OU Defensive Zapdos

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Nichalho

Nichalho

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[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Hurricane
move 2: Volt Switch / U-turn
move 3: Discharge / Thunder Wave / Heat Wave
move 4: Roost
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
tera type: Steel / Fairy
ability: Static
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe
ivs: 0 Atk

[SET COMMENTS]
Zapdos is a defensive pivot that is able to take hits, spread status, and build momentum for its team. Volt Switch is a strong option for a pivoting move, being both STAB-boosted and non-contact, but U-turn is a solid alternative to avoid being blocked by Ground-types if Zapdos already has Discharge as its STAB move. Thunder Wave is a powerful support move for slowing down the opposing team, whereas Heat Wave gives Zapdos a coverage option against Steel-types like Iron Treads and Kingambit, which can be 2HKOed by it. Heavy-Duty Boots is important for mitigating Zapdos's weakness to Stealth Rock. Tera Steel gives Zapdos favorable matchups against foes like Kyurem and Galarian Slowking, allowing it to resist attacks like Ice Beam and become immune to status moves like Toxic while giving it the opportunity to spread paralysis, which it may not have been able to do otherwise. Tera Fairy is very useful for giving Zapdos a Dark resistance, allowing it to take hits from Roaring Moon's Knock Off and Kingambit's Kowtow Cleave, thus providing more chances for Static to activate. Most of the EVs are put into Zapdos's Defense, with 16 Speed EVs allowing it to outspeed base 70s like Volcanion and Sinistcha.

Zapdos is extremely useful on balance teams. Galarian Slowking is an excellent choice of teammate to tank special attacks from threats like Kyurem and Iron Valiant, while Zapdos can help it in return by switching into Ground-type moves that threaten it from Pokemon like Great Tusk and Landorus-T, pivoting back and forth between each other to support this. Zapdos can also form strong defensive cores with other bulky Pokemon like Zamazenta and Ting-Lu. Zamazenta is able to deal with less favorable matchups for Zapdos, such as Kyurem and Weavile, and Zapdos is able to help by pivoting to it safely. Ting-Lu can support Zapdos by setting entry hazards that can wear down foes like Gholdengo and Walking Wake so that they can be KOed by Zapdos more easily. Hex Gholdengo becomes much stronger with Zapdos as a paralysis-spreading partner, and it is then able to support Zapdos and its teammates with speed control, taking out threats like Dragapult and Darkrai. Zapdos struggles to make progress against common Ground-types like Gliscor, which are immune to Volt Switch, thus preventing it from pivoting. Gliscor can also threaten Zapdos with Knock Off. Teammates like Weavile and Kyurem are great at putting pressure on these counters, and they in turn appreciate Zapdos's ability to get them in safely. While Weavile and Kyurem make good teammates, they also make difficult foes for Zapdos, both of them outspeeding and KOing it. The aforementioned Zamazenta as well as Kingambit can put pressure on these threats. In exchange, Zapdos can help by taking hits from Pokemon like Great Tusk and opposing Zamazenta and crippling these threats with Static and Thunder Wave, giving a teammate like Kingambit more chances to sweep. Knock Off users like Roaring Moon threaten to remove Zapdos's Heavy-Duty Boots. Pokemon that can take hits from Knock Off, like Clefable and Gliscor, are great at helping Zapdos avoid this.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/nichalho.359575/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/fayawizard.616497/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/bt89.487308/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/autumn.384270/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/sapphiree.567354/
 
Last edited:
Remove Add Comment
Remember to list examples, would like to recheck before stamping as QC 1/2
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Hurricane
move 2: Volt Switch / U-turn
move 3: Discharge / Thunder Wave / Heat Wave
move 4: Roost
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
tera type: Steel / Fairy
ability: Static
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe
ivs: 0 Atk

[SET COMMENTS]
Zapdos is a defensive pivot that is able to take hits, spread status, and build momentum for your its dont use you/we/i team throughout the course of a match. With its immunity to Ground-type attacks, its Static ability punishing contact moves with status, and its access to multiple pivot moves, Zapdos is a strong support Pokemon with multiple powerful uses. i feel like this is mostly restating the previous sentence, you can mention static in the previous sentence if you want but the rest of this is just fluff Volt Switch is a strong option for a pivoting move, being both boosted by STAB and non-contact, but U-turn is a solid option as well if you it already haves Discharge as your its Electric- STAB mention how uturn can't be blocked. Thunder Wave is a powerful support option for slowing down the opposing team, whereas Heat Wave gives Zapdos a coverage option against Steel-types like Iron Treads that resist its other moves maybe mention how heat wave is not just limited to resists, since it gives zapdos a 2hko option against gambit which its stabs dont reach. Heavy-Duty Boots are important for mitigating Zapdos' weakness to Stealth Rock. Zapdos' Tera type is best used to bolster its defenses. this feels like fluff, unnecessary Tera Steel-type changes Zapdos' resistances, suddenly giving fluff gives Zapdos it more favorable matchups into opponents like Kyurem and Galarian Slowking, increasing its survivability considerably fluff, does tera steel do anything else for zapdos? any particular matchups that it would otherwise struggle with?. Fairy-type allows Zapdos to be immune to Dragon-type attacks, keeping it safe from common threats in the metagame such as Roaring Moon, Dragapult, and Gouging Fire Rmoon, Dragapult, and Gouging Fire all have secondary stab they will click into Zapdos anyways (and rmoon doesnt even run dragon type stab) Tera Fairy is much better for its Dark resistance, especially useful for rmoon and gambit . Most of the EVs are put into Zapdos' defenses, with the 16 Speed EVs allowing Zapdos to out speed neutral-natured base 70s like Volcanion and Sinistcha.

