QC: Theorymon, DragonWhale, Jibaku
GP: P Squared, Snobalt
This is from the PiratePad analyses hence why it's in QC but it's already written completely
Zapdos
[OVERVIEW]
While Zapdos may not have the offensive prowess of its Electric / Flying relative Thundurus, Zapdos is capable of using its typing defensively, boasting respectable 90 / 85 / 90 bulk, an immunity to paralysis that allows it check Thunder Wave users such as Klefki with ease, the ability Pressure, which is both rare and useful for a defensive Pokemon in Battle Spot Singles, and solid recovery in Roost. While its defenses aren't on par with those of walls such as Porygon2 and Cresselia and its typing can be exploited by common Ice- and Rock-type moves, Zapdos boasts a respectable base 125 Special Attack stat and access to moves such as Heat Wave and Toxic. This allows Zapdos to function as an effective check to Pokemon such as Excadrill, Salamence, Lopunny, Azumarill, Talonflame, and Gyarados, carving a solid role for itself in Battle Spot Singles and fitting easily onto teams requiring a flexible defensive Pokemon to handle these threats.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Roost
move 2: Thunderbolt / Volt Switch / Discharge
move 3: Heat Wave
move 4: Toxic / Hidden Power Ice
item: Rocky Helmet / Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Roost allows Zapdos to function as a wall, keeping itself healthy with reliable recovery. Thunderbolt is Zapdos's strongest and most reliable Electric-type STAB move, hitting Pokemon weak to it for respectable damage. Volt Switch can be used to allow Zapdos to gain momentum, bringing in a teammate safely while dealing damage and possibly breaking Focus Sashes, but being forced to switch after attacking can be costly, especially if Zapdos is left with low HP before using the move. Volt Switch is also useful for escaping from Mega Gengar and Wobbuffet, which would otherwise trap Zapdos with Shadow Tag. Discharge can be used for its higher chance of paralysis, though it can conflict with Toxic, so only use it in conjunction with Hidden Power Ice. Heat Wave is vital for Zapdos to break through Steel-types such as Excadrill, Klefki, and Aegislash, as well as Grass-types such as Breloom and Ferrothorn. Toxic gives Zapdos a way of whittling down defensive Pokemon such as Cresselia, Rotom-W, and Porygon2, allowing it to stall them out with Roost, while also giving it a means of damaging Pokemon such as Garchomp and Landorus-T. Hidden Power Ice, however, can be used as a method to deal immediate damage to offensive Pokemon such as Garchomp, Landorus-T, Mega Salamence, and Thundurus-T, and the choice should be based on what your team needs more coverage against. Roar allows Zapdos to phaze, shuffling out setup sweepers and allowing you to scout the opposing team early-game, though it generally won't be more useful than Toxic or Hidden Power Ice. Thunder Wave can also be used to spread paralysis, allowing Zapdos to cripple offensive Pokemon such as Mega Altaria, Mega Charizard X, and Mega Salamence that may try to set up.
Set Details
========
The given nature and EVs maximize Zapdos's physical bulk while ensuring it takes as little damage as possible from Stealth Rock, sand, and hail. Rocky Helmet punishes Pokemon that rely on contact moves to hit Zapdos, such as Talonflame, Azumarill, and most importantly, Mega Kangaskhan. Leftovers is still a viable choice, however, as it gives Zapdos passive recovery, boosting its durability and making it less reliant on Roost. An EV spread of 252 HP / 196 Def / 60 Spe with a Bold nature can be used to allow Zapdos to outrun neutral-natured base 75 Speed Pokemon and below, such as Mega Heracross, Breloom, Bisharp, and Cloyster, while still maintaining as much physical bulk as possible.
