Zapdos [Written] [QC 3/3] [GP 2/2]

[kokoloko]

Zapdos

[Overview]

<p>Zapdos has all the right tools to be one of the most dangerous and versatile Pokemon in the UU metagame. Its amazing typing gives it only two weaknesses, albeit to common attacking types, and a very potent STAB. Base 125 Special Attack allows Zapdos to hit like a truck, and sitting at the excellent base 100 tier, it has the Speed to take advantage of this too. Zapdos can run a variety of sets and coverage combinations, making it very unpredictable. Furthermore, with the lack of Chansey in the tier, Zapdos can sweep with greater ease than ever. However, its not all peaches for the god of thunder, as switching in, even on Water-types, can be difficult with a Stealth Rock weakness and the fear of getting burnt by Scald. Despite these shortcomings, Zapdos is a huge asset to almost any team, and will rarely disappoint you.</p>

[SET]
name: Offensive
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Heat Wave
move 3: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Roost
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set's raw power, Speed, and coverage make it incredibly difficult to safely switch into, especially if you don't know which Hidden Power it's carrying. Thunderbolt is the obligatory STAB, hitting everything that isn't immune to it extremely hard while denting even the Pokemon that resist it. Heat Wave covers Grass-types and hits Steel- and Ice-types harder than Thunderbolt. Hidden Power Grass destroys Swampert and Rhyperior, while Hidden Power Ice covers Flygon while still hitting Rhyperior hard. The former is generally preferred though, as Flygon has a harder time damaging Zapdos than Swampert does. Roost lets Zapdos use its nice resistances to come in multiple times throughout the battle, heal off residual damage, and generally stick around for a long time.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>This set's EVs are pretty straightforward: Special Attack and Speed are maximized so it can hit as hard and as fast as possible. As for Zapdos's nature, a Modest one is preferred if you don't mind it being outsped by positive-natured base 90 and 95 Speed foes, such as Roserade and non-Choice Scarf Darmanitan. Discharge can be used over Thunderbolt for the increased paralysis chance, but the power difference is very noticeable. Hidden Power Flying can be used as secondary STAB, as it has pretty good coverage with Thunderbolt, hitting Heracross and Grass-types. However, Heat Wave usually suffices against these threats. While Signal Beam might look like an appealing choice to hit Dark- and Psychic-types hard with while maintaining coverage on Grass-types, one should remember that a neutral STAB Thunderbolt will out-damage a super effective Signal Beam, and Heat Wave covers Grass-types better. Volt Switch and U-turn are always options for Zapdos, especially if used with a Choice item.</p>

<p>Snorlax is a surefire counter to this set, so pairing Zapdos with a Fighting-type such as Machamp, provides good offensive synergy. As a bonus, Machamp can take Rock-type moves for Zapdos. Spikes support from the likes of Deoxys-D, Roserade, or Froslass is appreciated. They all have decent offensive or defensive synergy with Zapdos: Roserade can cure status with Aromatherapy, Froslass can take Ice-type moves for it, and Deoxys-D can break special walls with Taunt. Rapid Spin support is very useful for Pokemon who are weak to Stealth Rock, so pairing Zapdos with Hitmontop or Blastoise is usually a good idea.</p>

[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Discharge / Thunderbolt
move 2: Roost
move 3: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Flying
move 4: Heat Wave / Toxic / Roar
item: Leftovers
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 236 Def / 24 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set is best suited for balanced or stall teams that have problems with strong Fighting- or Bug-types such as Heracross and Escavalier. Discharge becomes the main STAB option here due to the increased chance of paralysis. However, if you have enough status inducers in your team, Thunderbolt is preferred for its greater Base Power. Roost is an absolute staple on this set, as it allows Zapdos to heal off residual damage from Stealth Rock, making switching in easier, and wall more threats. Hidden Power Grass is the main option for the third moveslot because it prevents Swampert and Rhyperior from setting up on Zapdos. STAB Hidden Power Flying is usable too, however, as it scores an OHKO on Heracross and has good coverage with Electric-type moves, hitting Grass-types for super effective damage. Heat Wave should be used with Hidden Power Grass for optimal coverage and preventing Roserade from using Zapdos as setup bait. Toxic can be used if you opted for Hidden Power Flying and Thunderbolt, as the former will scare off Roserade and the latter will rarely cause status interference. Roar is also a good move on this set, especially if your team can provide entry hazard support.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EVs let Zapdos outrun Adamant Honchkrow and provide optimal physical bulk. Be careful when using Hidden Power Flying though, as it can lower your Speed IVs. When using Hidden Power Grass to stomp on Ground-types, this set is pretty good at spreading paralysis with Thunder Wave, but Discharge is usually enough. Zapdos can always run a variety of Hidden Powers for coverage: Hidden Power Ice for Dragon-, Grass- and Ground-types, and Hidden Power Water for Rotom-H and Rhyperior.</p>

<p>Rapid Spin support is very useful as always, as switching into Stealth Rock puts Zapdos in the 2HKO range of attacks such as Choice Scarf Heracross's Stone Edge. Because of this, Hitmontop and Blastoise make good partners, especially since the former can also take Rock-type moves while the latter can take Ice-type moves for Zapdos. This set really hates status and also likes having Spikes on the opponent's side, especially if it's carrying Roar, so pairing it with Aromatherapy + Spikes Roserade is a very good idea.</p>

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Discharge / Thunderbolt
move 2: Roost
move 3: Heat Wave / Hidden Power Flying
move 4: Hidden Power Grass / Roar
item: Leftovers
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 236 SpD / 24 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set is best suited for teams in need of a reliable answer to threats such as Shaymin and bulky Water-types. Discharge is the main STAB option, as the paralysis chance is cool, but Thunderbolt should be used if Zapdos's teammates pack many other status-inflicting moves. Roost lets Zapdos stick around for a while and do its job, mitigating its Stealth Rock weakness somewhat. Heat Wave and Hidden Power Flying provide coverage on Grass-types and Heracross, and are pretty much interchangeable so long as you don't plan on running another Hidden Power. Hidden Power Grass eliminates Swampert and Rhyperior, and is Zapdos's most powerful option against most Ground-types. Roar prevents Calm Mind users such as Suicune and Slowbro, from setting up on Zapdos, and also wears the opposing team down in conjunction with entry hazards.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EVs are to outpace Adamant Honchkrow and optimize special bulk. Zapdos can also use Hidden Power Water or Hidden Power Ice for coverage on threats such as Rotom-H and Flygon, respectively. Thunder Wave is a good support option if your team can take advantage of the paralysis. Light Screen is an option as well, temporarily making it easier for Zapdos and its teammates to take special attacks.</p>

