Gen 7 OU Zapdos Revamp [QC 1/2] [GP 0/1]

[OVERVIEW]

Zapdos presents itself as a key pivot thanks to its solid defensive typing, well-rounded stats, and its ability Static. The combination of Static and Rocky Helmet enables Zapdos to serve as a fantastic punisher of U-turn, shut down key contact users like Mega Lopunny and Kartana, and help prevent monstrous physical setup sweepers like Mega Charizard X, Hawlucha, and Gyarados from getting out of hand. Its access to Heat Wave ensures that Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Excadrill do not come onto the field scot-free. It isn't just limited to bringing its teammates in with Volt Switch; Defog allows it to compress its role and make progress as both a pivot and a hazard remover on bulky offense structures, compensating for its offensive teammates' lack of longevity. However, Zapdos's typing leaves it highly susceptible to Stealth Rock, which cuts into its longevity and reduces its ability to handle physical threats like Mega Lopunny and Mega Swampert. Additionally, Zapdos can't fit all of its moves into one set, as it has to choose between giving up Hidden Power Ice and being vulnerable to revenge killing attempts from Landorus-T and Garchomp, or Defog and not being able to remove entry hazards. Its typing leaves it vulnerable to Ice and Rock, both of which are commonplace in the tier, as plenty of Pokemon like Protean Greninja, Magearna, Landorus-T, and Garchomp often carry these coverage options. Despite its solid Speed tier, Zapdos can't afford to invest its EVs in a lot of Speed, as it needs the physical bulk to handle the aforementioned physical attackers, leaving it outpaced by Pokemon like Tapu Lele, Kyurem-B, and faster variants of Landorus-T.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Volt Switch / Discharge
move 2: Heat Wave
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Defog
move 4: Roost
item: Rocky Helmet / Leftovers
ability: Static
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 240 Def / 20 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========

Volt Switch allows Zapdos to scare out Water- and Flying-types like Gyarados, Tornadus-T, and Skarmory while gaining momentum against counters like Chansey and Mega Tyranitar to safely bring in a teammate that threatens them. Discharge can also be used, letting Zapdos more consistently threaten Hawlucha. The chance of paralysis also lets Zapdos potentially cripple common checks like Heatran and Kommo-o, as well as setup sweepers like Volcarona. Heat Wave melts Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Kartana, and Mega Scizor. Hidden Power Ice punishes Ground-types that attempt to switch into Zapdos's Electric-type moves, like Landorus-T and Garchomp. Defog is an option on bulky offense structures that lets Zapdos compress the role of a pivot and hazard remover at the cost of dropping Hidden Power Ice. Lastly, Roost helps Zapdos stay healthy throughout the game, allowing more opportunities to take advantage of Static, Volt Switch, and chip damage from Rocky Helmet.

Set Details
========

The given Speed investment lets Zapdos outspeed Timid Magnezone, while the rest of its EVs are dumped into HP and Defense, allowing Zapdos to more easily handle a multitude of physical attackers like Hawlucha, Mega Lopunny, and Gyarados. Static is Zapdos's preferred ability to punish contact moves with paralysis, like U-turn from Landorus-T, Tornadus-T, and Greninja, Leaf Blade from Kartana, and Waterfall from Mega Swampert. Rocky Helmet is recommended to punish the aforementioned contact moves with chip damage and synergizes well with Static. Leftovers is an option to provide Zapdos with extra longevity in conjunction with Roost.

Usage Tips
========

Zapdos excels as a defensive pivot whose primary task is to switch into and punish contact users, such as Tornadus-T and Kartana, and check dangerous physical sweepers like Hawlucha, Gyarados, and Dragonite. Zapdos's slower Speed means that it will have an easier time bringing in a teammate safely with Volt Switch. Do not hesitate to trade damage against physical attackers, especially if Zapdos is carrying Rocky Helmet, as weakening them with paralysis and chip damage will hinder their progress against the rest of Zapdos's team. When facing the likes of Swords Dance Kartana, scouting for Normalium Z is important, as they can bait in and take Zapdos down after a boost. If Zapdos has Defog, it can come in as Stealth Rock is being set up and remove it for the benefit of its team. Since it has to drop Hidden Power Ice to run Defog, Zapdos must play more carefully against teams that have Ground-types like Landorus-T and Garchomp, as they will take advantage of it and discourage it from attempting to remove entry hazards.

