[OVERVIEW]
Zapdos's unique Electric / Flying typing alongside with Roost gives it the ability to fill multiple roles including dedicated wallbreaker, cleaner, and wall. Zapdos can fit on a variety of playstyles/teams. Zapdos is so customizable, that even the sets listed in this analysis do not do justice to its versatility. Zapdos has usable bulk that allows it to check the appropriate threats for a variety of teammates. Furthermore, Zapdos sports a fantastic Special Attack stat that allows it to plow through a large portion of the tier with a boost from Life Orb or Choice Specs. Unfortunately, Zapdos hits a somewhat disappointing Speed tier for an offensive minded set. However, it still functions very well as a pivot in addition to its offensive capabilities. Zapdos also checks important metagame threats such as Cobalion, Crobat, Doublade, Heracross, and Lucario. However, it does nothing against clerics with reliable recovery, such as Florges and Umbreon and also completely struggles against Reuniclus and Snorlax. It is also important to mention that Zapdos faces competition from Rotom-H, which checks Mamoswine. Lastly, Zapdos is weak to Stealth Rock and, as a result, Zapdos is also prone to being wore down due to the plethora of attackers it tends to regularly check. However, it is a fantastic case of positives outweighing negatives and is one of the most versatile Pokemon in all of UU.
[SET]
name: Triple Attack + Roost
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Heat Wave
move 3: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Roost
item: Leftovers / Magnet
ability: Static
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Moves
========
Thunderbolt is Zapdos's primary STAB move, OHKOing many frail Pokemon and 2HKOing a large portion of the metagame bar special walls. Heat Wave hits the Grass-, Steel-, Ice-, and Bug-types in the tier, including but not limited to Shaymin, Cobalion, Mamoswine, and Galvantula. Hidden Power Grass is mainly use for Swampert and its Mega Evolution, but it may also be used against Krookodile, Mamoswine, and Donphan. Hidden Power Ice targets towards Salamence, Mega Sceptile, Hydreigon, and Gligar, the latter of which walls this set if it doesn't run the move. It also affects other Ground-types such as Nidoqeen, Nidoking, and Donphan. Roost is used to increase Zapdos's overall longevity throughout the game. Volt Switch may be used over Heat Wave or Hidden Power if pivoting is more important than coverage. Metal Sound could replace one of Zapdos's coverage options for the capability to punch through special walls such as Umbreon and Florges.
Set Details
========
252 Special Attack EVs maximize Zapdos's power. 252 Speed EVs with a Timid nature allow Zapdos to outspeed many offensive threats including Hydreigon, Krookodile, and Lucario. The choice between items is entirely dependent on the user and the team you are building. Leftovers helps Zapdos retain its longevity and prevents it from becoming overly reliant on Roost. Alternatively, Life Orb lets Zapdos pressure special walls quite a bit harder, but severely cuts into its health, preventing it from throwing out attacks as frequently and making it harder to check foes such as Doublade and other priority users. Magnet alleviates this while still providing a moderate boost to Thunderbolt. Static gives Zapdos a 30% chance to paralyze its foes when it gets hit by a physical move.
Usage Tips
========
Zapdos is best use as a pseudo-offensive pivot, being able to take resisted hits and, for the most part, respond with Roost + the appropriate offensive move. This set is a moderately effective special wallbreaker and should be saved for a moment in which it can take something out via a revenge kill or wallbreaking. Zapdos has to be careful of incoming neutral hits when Stealth Rock is set up, as it will quickly get whittled down. Static gives Zapdos a niche by checking U-turn cores due to the chance at paralysis.
Team Options
========
Zapdos pairs up fantastically with both offensive and balance cores, including common Mega Beedrill and Florges cores. Almost all bulky Water-types such as Swampert, Suicune, Empoleon, and Tentacruel. love Zapdos's typing and typing synergy to compliment them. Almost every common balance Pokemon appreciates Zapdos's unique typing and ability to offset prior damage, including Pokemon such as Florges, Cobalion, Reuniclus, and Snorlax. Offensively, Pokemon such as Krookodile, Mienshao, and Entei serve to provide physical wallbreaking when Zapdos faces off against a special wall. Entry hazard control ensures that Zapdos won't be racking up Stealth Rock damage. Further, opposing entry hazard damage will greatly increase Zapdos's opportunity for a late-game cleanup. Forretress, Tentacruel, and Krookodile make great partners in this respect.