<p>Due to Zapdos's vulnerability to status, cleric support from the likes of Roserade or Clefable is greatly appreciated. Rapid Spin support from Hitmontop or Blastoise is also very useful, as the removal of Stealth Rock will let Zapdos switch in much more easily. Entry hazards have very good synergy with this set, as it forces a lot of switches and can even use Roar to take further advantage of them.</p>

[SET]
name: SubRoost
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Roost
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Toxic / Hidden Power Ice
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set works well on a variety of teams, but more so on balanced teams in need of a defensive pivot with significant staying power. The idea is simple: use Substitute as Zapdos forces the likes of Slowbro or Bisharp out, hit the switch-in with Toxic, and proceed to stall it out through repeated use of Roost and Substitute, throwing out Thunderbolts whenever Zapdos gets a free turn. Substitute lets Zapdos protect itself from status and stall foes out; Roost provides reliable recovery so that it can heal the HP it sacrifices to create Substitutes. Thunderbolt is this set's preferred STAB for both its higher damage output and lower paralysis rate than Discharge, as Zapdos's aim is to spread Toxic around its opponent's team. Toxic is the move that lets Zapdos stall out opposing Pokemon, but Hidden Power Ice can be used to catch some of this set's common counters, namely Roserade, Nidoking and Nidoqueen, off-guard.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs for this set are pretty straightforward: maximum Speed is required in order to Toxic stall as much as possible through repeated use of Substitute and Roost. The remaining EVs are used to optimize Zapdos's bulk. Because of this set's specific role on a team, there really isn't much one can vary on it without changing its purpose. That being said, Zapdos can always pick and choose the targets it wants to hit with Hidden Power—if Zapdos decides to run it, of course. Heat Wave can also be used, as it does a number on Roserade, Steelix, and other Steel-type Pokemon who are immune to or resist the rest of Zapdos's moves.</p>

<p>If you opt not to run Toxic on this set, pairing Zapdos with a Pokemon that can lay down Toxic Spikes is a great idea. Roserade makes a good partner because of this and its ability to heal status Zapdos might incur through the use of Aromatherapy. Furthermore, if one chooses to give Zapdos Toxic Spikes support, it would be wise to pack a Pokemon who can get rid of grounded Poison-types. Earthquake Heracross does an excellent job at this, luring in and KOing Nidoking and Nidoqueen. Additionally, Weavile can use his strong Pursuit to catch a fleeing Roserade and make sure it cannot come back to absorb Toxic Spikes.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Thanks to Zapdos's surprisingly large movepool for an Electric-type, it can run a variety of moves which can take the opposition by surprise. Charge Beam is Zapdos's only way of boosting its Special Attack, making it a good option with Substitute. Baton Pass is also available to the god of thunder, which it can use with Agility or the aforementioned Charge Beam or Substitute. Good Speed and the ability to take advantage of both weathers lets Zapdos make for an excellent user of Sunny Day or Rain Dance. A Choice set with Volt Switch or U-turn has been mentioned before, but it deserves emphasis here due to being very good at maintaining momentum for you during the battle. As an alternative to Roost, Zapdos can use Rest and Sleep Talk for recovery. However, this is unreliable and requires him to stay in for extended periods of time if he ever hopes to wake up.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Due to the variety of Hidden Powers Zapdos can viably run, its counters aren't always as solid as might seem at first sight. Swampert can safely come in on any set that lacks Hidden Power Grass; the same goes for Flygon and Hidden Power Ice. Steelix is safe from anything Zapdos usually carries, bar Hidden Power Water and Heat Wave. Rotom-H is a very solid check, as Hidden Power Water is very rarely seen on Zapdos. Being only 3HKOed by uninvested Heat Wave, Roserade can come in on defensive sets with impunity and proceed to either set up Spikes or pummel Zapdos with Sludge Bomb. Nidoking and Nidoqueen are in a similar boat as Roserade is, as they only fear Hidden Power Water or Ice, and can scare Zapdos away with the threat of a Sheer Force-boosted Ice Beam. Snorlax is as hard a counter you can get, as it has plenty of special bulk to take any of Zapdos's attacks, can hit back quite hard, and commonly carries Rest to heal itself when it needs to. Status is also a great hindrance to the god of thunder, as it will severely hinder Zapdos's ability to take hits.</p>

[Dream World]

<p>Zapdos receives the ability Lightningrod from the Dream World. This is a fantastic addition to Zapdos's repertoire, as it gives it an immunity to Electric-type moves, and hence more switch-in opportunities.</p>

 

[Heysup]

We used to just have a Hidden Power section if it was honestly too hard, but with Swampert in the tier I think Grass should be the top priority, but that's just me.

 

[kokoloko]

Yeah I agree, I gave Grass the first slash on all sets bar the SubRoost set.

Anyway, I finally finished putting up the skeleton, but I'm still unsure as to whether QC deems the two defensive sets different enough to have their own write-up. So yeah, weigh ins?

 

[Snunch]

Yeah now that Swampert is UU HP Water is too niche to warrant a slash. Mention in OO that it's a nice choice to hit Rotom-H while also maintaining coverage on ground types.

Definitely write up specially defensive. I think choice deserves a set too because I have seen it used very effectively, especially specs. Zapdos' good typing slightly makes up for the SR weakness and hazard-based strategy has been declining recently. Roserade, resttalk Snorlax, and Rock Blast Rhyperior are all very common just to name some examples of pokemon who completely shut subroost down. Looking for more QC input here.

Does anyone actually use subroost anymore? As far as I know it has pretty much no merit in the UU metagame, only included because it used to be effective in DPP.

 

[kokoloko]

Alright, I'll type up the specially defensive set later today. About HP, I'll just move Water to AC and slash Grass first then Ice. How about Flying though? It's pretty useful with Heracross around, especially on defensive sets.

SubRoost becomes a hell of a lot more effective in a Roserade-less metagame (I've used it in both), but that isn't to say its not useful with it around, but it is pretty niche, I'll give you that. I don't really care if its included or not.