Team Options
========

Zapdos fits perfectly on teams ranging from bulky offense, balance, and semi-stall teams, which appreciate its ability to punish contact moves and gain momentum with Volt Switch. Strong wallbreakers like Mega Mawile, Choice Band Kartana, and Hoopa-U capitalize on Zapdos bringing them in with Volt Switch, setting the stage for them to deliver serious pain against bulky targets like Chansey and Magearna. Hoopa-U is a notable case, as its crippling weakness to U-turn makes it very easy for Zapdos to come in and punish the move with Static and Rocky Helmet, while all three appreciate Zapdos spreading paralysis to make up for their Speed. Weavile and Mega Tyranitar are solid teammates for similar reasons, as the safe entry from Zapdos's Volt Switch provides them with easy opportunities to trap and eliminate bulky Psychic-types like Mega Latias and Cresselia with Pursuit, and Weavile can remove important items like Magearna's Leftovers and Toxapex's Black Sludge with Knock Off. Mega Lopunny is another solid teammate that enjoys the free entry from Volt Switch, pressures the likes of Chansey, Mega Tyranitar, and Weavile, and helps revenge kill boosted sweepers like Mega Charizard X and Volcarona. On the topic of Mega Tyranitar, Sand Rush Excadrill is an incredible partner, removing entry hazards with Rapid Spin and taking on checks like Magearna and Tapu Koko, while Zapdos handles Skarmory, Hawlucha, and punishes Mega Swampert with Static and Rocky Helmet, weakening an otherwise huge threat to sand teams. Celesteela provides a solid answer to Mega Alakazam and Tapu Lele and immediately threatens them with Heavy Slam. Pivots like Landorus-T, Mega Scizor, and Magearna complement Zapdos very well because they not only provide safe entry via U-turn and Volt Switch, but also chain momentum. Tapu Fini checks Weavile and Kommo-o, summons Misty Terrain to support Zapdos's offensive teammates, and removes entry hazards with Defog, allowing Zapdos to more easily fit both Heat Wave and Hidden Power Ice into its moveset. Heatran sets up Stealth Rock and threatens to trap and remove passive Pokemon like Chansey, Toxapex, and Clefable with Magma Storm + Taunt, opening up Zapdos to make progress. Toxapex lays down Toxic Spikes to put pressure on Pokemon like Weavile and Kyurem-B and enjoys Zapdos's ability to handle Serperior and Ground-types that try to threaten Toxapex like Excadrill, Mega Swampert, and defensive Landorus-T. Additionally, Shed Shell variants can come in and remove Heatran's Leftovers with Knock Off, making it harder for Heatran to answer Zapdos in conjunction with entry hazards set up by Zapdos's teammates. Chansey is also an incredible partner for Zapdos because it soaks up status ailments with Natural Cure, checks special attackers like Mega Alakazam and Magearna, and provides Wish support to restore Zapdos's health and help it conserve its Roost PP; in return, Zapdos handles Fighting-types like Mega Lopunny and Hawlucha.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Offensive variants using Electrium Z alongside Thunderbolt can be used to more efficiently pressure Toxapex and neutral targets like Clefable and Heatran, but they sacrifice Zapdos's defensive utility and force it to give up crucial chip damage it inflicts with Rocky Helmet or extra longevity from Leftovers. Zapdos can also run other moves, such as U-turn over Volt Switch, as it isn't blocked by Ground-types; Toxic punishes checks that attempt to force Zapdos out, like Mega Latias and Gastrodon; and Roar pairs well with support from entry hazards and wear down checks that are unaffected by Toxic like Magearna. However, these moves force Zapdos to ditch a crucial coverage move like Hidden Power Ice or even Defog, leaving it without an option to threaten targets like Landorus-T or remove entry hazards.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Rock-type Pokemon and Coverage**: Mega Tyranitar and Mega Diancie don't take much from Zapdos's moves, discourage it from attempting to remove Stealth Rock, and chase it out with their super effective attacks; however, they don't like being paralyzed by Discharge. Zapdos must also be wary of Pokemon that can threaten it with Rock-type coverage, like Stone Edge from Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Tapu Bulu. Additionally, Hawlucha sometimes runs Stone Edge specifically for Zapdos, OHKOing it at +2 after Stealth Rock.