[SET]
name: Bulky Defog
move 1: Thunderbolt / Discharge
move 2: Roost
move 3: Defog
move 4: Heat Wave / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 236 Def / 24 Spe
Moves
========
Thunderbolt is Zapdos's primary STAB move, and it can 2HKO a good portion of the Pokemon that Zapdos counters. Discharge is a secondary option, as the 30% paralysis rate increases Zapdos's overall utility; however, Thunderbolt is generally the preferable option since Discharges misses out on some important OHKOs, such as on Crobat, or 2HKOs, such as on Salamence. As a result, this option should only be used if long-term paralysis-spreading complements the makeup of your team. Roost greatly supports this set by giving Zapdos a reliable recovery option. Defog removes entry hazards, preventing Zapdos and its teammates from being worn down over the course of the match. Heat Wave complements Zapdos's coverage, especially against Grass-types and Mamoswine. Toxic is a fantastic option as well, applying passive pressure to all playing styles. Toxic also prevents Zapdos from being walled by Pokemon such as Cresselia and pressures offensive Pokemon such as Hydreigon, Krookodile, and Kyurem. Hidden Power Ice and Hidden Power Grass are also viable options but are strictly team dependent.
Set Details
========
248 HP maximizes Zapdos's overall bulk in relation to Stealth Rock damage. More HP EVs also increases the HP recovered each turn from Leftovers and Roost. 236 Defense EVs with a Bold nature maximize Zapdos's overall bulk. The EVs here can be also be used for Special Defense. A mixed set using 248 HP / 140 Def / 96 SpD / 24 Spe with a Calm nature can be used to take on a wider variety of sets, although Zapdos's will no longer be able to reliably check Pokemon such as Gyarados and Life Orb Psyshock users such as Azelf. A faster set of 248 HP / 84 Def / 176 Spe can be used as well if your team needs a faster defogger. Leftovers grants Zapdos passive recovery and increases its longevity. Pressure is a notable ability for this set as opposed to the more offensive options, since Roost can effectively stall out certain moves such as Fire Blast and Close Combat. Zapdos must use Pressure as its ability
Usage Tips
========
Almost all Zapdos's sets can fit on bulky balance cores, and this Zapdos is no different whatsoever. It operates effectively as a bulky Defogger option that can also pressure many offensive and defensive cores with Toxic stall. It can switch into many common Stealth Rock users such as Krookodile and Mega Aggron or mid-game against physical attackers such as Heracross and Honchkrow.
Team Options
========
Zapdos is completely dominated by setup sweepers, so phazers such as Swampert, Empoleon, and Suicune are extremely effective at preventing opposing sweeps. Tentacruel is a great partner, as it is able to set up Toxic Spikes and pressure Pokemon such as Porygon2, Florges, and Umbreon. Furthermore, Pokemon such as Reuniclus and Florges love to set up Calm Minds against Zapdos, so having something like Choice Band Krookodile or Mega Aggron is a good idea to pressure these threats. This Zapdos set cannot do anything do Nidoqueen or Nidoking, and it struggles immensely against Mamoswine. As a result, it cannot be stressed how valuable it is to use bulky Water-types with this set. Other great partners include Choice Specs Chandelure and Kyurem for their ability to break past the Pokemon that this set struggles with; however, Chandelure is not a switch-in for Pokemon such as Nidoqueen, but rather, it is a strong wallbreaker that benefits from Zapdos's defensive typing.
[SET]
name: SubRoost
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Roost
move 4: Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 84 Def / 176 Spe
Moves
========
Substitute blocks status moves and weaker attacks including Scald from most Pokemon, such as Swampert. Thunderbolt is Zapdos's primary method of inflicting damage against the metagame. Roost lets Zapdos offset Stealth Rock damage, and allows the Zapdos to outstall a good portion of the metagame alongside Toxic and Thunderbolt. Lastly, Toxic allows Zapdos to slowly wear down its foes while it hides safely behind the Substitute.
Set Details
========
It is important to note that these EVs are very cuztomizable, as Zapdos also functions extremely well as a defensive, mixed, or specially defensive wall. An alternative defensive spread could use 248 HP / 140 Def / 96 SpD / 24 Spe. Referring to the listed EVs, 248 HP EVs maximize Zapdos's bulk whilst minimizing Stealth Rock damage. 84 Def EVs give Zapdos some added physical bulk, allowing it to take resisted and neutral physical hits a bit better. 176 Speed EVs with a Timid nature allow Zapdos to outspeed up to positive-natured base 90 Speed Pokemon and get the Substitute off. This allows Zapdos to outspeed more common threats such as Entei, Lucario, Rotom-H, Toxicroak, Heracross, and Porygon Z. The Speed particularly lets Zapdos set up Substitute on the Rotom formes and Entei. Pressure is notable on this set for enabling Zapdos to effectively PP stall many different Pokemon such as Entei.
Usage Tips
========
Zapdos is best used as a standard Subtoxic Pokemon. Switch in Zapdos on a resisted hit, and try to bring a little mayhem to your opponent's longevity metre. Toxic is especially effective at getting past the various special walls that Zapdos struggles against. One of the most important Pokemon that this set succeeds against is Wish + Protect Florges.
