree of effectiveness due to the ever-common Deoxys-S being hit for super effective damage.</p>
[Additional Comments]
<p>(remove space)Regular counters to Zapdos will suffice here. Blissey and Evolution Stone Chansey will be able to stall till the cows come home, and Swampert and Tyranitar can counter when Zapdos who lack Hidden Power Grass. Water-types can even take Hidden Power Ice and Heat Wave, though it is unlikely your opponent will want to take that risk, though if they do, you are forced to lose 1/4 of your health on the switch, taking Stealth Rock damage back in. Thus, Strong physical attackers like Roobushin, Ononokusu, and Scizor can take on many of these these threats with boosted attacks.</p>
<p> Unfortunately, without Roost at its arsenal on this set, Zapdos is decidedly inferior to Borutorosu, which outclasses it. Also without Roost, Zapdos loses one of its major assets, cutting its longevity. Rapid Spin support is a definite must from users like Forretress. If, however, you cannot fit this, and even if you can, Wish support is a good idea, especially with the updated Wish mechanics, making Chansey and Blissey very viable teammates. Also, Choice Specs is a viable option on Zapdos, acting like a tank of sorts, with its decent bulk and typing, as well as its powerful Special Attack stat.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Every set listed above can be walled by Blissey and Chansey in some form, so Fighting-types and Pursuit users are welcome, as well as status absorbers. Tyranitar and Scizor both fill in a Pursuiter niche with their sky-high Attack and access to Superpower, allowing them , not just to put holes in walls, but the create holes in entire opposing team. Guts users, such as Machamp and Heracross, are a good choice for absorbing Blissey's Thunder Wave. Snorlax also gets a mention for its immunity to Toxic.</p>
<p>(remove space)The sole reason Hidden Power Grass is mentioned on most of these sets is to prevent you from getting walled by Swampert, who will be is a dangerous threat otherwise. There are many times, however, where Hidden Power Grass cannot be put in a moveslot, so Grass-types like Shaymin-S, Celebi, and Virizion are reliable teammates. Water-types like Burungeru, Kerudio, Daikenki, and Swampert are also good Ground-type counters.</p>
<p>(remove space)Zapdos's Flying-type grants it several resistances and immunities, though at the high cost of being weak to Stealth Rock. Thus, sets without Roost, and even sets that have Roost, will all greatly need Rapid Spin support to increase their survivability by a large amount. Starmie gets a mention for its good defensive synergy covering some of Zapdos' weaknesses, and vice-versa, as well as hitting hard off of base 110 Special Attack with Hydro Pump to defeat Ghost-types. Doryuuzu can fill this role to an extent, though it is only really effective in sandstorm. This forces many of its teammates to run Leftovers, which causes a loss of power for the offensive sets, though defensive sets will already be running them item. Defensive sets will also appreciate Toxic Spikes, so as to stall out the opponent in a defensive set. Forretress and Tentacruel can fill this niche nicely, having access to both Toxic Spikes and Rapid Spin.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>(remove space)With infinite rain starting to appearing on many teams, Thunder is starting to look like a viable option to replace Thunderbolt, having more a higher Base Power and a good chance to paralyze the opponent. That said, Sunny Day teams are also common can appear on just as many, so it can be an interesting option to run Rain Dance is an interesting option, allowing Zapdos to fire off Thunder off of a Base Special Attack identical to Sazandora, with the additional perk of and nullifying the benefits of sun.</p>
<p>(remove space)Hidden Power Grass was a standard on almost all offensively-inclined Zapdos in previous generations to combat its arch-enemy, Swampert. However, Swampert usage as a whole is not nearly as high as it was last generation, due to the input of better Stealth Rock users and bulky Water-types, specifically Nattorei and Burungeru. Thus, Hidden Power Grass is not needed on any of these sets. However, if you have a serious problem with Swampert, or any Water / Ground Pokemon you come across, Hidden Power Grass can work as an option.</p>
<p>(remove space)A RestTalk set is viable, being the standard in ADV, though it most certainly has lost its effectiveness with the advent of powerful attackers. Thunder Wave is another interesting option, allowing it to pave a way for slower sweepers like Rhyperior and Shibirudon. Discharge can be used if you want a damaging move with accuracy and with a chance to paralyze the opponent paralysis chance, though the loss of power is not reccommended nice. Metal Sound has a niche role, though it requires more investment and less payoff than other sets.</p>