**Ice-type Pokemon and Coverage**: Weavile and Kyurem-B are both faster than Zapdos and immediately force it out with their super effective STAB moves; however, Weavile cannot switch in safely due to Zapdos threatening it with Heat Wave. On top of this, Pokemon that commonly carry Ice-type coverage, like Ice Beam from Protean Greninja, Magearna, and Mega Latias, and Ice Punch from Mega Medicham, also threaten Zapdos with major damage.

**Dragon-types**: Bulky Dragon-types like Mega Latias and Mega Latios don't take much from Hidden Power Ice, heal off the damage with Recover, and force it out with Ice Beam in return. Kommo-o is very bothersome for Zapdos, as it doesn't come close to being 2HKOed by Hidden Power Ice; Kommonium Z variants can pressure Zapdos with Taunt and overwhelm it with Clangorous Soulblaze, while special defensive variants can cripple it with Toxic. Mega Charizard X is worth a mention because it can use Zapdos as setup fodder and smash it with a boosted Flare Blitz; however, it must do so at its own risk due to the chance of being paralyzed by Static, and it is punished with extra chip damage courtesy of Rocky Helmet.

**Ground-types and Electric-immune Pokemon**: Any Ground-type can get in Zapdos's way and block Volt Switch, but some are more annoying than others. Offensive variants of Landorus-T and Garchomp pose a major threat to Zapdos variants that lack Hidden Power Ice, while Mega Swampert can put it on a timer with Toxic. Gliscor is bulky enough to survive Hidden Power Ice, regain health with Roost, and threaten it back with Toxic, and it is even better against Zapdos sets that don't have Hidden Power Ice. Hippowdon is also worth mentioning, as it isn't 2HKOed by Hidden Power Ice, heals with Slack Off, and threatens Zapdos with Toxic. Seismitoad and Gastrodon take pitifully low damage from anything that Zapdos throws at them and retaliate back with Toxic. Thundurus-T outspeeds Zapdos, isn't OHKOed by Hidden Power Ice, and blocks Volt Switch thanks to Volt Absorb; Nasty Plot variants threaten Zapdos with a guaranteed OHKO at +2 after Stealth Rock while utility variants can stop it from healing thanks to Taunt. Lower down the line are Mega Camerupt and Lightning Rod Alolan Marowak, both of which not only take little damage from Zapdos's coverage, but they can fire back with heavy damage in return.

**Special Attackers**: Due to Zapdos investing in physical bulk to handle a multitude of physical attackers, powerful special attackers like Mega Alakazam, Tapu Lele, and Ash-Greninja threaten it with heavy damage. Calm Mind and Shift Gear variants of Magearna are also notable examples because they can use Zapdos as setup fodder.

**Specially Defensive Walls**: Chansey takes little damage from Zapdos's attacks, easily stalls out its PP, and forces it out with Toxic; however, Chansey is in trouble if Zapdos brings in a teammate with Volt Switch as Chansey comes in, especially if it takes damage from entry hazards upon switching in. Cresselia deserves a mention because Calm Mind variants can use Zapdos as setup fodder, while the support variant can stop Zapdos from switching out if its Eject Button is intact. Heatran can trap Zapdos with Magma Storm and use Taunt to stop it from healing off the damage; Discharge variants of Zapdos are especially screwed as they cannot switch out if they get trapped and will be eliminated. Mega Venusaur takes little from Zapdos's coverage moves thanks to Thick Fat and threatens it in return with Sludge Bomb.

**Passive Damage**: The presence of Stealth Rock is very annoying for Zapdos, as it reduces its ability to handle physical attacks like Choice Scarf Kartana's Leaf Blade. Status ailments from burn and especially Toxic compound with the damage taken from Stealth Rock, forcing Zapdos to waste its Roost PP and making it more difficult for it to stick around.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/favmon-garchomp.653095/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user5.104/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user6.105/
 
Last edited:
[OVERVIEW]

