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

Hot N Cold · Jul 25th, 2012, 8:08:29 PM

[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]

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

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

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

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.

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

***kokoloko**** · Jul 25th, 2012, 10:43:11 PM

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).

Ginku · Jul 27th, 2012, 1:21:45 PM

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

**PK Gaming** · Jul 27th, 2012, 1:22:35 PM

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.

**RT.** · Jul 27th, 2012, 3:38:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat kokoloko

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 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.

Hot N Cold · Jul 28th, 2012, 4:10:56 PM

Edited first post with the changes.

***kokoloko**** · Jul 28th, 2012, 4:19:30 PM

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?

Hot N Cold · Jul 28th, 2012, 4:42:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat kokoloko

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.

***kokoloko**** · Jul 28th, 2012, 4:44:56 PM

Ready for QC*

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

QC Approved 1/3

**RT.** · Jul 28th, 2012, 5:00:40 PM

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

Ginku · Jul 28th, 2012, 7:49:45 PM

See above

QC Approved 3/3

Yonko7 · Aug 1st, 2012, 1:09:11 AM

Am GP check

~~Remove~~

Add

Comment

copyedit

I can provide a c/p if you prefer.

***Oglemi**** · Aug 6th, 2012, 1:44:36 AM

stamping that

GP Approved 1/2

**DittoCrow** · Aug 14th, 2012, 8:58:20 PM

...

c/p

Changed a lot so

GP Approved 2/3

complete legitimacy · Aug 19th, 2012, 10:18:53 PM

Quote:

[SET]
name: Agility LOife 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]

This is a unique set~~; Thunderbolt and Hidden Power Ice make the BoltBeam combination,~~ which is quite effective against the popular Fire / Water / Grass cores, asusing Thunderbolt and Hidden Power Ice to form a pseudo-BoltBeam combination. Zapdos achieves an OHKO or 2HKO on most Pokemon in these cores with Stealth Rock support except for Swampert. However, Hidden Power Flying is also a good option because it receives STAB; for example, Gligar is always 2HKOed by Hidden Power Flying after Steath Rock damage~~. This set has two options: a bulky se~~ (you might want to use a better example since you can just use HP Ice for Gligar; maybe against like Shaymin or Roserade?). This set can be used in two different ways: a bulkier variant with access to Roost and good coverage, or a more offensive sevariant that sacrifices recovery for ~~coverage~~even better coverage in the form of Heat Wave; Roost is superior most of the time, though (added this part since Heat Wave isn't even slashed and you want the writeup to reflect that).

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 user such as Flygon or Darmanitan ~~and then~~, easily OHKOing them with Hidden Power Ice and Thunderbolt, respectively.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

With the given EV spread, Zapdos will outrun ~~max Speed Naive~~ Choice Scarf Mienshao (max Speed is implied) after an Agility boost. The Modest nature and Special Attack EVs are used to maximize Zapdos's immediate power. The rest of the EVs are placed into HP to maintain respectable bulk. Zapdos can also use max Speed to outrun ~~non-Choice Scarf Jolly Heracross,~~Jolly Heracross as well as Timid Chandelure, and Nidoking. Another option to gain coverage is to forego Roost for Heat Wave in order to bypass Zapdos's common checks such as Roserade and Bronzong. ~~The last option is~~ Baton Pass, w~~hich,~~orks well along with Agility, and can be ~~another option~~used at the cost of coverage ~~and a loss in durability. However, Baton Pass is generally is a bad option~~or a loss in durability. However, Baton Pass is generally is a bad option because it diminishes this set's effectiveness as a standalone sweeper.

This set really appreciates entry hazard and Rapid Spin support if Zapdos is on a balanced or bulky offensive team. If you are using an offensive team, the pressure of your sweepers often acts as ~~pseudo~~good team support by minimizing the chances of the opponent using Rapid Spin (might want to mention Chandelure as a good offensive partner since it can spinblock) and placing entry hazards. Good teammates for this set are physical attackers such as Hitmontop, who can actually make use of Rapid Spin, and Machamp; b~~asically any Pokemon that~~ecause they can beat Zapdos's most solid counters: Snorlax, Raikou, Umbreon, and Lanturn.

c/p

[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]

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. Zapdos achieves an OHKO or 2HKO on most Pokemon in these cores with Stealth Rock support except for Swampert. However, Hidden Power Flying is also a good option because it receives STAB; for example, Gligar is always 2HKOed by Hidden Power Flying after Steath Rock damage (you might want to use a better example since you can just use HP Ice for Gligar; maybe against like Shaymin or Roserade?). This set can be used in two different ways: a bulkier variant with access to Roost and good coverage, or a more offensive variant that sacrifices recovery for even better coverage in the form of Heat Wave; Roost is superior most of the time, though.