<p>(remove space)Defensive sets generally have near max HP and heavy investment on one of its defensive stats side of the defensive spectrum, with the rest being put into Speed. 248 is the norm for HP investment, since it allows you to switch into Stealth Rock five times instead of four, not counting Leftovers. If you are more worried about Leftovers, you can still run max HP. Max Speed and a Speed-boosting nature are an absolute musts on the offensive sets, allowing you to, at worst, speed tie with positive-natured base 100s like Celebi. If you want Lucario to be out of the picture on defensive sets, however, you will generally need 176 EVs in Speed to outspeed all non boosted Lucario. Remaining EVs should be Maxed placed in HP, then the rest thrown into Defense or Special Defense. Despite the loss in defensive EVs, it doesn't hurt as much, as it seems to outspeed threats.</p>
[Counters]
<p>(remove space)Predominant Special walls like Blissey and Evolution Stone Chansey will wall all special attackers, including Zapdos. Other Pokemon with high Special Defense can take Zapdos well. Snorlax gets an honorary mention for being immune to Toxic Spikes due to Immunity, though Thick Fat versions will have to be on their toes. Anything resistant to Thunderbolt, its main STAB, will be fine as well, including Jolteon and Zeburaika.</p>
<p>(remove space)Hidden Power also makes a big decision on what you can and cannot counter. Non-Hidden Power Ice Zapdos can be countered
by Ground-types, like Gliscor and Hippowdon. Dragons are in the same boat, though to a lesser extent due to special bulk in Pokemon like Latias. Swampert can take all variants of Zapdos without Hidden Power Grass.</p>
<p>(remove space)Fighting-types, oddly enough, can be a threat to Zapdos if they carrying Drain Punch or a Rock-type move. Roost is useless in the face of many Fighting-types, since they are most likely to will be slower. The exception would be Terakion, which has good enough STABs that it can run two boosting moves, and threaten with boosted Rock-type moves.</p>
<p>(remove space)Tyranitar is the greatest threat to Zapdos. Its Special Defense is boosted in sand, and it can fire back with powerful STAB moves. Lastly, powerful attackers introduced this generation can take all Zapdos out, defensive or not, such as Hihidaruma, Ononokusu, and Shandera.</p>
[DREAM WORLD]
<p>(remove space)Zapdos got a major upgrade this generation in Lightningrod. Whenever it switches into an Electric attack, it has no risk of paralysis, and raises its Special Attack to astonishing levels. With max investment and a Timid nature, it hits 524, which is nothing to laugh at. Lightningrod and Heat Wave are illegal together, as is the same for Lightningrod and Baton Pass. With these limitations kept in mind, Lightningrod would likely be most viable on the special wall, as it allows Zapdos to beat its opponents easier. This is also because all the other sets need one of the illegal moves or Pressure.(remove space)</p>
Red is removal
Blue is changes
Copy and pasteable version below
[Overview]
<p>Zapdos has great offensive stats, with base 125 Special Attack and base 100 Speed. Assisting this offensive prowess is amazing typing, Electric / Flying, which only Borutorosu, Emonga, and Rotom-F share; this typing allows for easy switching. However, Zapdos is weak to Stealth Rock, thankfully, this can be alleviated by Roost. Zapdos has a wide movepool, allowing it to run a variety of movesets for all play-styles, including Offense, Semi-Offense, Stall, and even Baton Pass. Zapdos has very few noticeable flaws and counters, which are all very easily remedied. Zapdos is a very usable Pokemon and a notable threat, albeit one that hasn't been changed much since HeartGold and SoulSilver. However, this is not necessarily a good thing; with the introduction of Borutorosu, Zapdos will be competing for a team spot with an opponent that can hit physically and specially with almost equal power. However, Zapdos has an edge in the form of its considerable bulk, access to Roost, Baton Pass, and Heat Wave, allowing it to hit both Steel- and Grass-types super effectively.</p>
[SET]
Name: Substitute
Move 1: Substitute
Move 2: Roost
Move 3: Thunderbolt
Move 4: Heat Wave / Hidden Power Ice / Toxic
Item: Leftovers
Nature: Timid
Evs: 192 HP / 64 Def / 252 Spe
[Set Comments]