Usage Tips
========
Take advantage of Zapdos's bulk and typing by using it to check physical attackers that will fail to immediately break through it, such as Azumarill, Scizor, Talonflame, and Gyarados, disposing of them with the appropriate move. Be especially liberal about switching into them if Zapdos is holding Rocky Helmet, as this wears them down as they attack, possibly even breaking their Focus Sash in the process. Zapdos is one of the faster defensive Pokemon in Battle Spot thanks to its base 100 Speed stat, so take advantage of this when using moves such as Toxic and Roost against slower threats such as Cresselia and Rotom-W. Take advantage of Zapdos's Pressure ability and access to Toxic and Roost to stall out low-PP moves such as Stone Edge and Fire Blast, though be cautious if they are STAB moves, as they can outdamage the HP Zapdos recovers from using Roost. If running Volt Switch, be cautious when using it to escape from Wobbuffet, as your incoming Pokemon can end up taking a Mirror Coat.
Team Options
========
Water-types such as Suicune, Slowbro, and Azumarill appreciate Zapdos's ability to switch into Grass- and Electric-type moves, while they themselves can handle the Ice-type moves directed at Zapdos, and check threats such as Dragonite, Garchomp, and Mega Charizard X. Specially bulky Pokemon such as Porygon2, Chansey, and Cresselia can form a defensive core with Zapdos, checking threats such as Greninja and Mega Charizard Y for it, while Zapdos can switch in on the Fighting- and Bug-type moves aimed at them. Pokemon such as Conkeldurr, Mega Venusaur, Breloom, and Greninja appreciate Zapdos's ability to deal with Talonflame and Mega Kangaskhan. Blaziken is also an excellent teammate for Zapdos, as it appreciates Zapdos's ability to handle most of its checks, namely Talonflame, Slowbro, Azumarill, Gyarados, and Salamence, while Blaziken can handle the Rock- and Ice-type moves directed at Zapdos with ease. Aegislash is also a noteworthy partner for Zapdos, as Zapdos is immune to the Ground-type moves that plague Aegislash, while Aegislash can take Rock- and Ice-type moves for Zapdos. Aegislash can also switch into Toxic for Zapdos, while Zapdos can wear down Porygon2 for Aegislash by using Toxic itself.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A specially defensive EV spread of 252 HP / 252 SpD / 4 SpA with a Calm nature can be used to allow Zapdos to check Togekiss, Magnezone, Mega Charizard Y, and Aegislash more easily, though it will greatly miss the added physical bulk, as its typing lends it to checking physical attackers better. While Zapdos's base 125 Special Attack set makes an offensive moveset seem appealing, it is outclassed entirely by Thundurus, which boasts a better movepool, higher Speed, and the ability to sweep with Nasty Plot. A set with Substitute and Roost can be extremely annoying to deal with, especially when factoring in the ability to stall with Pressure and Toxic, but it causes Zapdos to lose out on vital coverage and is incredibly passive in general. A set using Tailwind with U-turn or Volt Switch can be used to allow Zapdos to support offensive teammates for a few turns. Rain Dance can be used to support a rain team while taking advantage of Zapdos's access to both Thunder and Volt Switch. Yache Berry can be used to allow Zapdos to survive an Ice Beam from the likes of Starmie or Greninja and KO them in return, though it is otherwise useless if the opponent lacks any Ice-type moves to hit Zapdos with. Sitrus Berry can be used to allow Zapdos to regain 25% of its HP back immediately once it falls below 50%, which can save it in a pinch, though Zapdos generally benefits more from the residual damage Rocky Helmet offers or the passive recovery provided by Leftovers. Safety Goggles can be used to allow Zapdos to switch safely into Spore from Breloom and Sleep Powder from Mega Venusaur if your team requires more support against these Pokemon. An offensive set using Choice Scarf and a Modest nature with moves such as Thunderbolt, Heat Wave, Hidden Power Ice, and Volt Switch can be used to catch a large number of offensive Pokemon off-guard while acting as a revenge killer.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Dragon-types**: Dragon-types such as Mega Altaria, Mega Charizard X, Hydreigon, Latios, and Latias can be problematic for Zapdos, as they all take little from its moves, especially if it lacks Hidden Power Ice, and the former two are able to set up Dragon Dance on it. However, all of them suffer from paralysis, so they must be wary of switching in on Discharge or Thunder Wave from Zapdos.
**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Garchomp, Hippowdon, Landorus-T, and Excadrill are immune to Zapdos's Electric-type moves and can set up on it or, in Hippowdon's case, wear it down with Toxic. However, Garchomp and Landorus-T have to be wary of Hidden Power Ice, while Excadrill succumbs to Heat Wave.