Zapdos is a formidable threat its a physically defensive pivot you can use more apt phrasing than this in the OU tier thanks to its ability Static, solid base stats, defensive typing, and movepool with access to Volt Switch, Roost, solid coverage options in Heat Wave and Hidden Power Ice, and an amazing utility option in Defog. this goes on way too long, it's tough to read. try something along the lines of "solid defensive typing, well-rounded stats, and its ability Static" The combination of Static and Rocky Helmet enables Zapdos to serve as a fantastic punisher of U-turn, shut down key contact users like Mega Lopunny, Mega Swampert, two examples fine + this can be fishy and Choice-locked i get theres normalium but zap shuts down fightinium so its not like this wording works anyway Kartana, and helps prevent monstrous physical setup sweepers like Mega Charizard X, Hawlucha, Gyarados, and Dragonite cut one but not lucha from getting out of hand. Its coverage options ensure that Pokemon like Ferrothorn, Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Garchomp do not come onto the field scot-free. im hesitant to make coverage a point in the overview because every single mon gets hp ice, tho heat wave is awesome for zap to have for ferro. maybe make this a sentence about moves and mention (heat wave, defog, and volt) since we're cutting the movepool mention from the first sentence However, Zapdos's typing leaves it terrified of Stealth Rock, which digs into its HP, forces it to waste its PP in Roost to stay healthy, and makes it more difficult to handle physical attacks like Mega Lopunny's Frustration and Mega Swampert's rain-boosted Waterfall. its a weakness to stealth rock does it really need to have a power of three? lets condense this down to something like "cuts into its longevity and ability to handle threats like xy" Its weaknesses to Ice and Rock are everywhere in the tier this needs rewording as it doesnt currently make sense, the things that are everywhere are the types not zapdos's weaknesses to them. just say that it has common weaknesses like Ice and Rock, so pokemon like xy xy threaten it, as plenty of Pokemon like Protean Greninja, Magearna, Landorus-T, and Garchomp often carry these coverage options to prey on it not sure i agree with the implication that they run these moves because of zapdos, also needs rewording to it just being something they typically carry; Swords Dance Kartana, despite lacking Ice- and Rock-type coverage, sometimes runs Normalium Z with Breakneck Blitz to bust past Zapdos. Additionally, Zapdos struggles against common Pokemon like Mega Diancie, Mega Tyranitar, and Chansey, all of which discourage it from attempting to remove Stealth Rock with super effective damage or spreading status, respectively. Despite its solid Speed tier, Zapdos can't afford to invest its EVs in a lot of Speed, as it needs the physical bulk to make the most out of Static well sort of but the root of the issue is zapdos having generally middling natural bulk that it needs to supplement, leaving it outpaced by Pokemon like Tapu Lele, Kyurem-B, and faster variants of Landorus-T.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Volt Switch / Discharge
move 2: Heat Wave / Hidden Power Ice idk if i can back recommending to drop hw to beginners
move 3: Hidden Power Ice Defog / Heat Wave why is this here / Defog Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Roost
item: Rocky Helmet / Leftovers
ability: Static
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 188 Def / 72 Spe i feel like nobody runs this anymore, its more like 248 HP / 240 Def / 20 Spe really, just a small insignificant benchmark of timid zone so you can splurge more into bulk

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========

Volt Switch allows Zapdos to scare out Water- and Flying-types like Gyarados, Tornadus-T, and Skarmory, and while gaining momentum against dart out of unfavorable matchups against Pokemon counters like like Chansey and Mega Tyranitar to safely bring in a teammate that threatens them. If one of Zapdos's teammates has reserved room for Volt Switch, that is absolutely not the use case it can use Discharge can also be used instead, letting Zapdos more consistently threaten Hawlucha. The chance of paralysis also lets Zapdos potentially cripple common checks like Heatran and Kommo-o Mega Tyranitar, as well as setup sweepers like Volcarona. Heat Wave melts Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Kartana, and Mega Scizor. Hidden Power Ice punishes Ground-types that attempt to switch into Zapdos's Electric-type moves, comma like Landorus-T and Garchomp. Defog helps Zapdos rid the battlefield of entry hazards this is dex info, which are very annoying for bulky structures zapdos is not a good defogger, bulky structures do not use it as removal generally. you can mention defog as like, an if-necessary bulky offense fit, but mostly 3a is just a lot better. Lastly, Roost helps Zapdos stay healthy throughout the game, allowing more opportunities to take advantage of Static, Volt Switch, and chip damage from Rocky Helmet.