<p>This set is very good at stalling the opponent into oblivion, draining HP with poison, and PP with Pressure respectively. Many walls are easy prey to this set. Anything that flies can be fried by Thunderbolt, though Zapdos needs Hidden Power Ice to effectively handle Gliscor. Toxic is an option, although it does the same job as Toxic Spikes. If you cannot fit hazards onto your team, or you want to hit Flying-Types and Levitators, then Toxic is a viable option. Ice Punch Metagross, Calm mind Jirachi, and Heatran are some of the few steel-types that can switch into this set. However, Metagross without Ice Punch can be handled by Heat Wave fairly easily.</p>
[Additional Comments]
<p>This set manages to juggle two important feats: outspeeding most counters, and beating many walls. Baton Pass can be used if you want to pass a Substitute to a sweeper. Lucario is a great example, covering Zapdos' weaknesses, and being able to take out counters. U-turn may be used to scout opponents, the same being true for Volt Change. Toxic Spikes are an absolute must, and they are required to make this set efficient. The best users are Forretress and Tentacrual, since they have access to Rapid Spin, the ability to set up Toxic Spikes, and the typing to cover many of Zapdos' weaknesses. Smeargle and Roserade get mentions as they have access to sleep moves like Spore or Sleep Powder, however, they are not as effective as other Toxic Spikes users.</p>
<p>248 HP / 228 SpD / 32 Spe can be used as an alternative EV spread, giving Zapdos the ability to stall opponents such as Burunguru and Blissey, which focus more on special attacks. This allows Zapdos to come in on different opponents compared to the physically defensive set.</p>
[SET]
Name: Offensive
Move 1: Thunderbolt
Move 2: Heat Wave
Move 3: Hidden Power Ice
Move 4: Roost
Item: Life Orb / Leftovers
Nature: Timid
Evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[Set Comments]
<p>This set fully takes advantage of Zapdos's wonderful attacking capabilities. It carries an element of surprise due to the popularity of defensive sets . With Hidden Power Ice, no Pokemon beside Swampert resists the attacking combination of Electric / Ice / Fire. Leftovers and Life Orb are both viable choices to use on Zapdos, each with its pros and cons. Timid is preferred but you can use Modest if you really want that power boost.</p>
<p>Roost is usually the better option over Volt Change, since it allows Zapdos to differentiate itself from Borutotosu, who lacks recovery to aid a sweep. It also gets rid of an annoying Rock weakness, which can make a difference in a metagame filled with Rock- and Ground-types. However, it gets rid of its Fighting resistance, which is risky in a metagame also filled with Fighting-types. It should be noted that with Volt Change being used over Roost, Zapdos is acting as an inferior Borutorosu.</p>
]Additional Comments]
<p>As almost nothing resists Zapdos's attacking combo, Blissey will do just fine in countering it. That said, Blissey can be taken out by strong Pursuit users. Those with powerful Fighting-type moves are good for this job, such as Scizor, who has Superpower. This set is actually frail and weak to priority, especially when compared to the more defensive sets. Thus, a Pokemon that resists common priority moves will do great as a partner. Skarmory gets an honorable mention for resisting priority, as well as having high Defense, and the ability to set up hazards. While it is somewhat frail to start off, if you decide to run Volt Change instead off Roost you are not going to last as long, so support is a must if you decide to use a more hit-and-run playstyle.</p>
[SET]
Name: Physical Wall
Move 1: Thunderbolt
Move 2: Roost
Move 3: Heat Wave / Hidden Power Ice
Move 4: Thunder Wave / Roar
Item: Leftovers
Nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 228 Def / 32 Spe
[Set Comments]
<p>With 125 base Special Attack and no defensive stats under 90, Zapdos makes an ideal tank, able to absorb hits with ease from physical attackers, tanks, and walls alike. Heat Wave and Thunder Wave make a more defensive set altogether, with paralysis support, and being able to hit Steel-types and Grass-types simultaneously, especially the likes of Nattorei. Hidden Power Ice should be used with Roar, creating a pseudo-BoltBeam combo with Thunderbolt. However, since there are always Pokemon that resist both attacks, Roar is used to remove the opponent from the field.</p>
<p>New attackers are giving Zapdos a run for its money, being much more powerful. Many Bulk Up users can take advantage of Zapdos, setting up and recovering health as it tries to Roost, since Drain Punch has gotten a considerable upgrade this generation. However, Zapdos still has great walling capabilities, being able to manage several key threats.</p>
[Additional Comments]
<p> Like almost any specially-oriented Pokemon, this set is walled by Blissey, so pack a good Pursuit user like Tyranitar. Zapdos is also weak to Stealth Rock, making a Rapid Spinner like Starmie or Forretress very helpful.</p>