**Special Attackers**: Strong special attackers such as Greninja, Mega Gardevoir, Mega Gengar, Sylveon, and Thundurus have the raw power needed to easily break through Zapdos, hitting it on its weaker Special Defense stat.
**Ice-type Coverage**: Pokemon with Ice-type STAB moves, such as Mamoswine and Weavile, can readily dispose of Zapdos, while Pokemon that frequently carry Ice-type coverage moves, such as Greninja, Starmie, and Porygon2, can deal a large amount of damage to it. Greninja, in particular, has a very high chance to OHKO Zapdos with Ice Beam.
**Rock-type Coverage**: Pokemon such as Tyranitar, Terrakion, and Mega Aerodactyl can tear through Zapdos with their Rock-type STAB moves, while Pokemon that frequently use Rock-type coverage, such as Landorus-T, Garchomp, Breloom, and Excadrill, can finish off Zapdos if it's weakened, though in some cases, Stone Edge can be stalled out of PP if it lacks STAB.
**Lightningrod and Volt Absorb**: Manectric prior to Mega Evolving and Mega Sceptile have access to Lightningrod and can take advantage of Zapdos's Electric-type STAB move to give themselves free Special Attack boosts, while Thundurus-T can set up on Zapdos and break through it due to to Volt Absorb.
**Raikou**: Raikou is a major threat to Zapdos, as it takes pittance from any of Zapdos's moves, while Raikou can set up Calm Mind against Zapdos and eventually break through it. Even if Zapdos carries Toxic, it has to be wary of Raikou variants running Substitute + Calm Mind, as they can safely set up behind a Substitute while ignoring Toxic completely.
**Toxic**: Zapdos hates being poisoned by Toxic, as it offsets the recovery Zapdos gets from Leftovers and Roost, eventually forcing Zapdos to succumb over time.
**Stealth Rock**: While not as prevalent in the Battle Spot Singles metagame, Stealth Rock still takes away a quarter of Zapdos's HP upon switching in, making Zapdos's job of functioning as a wall a bit harder.
GP: P Squared, Snobalt
This is from the PiratePad analyses hence why it's in QC but it's already written completely
Zapdos
[OVERVIEW]
While Zapdos may not have the offensive prowess of its Electric / Flying relative Thundurus, Zapdos is capable of using its typing defensively, boasting respectable 90 / 85 / 90 bulk, an immunity to paralysis that allows it check Thunder Wave users such as Klefki with ease, the ability Pressure, which is both rare and useful for a defensive Pokemon in Battle Spot Singles, and solid recovery in Roost. While its defenses aren't on par with those of walls such as Porygon2 and Cresselia and its typing can be exploited by common Ice- and Rock-type moves, Zapdos boasts a respectable base 125 Special Attack stat and access to moves such as Heat Wave and Toxic. This allows Zapdos to function as an effective check to Pokemon such as Excadrill, Salamence, Lopunny, Azumarill, Talonflame, and Gyarados, carving a solid role for itself in Battle Spot Singles and fitting easily onto teams requiring a flexible defensive Pokemon to handle these threats.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Roost
move 2: Thunderbolt / Volt Switch / Discharge
move 3: Heat Wave
move 4: Toxic / Hidden Power Ice
item: Rocky Helmet / Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Roost allows Zapdos to function as a wall, keeping itself healthy with reliable recovery. Thunderbolt is Zapdos's strongest and most reliable Electric-type STAB move, hitting Pokemon weak to it for respectable damage. Volt Switch can be used to allow Zapdos to gain momentum, bringing in a teammate safely while dealing damage and possibly breaking Focus Sashes, but being forced to switch after attacking can be costly, especially if Zapdos is left with low HP before using the move. Volt Switch is also useful for escaping from Mega Gengar and Wobbuffet, which would otherwise trap Zapdos with Shadow Tag. Discharge can be used for its higher chance of paralysis, though it can conflict with Toxic, so only use it in conjunction with Hidden Power Ice. Heat Wave is vital for Zapdos to break through Steel-types such as Excadrill, Klefki, and Aegislash, as well as Grass-types such as Breloom and Ferrothorn. Toxic gives Zapdos a way of whittling down defensive Pokemon such as Cresselia, Rotom-W, and Porygon2, allowing it to stall them out with Roost, while also giving it a means of damaging Pokemon such as Garchomp and Landorus-T. Hidden Power Ice, however, can be used as a method to deal immediate damage to offensive Pokemon such as Garchomp, Landorus-T, Mega Salamence, and Thundurus-T, and the choice should be based on what your team needs more coverage against. Roar allows Zapdos to phaze, shuffling out setup sweepers and allowing you to scout the opposing team early-game, though it generally won't be more useful than Toxic or Hidden Power Ice. Thunder Wave can also be used to spread paralysis, allowing Zapdos to cripple offensive Pokemon such as Mega Altaria, Mega Charizard X, and Mega Salamence that may try to set up.