Set Details
========

The given Speed investment lets Zapdos outspeed Modest Heatran Timid Magnezone, while the rest of its EVs are dumped into HP and Physical Defense, allowing Zapdos to more easily handle a multitude of physical attackers like Landorus-T, Hawlucha, Mega Lopunny, and Gyarados four is too many. Alternatively, Zapdos can bump its Speed EVs to 120 to outspeed Jolly Mega Tyranitar at the cost of reducing its physical bulk. and fish for discharge an extra time? Static is Zapdos's preferred ability to punish contact moves with paralysis, like U-turn from Landorus-T, Tornadus-T, and Greninja, Leaf Blade from Kartana, Flare Blitz from Mega Charizard X, and Waterfall from Mega Swampert. cut the examples down a bit Rocky Helmet is recommended to punish the aforementioned contact moves with chip damage and synergizes well with Static. Leftovers is an option to provide Zapdos with extra longevity in conjunction with Roost.

Usage Tips
========

Zapdos fills a crucial role as a pivot and Defogger, serving as an effective check against Tornadus-T, Kartana, and setup sweepers like Hawlucha, Gyarados, and Dragonite. Try to utilize Volt Switch as much as possible, even against Pokemon that Zapdos scares out like Tornadus-T, so that it can hightail its way out of predicted switch-ins like Chansey and Mega Tyranitar and bring in a teammate that can deal with these Pokemon. It is highly recommended to consistently keep Zapdos healthy with Roost so that it can continue checking the Pokemon that it is meant to, especially if Zapdos is holding a Rocky Helmet. If Pokemon like Tornadus-T and Landorus-T are predicted to use U-turn, try to bring Zapdos in as you switch out a teammate that is weak to U-turn, as the chip damage from Rocky Helmet and paralysis from Static makes it easier for Zapdos's teammates to deal with them later in the game. The battlefield must also be clear of Stealth Rock before Zapdos can come in, as the presence of Stealth Rock will hinder its ability to punish U-turn and other contact moves like Choice Scarf Kartana's Leaf Blade. Speaking of Stealth Rock, bring Zapdos in as it is being set up so that it can use Defog to get rid of it. Don't try to bring Zapdos in to remove Stealth Rock if Rock-types like Mega Tyranitar and Mega Diancie are the ones setting them up due to its poor matchup against these Pokemon. Burn and Toxic are very detrimental to Zapdos's longevity and must be avoided, as this will put it on a timer and force it to burn through its Roost PP quickly to stay healthy, making it more difficult to consistently stick around.

I dont know if there's anything from this that can be used without major tweaking. I really need to see some improvement on usage tips sections in general from you. Do not put overly obvious information, don't generalise burn and toxic, make defogging a much smaller part of this section, and make sure that what youre writing gives insight to how zapdos is used rather than what it offers. I'd like a rewrite
Team Options
========