Team Options
========
This set is best used on semi-stall or balanced cores focusing around phazing and passive pressure. Zapdos is usually supported well by a physical wallbreaker than can force its way past the few special walls that Zapdos struggles against, such as Umbreon and Blissey. Therefore, Cobalion and Swampert make great partners, as well as Florges and Whimsicott in order to have a proper Dragon-type check. Zapdos prefers to not have to switch into Stealth Rock, as this vastly minimizes its long-term potential, so entry hazard control is preferred via Empoleon, Forretress, Tentacruel, and Mega Blastoise.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Heat Wave
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Grass
move 4: Volt Switch / U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Static
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Moves
========
Thunderbolt is Zapdos's primary STAB move and will 2HKO most of the offensive metagame. Heat Wave is a standard coverage option that takes on bulkier Grass-types, Steel-types, and Mamoswine. Hidden Power Ice is a mandatory choice on this set due to its ability to reliably OHKO Salamence, Mega Sceptile, and Gligar, the latter of which walls this set if it doesn't run Hidden Power Ice. Hidden Power Ice also affects other Ground-types such as Nidoqueen, Nidoking, and Donphan, as well as other Dragon-types such as Hydreigon and Dragalge. Hidden Power Ice is also a decent last resort option against Moxie Salamence. Hidden Power Grass mainly targets Swampert and its Mega Evolution, but it may also be used against Krookodile and Donphan. It is important to note that Choice Scarf Zapdos outspeeds Adamant Mega Swampert and will OHKO it with Hidden Power Grass after some prior minor damage. Volt Switch is an incredibly effective pivoting move, allowing you to switch in the appropriate check or counter against the foe. U-turn can be used if Ground-types are complicating Zapdos's ability to pivot; however, the power drop is huge.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed investment is essential for the set in order to at least Speed tie +1 Salamence as well as outspeed other common Choice Scarf users such as Darmanitan and Hydreigon. Maximum Special Attack investment is also necessary in order to hit as hard as possible. Choice Scarf is the focal point of this set, letting Zapdos act as a standard special pivot and cleaner.
Usage Tips
========
Zapdos works somewhat decently as a lead against a good portion of the metagame, allowing you to pivot out to the appropriate teammate to take out the threat. Volt Switch is important to accumulate chip damage on special walls, which is helpful for teammates, as well as for Zapdos itself late-game. This set also functions perfectly as a revenge killer against Pokemon such as Hydreigon. This Zapdos operates mainly as a pivot for balance and offensive teams, and it also cleans up late-game.
Team Options
========
All offensive Zapdos sets are benefited by bulky Water-types such as Swampert, Suicune, Empoleon, and Tentacruel, which really appreciate Zapdos's ability to quickly pivot out to them. Almost every common balance Pokemon appreciates Zapdos's unique typing and ability to pivot into the appropriate Pokemon. Considering that these options range in variety and include walls, Calm Mind sweepers, and wallbreakers, Zapdos can find itself partnered with a variety of Pokemon, including Florges, Cobalion, Reuniclus, Snorlax, and Kyurem. Offensively, Pokemon such as Krookodile, Mienshao, and Entei serve to provide physical wallbreaking when Zapdos faces off against a special wall. Entry hazard control ensures that Zapdos won't be racking up Stealth Rock damage. Further, opposing entry hazard damage will greatly increase Zapdos's opportunity for a late-game cleanup. Forretress, Empoleon, and Tentacruel are perfect partners in this regard.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Air Cutter
move 3: Heat Wave / Hidden Power Grass
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Choice Specs
ability: Static
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Moves
========
Thunderbolt is Zapdos's primary STAB move and will 2HKO most of the offensive metagame. This set is the only set that can properly utilize a Flying STAB in the form of Air Cutter, which tackles a decent portion of the metagame for reasonable damage, 2HKOing Pokemon such as Krookodile, Hydreigon, Nidoqueen, Nidoking, defensive Gligar after Stealth Rock, Kyurem after Stealth Rock, and Roserade. Heat Wave is mainly used to target the Steel-type Pokemon that won't get OHKOed by a Choice Specs boosted Thunderbolt, such as Cobalion. Alternatively, Hidden Power Grass mainly targets Swampert and its Mega Evolution, but may also be used against Krookodile, Mamoswine, and Donphan. Volt Switch is an incredibly effective pivoting move, allowing you to switch in the appropriate check or counter against the foe. It also provides excellent chip damage against Snorlax and other special walls such as Florges and Umbreon.
Set Details
========
Choice Specs packs incredible power behind Zapdos's moves, allowing it to 2HKO potential switch-ins such as Reuniclus, Bronzong, and Tyrantrum. Maximum Special Attack investment is also necessary in order to hit as hard as possible. Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature is essential for the set in order to at least Speed tie Salamence, as well as outspeed other common faster Pokemon such as Hydreigon, Krookodile, and Heracross. Choice Specs maximizes Zapdos's potential to act as a wallbreaker and offensive pivot.