Now about Choice, I've used both Scarf and Specs Zapdos lately, and while they are semi-effective, I don't think they deserve a whole set. For one, they're not easy to pull off at all, so viability is questionable in the first place. Secondly, they (more so Specs) play really similarly to the offensive set (which currently has Volt Switch slashed in with Roost), so its probably optimal to just mention that option in AC and emphasize it in OO. Its not like "hazard based strategies" being common has anything to do with how effective they are, as everyone runs SR regardless.

 

[ToF]

i think scarf and specs should be other options at best, especially because they aren't even used much. the other sets are fine, and i agree with the above posters in that hp grass should be the first priority because of swampert, rhyperior, etc.

subroost is an excellent set and although roserade absorbs tspikes, it still is effective when pulled off properly. definitely deserves a set, more than choice imo.

 

[Boooyah21]

Sorry if this comes off as a stupid question, but does Zapdos get STAB on HP flying?

 

[Adamant Zoroark]

Sorry if this comes off as a stupid question, but does Zapdos get STAB on HP flying?

Yes. Hidden Powers can get STAB if the Hidden Power type matches one of the user's types.

 

[JabbaTheGriffin]

stomp stomp 1/3

 

[ToF]

STAMPED 2/3

 

[Snunch]

QUALITY CONTROL APPROVED THREE OUT OF THREE

 

[kokoloko]

Okay, this is written and ready for GP checks. I'm starting to understand why the two defensive sets were merged before... its really hard to write about them both without repeating yourself too much.

 

[sirndpt]

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[Overview]

<p>Zapdos has all the right tools to be one of the most dangerous and versatile Pokemon in the UU metagame. HiIts amazing typing gives it only two weaknesses, albeit to common attacking types, and a very potent STAB. HiIts 125 base Special Attack means heit hits like a truck, and he has the Speed to take advantage of it too, sitting at 100 base Speed. Hesitting at the excellent base 100 tier, it has the Speed to take advantage of this too. Zapdos can run a variety of sets and coverage combinations, making it very unpredictable. Furthermore, the lack of Chansey in the tier makes it even better offensively. However, its not all peaches for the god of thunder, as hiits weakness to Stealth Rock really hinders it, as does hiits inability to switch freely into Water-types due to the fear of getting burned by Scald. Despite these shortcomings, Zapdos is a huge asset to almost any team, and will rarely disappoint you.</p>

[SET]
name: Offensive
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Heat Wave
move 3: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Roost
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set's raw power, Speed, and coverage make it incredibly difficult to safely switch into, especially if you doesn't know which Hidden Power it's carrying. Thunderbolt is here for STAB, and it will hit everything that isn't immune to it realextremely hard, denting even Pokemon whothat resist it. Heat Wave covers Grass-types and hits Steel- and Ice-types harder than Thunderbolt. Hidden Power Grass getdestroys Swampert and Rhyperior, while Hidden Power Ice hitcovers Flygon and Rhyperior (, the latter although not as hard as Grass) does <explain which one is preferred and why? i'm sure people can look at type charts just fine; it'd be nicer if you gave a little more insight idk>. Roost lets Zapdos use hiits nice resistances to come in multiple times throughout the battle, heal off residual damage, and generally stick around for a long time.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>This set's EVs are pretty straightforward: maximum Special Attack and Speed so heit can hit as hard and as fast as possible. As for Zapdos's nature, a Modest one is usable if you don't mind losing toit being outsped by positive natured base 90s and 95 Speed foes, such as Roserade and non-Choice Scarf Darmanitan. Discharge can be used over Thunderbolt for the increased paralysis chance, but the power difference is very noticeable. Hidden Power Flying can be used as secondary STAB, sinceas it has pretty good coverage with Thunderbolt, hitting Heracross and Grass-types. However, Heat Wave is usually enough to cover thosesuffices against these threats. While Signal Beam might look like an appealing choice to hit Dark- and Psychic-types hard while maintaining coverage on Grass-types, one mustshould remember that a neutral STAB Thunderbolt will out-damage a super effective Signal Beam, and that Heat Wave covers Grass-types better. Volt Switch and U-turn are always options for Zapdos, especially since the use Choice Specs or Choice Scarf on him is very viableif used together with a Choice item <if they're viable, then why don't they get sets / slashes / any other mention at all other than this one? seems a little random to me>.</p>

<p>Snorlax is a pretty surefire counter to this set, so pairing itZapdos with a Fighting-type, likesuch as Machamp, provides good offensive synergy. As a bonus, Machamp can take Rock-type moves for Zapdos. Spikes support from the likes of Deoxys-D, Roserade, or Froslass, is appreciated. They all have decent offensive or defensive synergy with Zapdos -: Roserade can cure status with Aromatherapy, Froslass can take Ice-type moves for him, and Deoxys-D can break special walls with Taunt. Rapid Spin support is very useful for Pokemon who are weak to Stealth Rock, so pairing Zapdos with Hitmontop or Blastoise is usually a good idea.</p>

[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Discharge / Thunderbolt
move 2: Roost
move 3: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Flying
move 4: Heat Wave / Toxic / Roar
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 236 Def / 24 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set is best suited for balanced or stall teams which are havingthat have problems with strong Fighting- or Bug- types, such as Heracross orand Escavalier. Discharge becomes the main STAB option here due to the increased chance of paralysis. However, if you find that you already have enough status inducers in your team, Thunderbolt is bettpreferred for its greater Base Power. Roost is an absolute staple on this set, as it lets Zapdos stick around for a long time so it can do its job. Hidden Power Grass is the main third slash because it prevents Swampert and Rhyperior from setting up on Zapdos. STAB Hidden Power Flying is usable too, however, as it scores an OHKO on Heracross and has pretty good coverage with Electric-type moves, hitting Grass-types for super effective damage. Heat Wave should be used with Hidden Power Grass for optimal coverage and to prevent Roserade from using Zapdos as set up bait. Toxic can be used if you opted for Hidden Power Flying and Thunderbolt <why?>. Roar is a good move on this set, especially if you want to abuse it withr team can also provide entry hazards support.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EVs let Zapdos outrun Adamant Honchkrow and optimize physical bulk. Be careful when using Hidden Power Flying though, as it can lower your Speed IVs. When using Hidden Power Grass to stomp on Ground-types, this set is pretty good at spreading paralysis with Thunder Wave, but Discharge is usually enough. Zapdos can always run a variety of Hidden Powers for coverage; most notably Ice-, for Dragon-, Grass- and Ground-types; and Water-, for Rotom-H and Rhyperior.</p>