Zapdos is extremely useful on more balanced teams, able to take hits, spread paralysis, and regenerate health throughout the course of a game, while and pivoting out to more offensive teammates. As a physically defensive Pokemon, Zapdos is able to form powerful cores with specially defensive Pokemon, complimenting each other’s weaknesses. fluff Galarian Slowking is an excellent choice to tank special attacks for Zapdos from threats like? always list examples, while Zapdos can also help Galarian Slowking by blocking the Ground-type moves that threaten it instead of ground moves, list examples of mons instead. Zapdos can also form strong defensive cores with other bulky Pokemon like Zamazenta and Ting-Lu, who can in turn backup Zapdos with their more offensive capabilities and hazard spreading respectively be more specific, what matchups do zamazenta cover? Why does Zapdos benefit from hazards? Does ting lu cover any weaknesses that zapdos has? examples. Hex Gholdengo becomes much stronger with Zapdos as a partner spreading paralysis, and is then able to support Zapdos and the rest of the team with speed control same as above. Zapdos also fits in very well on rain teams, which give it access to perfectly accurate Hurricanes while pivoting between sweepers as needed do you really see zapdos on a lot of rain teams?. Zapdos struggles to make progress against common Ground-types like Gliscor and Landorus-T that are immune to Volt Switch, thus blocking Zapdos from pivoting doesnt hurricane hit lando for a good chunk of damage while lando can't really do much other than set rocks back? you're right about gliscor, but a much better secondary ground threat would be one like tusk, who can threaten knock + spinner. Teammates like Weavile and Kyurem are great at putting pressure on these counters, and they in turn appreciate Zapdos' ability to get them in safely. While Weavile and Kyurem make good teammates, they also make for difficult opponents for Zapdos, both of them outspeeding and knocking Zapdos out. Other teammates like Kingambit and Zamazenta like why not just mention this aspect of zama when you mention zama previously? can help deal with these less favorable matchups, and Zapdos is always able to help by pivoting to them safely and taking hits from Pokemon like Great Tusk and opposing Zamazenta also mention zapdos crippling checks with paralysis when its relevant. Knock Off users like Roaring Moon threaten to remove Zapdos' Heavy-Duty Boots, thus exposing it to becoming weak to Stealth Rock. Pokemon that can absorb Knock Off for Zapdos, like Clefable and Booster Energy Iron Valiant do you see booster val on balance teams? Why not list gliscor instead are great at helping Zapdos avoid this.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/nichalho.359575/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/username.XXXXXX/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/username.XXXXXX/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/username.XXXXXX/
 
FayaWizard said:
Remove Add Comment
Remember to list examples, would like to recheck before stamping as QC 1/2
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Hurricane
move 2: Volt Switch / U-turn
move 3: Discharge / Thunder Wave / Heat Wave
move 4: Roost
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
tera type: Steel / Fairy
ability: Static
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe
ivs: 0 Atk

[SET COMMENTS]
Zapdos is a defensive pivot that is able to take hits, spread status, and build momentum for your its dont use you/we/i team throughout the course of a match. With its immunity to Ground-type attacks, its Static ability punishing contact moves with status, and its access to multiple pivot moves, Zapdos is a strong support Pokemon with multiple powerful uses. i feel like this is mostly restating the previous sentence, you can mention static in the previous sentence if you want but the rest of this is just fluff Volt Switch is a strong option for a pivoting move, being both boosted by STAB and non-contact, but U-turn is a solid option as well if you it already haves Discharge as your its Electric- STAB mention how uturn can't be blocked. Thunder Wave is a powerful support option for slowing down the opposing team, whereas Heat Wave gives Zapdos a coverage option against Steel-types like Iron Treads that resist its other moves maybe mention how heat wave is not just limited to resists, since it gives zapdos a 2hko option against gambit which its stabs dont reach. Heavy-Duty Boots are important for mitigating Zapdos' weakness to Stealth Rock. Zapdos' Tera type is best used to bolster its defenses. this feels like fluff, unnecessary Tera Steel-type changes Zapdos' resistances, suddenly giving fluff gives Zapdos it more favorable matchups into opponents like Kyurem and Galarian Slowking, increasing its survivability considerably fluff, does tera steel do anything else for zapdos? any particular matchups that it would otherwise struggle with?. Fairy-type allows Zapdos to be immune to Dragon-type attacks, keeping it safe from common threats in the metagame such as Roaring Moon, Dragapult, and Gouging Fire Rmoon, Dragapult, and Gouging Fire all have secondary stab they will click into Zapdos anyways (and rmoon doesnt even run dragon type stab) Tera Fairy is much better for its Dark resistance, especially useful for rmoon and gambit . Most of the EVs are put into Zapdos' defenses, with the 16 Speed EVs allowing Zapdos to out speed neutral-natured base 70s like Volcanion and Sinistcha.

