[OVERVIEW]
**Flying:**
Due to its good defensive Electric / Flying typing (RC) coupled with its decent defensive stats, Zapdos can act as an excellent specially defensive wall for Flying-type teams. Zapdos also has a great Special Attack stat, which, even when it is running a defensive set, allows it to not be passive and deal respectable damage to its foes. Its STAB Discharge lets it spread paralysis. It also provides crucial entry hazard removal in the form of Defog, which allows it and its teammates to switch in and out more often. Due to its typing, Zapdos is able to take Electric-type attacks that would otherwise threaten Flying teams, as it only takes neutral damage. It is also the only Electric / Flying type that has access to reliable recovery, which it gets in the form of Roost. However, Zapdos's somewhat lacking Defense stat can leave it weak to many physical attackers when running a specially defensive set, which should be taken into consideration when putting it into your team.
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive (Flying)
move 1: Defog
move 2: Roost
move 3: Discharge / Volt Switch
move 4: Toxic / Heat Wave
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 236 SpD / 16 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Defog is crucial to this set, as it allows Zapdos to clear entry hazards, particularly Stealth Rock, from its side, which is extremely important for Flying, as most Flying-types are weak to Stealth Rock. Roost is an important move for Zapdos, as it provides it with reliable recovery, giving it the longevity to better utilize its typing and ability to clear hazards from the field. Discharge provides Zapdos with a reliable way to deal damage, and, due to its chance of paralyzing the foe, it can give opponents second thoughts about setting up against Zapdos. Volt Switch is also an option instead of Discharge, as it provides momentum. However, it has a lower Base Power than Discharge; forces Zapdos to keep switching, which can cause it to take heavy damage from Stealth Rock; and leaves Zapdos unable to paralyze foes, which can make it setup bait. Toxic will put foes on a timer, preventing them from stalling and often forcing switches, and helps Zapdos wear down opposing walls. Heat Wave is an option instead of Toxic, as it allows Zapdos to hit Steel-types such as Mega Scizor and Ferrothorn, both of which can threaten Flying and switch into Zapdos easily otherwise.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP investment is used to greatly increase Zapdos's overall bulk. 16 Speed EVs are used to allow Zapdos to outspeed base 70 Speed Pokemon without a boosting nature, such as Adamant Bisharp. The rest of the EVs are put into Special Defense with a Calm nature to allow Zapdos to take as many special hits as possible. There is also the possibility of running an alternative spread of 252 HP / 148 SpD / 108 Spe with a Calm nature, as this allows Zapdos to outspeed maximum Speed base 70 Speed Pokemon with a boosting nature, such as Jolly Bisharp, Cloyster, Breloom, and Timid Volcanion, and then potentially KO them before they get to attack. Pressure is used on this set, as it allows for more effective PP stalling with Roost, which can often be crucial; furthermore, if Static is used, Zapdos cannot use Defog, as it is illegal. Leftovers provides Zapdos with passive recovery, greatly increasing its longevity.
Usage Tips
========
Zapdos can be used as a switch-in to a majority of special attackers including Pokemon like Hydreigon and Thundurus. Its reliable recovery means it is consistently able to switch into these attackers, so you should always try and keep it at full health by making you sure you use Roost as often as possible. However, it is unable to switch into extremely hard-hitting Pokemon such as Keldeo and Mega Charizard Y. Zapdos is able to beat many opposing walls through a combination of Toxic and Pressure; Toxic is able to put the foe on a timer, forcing your opponent to either sacrifice the Pokemon or switch it out, while Pressure allows Zapdos to PP stall certain attacks. It is also important to make sure Stealth Rock is off the field as much as possible, as it prevents Zapdos from switching into lots of hits it otherwise would be able to wall, such as Gengar's Shadow Ball and Life Orb Thundurus's Thunderbolt. This can be done by switching Zapdos in while the foe sets the Stealth Rock and then using Defog immediately. Zapdos is also capable of stalling out Stealth Rock users due to Pressure, as Pressure means Defog has more PP than the foe's Stealth Rock. It is also a good idea to try and spread status with Zapdos as much as possible earlier in the game so as to better support your team. To avoid being worn down too easily, it is best to use Roost often and to avoid status moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Toxic, as they greatly reduce Zapdos's longevity. Zapdos should feel free to use its Electric-type STAB moves when it's safe, as Discharge's secondary effect of paralyzing can cripple foes and can dissuade switches or punish opponents attempting to switch in Pokemon that would counter Zapdos, whilst Volt Switch gives you momentum against switches and the ability to switch into a counter to whatever the opponent brings in.