<p>As with any Pokemon weak to Stealth Rock, Rapid Spin support is very useful, as switching into it puts Zapdos in 2HKO range for things like Scarf Heracross's Stone Edge. Hitmontop and Blastoise make good partners, as the former can take Rock- moves while the latter can take Ice- moves for Zapdos. This set really hates status and really likes Spikes on the opponent's side, especially if it's carrying Roar, so pairing it with Aromatherapy + Spikes Roserade is a very good idea.</p>

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Discharge / Thunderbolt
move 2: Roost
move 3: Heat Wave / Hidden Power Flying
move 4: Hidden Power Grass / Roar
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 236 SpD / 24 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set is best suited for teams in need of a reliable answer to threats likesuch as Shaymin and bulky wWater-types. Discharge is the main STAB option, as the paralysis chance is pretty cool, but Thunderbolt should be used if you have too much status interference within your teamZapdos's teammates pack many other status-inflicting moves. Roost lets Zapdos stick around for a while and do hiits job, and mitigates its Stealth Rock weakness somewhat. Heat Wave and Hidden Power Flying provide coverage on Grass-types and Heracross <when should you use each?>. Hidden Power Grass covereliminates Swampert and Rhyperior, and hits other Ground-types harder than anything else as well. Roar is good tois Zapdos's most powerful option against most Ground-types. Roar prevents Calm Minders from setting up on you and for hazard shuffling users, such as <examples>, from setting up on Zapdos, and also inflicts entry hazard damage on the opposing team.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EVs are to outpace Adamant Honchkrow and optimize special bulk. Zapdos can use other Hidden Powers, such as Water- and Ice-, for coverage on different threats; such as Rotom-H and Flygon, respectively. Thunder Wave is a good support option if your team can take advantage of the paralysis. Light Screen is also a useful move on Zapdos, as it allows him and his team to take special hits better.</p>

<p>Due to Zapdos's vulnerability to status, cleric support from the likes of Roserade or Clefable is greatly appreciated. Rapid Spin support from Hitmontop or Blastoise is also very useful, as the removal of Stealth Rock will let Zapdos switch in much more easily. Entry hazards have very good synergy with this set, as it forces a lot of switches and can even use Roar to take further advantage of them.</p>

[SET]
name: SubRoost
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Roost
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Toxic / Hidden Power Ice
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set works well on a variety of teams, but more so on balanced teams in need of a defensive pivot with a lot ofsignificant staying power. The idea is simple,: use Substitute as you force somethingZapdos forces the likes of <examples> out, Toxic the switch-in, and proceed to stall them out through repeated use of Roost and Substitute;, throwing out Thunderbolts whenever youit gets a free turn. Substitute is there so thatlets Zapdos can protect itself from status and stall thingfoes out.; Roost provides reliable recovery so that heit can heal all the HP he's going to beit sacrificinges to create Substitutes. Thunderbolt is this set's preferred STAB, as it has a for both its higher damage output, and has a lower paralysis rate than Discharge, which is good when you're tryingas Zapdos's aim is to spread Toxic around yourits opponent's team. Toxic is the move that lets Zapdos stall out opposing Pokemon, but Hidden Power Ice is usablecan be used to catch some of this set's common counters off-guard;, namely Roserade, Nidoking and Nidoqueen, off-guard.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs for this set are pretty straightforward: maximum Speed is required in order to Toxic stall as much as possible through repeated use of Substitute and Roost. The remaining EVs are used to optimize Zapdos's bulk. Because of this set's very specific role on a team, there really isn't much one can vary on it without changing its purpose. That being said, Zapdos can always pick and choose whichthe targets heit wants to hit with his Hidden Power, if he—if Zapdos decides to run it, of course. Heat Wave can also be used, as it does a number on Roserade, Steelix, and other Steel-type Pokemon who are immune to or resist the rest of Zapdos's moves.</p>

<p>If you opt not to run Toxic on this set, pairing itZapdos with a Pokemon that can lay down Toxic Spikes is a very goodgreat idea. Roserade makes a good partner because of this and her ability to heal any status Zapdos might incur through the use of Aromatherapy. Furthermore, if one chooses to give Zapdos Toxic Spikes support, it would be wise to pack a pPokemon who can get rid of grounded Poison-types. Dugtrio does an excellent job at this thanks to his ability, Arena Trap. Additionally, Dugtrio is good at getting rid of the few Pokemon which tend to wall this set, namely Roserade, Nidoking, and Nidoqueen.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Zapdos has aThanks to Zapdos's surprisingly large movepool for an Electric-type, which means that heit can run a varierty of moves which can take the opposition by surprise. Charge Beam is Zapdos's only way of boosting its Special Attack, making it a good option with Substitute. Baton Pass is also available to the god of thunder, which it can use with Agility or the aforementioned Charge Beam or Substitute. Having gGood Speed and the ability to take advantage of both weathers, lets Zapdos makes for an excellent user of Sunny Day andor Rain Dance. The use ofA Choice Specs or Scarf set with Volt Switch or U-turn has been mentioned before, but it deserves emphasis here due to being very potent <how so? what can it do that the listed sets can't?>. As an alternative to Roost, Zapdos can use Rest and Sleep Talk as his form offor recovery. However, this is unreliable and requires him to stay in for extended periods of time if he ever hopes to wake up.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Due to the variety of Hidden Powers Zapdos can viably run, his counters aren't always as solid as one may wanmight seem at first sight. Swampert can safely come in on any set that lacks Hidden Power Grass, and; the same goes for Flygon and Hidden Power Ice. Steelix is safe from anything Zapdos usually carries, bar Hidden Power Water and Heat Wave. Rotom-H is a very solid check, sinceas Water is the rarest Hidden Power seen on Zapdos. Being only 3HKOed by uninvested Heat Wave, Roserade can come in on Ddefensive sets with impunity, only being 3HKO'd by an uninvested Heat Wave, and proceed to either set up Spikes or pummel Zapdos with Sludge Bomb. Nidoking and Nidoqueen are oin a similar boat as Roserade is, as they only fear Hidden Power Water andor Ice, and can use theirscare Zapdos away with the threat of Sheer Force boosted Ice Beams to scare Zapdos away. Status is also a great hinderance to the god of thunder, as it will severely hinder hiZapdos's ability to take hits.</p>