Zapdos is extremely useful on more balanced teams, able to take hits, spread paralysis, and regenerate health throughout the course of a game, while and pivoting out to more offensive teammates. As a physically defensive Pokemon, Zapdos is able to form powerful cores with specially defensive Pokemon, complimenting each other’s weaknesses. fluff Galarian Slowking is an excellent choice to tank special attacks for Zapdos from threats like? always list examples, while Zapdos can also help Galarian Slowking by blocking the Ground-type moves that threaten it instead of ground moves, list examples of mons instead. Zapdos can also form strong defensive cores with other bulky Pokemon like Zamazenta and Ting-Lu, who can in turn backup Zapdos with their more offensive capabilities and hazard spreading respectively be more specific, what matchups do zamazenta cover? Why does Zapdos benefit from hazards? Does ting lu cover any weaknesses that zapdos has? examples. Hex Gholdengo becomes much stronger with Zapdos as a partner spreading paralysis, and is then able to support Zapdos and the rest of the team with speed control same as above. Zapdos also fits in very well on rain teams, which give it access to perfectly accurate Hurricanes while pivoting between sweepers as needed do you really see zapdos on a lot of rain teams?. Zapdos struggles to make progress against common Ground-types like Gliscor and Landorus-T that are immune to Volt Switch, thus blocking Zapdos from pivoting doesnt hurricane hit lando for a good chunk of damage while lando can't really do much other than set rocks back? you're right about gliscor, but a much better secondary ground threat would be one like tusk, who can threaten knock + spinner. Teammates like Weavile and Kyurem are great at putting pressure on these counters, and they in turn appreciate Zapdos' ability to get them in safely. While Weavile and Kyurem make good teammates, they also make for difficult opponents for Zapdos, both of them outspeeding and knocking Zapdos out. Other teammates like Kingambit and Zamazenta like why not just mention this aspect of zama when you mention zama previously? can help deal with these less favorable matchups, and Zapdos is always able to help by pivoting to them safely and taking hits from Pokemon like Great Tusk and opposing Zamazenta also mention zapdos crippling checks with paralysis when its relevant. Knock Off users like Roaring Moon threaten to remove Zapdos' Heavy-Duty Boots, thus exposing it to becoming weak to Stealth Rock. Pokemon that can absorb Knock Off for Zapdos, like Clefable and Booster Energy Iron Valiant do you see booster val on balance teams? Why not list gliscor instead are great at helping Zapdos avoid this.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/nichalho.359575/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/username.XXXXXX/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/username.XXXXXX/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/username.XXXXXX/
Click to expand...
Implemented and retooled some things. Please let me know what you think.
 
QC 1/2
FayaWizard_Small.gif

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Hurricane
move 2: Volt Switch / U-turn
move 3: Discharge / Thunder Wave / Heat Wave
move 4: Roost
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
tera type: Steel / Fairy
ability: Static
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe
ivs: 0 Atk

[SET COMMENTS]
Zapdos is a defensive pivot that is able to take hits, spread status, and build momentum for its team throughout the course of a match. Volt Switch is a strong option for a pivoting move, being both boosted by STAB and non-contact, but U-turn is a solid option as well to avoid being blocked by Ground-types, and if Zapdos already has Discharge as its Electric- STAB. Thunder Wave is a powerful support option for slowing down the opposing team, whereas Heat Wave gives Zapdos a coverage option against Steel-types like Iron Treads and Kingambit, who can be 2HKO'd by Heat Wave and cannot by Zapdos' regular STAB options. Heavy-Duty Boots are important for mitigating Zapdos' weakness to Stealth Rock. Tera Steel gives Zapdos favorable matchups into opponents like Kyurem and Galarian Slowking, allowing it to resist attacks like Ice Beam and status moves like Toxic, and giving it the opportunity to spread paralysis where it may otherwise have not been able. Fairy-type is very useful for giving Zapdos a Dark- resistance, making it able to survive hits like Knock Off from Roaring Moon and Kowtow Cleave from Kingambit for far longer than before, thus providing more chances for Static to proc. Most of the EVs are put into Zapdos' defenses, with the 16 Speed EVs allowing Zapdos to out speed base 70s like Volcanion and Sinistcha.

Zapdos is extremely useful on balance teams, able to take hits, spread paralysis, and pivot out to more offensive teammates. Galarian Slowking is an excellent choice to tank special attacks for Zapdos from threats like Kyurem and Iron Valiant, while Zapdos can also help Galarian Slowking by blocking the Ground-type moves that threaten it from Pokemon like Great Tusk and Landorus-T. Zapdos can also form strong defensive cores with other bulky Pokemon like Zamazenta and Ting-Lu. Zamazenta is able to deal with less favorable matchups for Zapdos, such as Kyurem and Weavile, and Zapdos is able to help with this by pivoting to it safely. Ting-Lu can support Zapdos by spreading hazards, which can wear down opponents like Gholdengo and Walking Wake so that they can more easily be KO'd by Zapdos. Hex Gholdengo becomes much stronger with Zapdos as a partner spreading paralysis, and is then able to support Zapdos and the rest of the team with speed control, taking out threats like Dragapult and Darkrai before they have a chance to respond. Zapdos struggles to make progress against common Ground-types like Gliscor and Great Tusk that are immune to Volt Switch, thus blocking Zapdos from pivoting, as well as threatening Zapdos with Knock Off, and in Great Tusk's case, Ice Spinner upon reflection tusk gets crumpled by hurricane anyways so its really just gliscor. Teammates like Weavile and Kyurem are great at putting pressure on these counters, and they in turn appreciate Zapdos' ability to get them in safely. While Weavile and Kyurem make good teammates, they also make for difficult opponents for Zapdos, both of them outspeeding and knocking Zapdos out. The aforementioned Zamazenta, as well as Kingambit, can put pressure on these threats. Zapdos in turn can help by taking hits from Pokemon like Great Tusk and opposing Zamazenta, and cripple these threats with Static and Thunder Wave, allowing a teammate like Kingambit more chances to sweep. Knock Off users like Roaring Moon threaten to remove Zapdos' Heavy-Duty Boots. Pokemon that can absorb Knock Off for Zapdos, like Clefable and Gliscor are great at helping Zapdos avoid this.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/nichalho.359575/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/fayawizard.616497/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/username.XXXXXX/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/username.XXXXXX/
 