Usage Tips
========
This set is a fantastic mid-game option for its ability to operate as a wallbreaking pivot for balance and offensive teams, wearing down tanks and walls for other Pokemon to clean up or sweep. Zapdos works primarily as a wallbreaker and a minor defensive check against a few choice Pokemon such as Doublade and Cobalion. Since Zapdos will likely 2HKO a vast portion of the metagame, opponents will likely grant you opportunities to pivot out to the appropriate teammate to take out the threat.
Team Options
========
Offensive Zapdos sets are benefited by bulky Water-types such as Swampert, Suicune, Empoleon, and Tentacruel, which really appreciate Zapdos's ability to quickly pivot out to them. Almost every common balance Pokemon appreciates Zapdos's unique typing and ability to pivot into the appropriate Pokemon. Considering that these options range in variety and include walls, Calm Mind sweepers, and wallbreakers, Zapdos can find itself partnered with a variety of Pokemon, including Florges, Cobalion, Reuniclus, Snorlax, and Kyurem. Offensively, Pokemon such as Choice Band Krookofile, Mienshao, and Entei serve to provide physical wallbreaking when Zapdos faces off against a special wall. Furthermore, since Zapdos is dedicated to a wallbreaking role, it can pair up with Pokemon such as Mega Sceptile and Mega Aerodactyl to clean up the threats that Zapdos damages. Entry hazard control ensures that Zapdos won't be racking up Stealth Rock damage. Further, opposing entry hazard damage will greatly increase Zapdos's opportunity for a late-game cleanup.
[SET]
name: AgiliPass
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Agility
move 3: Baton Pass
move 4: Roost
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure / Static
nature: Timid
evs: 152 HP / 252 SpA / 104 Spe
Moves
========
Thunderbolt is Zapdos's primary STAB move and is its main method of inflicting damage to the target. Agility increases Zapdos's Speed by two stages, which allows it to outspeed the entire metagame. Baton Pass is used to pass an Agility boost to an appropriate partner, in order to setup their sweep. Roost is used to offset Stealth Rock and switch in damage, and helps Zapdos setup more potential Agility passes.
Set Details
========
It must be prefaced that these EVs are very customizable, as Zapdos also functions extremely well as a defensive, mixed, or specially defensive wall. However, this set normally takes on a more offensive approach and could simply utilize maximum Speed and Special Attack for a more explosive setup. 252 Special Attack EVs maximize Zapdos's attacking power after using Agility. 104 Speed EVs with a Timid nature allow Zapdos to outspeed all base 80 Pokemon and, more importantly, Gyarados. The rest of the 152 EVs are put into HP to improve Zapdos's ability to check Fighting-types. If the more recommended defensive route is taken, an alternative spread of 248 HP / 140 Def / 96 SpD / 24 Spe could be used to set up more long-term boosts.
Usage Tips
========
This set is deceptively simple to use, and the rewards are great. Bring in Zapdos when it is safe to get an Agility off. Most people's responses will be to go into their special walls or dedicated counters, allowing you to get a free Baton Pass.
Team Options
========
Defensive pivots such as Amoonguss and Forretress can easily find opportunities to bring in Zapdos, providing multiple chances to setup an Agility and Baton Pass it to a teammate such as Lucario or Feraligatr. In fact, these receivers of Agility can use Swords Dance sets in order to give themselves a Speed and power boost. Entry hazard control gives Zapdos more opportunities to come in. Empoleon, Forretress, Tentacruel, and Mega Blastoise all make fantastic partners in this respect. Mamoswine, Nidoqueen, and Machamp all enjoy the Speed boost provided by Agility and will be able to wreak havoc. It never hurts to be creative with the receivers of Agility. For example, Mega Camerupt with Growth becomes an absolute behemoth after such a boost.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A Metal Sound + Roost set is perfectly viable utilizing Thunderbolt and another coverage option in Heat Wave or a Hidden Power move. Roar is a viable alternative option, especially if your team struggles against Calm Mind sweepers.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Stealth Rock**: Zapdos is one of those Pokemon that really dislike having Stealth Rock on the field, even if it's the Defog set.
**Mamoswine**: Zapdos will almost always lose the one-on-one against Mamoswine, thus usually forcing it to switch out, with Hidden Power Grass being the only way to deal back any sort of damage to Mamoswine before being KOed.
**Setup Sweepers**: Zapdos struggles against Dragon Dance Salamence as well as Calm Mind sweepers. Even Suicune can take out Zapdos after one Calm Mind at full HP.
**Faster Pokemon**: Azelf, Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Beedrill, and Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Hydreigon, Salamence, Darmanitan, and even Mienshao all put significant pressure on Zapdos's offensive sets and will sometimes be able to take out the defensive variants if Zapdos is too weak.
**Special Walls**: Blissey, Umbreon, and Florges can wall Zapdos all day long, although they won't be doing much back without some sort of status move such as Toxic.