[Dream World]

<p>Zapdos receives the ability Lightningrod from the Dream World. This is a fantastic addition to Zapdos, as it gives him an immunity to Electric-type moves, and hence, more switch-in opportunities.</p>

copypastable

[Overview]

<p>Zapdos has all the right tools to be one of the most dangerous and versatile Pokemon in the UU metagame. Its amazing typing gives it only two weaknesses, albeit to common attacking types, and a very potent STAB. Its 125 base Special Attack means it hits like a truck, and sitting at the excellent base 100 tier, it has the Speed to take advantage of this too. Zapdos can run a variety of sets and coverage combinations, making it very unpredictable. Furthermore, the lack of Chansey in the tier makes it even better offensively. However, its not all peaches for the god of thunder, as its weakness to Stealth Rock hinders it, as does its inability to switch freely into Water-types due to the fear of getting burned by Scald. Despite these shortcomings, Zapdos is a huge asset to almost any team, and will rarely disappoint you.</p>

[SET]
name: Offensive
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Heat Wave
move 3: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Roost
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set's raw power, Speed, and coverage make it incredibly difficult to safely switch into, especially if you doesn't know which Hidden Power it's carrying. Thunderbolt is here for STAB, and it will hit everything that isn't immune extremely hard, denting even Pokemon that resist it. Heat Wave covers Grass-types and hits Steel- and Ice-types harder than Thunderbolt. Hidden Power Grass destroys Swampert and Rhyperior, while Hidden Power Ice covers Flygon and Rhyperior, the latter although not as hard as Grass does <explain which one is preferred and why? i'm sure people can look at type charts just fine; it'd be nicer if you gave a little more insight idk>. Roost lets Zapdos use its nice resistances to come in multiple times throughout the battle, heal off residual damage, and generally stick around for a long time.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>This set's EVs are pretty straightforward: maximum Special Attack and Speed so it can hit as hard and as fast as possible. As for Zapdos's nature, a Modest one is usable if you don't mind it being outsped by positive natured base 90 and 95 Speed foes, such as Roserade and non-Choice Scarf Darmanitan. Discharge can be used over Thunderbolt for the increased paralysis chance, but the power difference is very noticeable. Hidden Power Flying can be used as secondary STAB, as it has pretty good coverage with Thunderbolt, hitting Heracross and Grass-types. However, Heat Wave usually suffices against these threats. While Signal Beam might look like an appealing choice to hit Dark- and Psychic-types hard while maintaining coverage on Grass-types, one should remember that a neutral STAB Thunderbolt will out-damage a super effective Signal Beam, and that Heat Wave covers Grass-types better. Volt Switch and U-turn are always options for Zapdos, especially if used together with a Choice item <if they're viable, then why don't they get sets / slashes / any other mention at all other than this one? seems a little random / vague to me>.</p>

<p>Snorlax is a surefire counter to this set, so pairing Zapdos with a Fighting-type, such as Machamp, provides good offensive synergy. As a bonus, Machamp can take Rock-type moves for Zapdos. Spikes support from the likes of Deoxys-D, Roserade, or Froslass is appreciated. They all have decent offensive or defensive synergy with Zapdos: Roserade can cure status with Aromatherapy, Froslass can take Ice-type moves for him, and Deoxys-D can break special walls with Taunt. Rapid Spin support is very useful for Pokemon who are weak to Stealth Rock, so pairing Zapdos with Hitmontop or Blastoise is usually a good idea.</p>

[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Discharge / Thunderbolt
move 2: Roost
move 3: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Flying
move 4: Heat Wave / Toxic / Roar
item: Leftovers
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 236 Def / 24 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set is best suited for balanced or stall teams that have problems with strong Fighting- or Bug-types such as Heracross and Escavalier. Discharge becomes the main STAB option here due to the increased chance of paralysis. However, if you have enough status inducers in your team, Thunderbolt is preferred for its greater Base Power. Roost is an absolute staple on this set, as it lets Zapdos stick around for a long time so it can do its job. Hidden Power Grass is the main third slash because it prevents Swampert and Rhyperior from setting up on Zapdos. STAB Hidden Power Flying is usable too, however, as it scores an OHKO on Heracross and has good coverage with Electric-type moves, hitting Grass-types for super effective damage. Heat Wave should be used with Hidden Power Grass for optimal coverage and to prevent Roserade from using Zapdos as setup bait. Toxic can be used if you opted for Hidden Power Flying and Thunderbolt <why?>. Roar is a good move on this set, especially if your team can also provide entry hazard support.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EVs let Zapdos outrun Adamant Honchkrow and optimize physical bulk. Be careful when using Hidden Power Flying though, as it can lower your Speed IVs. When using Hidden Power Grass to stomp on Ground-types, this set is pretty good at spreading paralysis with Thunder Wave, but Discharge is usually enough. Zapdos can always run a variety of Hidden Powers for coverage; most notably Ice-, for Dragon-, Grass- and Ground-types; and Water-, for Rotom-H and Rhyperior.</p>

<p>As with any Pokemon weak to Stealth Rock, Rapid Spin support is very useful, as switching into it puts Zapdos in 2HKO range for things like Scarf Heracross's Stone Edge. Hitmontop and Blastoise make good partners, as the former can take Rock- moves while the latter can take Ice- moves for Zapdos. This set really hates status and really likes Spikes on the opponent's side, especially if it's carrying Roar, so pairing it with Aromatherapy + Spikes Roserade is a very good idea.</p>