FayaWizard said:
QC 1/2 View attachment 643266
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Hurricane
move 2: Volt Switch / U-turn
move 3: Discharge / Thunder Wave / Heat Wave
move 4: Roost
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
tera type: Steel / Fairy
ability: Static
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe
ivs: 0 Atk

[SET COMMENTS]
Zapdos is a defensive pivot that is able to take hits, spread status, and build momentum for its team throughout the course of a match. Volt Switch is a strong option for a pivoting move, being both boosted by STAB and non-contact, but U-turn is a solid option as well to avoid being blocked by Ground-types, and if Zapdos already has Discharge as its Electric- STAB. Thunder Wave is a powerful support option for slowing down the opposing team, whereas Heat Wave gives Zapdos a coverage option against Steel-types like Iron Treads and Kingambit, who can be 2HKO'd by Heat Wave and cannot by Zapdos' regular STAB options. Heavy-Duty Boots are important for mitigating Zapdos' weakness to Stealth Rock. Tera Steel gives Zapdos favorable matchups into opponents like Kyurem and Galarian Slowking, allowing it to resist attacks like Ice Beam and status moves like Toxic, and giving it the opportunity to spread paralysis where it may otherwise have not been able. Fairy-type is very useful for giving Zapdos a Dark- resistance, making it able to survive hits like Knock Off from Roaring Moon and Kowtow Cleave from Kingambit for far longer than before, thus providing more chances for Static to proc. Most of the EVs are put into Zapdos' defenses, with the 16 Speed EVs allowing Zapdos to out speed base 70s like Volcanion and Sinistcha.

Zapdos is extremely useful on balance teams, able to take hits, spread paralysis, and pivot out to more offensive teammates. Galarian Slowking is an excellent choice to tank special attacks for Zapdos from threats like Kyurem and Iron Valiant, while Zapdos can also help Galarian Slowking by blocking the Ground-type moves that threaten it from Pokemon like Great Tusk and Landorus-T. Zapdos can also form strong defensive cores with other bulky Pokemon like Zamazenta and Ting-Lu. Zamazenta is able to deal with less favorable matchups for Zapdos, such as Kyurem and Weavile, and Zapdos is able to help with this by pivoting to it safely. Ting-Lu can support Zapdos by spreading hazards, which can wear down opponents like Gholdengo and Walking Wake so that they can more easily be KO'd by Zapdos. Hex Gholdengo becomes much stronger with Zapdos as a partner spreading paralysis, and is then able to support Zapdos and the rest of the team with speed control, taking out threats like Dragapult and Darkrai before they have a chance to respond. Zapdos struggles to make progress against common Ground-types like Gliscor and Great Tusk that are immune to Volt Switch, thus blocking Zapdos from pivoting, as well as threatening Zapdos with Knock Off, and in Great Tusk's case, Ice Spinner upon reflection tusk gets crumpled by hurricane anyways so its really just gliscor. Teammates like Weavile and Kyurem are great at putting pressure on these counters, and they in turn appreciate Zapdos' ability to get them in safely. While Weavile and Kyurem make good teammates, they also make for difficult opponents for Zapdos, both of them outspeeding and knocking Zapdos out. The aforementioned Zamazenta, as well as Kingambit, can put pressure on these threats. Zapdos in turn can help by taking hits from Pokemon like Great Tusk and opposing Zamazenta, and cripple these threats with Static and Thunder Wave, allowing a teammate like Kingambit more chances to sweep. Knock Off users like Roaring Moon threaten to remove Zapdos' Heavy-Duty Boots. Pokemon that can absorb Knock Off for Zapdos, like Clefable and Gliscor are great at helping Zapdos avoid this.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/nichalho.359575/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/fayawizard.616497/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/username.XXXXXX/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/username.XXXXXX/
Click to expand...
Implemented and QC 1 reached. Thank you!
 
add remove highlight comment
Nichalho said:
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Hurricane
move 2: Volt Switch / U-turn
move 3: Discharge / Thunder Wave / Heat Wave
move 4: Roost
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
tera type: Steel / Fairy
ability: Static
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe
ivs: 0 Atk