Zapdos's unique Electric / Flying typing alongside with Roost gives it the ability to fill multiple roles including dedicated wallbreaker, cleaner, and wall. Zapdos can fit on a variety of playstyles/teams. Zapdos is so customizable, that even the sets listed in this analysis do not do justice to its versatility. Zapdos has usable bulk that allows it to check the appropriate threats for a variety of teammates. Furthermore, Zapdos sports a fantastic Special Attack stat that allows it to plow through a large portion of the tier with a boost from Life Orb or Choice Specs. Unfortunately, Zapdos hits a somewhat disappointing Speed tier for an offensive minded set. However, it still functions very well as a pivot in addition to its offensive capabilities. Zapdos also checks important metagame threats such as Cobalion, Crobat, Doublade, Heracross, and Lucario. However, it does nothing against clerics with reliable recovery, such as Florges and Umbreon and also completely struggles against Reuniclus and Snorlax. It is also important to mention that Zapdos faces competition from Rotom-H, which checks Mamoswine. Lastly, Zapdos is weak to Stealth Rock and, as a result, Zapdos is also prone to being wore down due to the plethora of attackers it tends to regularly check. However, it is a fantastic case of positives outweighing negatives and is one of the most versatile Pokemon in all of UU.
[SET]
name: Triple Attack + Roost
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Heat Wave
move 3: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Roost
item: Leftovers / Magnet
ability: Static
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Moves
========
Thunderbolt is Zapdos's primary STAB move, OHKOing many frail Pokemon and 2HKOing a large portion of the metagame bar special walls. Heat Wave hits the Grass-, Steel-, Ice-, and Bug-types in the tier, including but not limited to Shaymin, Cobalion, Mamoswine, and Galvantula. Hidden Power Grass is mainly use for Swampert and its Mega Evolution, but it may also be used against Krookodile, Mamoswine, and Donphan. Hidden Power Ice targets towards Salamence, Mega Sceptile, Hydreigon, and Gligar, the latter of which walls this set if it doesn't run the move. It also affects other Ground-types such as Nidoqeen, Nidoking, and Donphan. Roost is used to increase Zapdos's overall longevity throughout the game. Volt Switch may be used over Heat Wave or Hidden Power if pivoting is more important than coverage. Metal Sound could replace one of Zapdos's coverage options for the capability to punch through special walls such as Umbreon and Florges.
Set Details
========
252 Special Attack EVs maximize Zapdos's power. 252 Speed EVs with a Timid nature allow Zapdos to outspeed many offensive threats including Hydreigon, Krookodile, and Lucario. The choice between items is entirely dependent on the user and the team you are building. Leftovers helps Zapdos retain its longevity and prevents it from becoming overly reliant on Roost. Alternatively, Life Orb lets Zapdos pressure special walls quite a bit harder, but severely cuts into its health, preventing it from throwing out attacks as frequently and making it harder to check foes such as Doublade and other priority users. Magnet alleviates this while still providing a moderate boost to Thunderbolt. Static gives Zapdos a 30% chance to paralyze its foes when it gets hit by a physical move.
Usage Tips
========
Zapdos is best use as a pseudo-offensive pivot, being able to take resisted hits and, for the most part, respond with Roost + the appropriate offensive move. This set is a moderately effective special wallbreaker and should be saved for a moment in which it can take something out via a revenge kill or wallbreaking. Zapdos has to be careful of incoming neutral hits when Stealth Rock is set up, as it will quickly get whittled down. Static gives Zapdos a niche by checking U-turn cores due to the chance at paralysis.
Team Options
========
Zapdos pairs up fantastically with both offensive and balance cores, including common Mega Beedrill and Florges cores. Almost all bulky Water-types such as Swampert, Suicune, Empoleon, and Tentacruel. love Zapdos's typing and typing synergy to compliment them. Almost every common balance Pokemon appreciates Zapdos's unique typing and ability to offset prior damage, including Pokemon such as Florges, Cobalion, Reuniclus, and Snorlax. Offensively, Pokemon such as Krookodile, Mienshao, and Entei serve to provide physical wallbreaking when Zapdos faces off against a special wall. Entry hazard control ensures that Zapdos won't be racking up Stealth Rock damage. Further, opposing entry hazard damage will greatly increase Zapdos's opportunity for a late-game cleanup. Forretress, Tentacruel, and Krookodile make great partners in this respect.