Set Details
========
The given nature and EVs maximize Zapdos's physical bulk while ensuring it takes as little damage as possible from Stealth Rock, sand, and hail. Rocky Helmet punishes Pokemon that rely on contact moves to hit Zapdos, such as Talonflame, Azumarill, and most importantly, Mega Kangaskhan. Leftovers is still a viable choice, however, as it gives Zapdos passive recovery, boosting its durability and making it less reliant on Roost. An EV spread of 252 HP / 196 Def / 60 Spe with a Bold nature can be used to allow Zapdos to outrun neutral-natured base 75 Speed Pokemon and below, such as Mega Heracross, Breloom, Bisharp, and Cloyster, while still maintaining as much physical bulk as possible.
Usage Tips
========
Take advantage of Zapdos's bulk and typing by using it to check physical attackers that will fail to immediately break through it, such as Azumarill, Scizor, Talonflame, and Gyarados, disposing of them with the appropriate move. Be especially liberal about switching into them if Zapdos is holding Rocky Helmet, as this wears them down as they attack, possibly even breaking their Focus Sash in the process. Zapdos is one of the faster defensive Pokemon in Battle Spot thanks to its base 100 Speed stat, so take advantage of this when using moves such as Toxic and Roost against slower threats such as Cresselia and Rotom-W. Take advantage of Zapdos's Pressure ability and access to Toxic and Roost to stall out low-PP moves such as Stone Edge and Fire Blast, though be cautious if they are STAB moves, as they can outdamage the HP Zapdos recovers from using Roost. If running Volt Switch, be cautious when using it to escape from Wobbuffet, as your incoming Pokemon can end up taking a Mirror Coat.
Team Options
========
Water-types such as Suicune, Slowbro, and Azumarill appreciate Zapdos's ability to switch into Grass- and Electric-type moves, while they themselves can handle the Ice-type moves directed at Zapdos, and check threats such as Dragonite, Garchomp, and Mega Charizard X. Specially bulky Pokemon such as Porygon2, Chansey, and Cresselia can form a defensive core with Zapdos, checking threats such as Greninja and Mega Charizard Y for it, while Zapdos can switch in on the Fighting- and Bug-type moves aimed at them. Pokemon such as Conkeldurr, Mega Venusaur, Breloom, and Greninja appreciate Zapdos's ability to deal with Talonflame and Mega Kangaskhan. Blaziken is also an excellent teammate for Zapdos, as it appreciates Zapdos's ability to handle most of its checks, namely Talonflame, Slowbro, Azumarill, Gyarados, and Salamence, while Blaziken can handle the Rock- and Ice-type moves directed at Zapdos with ease. Aegislash is also a noteworthy partner for Zapdos, as Zapdos is immune to the Ground-type moves that plague Aegislash, while Aegislash can take Rock- and Ice-type moves for Zapdos. Aegislash can also switch into Toxic for Zapdos, while Zapdos can wear down Porygon2 for Aegislash by using Toxic itself.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A specially defensive EV spread of 252 HP / 252 SpD / 4 SpA with a Calm nature can be used to allow Zapdos to check Togekiss, Magnezone, Mega Charizard Y, and Aegislash more easily, though it will greatly miss the added physical bulk, as its typing lends it to checking physical attackers better. While Zapdos's base 125 Special Attack set makes an offensive moveset seem appealing, it is outclassed entirely by Thundurus, which boasts a better movepool, higher Speed, and the ability to sweep with Nasty Plot. A set with Substitute and Roost can be extremely annoying to deal with, especially when factoring in the ability to stall with Pressure and Toxic, but it causes Zapdos to lose out on vital coverage and is incredibly passive in general. A set using Tailwind with U-turn or Volt Switch can be used to allow Zapdos