[SET COMMENTS]
Zapdos is a defensive pivot that is able to take hits, spread status, and build momentum for its team throughout the course of a match. Volt Switch is a strong option for a pivoting move, being both boosted by STAB and non-contact, but U-turn is a solid option as well to avoid being blocked by Ground-types, and if Zapdos already has Discharge as its Electric- STAB. Thunder Wave is a powerful support option for slowing down the opposing team, whereas Heat Wave gives Zapdos a coverage option against Steel-types like Iron Treads and Kingambit, who can be 2HKO'd by Heat Wave. Heavy-Duty Boots are important for mitigating Zapdos' weakness to Stealth Rock mention how it helps with longevity because of this. Tera Steel gives Zapdos favorable matchups into opponents like Kyurem and Galarian Slowking, allowing it to resist attacks like Ice Beam and status moves like Toxic, and giving it the opportunity to spread paralysis where it may otherwise have not been able. Fairy-type Tera Fairy is very useful for giving Zapdos a Dark-type resistance, making it able to survive hits like Knock Off from Roaring Moon and Kowtow Cleave from Kingambit, thus providing more chances for Static to proc. Most of the EVs are put into Zapdos' defenses, with the 16 Speed EVs allowing Zapdos to out speed base 70s like Volcanion and Sinistcha.

Zapdos is extremely useful on balance teams, able to take hits, spread paralysis, and pivot out to more offensive teammates. Galarian Slowking is an excellent choice to tank special attacks for Zapdos from threats like Kyurem and Iron Valiant, while Zapdos can also help Galarian Slowking by blocking the Ground-type moves that threaten it from Pokemon like Great Tusk and Landorus-T not mandatory but maybe mention their pivot synergy too. Zapdos can also form strong defensive cores with other bulky Pokemon like Zamazenta and Ting-Lu. Zamazenta is able to deal with less favorable matchups for Zapdos, such as Kyurem and Weavile, and Zapdos is able to help with this by pivoting to it safely. Ting-Lu can support Zapdos by spreading hazards, which can wear down opponents like Gholdengo and Walking Wake so that they can more easily be KO'd by Zapdos. Hex Gholdengo becomes much stronger with Zapdos as a partner spreading paralysis, and is then able to support Zapdos and the rest of the team with speed control, taking out threats like Dragapult and Darkrai before they have a chance to respond. Zapdos struggles to make progress against common Ground-types like Gliscor that are immune to Volt Switch, thus blocking Zapdos from pivoting, as well as threatening Zapdos with Knock Off. Teammates like Weavile and Kyurem are great at putting pressure on these counters, and they in turn appreciate Zapdos' ability to get them in safely. While Weavile and Kyurem make good teammates, they also make for difficult opponents for Zapdos, both of them outspeeding and knocking Zapdos out. The aforementioned Zamazenta, as well as Kingambit, can put pressure on these threats. Zapdos in turn can help by taking hits from Pokemon like Great Tusk and opposing Zamazenta, and cripple these threats with Static and Thunder Wave, allowing a teammate like Kingambit more chances to sweep. Knock Off users like Roaring Moon threaten to remove Zapdos' Heavy-Duty Boots. Pokemon that can absorb Knock Off for Zapdos, like Clefable and Gliscor are great at helping Zapdos avoid this.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/nichalho.359575/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/fayawizard.616497/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/username.XXXXXX/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/username.XXXXXX/
Click to expand...
great stuff! qc 2/2 upon implementation!
approved.gif
 
amcheck, implement if you'd like
Add Remove Comment
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Hurricane
move 2: Volt Switch / U-turn
move 3: Discharge / Thunder Wave / Heat Wave
move 4: Roost
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
tera type: Steel / Fairy
ability: Static
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe
ivs: 0 Atk

[SET COMMENTS]
Zapdos is a defensive pivot that is able to take hits, spread status, and build momentum for its team throughout the course of a match. Volt Switch is a strong option for a pivoting move, being both boosted by STAB and non-contact, as it doesn't make contact with the foe and is STAB boosted, but U-turn is a solid option as well to avoid being blocked by Ground-types, (RC) and if Zapdos already has Discharge as its STAB move of choice. Thunder Wave is a powerful support option for slowing down the opposing team, whereas Heat Wave gives Zapdos a coverage option against Steel-types like Iron Treads and Kingambit, who that can be 2HKO'd 2HKOed by Heat Wave it. Heavy-Duty Boots are important for mitigating Zapdos' weakness to Stealth Rock, allowing Zapdos it to survive longer and be more useful throughout a match. Tera Steel gives Zapdos favorable matchups into opponents foes like Kyurem and Galarian Slowking, allowing it to resist attacks like Ice Beam and be immune to status moves like Toxic, and therefore giving it the opportunity to spread paralysis where it may otherwise have not been able. Tera Fairy is very useful for giving Zapdos a Dark-type resistance, making it able to survive hits like Knock Off from Roaring Moon and Kowtow Cleave from Kingambit, thus providing more chances opportunities for Static to proc trigger. Most of the EVs are put into Zapdos' defenses HP and Defense stats, with the remaining 16 Speed EVs allowing Zapdos it to out speed base 70s like outspeed max Speed neutral nature Volcanion and Sinistcha.