Team Options
========
The most common teammate for Zapdos is Skarmory, as they form the "SkarmDos" core, which is seen on most Flying-type teams and is able to wall a majority of the metagame. The two Pokemon work together especially well, as they cover each others weaknesses; Skarmory is able to take Ice- and Rock-type attacks for Zapdos, and Zapdos is able to take Electric-type attacks for Skarmory. Their stats also complement each other, as Zapdos is a great specially defensive wall, and Skarmory is a great physically defensive wall. Zapdos also pairs well with Togekiss, as Togekiss can use Heal Bell to get rid of status for Zapdos, which allows it to better perform as a wall, as it can stay in longer and use Roost less. As well as defensive options, Zapdos works well with offensive Pokemon. It pairs especially well with Mega Gyarados, as, due to its typing, Gyarados is able to take Ice-type attacks that would otherwise threaten Zapdos, and Zapdos is also able to remove entry hazards from the field to allow Gyarados to switch more freely as well as to wear down walls that may otherwise prevent Gyarados from sweeping through Toxic. Zapdos is also a good partner for Dragonite, as it can keep hazards off the field, which keeps Dragonite's Multiscale intact, allowing it to perform better. Another Pokemon that appreciates hazard removal from Zapdos is Mega Charizard Y, which would otherwise take heavy damage from entry hazards. It is also able to beat some Ice-types that would otherwise threaten Zapdos with their super effective attacks. Another offensive partner that works well with Zapdos is Landorus-T, as alongside Zapdos's Volt Switch it can provide good momentum with U-turn. This core is especially potent because of Landorus-T's Intimidate and Ground / Flying typing. This means it is able to take Rock-type attacks for Zapdos, while Zapdos takes the special hits that Landorus-Therian is less oriented to take. Gliscor is also a potential partner, acting as a stallbreaker for Zapdos by using Taunt against opposing walls and also absorbing any crippling status for it.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
**Flying:**
Substitute allows Zapdos to avoid status and thus act as a stallbreaker through the combination of Toxic and Substitute, allowing to to beat opposing walls that would rely on their own status moves. However, Zapdos struggles to fit Substitute onto its moveset, as it values all of its other moves more. Roar can also be used, as it allows Zapdos to phaze foes as they attempt to set up and helps to rack up residual damage from entry hazards. However, it faces the same issues as Substitute, as Zapdos finds it hard to fit it onto its moveset.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Flying:**
**Mixed Attackers**: Mixed attackers can prey on Zapdos's weaker Defense stat and hit it for large amounts of damage; for example, Landorus using Rock Slide or Hoopa-U using Hyperspace Fury greatly threatens Zapdos.
**Status**: Status effects such as Toxic and Will-O-Wisp threaten Zapdos greatly, as they cause residual damage, which Zapdos hates, as it needs to have as much health as possible to be able to reliably check most special attackers.
**Taunt**: Taunt prevents Zapdos from using Defog or Roost, leaving it incapable of performing its role on the team.
**Wallbreakers**: While Zapdos has high bulk, it is not able to wall some of the stronger wallbreakers in the metagame, such as Mega Charizard Y and Mega Medicham. Zapdos also often fails to wall Choice Specs users such as Psyshock variants of Meloetta.
**Dragon-types**: Dragon-types such as Garchomp and Kyurem-B take little damage from both of Zapdos's attacks and hit it back hard with their STAB moves.
