Zapdos (Agility LO) [QC 3/3] [GP 2/3]
 

[SET]
name: Agility Life Orb
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Flying
move 3: Agility
move 4: Roost
item: Life Orb
ability: Pressure
nature: Modest
evs: 180 HP / 252 SpA / 76 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This is a unique set which is quite effective against the popular Fire / Water / Grass cores, using Thunderbolt and Hidden Power Ice to form a pseudo-BoltBeam combination. Save for Swampert, this set usually comes out on top against most Pokemon commonly found in such cores. Thunderbolt is this set's generic STAB move, and Hidden Power Ice is usually the best coverage move to use alongside it. However, Hidden Power Flying is also a good option because it receives STAB and retains good neutral coverage; for example, Spikes Roserade is always 2HKOed by Hidden Power Flying. This set can be used in two different ways: a bulkier variant with access to Roost and decent coverage, or a purely offensive variant that sacrifices recovery for even better coverage in the form of Heat Wave; Roost is superior most of the time, though.</p>

<p>This set must be played in different ways throughout the match. Early-game, Zapdos should use its great 383 Special Attack in tandem with Life Orb to wear down the opponent and wreak havoc on unprepared teams. Roost must then be used to increase Zapdos's longevity. Finally, late-game, Zapdos can use Agility to avoid being revenge killed by a Choice Scarf users such as Flygon or Darmanitan, easily OHKOing them with Hidden Power Ice and Thunderbolt, respectively.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>With the given EV spread, Zapdos will outrun Choice Scarf Mienshao after an Agility boost, hit like a truck due to maximum Special Attack, and be bulky enough to act as a pivot when needed. Zapdos can also use max Speed to outrun Jolly Heracross, Timid Chandelure, and Timid Nidoking. Another option is to forego Roost for Heat Wave and use Hidden Power Grass in order to gain better coverage; this however, would require sacrificing Zapdos's defensive capabilities. Baton Pass works well along with Agility, and can be used at the cost of coverage or a loss in durability. However, Baton Pass is generally an inferior option because it diminishes this set's effectiveness as a standalone sweeper.</p>

<p>This set really appreciates entry hazard and Rapid Spin support if Zapdos is on a balanced or bulky offensive team. If you are using an offensive team, the pressure of your sweepers often acts as good team support by minimizing the chances of the opponent using Rapid Spin and placing entry hazards. Good teammates for this set are physical attackers such as Hitmontop&mdash;who can also make use of Rapid Spin&mdash;and Machamp because they can beat many of Zapdos's counters, namely Snorlax, Umbreon, and Rhyperior.</p>

To other QC members: He spoke to me on IRC about this set and I encouraged him to post it to get input from you guys.

Personally, I think this set has potential, so I'm going to test it out myself. I would give an AC mention to max Speed, as well as Hidden Power Flying (not necessarily together). Max Speed lets you outrun non-Scarf Jolly Heracross, Chandelure, etc., so you can check them.

I wish you had posted it in the correct format (bullet points and "why should this set be on-site", but ehh whatever it's short and easy enough to edit atm, so don't worry about it).

Definitely looks like a solid set; I'd like something in AC (or OO I suppose but this is only one set so idk about that) about a pure offensive agility sweeper with heatwave and possibly hp grass though, since having only 2 moves is pretty limiting. This means you can't recover, but I'd imagine it makes going for a sweep much easier.

I'd be fine with this going on-site, but I haven't actually used it yet, so other input would be good I guess

Agility seems like a good idea on Zapdos. You can still play it as a straight up special attacker, but you can sweep lategame given the opportunity. I second the AC mention of HP Flying; It lets you destroy Roserade and 2HKO standard Gligar after SR. Slash HP Grass after HP Ice. It lets you beat bulky-ground types (Rhyperior / Swampert) which are pretty common and maybe slash Heat Wave w/ Roost too if you want to go all out offensive.

I agree with this, in fact I'd consider making it the default EV spread because it makes Zapdos more useful early/midgame when you need to check Nidoking, Heracross, Chandelure, etc, and can't get the Agility off.

Edited first post with the changes.

Hot N Cold, do you still plan to hand this over to someone else for the actual writeup or do you want to write it out yourself?

Yes.

Ready for QC/GP.

Ready for QC*

Yeah, I like this set, but godspeed to whoever GPs this lol

QC Approved 1/3

I'd like to see Hidden Power Flying slashed next to Hidden Power Ice, with the option of 3 attacks (HP Grass and Heat Wave>Roost) in the Additional Comments section. Once that is done,

QC Approved 2/3

See above


QC Approved 3/3

Am GP check

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I can provide a c/p if you prefer.

stamping that


GP Approved 1/2

Changed a lot so


GP Approved 2/3

GP Approved 3/3

Okay, I implemented the 3rd check... but I ended up changing a few things, so I'm going to move this to the full Zapdos analysis so it can go through GP again.

Thanks everyone, especially Hot N Cold!