Zapdos is extremely useful on balance teams, since it is able to take hits, spread paralysis, and pivot out to more offensive teammates. Galarian Slowking is an excellent choice to tank special attacks for Zapdos from threats like Kyurem and Iron Valiant, while Zapdos can also help Galarian Slowking by blocking the Ground-type moves that threaten it from Pokemon like Great Tusk and Landorus-T, pivoting back and forth between each other to support this. Zapdos can also form strong defensive cores with other bulky Pokemon like Zamazenta and Ting-Lu. Zamazenta is able to deal with less favorable matchups for Zapdos, such as Kyurem and Weavile, and Zapdos is able to help with this by pivoting to it safely. Ting-Lu can support Zapdos by spreading entry hazards, which can wear down opponents foes like Gholdengo and Walking Wake so that they can more easily be KO'd KOed by Zapdos. Hex Gholdengo becomes much stronger with Zapdos as a partner spreading paralysis, and is then able to support Zapdos and the rest of the team with speed control, taking out threats like Dragapult and Darkrai before they have a chance to respond. Zapdos struggles to make progress against common Ground-types like Gliscor that are immune to Volt Switch, thus blocking Zapdos from pivoting, as well as threatening while also threatening Zapdos with Knock Off. Teammates like Weavile and Kyurem are great at putting pressure on these counters, and they in turn appreciate Zapdos' ability to get them in safely. While Weavile and Kyurem make good teammates, they also make for difficult opponents for Zapdos, both of them outspeeding and knocking Zapdos out. The aforementioned Zamazenta, as well as and Kingambit, (RC) can put pressure on these threats. Zapdos in turn can help by taking hits from Pokemon like Great Tusk and opposing Zamazenta, and cripple these threats with Static and Thunder Wave, allowing a teammate like Kingambit more chances to sweep. Knock Off users like Roaring Moon threaten to remove Zapdos' Heavy-Duty Boots, (AC) so Pokemon that can absorb Knock Off for Zapdos, (RC) like Clefable and Gliscor are great at helping Zapdos avoid this.
 
amgp
add remove comment

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Hurricane
move 2: Volt Switch / U-turn
move 3: Discharge / Thunder Wave / Heat Wave
move 4: Roost
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
tera type: Steel / Fairy
ability: Static
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe
ivs: 0 Atk

[SET COMMENTS]
Zapdos is a defensive pivot that is extremely useful on balance teams due to its ability (refer comment on first sentence of paragraph 2 for why i added this clause) that is able to take hits, spread status, and build momentum for its team throughout the course of a match (fluff). Volt Switch is a strong option for a pivoting move, being both boosted by STAB STAB-boosted and non-contact, but U-turn is a solid option alternative (changed to avoid double use of "option" in the same sentence) as well to avoid being blocked by Ground-types (RC) and if Zapdos already has Discharge as its STAB move. Thunder Wave is a powerful support option move for slowing down the opposing team, whereas Heat Wave gives Zapdos a coverage option against Steel-types like Iron Treads and Kingambit, who which can be 2HKO'd 2HKOed by it Heat Wave. Heavy-Duty Boots are important for mitigating Zapdos' Zapdos's weakness to entry hazards Stealth Rock (RC) allowing Zapdos to survive longer and be more useful throughout a match (fluff). Tera Steel gives Zapdos favorable matchups into opponents foes like Kyurem and Galarian Slowking, allowing it to resist attacks like Ice Beam and become immune to status moves like Toxic (RC) and while giving it the opportunity to spread paralysis, (AC) which it may not have been able to do otherwise where it may otherwise have not been able. Tera Fairy is very useful for giving Zapdos a Dark-type resistance, making it able to survive hits allowing it to take hits from Roaring Moon's Knock Off and Kingambit's Kowtow Cleave (i polished the phrase a bit since it was too wordy originally) like Knock Off from Roaring Moon and Kowtow Cleave from Kingambit, thus providing more chances for Static to proc activate. Most of the EVs are put into Zapdos' Zapdos's Defense defenses, with the 16 Speed EVs allowing Zapdos to out speed base 70s like outspeed foes like Volcanion and Sinistcha that have base 70 Speed. (reordered the words to implement some gp rules)

Zapdos is extremely useful on balance teams, able to take hits, spread paralysis, and pivot out to more offensive teammates. (i moved this to the start of the first paragraph since the second half of this sentence was already spoken about earlier) Galarian Slowking is an excellent choice of teammate to tank special attacks for Zapdos from threats like Kyurem and Iron Valiant, while Zapdos can also help Galarian Slowking it in return by blocking switching into (zapdos cant block ground type moves) the Ground-type moves that threaten it from Pokemon like Great Tusk and Landorus-T, pivoting back and forth between each other to support this. Zapdos can also form strong defensive cores with other bulky Pokemon like Zamazenta and Ting-Lu. Zamazenta is able to deal with less favorable matchups for Zapdos, such as Kyurem and Weavile, and Zapdos is able to help with this by pivoting to into it safely. Ting-Lu can support Zapdos by spreading setting entry hazards (RC) which that can wear down opponents foes like Gholdengo and Walking Wake, (AC) so that they can more easily be KO'd KOed by Zapdos more easily. Hex Gholdengo becomes much stronger with Zapdos as a paralysis-spreading partner spreading paralysis, and it is then able to support Zapdos and the rest of the team its teammates with speed control, taking out threats like Dragapult and Darkrai before they have a chance to respond (fluff, already established by "paralysis-spreading" and "speed control"). Zapdos struggles to make progress against common Ground-types like Gliscor that are immune to Volt Switch, thus blocking preventing Zapdos from pivoting, as well as threatening Zapdos with Knock Off. Teammates like Weavile and Kyurem are great at putting pressure on these counters, and they in turn appreciate Zapdos' Zapdos's ability to get them in safely. While Weavile and Kyurem make good teammates, they also make for difficult opponents foes for Zapdos, both of them outspeeding and knocking KOing Zapdos out (figured "KOing" is more efficient as far as word count goes). The aforementioned Zamazenta (RC) as well as Kingambit (RC) can put pressure on these threats. In exchange, Zapdos in turn (overused "zapdos in turn" sentence structure) can help by taking hits from Pokemon like Great Tusk and opposing Zamazenta (RC) and cripple crippling these threats with Static and Thunder Wave, allowing giving a teammate like Kingambit more chances to sweep. Knock Off users like Roaring Moon threaten to remove Zapdos' Zapdos's Heavy-Duty Boots. Pokemon that can absorb take hits from Knock Off for Zapdos, like Clefable and Gliscor, (AC) are great at helping Zapdos avoid this.
 