to support offensive teammates for a few turns. Rain Dance can be used to support a rain team while taking advantage of Zapdos's access to both Thunder and Volt Switch. Yache Berry can be used to allow Zapdos to survive an Ice Beam from the likes of Starmie or Greninja and KO them in return, though it is otherwise useless if the opponent lacks any Ice-type moves to hit Zapdos with. Sitrus Berry can be used to allow Zapdos to regain 25% of its HP back immediately once it falls below 50%, which can save it in a pinch, though Zapdos generally benefits more from the residual damage Rocky Helmet offers or the passive recovery provided by Leftovers. Safety Goggles can be used to allow Zapdos to switch safely into Spore from Breloom and Sleep Powder from Mega Venusaur if your team requires more support against these Pokemon. An offensive set using Choice Scarf and a Modest nature with moves such as Thunderbolt, Heat Wave, Hidden Power Ice, and Volt Switch can be used to catch a large number of offensive Pokemon off-guard while acting as a revenge killer.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Dragon-types**: Dragon-types such as Mega Altaria, Mega Charizard X, Hydreigon, Latios, and Latias can be problematic for Zapdos, as they all take little from its moves, especially if it lacks Hidden Power Ice, and the former two are able to set up Dragon Dance on it. However, all of them suffer from paralysis, so they must be wary of switching in on Discharge or Thunder Wave from Zapdos.
**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Garchomp, Hippowdon, Landorus-T, and Excadrill are immune to Zapdos's Electric-type moves and can set up on it or, in Hippowdon's case, wear it down with Toxic. However, Garchomp and Landorus-T have to be wary of Hidden Power Ice, while Excadrill succumbs to Heat Wave.
**Special Attackers**: Strong special attackers such as Greninja, Mega Gardevoir, Mega Gengar, Sylveon, and Thundurus have the raw power needed to easily break through Zapdos, hitting it on its weaker Special Defense stat.
**Ice-type Coverage**: Pokemon with Ice-type STAB moves, such as Mamoswine and Weavile, can readily dispose of Zapdos, while Pokemon that frequently carry Ice-type coverage moves, such as Greninja, Starmie, and Porygon2, can deal a large amount of damage to it. Greninja, in particular, has a very high chance to OHKO Zapdos with Ice Beam.
**Rock-type Coverage**: Pokemon such as Tyranitar, Terrakion, and Mega Aerodactyl can tear through Zapdos with their Rock-type STAB moves, while Pokemon that frequently use Rock-type coverage, such as Landorus-T, Garchomp, Breloom, and Excadrill, can finish off Zapdos if it's weakened, though in some cases, Stone Edge can be stalled out of PP if it lacks STAB.
**Lightningrod and Volt Absorb**: Manectric prior to Mega Evolving and Mega Sceptile have access to Lightningrod and can take advantage of Zapdos's Electric-type STAB move to give themselves free Special Attack boosts, while Thundurus-T can set up on Zapdos and break through it due to to Volt Absorb.
**Raikou**: Raikou is a major threat to Zapdos, as it takes pittance from any of Zapdos's moves, while Raikou can set up Calm Mind against Zapdos and eventually break through it. Even if Zapdos carries Toxic, it has to be wary of Raikou variants running Substitute + Calm Mind, as they can safely set up behind a Substitute while ignoring Toxic completely.
**Toxic**: Zapdos hates being poisoned by Toxic, as it offsets the recovery Zapdos gets from Leftovers and Roost, eventually forcing Zapdos to succumb over time.
**Stealth Rock**: While not as prevalent in the Battle Spot Singles metagame, Stealth Rock still takes away a quarter of Zapdos's HP upon switching in, making Zapdos's job of functioning as a wall a bit harder.
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