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

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

With the given EV spread, Zapdos will outrun Choice Scarf Mienshao after an Agility boost. The Modest nature and Special Attack EVs are used to maximize Zapdos's immediate power. The rest of the EVs are placed into HP to maintain respectable bulk. Zapdos can also use max Speed to outrun Jolly Heracross as well as Timid Chandelure and Nidoking. Another option to gain coverage is to forego Roost for Heat Wave in order to bypass Zapdos's common checks such as Roserade and Bronzong. 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 is a bad option because it diminishes this set's effectiveness as a standalone sweeper.

This set really appreciates entry hazard and Rapid Spin support if Zapdos is on a balanced or bulky offensive team. If you are using an offensive team, the pressure of your sweepers often acts as good team support by minimizing the chances of the opponent using Rapid Spin (might want to mention Chandelure as a good offensive partner since it can spinblock) and placing entry hazards. Good teammates for this set are physical attackers such as Hitmontop, who can actually make use of Rapid Spin, and Machamp because they can beat Zapdos's most solid counters: Snorlax, Raikou, Umbreon, and Lanturn.

GP Approved 3/3

***kokoloko**** · Aug 25th, 2012, 10:35:35 AM

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!

Jul 25th, 2012, 8:08:29 PM	#1
Hot N Cold Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 493 Spain	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—who can also make use of Rapid Spin—and Machamp because they can beat many of Zapdos's counters, namely Snorlax, Umbreon, and Rhyperior.</p> Last edited by kokoloko; Aug 25th, 2012 at 10:33:25 AM. Reason: implemented gp 3/3 + some other stuff.

Jul 25th, 2012, 10:43:11 PM	#2
*kokoloko winter is coming Super Moderator** Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2,318	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). __________________

Jul 27th, 2012, 1:22:35 PM	#4
PK Gaming Quiet Thunder God Moderator Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 4,524 Izanagi	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. __________________

Jul 28th, 2012, 4:19:30 PM	#7
*kokoloko winter is coming Super Moderator** Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2,318	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? __________________

Jul 28th, 2012, 4:44:56 PM	#9
*kokoloko winter is coming Super Moderator** Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2,318	Ready for QC* Yeah, I like this set, but godspeed to whoever GPs this lol QC Approved 1/3 __________________

Jul 27th, 2012, 1:21:45 PM	#3
Ginku my Angel's on Angel dust Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 559	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

Jul 28th, 2012, 4:10:56 PM	#6
Hot N Cold Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 493 Spain	Edited first post with the changes.

Jul 28th, 2012, 5:00:40 PM	#10
RT. Moderator Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,104	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

Jul 28th, 2012, 7:49:45 PM	#11
Ginku my Angel's on Angel dust Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 559	See above QC Approved 3/3