[SET]
name: Bulky Defog
move 1: Thunderbolt / Discharge
move 2: Roost
move 3: Defog
move 4: Heat Wave / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 236 Def / 24 Spe
Moves
========
Thunderbolt is Zapdos's primary STAB move, and it can 2HKO a good portion of the Pokemon that Zapdos counters. Discharge is a secondary option, as the 30% paralysis rate increases Zapdos's overall utility; however, Thunderbolt is generally the preferable option since Discharges misses out on some important OHKOs, such as on Crobat, or 2HKOs, such as on Salamence. As a result, this option should only be used if long-term paralysis-spreading complements the makeup of your team. Roost greatly supports this set by giving Zapdos a reliable recovery option. Defog removes entry hazards, preventing Zapdos and its teammates from being worn down over the course of the match. Heat Wave complements Zapdos's coverage, especially against Grass-types and Mamoswine. Toxic is a fantastic option as well, applying passive pressure to all playing styles. Toxic also prevents Zapdos from being walled by Pokemon such as Cresselia and pressures offensive Pokemon such as Hydreigon, Krookodile, and Kyurem. Hidden Power Ice and Hidden Power Grass are also viable options but are strictly team dependent.
Set Details
========
248 HP maximizes Zapdos's overall bulk in relation to Stealth Rock damage. More HP EVs also increases the HP recovered each turn from Leftovers and Roost. 236 Defense EVs with a Bold nature maximize Zapdos's overall bulk. The EVs here can be also be used for Special Defense. A mixed set using 248 HP / 140 Def / 96 SpD / 24 Spe with a Calm nature can be used to take on a wider variety of sets, although Zapdos's will no longer be able to reliably check Pokemon such as Gyarados and Life Orb Psyshock users such as Azelf. A faster set of 248 HP / 84 Def / 176 Spe can be used as well if your team needs a faster defogger. Leftovers grants Zapdos passive recovery and increases its longevity. Pressure is a notable ability for this set as opposed to the more offensive options, since Roost can effectively stall out certain moves such as Fire Blast and Close Combat. Zapdos must use Pressure as its ability
Usage Tips
========
Almost all Zapdos's sets can fit on bulky balance cores, and this Zapdos is no different whatsoever. It operates effectively as a bulky Defogger option that can also pressure many offensive and defensive cores with Toxic stall. It can switch into many common Stealth Rock users such as Krookodile and Mega Aggron or mid-game against physical attackers such as Heracross and Honchkrow.
Team Options
========
Zapdos is completely dominated by setup sweepers, so phazers such as Swampert, Empoleon, and Suicune are extremely effective at preventing opposing sweeps. Tentacruel is a great partner, as it is able to set up Toxic Spikes and pressure Pokemon such as Porygon2, Florges, and Umbreon. Furthermore, Pokemon such as Reuniclus and Florges love to set up Calm Minds against Zapdos, so having something like Choice Band Krookodile or Mega Aggron is a good idea to pressure these threats. This Zapdos set cannot do anything do Nidoqueen or Nidoking, and it struggles immensely against Mamoswine. As a result, it cannot be stressed how valuable it is to use bulky Water-types with this set. Other great partners include Choice Specs Chandelure and Kyurem for their ability to break past the Pokemon that this set struggles with; however, Chandelure is not a switch-in for Pokemon such as Nidoqueen, but rather, it is a strong wallbreaker that benefits from Zapdos's defensive typing.
[SET]
name: SubRoost
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Roost
move 4: Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 84 Def / 176 Spe
Moves
========
Substitute blocks status moves and weaker attacks including Scald from most Pokemon, such as Swampert. Thunderbolt is Zapdos's primary method of inflicting damage against the metagame. Roost lets Zapdos offset Stealth Rock damage, and allows the Zapdos to outstall a good portion of the metagame alongside Toxic and Thunderbolt. Lastly, Toxic allows Zapdos to slowly wear down its foes while it hides safely behind the Substitute.
Set Details
========
It is important to note that these EVs are very cuztomizable, as Zapdos also functions extremely well as a defensive, mixed, or specially defensive wall. An alternative defensive spread could use 248 HP / 140 Def / 96 SpD / 24 Spe. Referring to the listed EVs, 248 HP EVs maximize Zapdos's bulk whilst minimizing Stealth Rock damage. 84 Def EVs give Zapdos some added physical bulk, allowing it to take resisted and neutral physical hits a bit better. 176 Speed EVs with a Timid nature allow Zapdos to outspeed up to positive-natured base 90 Speed Pokemon and get the Substitute off. This allows Zapdos to outspeed more common threats such as Entei, Lucario, Rotom-H, Toxicroak, Heracross, and Porygon Z. The Speed particularly lets Zapdos set up Substitute on the Rotom formes and Entei. Pressure is notable on this set for enabling Zapdos to effectively PP stall many different Pokemon such as Entei.
Usage Tips
========
Zapdos is best used as a standard Subtoxic Pokemon. Switch in Zapdos on a resisted hit, and try to bring a little mayhem to your opponent's longevity metre. Toxic is especially effective at getting past the various special walls that Zapdos struggles against. One of the most important Pokemon that this set succeeds against is Wish + Protect Florges.