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Discharge / Thunderbolt
move 2: Roost
move 3: Heat Wave / Hidden Power Flying
move 4: Hidden Power Grass / Roar
item: Leftovers
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 236 SpD / 24 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set is best suited for teams in need of a reliable answer to threats such as Shaymin and bulky Water-types. Discharge is the main STAB option, as the paralysis chance is cool, but Thunderbolt should be used if Zapdos's teammates pack many other status-inflicting moves. Roost lets Zapdos stick around for a while and do its job, and mitigates its Stealth Rock weakness somewhat. Heat Wave and Hidden Power Flying provide coverage on Grass-types and Heracross <when should you use each?>. Hidden Power Grass eliminates Swampert and Rhyperior, and is Zapdos's most powerful option against most Ground-types. Roar prevents Calm Mind users, such as <examples>, from setting up on Zapdos, and also inflicts entry hazard damage on the opposing team.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EVs are to outpace Adamant Honchkrow and optimize special bulk. Zapdos can use other Hidden Powers, such as Water- and Ice-, for coverage on different threats; such as Rotom-H and Flygon, respectively. Thunder Wave is a good support option if your team can take advantage of the paralysis. Light Screen is also a useful move on Zapdos, as it allows him and his team to take special hits better.</p>

<p>Due to Zapdos's vulnerability to status, cleric support from the likes of Roserade or Clefable is greatly appreciated. Rapid Spin support from Hitmontop or Blastoise is also very useful, as the removal of Stealth Rock will let Zapdos switch in much more easily. Entry hazards have very good synergy with this set, as it forces a lot of switches and can even use Roar to take further advantage of them.</p>

[SET]
name: SubRoost
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Roost
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Toxic / Hidden Power Ice
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set works well on a variety of teams, but more so on balanced teams in need of a defensive pivot with significant staying power. The idea is simple: use Substitute as Zapdos forces the likes of <examples> out, Toxic the switch-in, and proceed to stall them out through repeated use of Roost and Substitute, throwing out Thunderbolts whenever it gets a free turn. Substitute lets Zapdos protect itself from status and stall foes out; Roost provides reliable recovery so that it can heal the HP it sacrifices to create Substitutes. Thunderbolt is this set's preferred STAB for both its higher damage output and lower paralysis rate than Discharge, as Zapdos's aim is to spread Toxic around its opponent's team. Toxic is the move that lets Zapdos stall out opposing Pokemon, but Hidden Power Ice can be used to catch some of this set's common counters, namely Roserade, Nidoking and Nidoqueen, off-guard.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs for this set are pretty straightforward: maximum Speed is required in order to Toxic stall as much as possible through repeated use of Substitute and Roost. The remaining EVs are used to optimize Zapdos's bulk. Because of this set's specific role on a team, there really isn't much one can vary on it without changing its purpose. That being said, Zapdos can always pick and choose the targets it wants to hit with Hidden Power—if Zapdos decides to run it, of course. Heat Wave can also be used, as it does a number on Roserade, Steelix, and other Steel-type Pokemon who are immune to or resist the rest of Zapdos's moves.</p>

<p>If you opt not to run Toxic on this set, pairing Zapdos with a Pokemon that can lay down Toxic Spikes is a great idea. Roserade makes a good partner because of this and her ability to heal status Zapdos might incur through the use of Aromatherapy. Furthermore, if one chooses to give Zapdos Toxic Spikes support, it would be wise to pack a Pokemon who can get rid of grounded Poison-types. Dugtrio does an excellent job at this thanks to his ability, Arena Trap. Additionally, Dugtrio is good at getting rid of the few Pokemon which tend to wall this set, namely Roserade, Nidoking, and Nidoqueen.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Thanks to Zapdos's surprisingly large movepool for an Electric-type, it can run a variety of moves which can take the opposition by surprise. Charge Beam is Zapdos's only way of boosting its Special Attack, making it a good option with Substitute. Baton Pass is also available to the god of thunder, which it can use with Agility or the aforementioned Charge Beam or Substitute. Good Speed and the ability to take advantage of both weathers lets Zapdos make for an excellent user of Sunny Day or Rain Dance. A Choice Specs or Scarf set with Volt Switch or U-turn has been mentioned before, but it deserves emphasis here due to being very potent <how so? what can it do that the listed sets can't?>. As an alternative to Roost, Zapdos can use Rest and Sleep Talk for recovery. However, this is unreliable and requires him to stay in for extended periods of time if he ever hopes to wake up.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Due to the variety of Hidden Powers Zapdos can viably run, his counters aren't always as solid as might seem at first sight. Swampert can safely come in on any set that lacks Hidden Power Grass; the same goes for Flygon and Hidden Power Ice. Steelix is safe from anything Zapdos usually carries, bar Hidden Power Water and Heat Wave. Rotom-H is a very solid check, as Water is the rarest Hidden Power seen on Zapdos. Being only 3HKOed by uninvested Heat Wave, Roserade can come in on defensive sets with impunity and proceed to either set up Spikes or pummel Zapdos with Sludge Bomb. Nidoking and Nidoqueen are in a similar boat as Roserade is, as they only fear Hidden Power Water or Ice, and can scare Zapdos away with the threat of Sheer Force boosted Ice Beam. Status is also a great hinderance to the god of thunder, as it will severely hinder Zapdos's ability to take hits.</p>

[Dream World]

<p>Zapdos receives the ability Lightningrod from the Dream World. This is a fantastic addition to Zapdos, as it gives him an immunity to Electric-type moves, and hence more switch-in opportunities.</p>

 

[kokoloko]

Alright, implemented. Thanks for the check and the comments, they helped a lot.

 

[kokoloko]

So this went through 3 QC checks and 1 GP check without anyone noticing I mentioned an OU Pokemon twice (Dugtrio). ;_;

Fixed now.

 

[fade5]

To be fair, Dugtrio's really only OU because Arena Trap makes it an awesome revenge killer; without it Duggy'd probably fall down to about RU.
Otherwise, this looks good. Maybe mention that Heat Wave and Baton Pass are Illegal with LightningRod in the Dream World Section. (Too bad too; LighningRod+Baton Pass would be cool, but Baton Pass is an XD move, so it'll likely never be legal with LightningRod)

 

[Calm Pokemaster]

Deletions
Additions / Corrections
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[Overview]