**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rock will cause Zapdos to lose 25% of its health upon switching in, rendering it unable to switch into many common attackers such as Life Orb Thundurus and Latios. Zapdos is also threatened by some Stealth Rock users such as Tyranitar and Chansey, the latter of which is able to shrug off any attack by Zapdos and cripple it with Toxic.
**Rock-types**: Rock-types such as Terrakion and Tyranitar take little damage from Zapdos and threaten it with their STAB attacks.
**Ice-types**: Ice-types such as Mamoswine, Weavile, and Kyurem-B are able to force Zapdos out due to their super effective STAB attacks.
**Walls**: If Zapdos is not running any status moves, it often struggles to break through most walls, and even when running Toxic, it will fail to break through walls running Heal Bell, such as Chansey and Lanturn.
**Flying:**
Due to its good defensive Electric / Flying typing (RC) coupled with its decent defensive stats, Zapdos can act as an excellent specially defensive wall for Flying-type teams. Zapdos also has a great Special Attack stat, which, even when it is running a defensive set, allows it to not be passive and deal respectable damage to its foes. Its STAB Discharge lets it spread paralysis. It also provides crucial entry hazard removal in the form of Defog, which allows it and its teammates to switch in and out more often. Due to its typing, Zapdos is able to take Electric-type attacks that would otherwise threaten Flying teams, as it only takes neutral damage. It is also the only Electric / Flying type that has access to reliable recovery, which it gets in the form of Roost. However, Zapdos's somewhat lacking Defense stat can leave it weak to many physical attackers when running a specially defensive set, which should be taken into consideration when putting it into your team.
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive (Flying)
move 1: Defog
move 2: Roost
move 3: Discharge / Volt Switch
move 4: Toxic / Heat Wave
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 236 SpD / 16 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Defog is crucial to this set, as it allows Zapdos to clear entry hazards, particularly Stealth Rock, from its side, which is extremely important for Flying, as most Flying-types are weak to Stealth Rock. Roost is an important move for Zapdos, as it provides it with reliable recovery, giving it the longevity to better utilize its typing and ability to clear hazards from the field. Discharge provides Zapdos with a reliable way to deal damage, and, due to its chance of paralyzing the foe, it can give opponents second thoughts about setting up against Zapdos. Volt Switch is also an option instead of Discharge, as it provides momentum. However, it has a lower Base Power than Discharge; forces Zapdos to keep switching, which can cause it to take heavy damage from Stealth Rock; and leaves Zapdos unable to paralyze foes, which can make it setup bait. Toxic will put foes on a timer, preventing them from stalling and often forcing switches, and helps Zapdos wear down opposing walls. Heat Wave is an option instead of Toxic, as it allows Zapdos to hit Steel-types such as Mega Scizor and Ferrothorn, both of which can threaten Flying and switch into Zapdos easily otherwise.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP investment is used to greatly increase Zapdos's overall bulk. 16 Speed EVs are used to allow Zapdos to outspeed base 70 Speed Pokemon without a boosting nature, such as Adamant Bisharp. The rest of the EVs are put into Special Defense with a Calm nature to allow Zapdos to take as many special hits as possible. There is also the possibility of running an alternative spread of 252 HP / 148 SpD / 108 Spe with a Calm nature, as this allows Zapdos to outspeed maximum Speed base 70 Speed Pokemon with a boosting nature, such as Jolly Bisharp, Cloyster, Breloom, and Timid Volcanion, and then potentially KO them before they get to attack. Pressure is used on this set, as it allows for more effective PP stalling with Roost, which can often be crucial; furthermore, if Static is used, Zapdos cannot use Defog, as it is illegal. Leftovers provides Zapdos with passive recovery, greatly increasing its longevity.