Team Options
========
This set is best used on semi-stall or balanced cores focusing around phazing and passive pressure. Zapdos is usually supported well by a physical wallbreaker than can force its way past the few special walls that Zapdos struggles against, such as Umbreon and Blissey. Therefore, Cobalion and Swampert make great partners, as well as Florges and Whimsicott in order to have a proper Dragon-type check. Zapdos prefers to not have to switch into Stealth Rock, as this vastly minimizes its long-term potential, so entry hazard control is preferred via Empoleon, Forretress, Tentacruel, and Mega Blastoise.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Heat Wave
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Grass
move 4: Volt Switch / U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Static
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Moves
========
Thunderbolt is Zapdos's primary STAB move and will 2HKO most of the offensive metagame. Heat Wave is a standard coverage option that takes on bulkier Grass-types, Steel-types, and Mamoswine. Hidden Power Ice is a mandatory choice on this set due to its ability to reliably OHKO Salamence, Mega Sceptile, and Gligar, the latter of which walls this set if it doesn't run Hidden Power Ice. Hidden Power Ice also affects other Ground-types such as Nidoqueen, Nidoking, and Donphan, as well as other Dragon-types such as Hydreigon and Dragalge. Hidden Power Ice is also a decent last resort option against Moxie Salamence. Hidden Power Grass mainly targets Swampert and its Mega Evolution, but it may also be used against Krookodile and Donphan. It is important to note that Choice Scarf Zapdos outspeeds Adamant Mega Swampert and will OHKO it with Hidden Power Grass after some prior minor damage. Volt Switch is an incredibly effective pivoting move, allowing you to switch in the appropriate check or counter against the foe. U-turn can be used if Ground-types are complicating Zapdos's ability to pivot; however, the power drop is huge.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed investment is essential for the set in order to at least Speed tie +1 Salamence as well as outspeed other common Choice Scarf users such as Darmanitan and Hydreigon. Maximum Special Attack investment is also necessary in order to hit as hard as possible. Choice Scarf is the focal point of this set, letting Zapdos act as a standard special pivot and cleaner.
Usage Tips
========
Zapdos works somewhat decently as a lead against a good portion of the metagame, allowing you to pivot out to the appropriate teammate to take out the threat. Volt Switch is important to accumulate chip damage on special walls, which is helpful for teammates, as well as for Zapdos itself late-game. This set also functions perfectly as a revenge killer against Pokemon such as Hydreigon. This Zapdos operates mainly as a pivot for balance and offensive teams, and it also cleans up late-game.
Team Options
========
All offensive Zapdos sets are benefited by bulky Water-types such as Swampert, Suicune, Empoleon, and Tentacruel, which really appreciate Zapdos's ability to quickly pivot out to them. Almost every common balance Pokemon appreciates Zapdos's unique typing and ability to pivot into the appropriate Pokemon. Considering that these options range in variety and include walls, Calm Mind sweepers, and wallbreakers, Zapdos can find itself partnered with a variety of Pokemon, including Florges, Cobalion, Reuniclus, Snorlax, and Kyurem. Offensively, Pokemon such as Krookodile, Mienshao, and Entei serve to provide physical wallbreaking when Zapdos faces off against a special wall. Entry hazard control ensures that Zapdos won't be racking up Stealth Rock damage. Further, opposing entry hazard damage will greatly increase Zapdos's opportunity for a late-game cleanup. Forretress, Empoleon, and Tentacruel are perfect partners in this regard.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Air Cutter
move 3: Heat Wave / Hidden Power Grass
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Choice Specs
ability: Static
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Moves
========
Thunderbolt is Zapdos's primary STAB move and will 2HKO most of the offensive metagame. This set is the only set that can properly utilize a Flying STAB in the form of Air Cutter, which tackles a decent portion of the metagame for reasonable damage, 2HKOing Pokemon such as Krookodile, Hydreigon, Nidoqueen, Nidoking, defensive Gligar after Stealth Rock, Kyurem after Stealth Rock, and Roserade. Heat Wave is mainly used to target the Steel-type Pokemon that won't get OHKOed by a Choice Specs boosted Thunderbolt, such as Cobalion. Alternatively, Hidden Power Grass mainly targets Swampert and its Mega Evolution, but may also be used against Krookodile, Mamoswine, and Donphan. Volt Switch is an incredibly effective pivoting move, allowing you to switch in the appropriate check or counter against the foe. It also provides excellent chip damage against Snorlax and other special walls such as Florges and Umbreon.
Set Details
========
Choice Specs packs incredible power behind Zapdos's moves, allowing it to 2HKO potential switch-ins such as Reuniclus, Bronzong, and Tyrantrum. Maximum Special Attack investment is also necessary in order to hit as hard as possible. Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature is essential for the set in order to at least Speed tie Salamence, as well as outspeed other common faster Pokemon such as Hydreigon, Krookodile, and Heracross. Choice Specs maximizes Zapdos's potential to act as a wallbreaker and offensive pivot.