Zapdos fits perfectly on bulky archetypes like teams ranging from bulky offense, balance, and semi-stall prob best to get a second opinion from diyusi on this but i feel like zapdos on semi-stall is usually offensive with Pressure teams, which appreciate its ability to where it is tasked with punishing U-turn contact moves, keeping hazards off the field, and gain momentum bringing its hard-hitting teammates in with Volt Switch we should prob have a third thing like checking physical attackers, not sure. Strong wallbreakers like Mega Mawile, Mega Medicham, Mega Pinsir Choice Band Kartana, and Hoopa-U capitalize on Zapdos bringing them in with Volt Switch, setting the stage for them to deliver serious pain against bulky targets like Chansey and Magearna. Hoopa-U is a notable case, as its crippling weakness to U-turn makes it very easy for Zapdos to come in and punish the move with Static and Rocky Helmet, while all three appreciate Zapdos spreading paralysis to make up for their Speed. Weavile and Mega Tyranitar are solid teammates for similar reasons, as the safe entry from Zapdos's Volt Switch provides them with easy opportunities to trap and eliminate bulky Psychic-types like Mega Latias and Cresselia with Pursuit, and Weavile can remove important items like Magearna's Leftovers and Toxapex's Black Sludge with Knock Off. Mega Lopunny is another solid teammate that enjoys the free entry from Volt Switch, pressures the likes of Chansey, Mega Tyranitar, and Weavile, and helps revenge kill boosted sweepers like Mega Charizard X and Volcarona. On the topic of Mega Tyranitar, Sand Rush Excadrill is an incredible partner, removing entry hazards with Rapid Spin and taking on checks like Mega Diancie, Magearna remove comma and Tapu Koko, while Zapdos handles Skarmory, Hawlucha, and punishes Mega Swampert with Static and Rocky Helmet, weakening an otherwise huge threat to sand teams. Kartana heavily pressures Ground-types not weak to Hidden Power Ice like Gastrodon and Seimitoad, and in return, Zapdos handles Steel-type checks like Mega Scizor, Celesteela, and Skarmory. Celesteela provides a solid answer to Mega Alakazam and Tapu Lele and immediately threatens them with Heavy Slam. Pivots support from like (to make the second clause work) Landorus-T, Tornadus-T, Mega Scizor, Tapu Koko, and Magearna complements Zapdos very well because not only do they not only provide a safe entry via U-turn and Volt Switch, but they can also chain momentum from both moves. Additionally, Magearna provides cleric support with Heal Bell and covers Rock-types that pose a serious threat to Zapdos, like Mega Diancie and Choice Scarf Tyranitar, while Zapdos switches into Ground-type attacks aimed at Magearna. i like the mention of zapdos as a ground check for magearna but the stuff about heal bell and rock types is just too tenuous Tapu Fini checks Weavile and Kommo-o, summons Misty Terrain to protect it and support Zapdos's offensive teammates from status ailments, and removes entry hazards with Defog, allowing Zapdos to more easily fit both Heat Wave and Hidden Power Ice into its moveset. Heatran sets up Stealth Rock and it threatens to traps and removes passive Pokemon like Chansey, Toxapex, and Clefable with Magma Storm + Taunt, taking a lot of pressure off of opening up Zapdos to make progress. Spikes support from Ferrothorn and Skarmory also complement Zapdos well, as they dig into checks like Mega Tyranitar and make it easier for Zapdos to pressure the opposing team in conjunction with Volt Switch. Toxapex lays down Toxic Spikes, putting pressure on Pokemon like Weavile and Kyurem-B. does more than just that Chansey, while a major nuisance, is also an incredible partner for Zapdos because it can soak up status ailments with Natural Cure, threatens checks like Mega Latias and Cresselia with Toxic and Magearna with Seismic Toss, provides Wish support to restore Zapdos's health and help it conserve its Roost PP, and benefits from Zapdos handling Fighting-types like Mega Lopunny and Hawlucha. cut it down to something alone the lines of "absorbs status and checks (insert bullshit special attackers), in return zapdos checks fighters" Bulky Ground-types like Gastrodon and Seismitoad solidly answer Mega Tyranitar, while Zapdos handles Grass-types like Ferrothorn and Kartana in return. Defensive Garchomp is also worth mentioning, as it benefits from the safe entry from Volt Switch, sets up Stealth Rock, and pressures the opposing team with Dragon Tail and Toxic in conjunction with the chip damage from Stealth Rock. Specially defensive Kommo-o punishes Tapu Lele with Toxic on the switch and utilizes its typing to handle Ash-Greninja and Volcarona, and can threaten the latter with Rock Slide.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Offensive variants using Electrium Z with alongside Thunderbolt can be used tilized for a more offensive approach to more efficiently pressure neutral targets like Clefable and Heatran as well as Toxapex, but this sacrifices they sacrifice Zapdos's defensive utility and forces it to give up crucial chip damage it inflicts with Rocky Helmet or extra longevity from Leftovers. Zapdos can also run other moves, such as U-turn over Volt Switch, as it isn't blocked by Ground-types; Toxic punishes checks that attempt to force Zapdos out, like Mega Latias and Gastrodon; and Roar pairs well with support from entry hazards and wear down checks that are unaffected by Toxic like Magearna. However, these moves force Zapdos to ditch Defog or a crucial coverage move like Heat Wave or Hidden Power Ice or even Defog, leaving it without an option to remove entry hazards or threaten targets like Ferrothorn and Landorus-T or remove entry hazards. Thunder is an option if Zapdos is used on a rain team due to its higher Special Attack stat than Tapu Koko; however, Zapdos is outclassed as a rain attacker by Tapu Koko due to its Stealth Rock weakness and slower Speed stat.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Rock-type Pokemon and Coverage**: Mega Tyranitar and Mega Diancie don't take much from Zapdos's moves, discourage it from attempting to remove Stealth Rock, and chase it out with their super effective attacks; however, they don't like being paralyzed by Discharge. Zapdos must also be wary of Pokemon that can threaten it with Rock-type coverage, like Stone Edge from Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Tapu Bulu. However, the former two must watch out for Hidden Power Ice. Additionally, Hawlucha sometimes runs Stone Edge specifically for Zapdos OHKOing at +2 after Stealth Rock, but it has to land a hit or else it becomes mincemeat.