<p>Depending on what moves you run, different Pokemon can counter this Zapdos. Swampert will easily counter Zapdos lacking Hidden Power Grass, likewise, without Hidden Power Ice, Dragon- and Ground-types like Hippowdon and Salamence are a threat. When Heat Wave is not in a moveslot, Ice-types will be a pain. Tyranitar is a good all-around counter to this set, with boosted Special Defense in sandstorm, it can take all of Zapdos's attacks and hit hard with STAB Rock-type moves. Finally, this generation of Pokemon has brought very powerful physical attackers which can easily OHKO this set, which is why it is recommended you bring Zapdos in on a weaker attacker, or resisted attacks.</p>
<p>Many of these Pokemon are easily taken out by their appropriate counters. Swampert is very afraid of Celebi, who can damage to it with Grass Knot or Leaf Storm. Mamoswine takes care of Ground- and Dragon-types with a powerful Ice Shard, nullifying the Speed of Choice Scarf Garchomp. Powerful Ice-type attackers on the special side, like Rotom-F, can take care of physically defensive Pokemon like Hippowdon. Rotom-F is a good choice as it gets STAB Blizzard and Levitate, allowing it to take on many Ground-type attacks without problems.</p>
[SET]
Name: Special Wall
Move 1: Thunderbolt
Move 2: Roost
Move 3: Thunder Wave / Light Screen
Move 4: Heat Wave / Hidden Power Ice
Item: Leftovers
Nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 228 SpD / 32 Spe
[Set Comments]
<p>At first glance, this set is similar to the physical wall, though it is meant to be used in a different way. This set can switchinto special attackers, like Starmie, while keeping decent all-around defenses. It can still take neutral physical attacks, though super effective hits will hurt.</p>
<p>Thunderbolt, its main STAB attack, always does a large amount of damage, even without investment in Special Attack. It can keep firing off Thunderbolt, while Roost helps restore half of its HP and alleviating its Rock weakness, which helps against several Pokemon. Thunder Wave can be used to cripple switch-ins. Light Screen may be used for team support, increasing Zapdos's ability to sponge special attacks. The last moveslot can be used to hit Steel-types and Grass-types with Heat Wave, or Dragon-types and others with Hidden Power Ice, creating a pseudo-BoltBeam combo. Heat Wave gets extra merit as it hits Nattorei, a prominent threat.</p>
[Additional Comments]
<p>Blissey is a pain in the neck, as is Tyranitar; make sure you pack something like Scizor or Roobushin, both of which can cover its weaknesses, and eliminate Zapdos's counters. Swampert and Celebi can also switch on this set, although they have a hard time dealing damage. This set welcomes Toxic Spikes from users like Tentacruel. Also, since this set lacks Defense, Pokemon like Nattorei and Gliscor work with Zapdos, especially if Light Screen can cover their weaker defensive side.</p>
[SET]
Name: AgilPass
Move 1: Agility
Move 2: Baton Pass
Move 3: Substitute
Move 4: Thunderbolt
Item: Leftovers
Nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 140 Def / 88 SpA / 32 Spe
[Set Comments]
<p>The idea of this set is to come in on something weak to Zapdos, use Agility on the switch, and proceed with Substitute or Baton Pass. Since you will outspeed the majority of OU after a +2 boost, you don't need many Speed EVs, the extra EVs can go into defenses. 32 Speed EVs allow you to outspeed all unboosted Tyranitar. The EVs in Defense can be put in Special Defense to withstand special attackers and vice-versa. Each support move has its own benefits; Agility helps slow, bulky, Pokemon like Roobushin, while Substitute gives frail Pokemon like Hihidaruma a buffer against attacks. Above all, be careful: this is not meant to sweep.</p>
[Additional Comments]
<p>Zapdos is fairly unique among Baton Passers, with its blend of resistances, great bulk, and amazing special attacking prowess. Baton Pass users are usually hard to defeat one-on-one, this one more so due its high defenses. Fighting- and Steel-types are excellent recipients of boosts as they resist most of Zapdos's weaknesses.</p>
<p>There are some important Speed tiers you must watch for once you use Agility. 246 makes you tie with Scarfed base 100 Pokemon after an Agility. Likewise, 223 makes you tie with Choice Scarf Genosect after an Agility. Lastly, 213 Speed helps avoid a speed tie with Choice Scarf Shandera. All of these numbers are important, because if Zapdos ties with any of these, the recipient has a chance of getting hit. In many cases, that is undesirable.</p>
[SET]
Name: Choice
Move1: Thunderbolt
Move 2: Heat Wave
Move 3: Volt Change / U-turn
Move 4: Hidden Power Ice
Item: Choice Scarf /Choice Specs
Nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[Set Comments]
<p>With Choice Scarf equipped, Zapdos makes an excellent anti-lead, especially with great Speed, offense, and passable bulk. It can hit many leads super effectively, especially since Drizzle Politoed will be running around, as well as other leads that set up hazards, like Azelf and Nattorei. Zapdos can outspeed many opposing leads, and has the ability to hit many of them for hard damage, especially with good coverage in Electric / Ice /Fire.</p>
<p>Thunderbolt can take out many leads by itself. Heat Wave allows it to take out Nattorei, one of the most prominent defensive Pokemon this generation, especially with its use of Stealth Rock. Hidden Power Ice allows it to take out Dragonite and Flygon. If in a tight spot, Volt Change can be used to make an offensive pivot towards a counter. If you feel nervous about it failing on a Ground-type however, U-turn may be used. U-turn can also be used to a degree of effectiveness due to the ever-common Deoxys-S.</p>
[Additional Comments]
<p>Regular counters to Zapdos will suffice here. Blissey and Evolution Stone Chansey will be able to stall till the cows come home, and Swampert and Tyranitar can counter Zapdos who lack Hidden Power Grass. Water-types take Hidden Power Ice and Heat Wave, though it is unlikely your opponent take that risk, though if they do, you are forced to switch, taking Stealth Rock damage. Strong physical attackers like Roobushin, Ononokusu, and Scizor can take on many of these these threats with boosted attacks.</p>
<p> Unfortunately, without Roost at its arsenal, Zapdos is decidedly inferior to Borutorosu. Also without Roost, Zapdos loses one of its major assets, its longevity. Rapid Spin support is a definite must from users like Forretress. If however, you cannot fit this, Wish support is a good idea, especially with the updated Wish mechanics, making Chansey and Blissey very viable teammates. Also, Choice Specs is a viable option on Zapdos, acting like a tank of sorts, with its decent bulk and typing, as well as its powerful Special Attack stat.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Every set listed can be walled by Blissey and Chansey in some form, so Fighting-types and Pursuit users are welcome, as well as status absorbers. Tyranitar and Scizor both fill in a Pursuiter niche with their sky-high Attack and access to Superpower, allowing them to create holes in entire opposing team. Guts users, such as Machamp and Heracross, are a good choice for absorbing Blissey's Thunder Wave. Snorlax also gets a mention for its immunity to Toxic.</p>
<p>The sole reason Hidden Power Grass is mentioned on most of these sets is to prevent you from getting walled by Swampert, whois a dangerous threat otherwise. There are many times where Hidden Power Grass cannot be put in a moveslot, so Grass-types like Shaymin-S, Celebi, and Virizion are reliable teamm ates. Water-types like Burungeru, Kerudio, Daikenki, and Swampert are also good Ground-type counters.</p>
<p>Zapdos's Flying-type grants it several resistances and immunities, though at the high cost of being weak to Stealth Rock. Thus, sets without Roost, and even sets that have Roost, will all need Rapid Spin support. Starmie gets a mention for its good defensive synergy, as well as hitting hard off of base 110 Special Attack. Doryuuzu can fill this role to an extent, though it is only effective in sandstorm. This forces many of its teammates to run Leftovers, which causes a loss of power for the offensive sets, though defensive sets will already be running them. Defensive sets also appreciate Toxic Spikes to stall out the opponent. Forretress and Tentacruel can fill this niche nicely, having access to both Toxic Spikes and Rapid Spin.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>With infinite rain appearing on many teams, Thunder is a viable option to replace Thunderbolt, having a higher Base Power and a good chance to paralyze the opponent. That said, Sunny Day teams are also common, so Rain Dance is an interesting option, allowing Zapdos to fire off Thunder and nullifying the benefits of sun.</p>
<p>Hidden Power Grass was standard on almost all Zapdos in previous generations to combat its arch-enemy, Swampert. However, Swampert usage as a whole is not nearly as high as it was last generation, due to the input of better Stealth Rock users and bulky Water-types, specifically Nattorei and Burungeru. Thus, Hidden Power Grass is not needed on any of these sets. However, if you have a serious problem with Swampert, or any Water / Ground Pokemon, Hidden Power Grass can work as an option.</p>