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1/1 GP Team done credit sapphire too
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Hurricane
move 2: Volt Switch / U-turn
move 3: Discharge / Thunder Wave / Heat Wave
move 4: Roost
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
tera type: Steel / Fairy
ability: Static
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe
ivs: 0 Atk

[SET COMMENTS]
Zapdos is a defensive pivot that is able to take hits, spread status, and build momentum for its team throughout the course of a match (fluff). Volt Switch is a strong option for a pivoting move, being both boosted by STAB STAB-boosted and non-contact, but U-turn is a solid option alternative (changed to avoid double use of "option" in the same sentence) as well to avoid being blocked by Ground-types (RC) and if Zapdos already has Discharge as its STAB move. Thunder Wave is a powerful support option move for slowing down the opposing team, whereas Heat Wave gives Zapdos a coverage option against Steel-types like Iron Treads and Kingambit, who which can be 2HKO'd 2HKOed by it Heat Wave. Heavy-Duty Boots are is important for mitigating Zapdos' Zapdos's weakness to Stealth Rock (RC) allowing Zapdos to survive longer and be more useful throughout a match (fluff). Tera Steel gives Zapdos favorable matchups into opponents against foes like Kyurem and Galarian Slowking, allowing it to resist attacks like Ice Beam and become immune to status moves like Toxic (RC) and while giving it the opportunity to spread paralysis, (AC) which it may not have been able to do otherwise where it may otherwise have not been able. Tera Fairy is very useful for giving Zapdos a Dark-type resistance, making it able to survive hits allowing it to take hits from Roaring Moon's Knock Off and Kingambit's Kowtow Cleave (i polished the phrase a bit since it was too wordy originally) like Knock Off from Roaring Moon and Kowtow Cleave from Kingambit, thus providing more chances for Static to proc activate. Most of the EVs are put into Zapdos' Zapdos's Defense defenses, with the 16 Speed EVs allowing Zapdos it to out speed outspeed base 70s like Volcanion and Sinistcha.

Zapdos is extremely useful on balance teams, able to take hits, spread paralysis, and pivot out to more offensive teammates. (this part is repeated almost word for word from paragraph 1) Galarian Slowking is an excellent choice of teammate to tank special attacks for Zapdos from threats like Kyurem and Iron Valiant, while Zapdos can also help Galarian Slowking it in return by blocking switching into (zapdos cant block ground type moves) the Ground-type moves that threaten it from Pokemon like Great Tusk and Landorus-T, pivoting back and forth between each other to support this. Zapdos can also form strong defensive cores with other bulky Pokemon like Zamazenta and Ting-Lu. Zamazenta is able to deal with less favorable matchups for Zapdos, such as Kyurem and Weavile, and Zapdos is able to help with this by pivoting to it safely. Ting-Lu can support Zapdos by spreading setting entry hazards (RC) which that can wear down opponents foes like Gholdengo and Walking Wake so that they can more easily be KO'd KOed by Zapdos more easily. Hex Gholdengo becomes much stronger with Zapdos as a paralysis-spreading partner spreading paralysis, and it is then able to support Zapdos and the rest of the team its teammates with speed control, taking out threats like Dragapult and Darkrai before they have a chance to respond (fluff, already established by "paralysis-spreading" and "speed control"). Zapdos struggles to make progress against common Ground-types like Gliscor, (AC) which that are immune to Volt Switch, thus blocking preventing Zapdos it from pivoting, as well as threatening pivoting. Gliscor can also threaten Zapdos with Knock Off. (qc change but i split these sentences up bc the first point with pivoting is 'ground-types like gliscor' and the second point about knock doesn't apply to every ground. you could mention tusk with knock too if you want) Teammates like Weavile and Kyurem are great at putting pressure on these counters, and they in turn appreciate Zapdos' Zapdos's ability to get them in safely. While Weavile and Kyurem make good teammates, they also make for difficult opponents foes for Zapdos, both of them outspeeding and knocking KOing it Zapdos out (figured "KOing" is more efficient as far as word count goes). The aforementioned Zamazenta (RC) as well as Kingambit (RC) can put pressure on these threats. In exchange, Zapdos in turn (overused "zapdos in turn" sentence structure) can help by taking hits from Pokemon like Great Tusk and opposing Zamazenta (RC) and cripple crippling these threats with Static and Thunder Wave, allowing giving a teammate like Kingambit more chances to sweep. Knock Off users like Roaring Moon threaten to remove Zapdos' Zapdos's Heavy-Duty Boots. Pokemon that can absorb take hits from Knock Off for Zapdos, like Clefable and Gliscor, (AC) are great at helping Zapdos avoid this.
 