**Ice-type Pokemon and Coverage**: Weavile and Kyurem-B are both faster than Zapdos and immediately force it out with their super effective STAB moves, but they cannot switch in safely id say kyurem-b can definitely switch in safely due to Zapdos threatening the former with Heat Wave while both are threatened with the chance of paralysis from Discharge. Kyurem-B can also punish Zapdos switching out by blasting a gaping hole through one of its teammates with Subzero Slammer. On top of this, Pokemon that commonly carry Ice-type coverage, like Ice Beam from Protean Greninja, Magearna, and Mega Latias, and Ice Punch from Mega Medicham, also threaten Zapdos with major damage.

**Dragon-types**: Bulky Dragon-types like Mega Latias and Mega Latios don't take much from Hidden Power Ice, heal off the damage with Recover, and force it out with Ice Beam in return. Specially defensive Kommo-o and Mega Altaria don't come close to being 3HKOed by Hidden Power Ice, and they can either cripple Zapdos with Toxic or phaze it out with Roar, while Mega Altaria also heals with Roost. i dont want an altaria mention in this analysis, and i honestly think both clang z and toxic spdef kommo's are worth mentioning Mega Charizard X is worth a mention because it can use Zapdos as setup fodder and smash it with a boosted Flare Blitz; however, it must do so at its own risk due to the chance of being paralyzed by Static, and it is punished with extra chip damage courtesy of Rocky Helmet.

**Ground-types and Electric-immune Pokemon**: Any Ground-type can get in Zapdos's way and block Volt Switch, but some are more annoying than others. Offensive variants of Ground-types like Landorus-T and Garchomp pose a major threat to Zapdos variants that lack Hidden Power Ice, while Substitute variants of Mega Swampert can put it on a timer with Toxic. Gliscor is bulky enough to survive Hidden Power Ice, regain health with Roost, and threaten it back with Toxic, and it is even better against Zapdos sets that don't have Hidden Power Ice. Hippowdon is also worth mentioning, as it isn't 2HKOed by Hidden Power Ice, heals with Slack Off, and either threatens Zapdos with Toxic or phazes it out with Whirlwind. Seismitoad and Gastrodon take pitifully low damage from anything that Zapdos throws at them and retaliate back with Toxic. Thundurus-T outspeeds Zapdos, isn't OHKOed by Hidden Power Ice, and blocks Volt Switch thanks to Volt Absorb; Nasty Plot variants threaten Zapdos with a guaranteed OHKO at +2 after Stealth Rock while utility variants can stop it from healing thanks to Taunt. Lower down the line are Mega Camerupt and Lightning Rod Alolan Marowak, both of which not only take little damage from Zapdos's coverage, but they can fire back with heavy damage in return.

**Special Attackers**: Due to Zapdos investing in physical bulk to handle a multitude of physical attackers, powerful special attackers like Mega Alakazam, Tapu Lele, and Ash-Greninja threaten it with heavy damage. Calm Mind and Shift Gear variants of Magearna are also notable examples because they can use Zapdos as setup fodder.

**Specially Defensive Walls**: Chansey takes little damage from Zapdos's attacks, easily stalls out its PP, and forces it out with Toxic; however, Chansey is in trouble if Zapdos brings in a teammate with Volt Switch as Chansey comes in, especially if it takes damage from entry hazards upon switching in. Cresselia deserves a mention because Calm Mind variants can use Zapdos as setup fodder, while the support variant can stop Zapdos from switching out if its Eject Button is intact. Mega Venusaur takes little from Zapdos's coverage moves thanks to Thick Fat and threatens it in return with Sludge Bomb. heatran

**Passive Damage**: The presence of Stealth Rock is very annoying for Zapdos, as it reduces its ability to handle physical attacks like Choice Scarf Kartana's Leaf Blade. Status ailments from burn and especially Toxic compound with the damage taken from Stealth Rock, forcing Zapdos to waste its Roost PP and making it more difficult for it to stick around.

**Certain Physical Attacks**: Swords Dance Kartana sometimes runs Normalium Z with Breakneck Blitz, which can bowl over Zapdos after a boost.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/favmon-garchomp.653095/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user5.104/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user6.105/
 
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