<p>A RestTalk set is viable, being the standard in ADV, though it most certainly has lost its effectiveness with the advent of powerful attackers. Thunder Wave is another interesting option, allowing it to pave a way for slower sweepers like Rhyperior and Shibirudon. Discharge can be used if you want a damaging move with a chance to paralyze the opponent, though the loss of power is not reccommended. Metal Sound has a niche role, though it requires more investment and less payoff than other sets.</p>
<p>Defensive sets generally have near max HP and heavy investment on one of its defensive stats, with the rest being put into Speed. 248 is the norm for HP investment, since it allows you to switch into Stealth Rock five times instead of four, not counting Leftovers. If you are worried about Leftovers, you can still run max HP. Max Speed and a Speed-boosting nature are an absolute must on offensive sets, allowing you to, at worst, speed tie with positive-natured base 100s like Celebi. If you want Lucario to be out of the picture on defensive sets, however, you will generally need 176 EVs in Speed to outspeed all non boosted Lucario. Remaining EVs should be placed in HP, then the rest thrown into Defense or Special Defense.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Special walls like Blissey and Evolution Stone Chansey will wall all special attackers, including Zapdos. Other Pokemon with high Special Defense can take Zapdos well. Snorlax gets an honorary mention for being immune to Toxic Spikes due to Immunity, though Thick Fat versions will have to be on their toes. Anything resistant to Thunderbolt, its main STAB, will be fine as well, including Jolteon and Zeburaika.</p>
<p>Hidden Power also makes a big decision on what you can and cannot counter. Non-Hidden Power Ice Zapdos can be countered by Ground-types like Gliscor and Hippowdon. Dragons are in the same boat, though to a lesser extent due to special bulk in Pokemon like Latias. Swampert can take all variants of Zapdos without Hidden Power Grass.</p>
<p>Fighting-types can be a threat to Zapdos if they carry Drain Punch or a Rock-type move. Roost is useless in the face of many Fighting-types, since they are most likely to be slower. The exception would be Terakion, which has good enough STABs that it can run two boosting moves, and threaten with boosted Rock-type moves.</p>
<p>Tyranitar is the greatest threat to Zapdos. Its Special Defense is boosted in sand, and it can fire back with powerful STAB moves. Lastly, powerful attackers introduced this generation can take all Zapdos out, defensive or not, such as Hihidaruma, Ononokusu, and Shandera.</p>
[DREAM WORLD]
<p>Zapdos got a major upgrade this generation in Lightningrod. Whenever it switches into an Electric attack, it has no risk of paralysis, and raises its Special Attack to astonishing levels. With max investment and a Timid nature, it hits 524, which is nothing to laugh at. Lightningrod and Heat Wave are illegal together, as is the same for Lightningrod and Baton Pass. With these limitations kept in mind, Lightningrod would likely be most viable on the special wall, as it allows Zapdos to beat its opponents easier. This is also because all the other sets need one of the illegal moves or Pressure.</p>
Rotom-S is the Electric/Flying form.
Volt Absorb Lanturn and Lightningrod Seaking do. Not common or particularly threatening, I know.
As strange as it sounds I'm not sure lots of Speed is even the only way to go on the offensive set. 100 base isn't as good as it used to be, and maxing it out only really gets you a Speed Tie with Offensive Manaphy and Ninetales. Almost anything below base 100 has a habit of massively neglecting speed due to the meta, and you'll often outspeed most of that stuff anyway. Running Modest with some Bulk emphasizes Zapdos' good points and does something that Borutorosu really can't: be a hard hitting Tank that can come into some dangerous physical threats (I'm looking at you SD Scizor) and punish switchins with powerful attacks.
This thing is very interesting and is true: the thunder bird has not a great speed, so I think is better invest in its bulckyness, with or without agility in its set; how speed do you think it has to have in base of this fact?
It depends, really. The only common base 100 users as of now are Urugamosu, Salamence, Jirachi, and Manaphy.
+Spe Base 90s are almost nonexistant.
So if you feel like you should tie with the above 4 pokemon, Timid Max Speed is required. Otherwise, I don't see why Modest max speed wouldn't be better.
+Spe Base 90s are almost nonexistant.
So if you feel like you should tie with the above 4 pokemon, Timid Max Speed is required. Otherwise, I don't see why Modest max speed wouldn't be better.
In this case I don't see the major bulkyness respect the timid nature; it has more power at the cost to some speed, but the resistence is the same
Just a minor fix, but:
Zapdos has 85 Base Defense :P