Aug 1st, 2012, 1:09:11 AM	#12
Yonko7 You don’t have to forgive me. No matter what you decide from now on, I will love you forever. Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 582 Mentor	Am GP check ~~Remove~~ Add Comment copyedit [SET] name: Agility LO 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 an underrated and rare set, Thunderbolt and Hidden Power Ice make ~~together~~ the well known coverage combo known as "Boltbeam", which is quite effective against the popular FWG cores, achieving ~~the~~ an OHKO or 2HKO with Stealth Rock support ~~being~~ with Swampert being the exception. However, Hidden Power Flying is also a good option ~~too for the second move with STAB,~~ ,because it receives STAB. fFor example, Comma Gligar is always a 2HKO after ~~damage~~ Steath Rock damage.This set has two options: ~~the~~ a bulky ~~one~~ set with access to Roost and a good coverage; ~~and~~ or a more offensive ~~one~~ set, ~~forgoing~~ sacrificing recovery ~~over~~ for coverage.</p> <p>This set has to be played ~~nifty~~ well, in the early-game Hyphen ~~it allows you to attack~~ Zapdos attacks with a great ~~SpA~~ 383 Special Attack ~~383~~ ~~plus~~ ~~the~~ with Life Orb boost, wreak~~ing~~s havoc on unprepared teams,. Period On the other hand, Roost ~~allows Zapdos to stay healthy~~ increases Zapdos's longevity. At Once late-game Hyphen ~~you~~ Zapdos can ~~just make~~ use of Agility to avoid being revenge killed by a Choice Scarf user ~~like~~ ,such as Flygon and Darmanitan, Comma while they are easily OHKOed by Hidden Power Ice and Thunderbolt, Comma respectively.</p> [ADDITIONAL COMMENTS] <p>With Tthe given EV spread, Comma ~~lets~~ Zapdos outruns Better to write in active rather than passive Naive Choice Scarf Mienshao by ~~using~~ an Agility. The ~~SpA~~ Special Attack boosting nature and the EVs are invested ~~looking~~ to maximize its immediate power. The rest of the EVs are placed in HP ~~in order~~ to maintain Zapdos respectable bulk despite being a special sweeper. Maybe also mention its weakness to SR? Zapdos can Aalso can run max Speeed ~~lets~~ to outrun non-Choice Scarf Jolly Heracross, Chandelure, Nidoking, among anothers,. Period be useful in early and midgames but then lose its interesting bulk. (I don't know what this sentence is referring to) Another option to gain ~~more~~ coverage is to forego~~ing~~ Roost for Heat Wave, ~~which along Hidden Power Grass let Zapdos get the nod over its most common checks~~ with Heat Wave Zapdos bypasses its common checks such as Roserade, Swampert or Rhyperior. The last option is Baton Pass, which along with Agility can be another option at the cost of ~~a loss of~~ coverage ~~like a sweeper or~~ and a loss in durability, Baton Pass is generally is a ~~worst~~ bad option.</p> <p>This set really appreciates entry hazard and Rapid Spin support if ~~you are using~~ on a balanced or bulky team, if you are using a very offensive team the pressure of your sweepers often act as a pseudo team support by minimizing the chances of the opponent ~~to make use of~~ using Rapid Spin and placing entry hazards. Good teammates for this set are physical attackers such as Hitmontop, who can actually make use of Rapid Spin, and Machamp; basically any pokemon that can beat Zapdos's most solid counters, who are usually special walls: Snorlax, Raikou, Umbreon and Lanturn.</p> I can provide a c/p if you prefer. __________________ ✓\| Back in Action \|VM for a GP Stamp \| VM for a RU rate\| Last edited by Yonko7; Aug 8th, 2012 at 2:54:57 AM.

Aug 6th, 2012, 1:44:36 AM	#13
*Oglemi I crashed my car into the bridge, I don't care Super Moderator** Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 5,523 ~(^.^)~	stamping that GP Approved 1/2 __________________ <shade> what an intense scrotum