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autumn said:
1/1 GP Team done credit sapphire too
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Hurricane
move 2: Volt Switch / U-turn
move 3: Discharge / Thunder Wave / Heat Wave
move 4: Roost
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
tera type: Steel / Fairy
ability: Static
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe
ivs: 0 Atk

[SET COMMENTS]
Zapdos is a defensive pivot that is able to take hits, spread status, and build momentum for its team throughout the course of a match (fluff). Volt Switch is a strong option for a pivoting move, being both boosted by STAB STAB-boosted and non-contact, but U-turn is a solid option alternative (changed to avoid double use of "option" in the same sentence) as well to avoid being blocked by Ground-types (RC) and if Zapdos already has Discharge as its STAB move. Thunder Wave is a powerful support option move for slowing down the opposing team, whereas Heat Wave gives Zapdos a coverage option against Steel-types like Iron Treads and Kingambit, who which can be 2HKO'd 2HKOed by it Heat Wave. Heavy-Duty Boots are is important for mitigating Zapdos' Zapdos's weakness to Stealth Rock (RC) allowing Zapdos to survive longer and be more useful throughout a match (fluff). Tera Steel gives Zapdos favorable matchups into opponents against foes like Kyurem and Galarian Slowking, allowing it to resist attacks like Ice Beam and become immune to status moves like Toxic (RC) and while giving it the opportunity to spread paralysis, (AC) which it may not have been able to do otherwise where it may otherwise have not been able. Tera Fairy is very useful for giving Zapdos a Dark-type resistance, making it able to survive hits allowing it to take hits from Roaring Moon's Knock Off and Kingambit's Kowtow Cleave (i polished the phrase a bit since it was too wordy originally) like Knock Off from Roaring Moon and Kowtow Cleave from Kingambit, thus providing more chances for Static to proc activate. Most of the EVs are put into Zapdos' Zapdos's Defense defenses, with the 16 Speed EVs allowing Zapdos it to out speed outspeed base 70s like Volcanion and Sinistcha.

Zapdos is extremely useful on balance teams, able to take hits, spread paralysis, and pivot out to more offensive teammates. (this part is repeated almost word for word from paragraph 1) Galarian Slowking is an excellent choice of teammate to tank special attacks for Zapdos from threats like Kyurem and Iron Valiant, while Zapdos can also help Galarian Slowking it in return by blocking switching into (zapdos cant block ground type moves) the Ground-type moves that threaten it from Pokemon like Great Tusk and Landorus-T, pivoting back and forth between each other to support this. Zapdos can also form strong defensive cores with other bulky Pokemon like Zamazenta and Ting-Lu. Zamazenta is able to deal with less favorable matchups for Zapdos, such as Kyurem and Weavile, and Zapdos is able to help with this by pivoting to it safely. Ting-Lu can support Zapdos by spreading setting entry hazards (RC) which that can wear down opponents foes like Gholdengo and Walking Wake so that they can more easily be KO'd KOed by Zapdos more easily. Hex Gholdengo becomes much stronger with Zapdos as a paralysis-spreading partner spreading paralysis, and it is then able to support Zapdos and the rest of the team its teammates with speed control, taking out threats like Dragapult and Darkrai before they have a chance to respond (fluff, already established by "paralysis-spreading" and "speed control"). Zapdos struggles to make progress against common Ground-types like Gliscor, (AC) which that are immune to Volt Switch, thus blocking preventing Zapdos it from pivoting, as well as threatening pivoting. Gliscor can also threaten Zapdos with Knock Off. (qc change but i split these sentences up bc the first point with pivoting is 'ground-types like gliscor' and the second point about knock doesn't apply to every ground. you could mention tusk with knock too if you want) Teammates like Weavile and Kyurem are great at putting pressure on these counters, and they in turn appreciate Zapdos' Zapdos's ability to get them in safely. While Weavile and Kyurem make good teammates, they also make for difficult opponents foes for Zapdos, both of them outspeeding and knocking KOing it Zapdos out (figured "KOing" is more efficient as far as word count goes). The aforementioned Zamazenta (RC) as well as Kingambit (RC) can put pressure on these threats. In exchange, Zapdos in turn (overused "zapdos in turn" sentence structure) can help by taking hits from Pokemon like Great Tusk and opposing Zamazenta (RC) and cripple crippling these threats with Static and Thunder Wave, allowing giving a teammate like Kingambit more chances to sweep. Knock Off users like Roaring Moon threaten to remove Zapdos' Zapdos's Heavy-Duty Boots. Pokemon that can absorb take hits from Knock Off for Zapdos, like Clefable and Gliscor, (AC) are great at helping Zapdos avoid this.
Click to expand...
Implemented and analysis completed. Thanks for your help!
 
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