Usage Tips
========
This set is a fantastic mid-game option for its ability to operate as a wallbreaking pivot for balance and offensive teams, wearing down tanks and walls for other Pokemon to clean up or sweep. Zapdos works primarily as a wallbreaker and a minor defensive check against a few choice Pokemon such as Doublade and Cobalion. Since Zapdos will likely 2HKO a vast portion of the metagame, opponents will likely grant you opportunities to pivot out to the appropriate teammate to take out the threat.
Team Options
========
Offensive Zapdos sets are benefited by bulky Water-types such as Swampert, Suicune, Empoleon, and Tentacruel, which really appreciate Zapdos's ability to quickly pivot out to them. Almost every common balance Pokemon appreciates Zapdos's unique typing and ability to pivot into the appropriate Pokemon. Considering that these options range in variety and include walls, Calm Mind sweepers, and wallbreakers, Zapdos can find itself partnered with a variety of Pokemon, including Florges, Cobalion, Reuniclus, Snorlax, and Kyurem. Offensively, Pokemon such as Choice Band Krookofile, Mienshao, and Entei serve to provide physical wallbreaking when Zapdos faces off against a special wall. Furthermore, since Zapdos is dedicated to a wallbreaking role, it can pair up with Pokemon such as Mega Sceptile and Mega Aerodactyl to clean up the threats that Zapdos damages. Entry hazard control ensures that Zapdos won't be racking up Stealth Rock damage. Further, opposing entry hazard damage will greatly increase Zapdos's opportunity for a late-game cleanup.
[SET]
name: AgiliPass
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Agility
move 3: Baton Pass
move 4: Roost
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure / Static
nature: Timid
evs: 152 HP / 252 SpA / 104 Spe
Moves
========
Thunderbolt is Zapdos's primary STAB move and is its main method of inflicting damage to the target. Agility increases Zapdos's Speed by two stages, which allows it to outspeed the entire metagame. Baton Pass is used to pass an Agility boost to an appropriate partner, in order to setup their sweep. Roost is used to offset Stealth Rock and switch in damage, and helps Zapdos setup more potential Agility passes.
Set Details
========
It must be prefaced that these EVs are very customizable, as Zapdos also functions extremely well as a defensive, mixed, or specially defensive wall. However, this set normally takes on a more offensive approach and could simply utilize maximum Speed and Special Attack for a more explosive setup. 252 Special Attack EVs maximize Zapdos's attacking power after using Agility. 104 Speed EVs with a Timid nature allow Zapdos to outspeed all base 80 Pokemon and, more importantly, Gyarados. The rest of the 152 EVs are put into HP to improve Zapdos's ability to check Fighting-types. If the more recommended defensive route is taken, an alternative spread of 248 HP / 140 Def / 96 SpD / 24 Spe could be used to set up more long-term boosts.
Usage Tips
========
This set is deceptively simple to use, and the rewards are great. Bring in Zapdos when it is safe to get an Agility off. Most people's responses will be to go into their special walls or dedicated counters, allowing you to get a free Baton Pass.
Team Options
========
Defensive pivots such as Amoonguss and Forretress can easily find opportunities to bring in Zapdos, providing multiple chances to setup an Agility and Baton Pass it to a teammate such as Lucario or Feraligatr. In fact, these receivers of Agility can use Swords Dance sets in order to give themselves a Speed and power boost. Entry hazard control gives Zapdos more opportunities to come in. Empoleon, Forretress, Tentacruel, and Mega Blastoise all make fantastic partners in this respect. Mamoswine, Nidoqueen, and Machamp all enjoy the Speed boost provided by Agility and will be able to wreak havoc. It never hurts to be creative with the receivers of Agility. For example, Mega Camerupt with Growth becomes an absolute behemoth after such a boost.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A Metal Sound + Roost set is perfectly viable utilizing Thunderbolt and another coverage option in Heat Wave or a Hidden Power move. Roar is a viable alternative option, especially if your team struggles against Calm Mind sweepers.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Stealth Rock**: Zapdos is one of those Pokemon that really dislike having Stealth Rock on the field, even if it's the Defog set.
**Mamoswine**: Zapdos will almost always lose the one-on-one against Mamoswine, thus usually forcing it to switch out, with Hidden Power Grass being the only way to deal back any sort of damage to Mamoswine before being KOed.
**Setup Sweepers**: Zapdos struggles against Dragon Dance Salamence as well as Calm Mind sweepers. Even Suicune can take out Zapdos after one Calm Mind at full HP.
**Faster Pokemon**: Azelf, Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Beedrill, and Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Hydreigon, Salamence, Darmanitan, and even Mienshao all put significant pressure on Zapdos's offensive sets and will sometimes be able to take out the defensive variants if Zapdos is too weak.
**Special Walls**: Blissey, Umbreon, and Florges can wall Zapdos all day long, although they won't be doing much back without some sort of status move such as Toxic.
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