<p>Zapdos has all the right tools to be one of the most dangerous and versatile Pokemon in the UU metagame. Its amazing typing gives it only two weaknesses, albeit to common attacking types, and a very potent STAB. Its 125 Base 125 Special Attack means it allows Zapdos to hit like a truck, and sitting at the excellent base 100 tier, it has the Speed to take advantage of this too. Zapdos can run a variety of sets and coverage combinations, making it very unpredictable. Furthermore, with the lack of Chansey in the tier, Zapdos can sweep with greater ease than ever (I changed this to avoid repetition of the ''making / makes it'' phrase) makes it even better offensively. However, its not all peaches for the god of thunder, as its weakness to Stealth Rock hinders it, as does its inability to switch freely into Water-types due to the fear of getting burned by Scald switching in, even on Water-types, can be difficult with a Stealth Rock weakness and the fear of getting burnt by Scald. Despite these shortcomings, Zapdos is a huge asset to almost any team, and will rarely disappoint you.</p>

[SET]
name: Offensive
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Heat Wave
move 3: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Roost
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set's raw power, Speed, and coverage make it incredibly difficult to safely switch into, especially if you don't know which Hidden Power it's carrying. Thunderbolt is here for the obligatory STAB, and it will hitting everything that isn't immune to it extremely hard, while denting even the Pokemon that resist it. Heat Wave covers Grass-types and hits Steel- and Ice-types harder than Thunderbolt. Hidden Power Grass destroys Swampert and Rhyperior, while Hidden Power Ice covers Flygon while still hitting Rhyperior hard. Grass The former is generally preferred though, as Flygon has a harder time damaging Zapdos than Swampert does. Roost lets Zapdos use its nice resistances to come in multiple times throughout the battle, heal off residual damage, and generally stick around for a long time.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>This set's EVs are pretty straightforward: maximum Special Attack and Speed are maximized so it can hit as hard and as fast as possible. As for Zapdos's nature, a Modest one is usable preferred if you don't mind it being outsped by positive-natured base 90 and 95 Speed foes, such as Roserade and non-Choice Scarf Darmanitan. Discharge can be used over Thunderbolt for the increased paralysis chance, but the power difference is very noticeable. Hidden Power Flying can be used as secondary STAB, as it has pretty good coverage with Thunderbolt, hitting Heracross and Grass-types. However, Heat Wave usually suffices against these threats. While Signal Beam might look like an appealing choice to hit Dark- and Psychic-types hard with while maintaining coverage on Grass-types, one should remember that a neutral STAB Thunderbolt will out-damage a super effective Signal Beam, and that Heat Wave covers Grass-types better. Volt Switch and U-turn are always options for Zapdos, especially if used together with a Choice item.</p>

<p>Snorlax is a surefire counter to this set, so pairing Zapdos with a Fighting-type, such as Machamp, provides good offensive synergy. As a bonus, Machamp can take Rock-type moves for Zapdos. Spikes support from the likes of Deoxys-D, Roserade, or Froslass is appreciated. They all have decent offensive or defensive synergy with Zapdos: Roserade can cure status with Aromatherapy, Froslass can take Ice-type moves for him it, and Deoxys-D can break special walls with Taunt. Rapid Spin support is very useful for Pokemon who are weak to Stealth Rock, so pairing Zapdos with Hitmontop or Blastoise is usually a good idea.</p>

[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Discharge / Thunderbolt
move 2: Roost
move 3: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Flying
move 4: Heat Wave / Toxic / Roar
item: Leftovers
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 236 Def / 24 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set is best suited for balanced or stall teams that have problems with strong Fighting- or Bug-types such as Heracross and Escavalier. Discharge becomes the main STAB option here due to the increased chance of paralysis. However, if you have enough status inducers in your team, Thunderbolt is preferred for its greater Base Power. Roost is an absolute staple on this set, as it lets Zapdos stick around for a long time so it can do its job allows Zapdos to heal off residual damage from Stealth Rock, making switching in easier, and wall more threats. (You use pretty much the same sentence each time you describe Roost in this analysis. Please avoid such repetition.) Hidden Power Grass is the main third slash option for the third moveslot because it prevents Swampert and Rhyperior from setting up on Zapdos. STAB Hidden Power Flying is usable too, however, as it scores an OHKO on Heracross and has good coverage with Electric-type moves, hitting Grass-types for super effective damage. Heat Wave should be used with Hidden Power Grass for optimal coverage and to preventing Roserade from using Zapdos as setup bait. Toxic can be used if you opted for Hidden Power Flying and Thunderbolt, as the former will scare off Roserade and the latter won't have status interference with it will rarely cause status interference. Roar is also a good move on this set, especially if your team can provide entry hazard support.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EVs let Zapdos outrun Adamant Honchkrow and optimize provide optimal (I just worded this differently since you use ''optimize ... bulk'' in every other AC) physical bulk. Be careful when using Hidden Power Flying though, as it can lower your Speed IVs. When using Hidden Power Grass to stomp on Ground-types, this set is pretty good at spreading paralysis with Thunder Wave, but Discharge is usually enough. Zapdos can always run a variety of Hidden Powers for coverage: most notably Hidden Power Ice-, for Dragon-, Grass- and Ground-types, and Hidden Power Water-, for Rotom-H and Rhyperior.</p>

<p>As with any Pokemon weak to Stealth Rock, Rapid Spin support is very useful as always, as switching into it Stealth Rock puts Zapdos in the 2HKO range for things like Scarf of attacks such as Choice Scarf Heracross's Stone Edge. Because of this, Hitmontop and Blastoise make good partners, especially since the former can also take Rock-type moves while the latter can take Ice-type moves for Zapdos. This set really hates status and really also likes having Spikes on the opponent's side, especially if it's carrying Roar, so pairing it with Aromatherapy + Spikes Roserade is a very good idea.</p>

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Discharge / Thunderbolt
move 2: Roost
move 3: Heat Wave / Hidden Power Flying
move 4: Hidden Power Grass / Roar
item: Leftovers
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 236 SpD / 24 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set is best suited for teams in need of a reliable answer to threats such as Shaymin and bulky Water-types. Discharge is the main STAB option, as the paralysis chance is cool, but Thunderbolt should be used if Zapdos's teammates pack many other status-inflicting moves. Roost lets Zapdos stick around for a while and do its job, and somewhat mitigating its Stealth Rock weakness somewhat. Heat Wave and Hidden Power Flying provide coverage on Grass-types and Heracross, and are pretty much interchangeable so long as you don't plan on running another Hidden Power. Hidden Power Grass eliminates Swampert and Rhyperior, and is Zapdos's most powerful option against most Ground-types. Roar prevents Calm Mind users, such as Suicune and Slowbro, from setting up on Zapdos, and also inflicts entry hazard damage on the opposing team wears the opposing team down in conjunction with entry hazards.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EVs are to outpace Adamant Honchkrow and optimize special bulk. Zapdos can also use other Hidden Power Water or Hidden Power Ice, such as Water- and Ice-, for coverage on different threats; such as Rotom-H and Flygon, respectively. Thunder Wave is a good support option if your team can take advantage of the paralysis. Light Screen is also a useful move on Zapdos, as it allows him and his team to take special hits better an option as well, temporarily making it easier for Zapdos and its teammates to take special attacks.</p>