Aug 14th, 2012, 8:58:20 PM	#14
DittoCrow Moderator Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 1,138 Mentor	... [SET] name: Agility LO 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 un~~derrated and rar~~ique set,; Thunderbolt and Hidden Power Ice make the ~~well known coverage combo known as "Boltbeam", which is quite effective against the popular FWG cores, achieving an OHKO or 2HKO with Stealth Rock support with Swampert being the exception~~BoltBeam combination, which is quite effective against the popular Fire / Water / Grass cores, as Zapdos achieves an OHKO or 2HKO on most Pokemon in these cores with Stealth Rock support except for Swampert. However, Hidden Power Flying is also a good option, because it receives STAB~~. F~~; for example, Gligar is always a 2HKOed by Hidden Power Flying after Steath Rock damage. This set has two options: a bulky set with access to Roost and good coverage;, or a more offensive set, that sacrific~~ing~~es recovery for coverage.</p> <p>This set ~~has to~~must be played ~~well, in the e~~in different ways throughout the match. Early-game, Zapdos ~~attacks with a~~should use its great 383 Special Attack in tandem with Life Orb ~~boost,~~to wear down the opponent and wreaks havoc on unprepared teams. ~~On the other hand, Roost~~Roost must then be used to increases Zapdos's longevity. ~~Once~~Finally, late-game, Zapdos can use Agility to avoid being revenge killed by a Choice Scarf user, such as Flygon ~~and~~or Darmanitan~~, while they are easily OHKOed by~~ and then easily OHKO them with Hidden Power Ice and Thunderbolt, respectively.</p> [ADDITIONAL COMMENTS] <p>With the given EV spread, Zapdos will outruns max Speed Naive Choice Scarf Mienshao byafter an Agility. The ~~Special Attack boosting~~Modest nature and ~~the~~ EVs are ~~invest~~used to maximize itZapdos's immediate power. The rest of the EVs are placed into HP to maintain ~~Zapdos~~ respectable bulk ~~despite being a special sweeper but being weak to Stealth Rock~~. Zapdos can also ~~can run~~use max Speeed to outrun non-Choice Scarf Jolly Heracross, Chandelure, and Nidoking~~, among anothers~~. Another option to gain coverage is to forego Roost for Heat Wave~~, with Heat Wave Zapdos bypasses its common checks such as Roserade, Swampert or Rhyperior~~ in order to bypass Zapdos's common checks such as Roserade and Bronzong. The last option is Baton Pass, which, along with Agility, can be another option at the cost of coverage and a loss in durability. However, Baton Pass is generally is a bad option.</p> <p>This set really appreciates entry hazard and Rapid Spin support if Zapdos is on a balanced or bulky team~~, i~~. If you are using a ~~very~~n offensive team, the pressure of your sweepers often act as pseudo team support by minimizing the chances of the opponent using Rapid Spin and placing entry hazards. Good teammates for this set are physical attackers such as Hitmontop, who can actually make use of Rapid Spin, and Machamp; basically any pPokemon that can beat Zapdos's most solid counters~~, who are usually special walls~~: Snorlax, Raikou, Umbreon, and Lanturn.</p> c/p [SET] name: Agility LO 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; Thunderbolt and Hidden Power Ice make the BoltBeam combination, which is quite effective against the popular Fire / Water / Grass cores, as Zapdos achieves an OHKO or 2HKO on most Pokemon in these cores with Stealth Rock support except for Swampert. However, Hidden Power Flying is also a good option because it receives STAB; for example, Gligar is always 2HKOed by Hidden Power Flying after Steath Rock damage. This set has two options: a bulky set with access to Roost and good coverage, or a more offensive set that sacrifices recovery for coverage.</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 user such as Flygon or Darmanitan and then easily OHKO them with Hidden Power Ice and Thunderbolt, respectively.</p> [ADDITIONAL COMMENTS] <p>With the given EV spread, Zapdos will outrun max Speed Naive Choice Scarf Mienshao after an Agility. The Modest nature and EVs are used to maximize Zapdos's immediate power. The rest of the EVs are placed into HP to maintain respectable bulk. Zapdos can also use max Speed to outrun non-Choice Scarf Jolly Heracross, Chandelure, and Nidoking. Another option to gain coverage is to forego Roost for Heat Wave in order to bypass Zapdos's common checks such as Roserade and Bronzong. The last option is Baton Pass, which, along with Agility, can be another option at the cost of coverage and a loss in durability. However, Baton Pass is generally is a bad option.</p> <p>This set really appreciates entry hazard and Rapid Spin support if Zapdos is on a balanced or bulky team. If you are using an offensive team, the pressure of your sweepers often act as pseudo team support by minimizing the chances of the opponent using Rapid Spin and placing entry hazards. Good teammates for this set are physical attackers such as Hitmontop, who can actually make use of Rapid Spin, and Machamp; basically any Pokemon that can beat Zapdos's most solid counters: Snorlax, Raikou, Umbreon, and Lanturn.</p> Changed a lot so GP Approved 2/3 __________________ Last edited by DittoCrow; Aug 14th, 2012 at 9:27:42 PM.

Aug 25th, 2012, 10:35:35 AM	#16
*kokoloko winter is coming Super Moderator** Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2,318	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! __________________