<p>Due to Zapdos's vulnerability to status, cleric support from the likes of Roserade or Clefable is greatly appreciated. Rapid Spin support from Hitmontop or Blastoise is also very useful, as the removal of Stealth Rock will let Zapdos switch in much more easily. Entry hazards have very good synergy with this set, as it forces a lot of switches and can even use Roar to take further advantage of them.</p>

[SET]
name: SubRoost
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Roost
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Toxic / Hidden Power Ice
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set works well on a variety of teams, but more so on balanced teams in need of a defensive pivot with significant staying power. The idea is simple: use Substitute as Zapdos forces the likes of Slowbro or Bisharp out, Toxic hit the switch-in with Toxic, and proceed to stall them it (''it'' here refers to the switch-in in singular) out through repeated use of Roost and Substitute, throwing out Thunderbolts whenever it Zapdos gets a free turn. Substitute lets Zapdos protect itself from status and stall foes out; Roost provides reliable recovery so that it can heal the HP it sacrifices to create Substitutes. Thunderbolt is this set's preferred STAB for both its higher damage output and lower paralysis rate than Discharge, as Zapdos's aim is to spread Toxic around its opponent's team. Toxic is the move that lets Zapdos stall out opposing Pokemon, but Hidden Power Ice can be used to catch some of this set's common counters, namely Roserade, Nidoking and Nidoqueen, off-guard.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs for this set are pretty straightforward: maximum Speed is required in order to Toxic stall as much as possible through repeated use of Substitute and Roost. The remaining EVs are used to optimize Zapdos's bulk. Because of this set's specific role on a team, there really isn't much one can vary on it without changing its purpose. That being said, Zapdos can always pick and choose the targets it wants to hit with Hidden Power—if Zapdos decides to run it, of course. Heat Wave can also be used, as it does a number on Roserade, Steelix, and other Steel-type Pokemon who are immune to or resist the rest of Zapdos's moves.</p>

<p>If you opt not to run Toxic on this set, pairing Zapdos with a Pokemon that can lay down Toxic Spikes is a great idea. Roserade makes a good partner because of this and her itsability to heal status Zapdos might incur through the use of Aromatherapy. Furthermore, if one chooses to give Zapdos Toxic Spikes support, it would be wise to pack a Pokemon who can get rid of grounded Poison-types. Using Earthquake Heracross does an excellent job at this, as Earthquake is not a commonly seen move on Heracross, which means it will be easy to luring in and KOing Nidoking and Nidoqueen. Additionally, Weavile can use his strong Pursuit to catch a fleeing Roserade and make sure it cannot come back to absorb Toxic Spikes.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Thanks to Zapdos's surprisingly large movepool for an Electric-type, it can run a variety of moves which can take the opposition by surprise. Charge Beam is Zapdos's only way of boosting its Special Attack, making it a good option with Substitute. Baton Pass is also available to the god of thunder, which it can use with Agility or the aforementioned Charge Beam or Substitute. Good Speed and the ability to take advantage of both weathers lets Zapdos make for an excellent user of Sunny Day or Rain Dance. A Choice Specs or Scarf set with Volt Switch or U-turn has been mentioned before, but it deserves emphasis here due to being very good at maintaining momentum for you during the battle. As an alternative to Roost, Zapdos can use Rest and Sleep Talk for recovery. However, this is unreliable and requires him to stay in for extended periods of time if he ever hopes to wake up.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Due to the variety of Hidden Powers Zapdos can viably run, his its counters aren't always as solid as might seem at first sight. Swampert can safely come in on any set that lacks Hidden Power Grass; the same goes for Flygon and Hidden Power Ice. Steelix is safe from anything Zapdos usually carries, bar Hidden Power Water and Heat Wave. Rotom-H is a very solid check, as Water is the rarest Hidden Power Water is very rarely seen on Zapdos. Being only 3HKOed by uninvested Heat Wave, Roserade can come in on defensive sets with impunity and proceed to either set up Spikes or pummel Zapdos with Sludge Bomb. Nidoking and Nidoqueen are in a similar boat as Roserade is, as they only fear Hidden Power Water or Ice, and can scare Zapdos away with the threat of a Sheer Force-boosted Ice Beam. Snorlax is as hard of a counter a you get canget, as it has plenty of special bulk to take any of Zapdos's attacks, can hit back quite hard, and commonly carries Rest to heal itself when it needs to. Status is also a great hindrance to the god of thunder, as it will severely hinder Zapdos's ability to take hits.</p>

[Dream World]

<p>Zapdos receives the ability Lightningrod from the Dream World. This is a fantastic addition to Zapdos's repertoire, as it gives him it an immunity to Electric-type moves, and hence more switch-in opportunities. However, note that Zapdos will be unable to run Heat Wave if it uses Lightningrod.</p>

Just one little issue - don't alternate between ''he'' / ''she'' and ''it'' in the analysis when you refer to Pokemon unless that Pokemon is always of a particular gender (for example, Blissey is always female, so you can call it a ''she'' even if you use ''it'' elsewhere to refer to Pokemon). Also, if you use ''it'', use ''which'' or ''that'' when you refer to the Pokemon (eg: Zapdos is a really cool Pokemon, which kicks ass); for ''he'' / ''she'', use ''who''. You did a pretty good job with the rest of the analysis, so just watch out for such small grammatical errors. The Spelling and Grammar Standards thread can be of great help here, so please give it a read when you can!

GP 2 / 2

 

[kokoloko]

Thanks for the check! I have implemented all your changes save for the addition of the last line to the Dream World section. I left that out because we have no way of knowing if Zapdos will actually not have access to Heat Wave when it is released (it could be released with the move).

So yeah, done and ready for upload.

 

[Snunch]

uploaded