Usage Tips
========
Zapdos can be used as a switch-in to a majority of special attackers including Pokemon like Hydreigon and Thundurus. Its reliable recovery means it is consistently able to switch into these attackers, so you should always try and keep it at full health by making you sure you use Roost as often as possible. However, it is unable to switch into extremely hard-hitting Pokemon such as Keldeo and Mega Charizard Y. Zapdos is able to beat many opposing walls through a combination of Toxic and Pressure; Toxic is able to put the foe on a timer, forcing your opponent to either sacrifice the Pokemon or switch it out, while Pressure allows Zapdos to PP stall certain attacks. It is also important to make sure Stealth Rock is off the field as much as possible, as it prevents Zapdos from switching into lots of hits it otherwise would be able to wall, such as Gengar's Shadow Ball and Life Orb Thundurus's Thunderbolt. This can be done by switching Zapdos in while the foe sets the Stealth Rock and then using Defog immediately. Zapdos is also capable of stalling out Stealth Rock users due to Pressure, as Pressure means Defog has more PP than the foe's Stealth Rock. It is also a good idea to try and spread status with Zapdos as much as possible earlier in the game so as to better support your team. To avoid being worn down too easily, it is best to use Roost often and to avoid status moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Toxic, as they greatly reduce Zapdos's longevity. Zapdos should feel free to use its Electric-type STAB moves when it's safe, as Discharge's secondary effect of paralyzing can cripple foes and can dissuade switches or punish opponents attempting to switch in Pokemon that would counter Zapdos, whilst Volt Switch gives you momentum against switches and the ability to switch into a counter to whatever the opponent brings in.
Team Options
========
The most common teammate for Zapdos is Skarmory, as they form the "SkarmDos" core, which is seen on most Flying-type teams and is able to wall a majority of the metagame. The two Pokemon work together especially well, as they cover each others weaknesses; Skarmory is able to take Ice- and Rock-type attacks for Zapdos, and Zapdos is able to take Electric-type attacks for Skarmory. Their stats also complement each other, as Zapdos is a great specially defensive wall, and Skarmory is a great physically defensive wall. Zapdos also pairs well with Togekiss, as Togekiss can use Heal Bell to get rid of status for Zapdos, which allows it to better perform as a wall, as it can stay in longer and use Roost less. As well as defensive options, Zapdos works well with offensive Pokemon. It pairs especially well with Mega Gyarados, as, due to its typing, Gyarados is able to take Ice-type attacks that would otherwise threaten Zapdos, and Zapdos is also able to remove entry hazards from the field to allow Gyarados to switch more freely as well as to wear down walls that may otherwise prevent Gyarados from sweeping through Toxic. Zapdos is also a good partner for Dragonite, as it can keep hazards off the field, which keeps Dragonite's Multiscale intact, allowing it to perform better. Another Pokemon that appreciates hazard removal from Zapdos is Mega Charizard Y, which would otherwise take heavy damage from entry hazards. It is also able to beat some Ice-types that would otherwise threaten Zapdos with their super effective attacks. Another offensive partner that works well with Zapdos is Landorus-T, as alongside Zapdos's Volt Switch it can provide good momentum with U-turn. This core is especially potent because of Landorus-T's Intimidate and Ground / Flying typing. This means it is able to take Rock-type attacks for Zapdos, while Zapdos takes the special hits that Landorus-Therian is less oriented to take. Gliscor is also a potential partner, acting as a stallbreaker for Zapdos by using Taunt against opposing walls and also absorbing any crippling status for it.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
**Flying:**
Substitute allows Zapdos to avoid status and thus act as a stallbreaker through the combination of Toxic and Substitute, allowing to to beat opposing walls that would rely on their own status moves. However, Zapdos struggles to fit Substitute onto its moveset, as it values all of its other moves more. Roar can also be used, as it allows Zapdos to phaze foes as they attempt to set up and helps to rack up residual damage from entry hazards. However, it faces the same issues as Substitute, as Zapdos finds it hard to fit it onto its moveset.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Flying:**
**Mixed Attackers**: Mixed attackers can prey on Zapdos's weaker Defense stat and hit it for large amounts of damage; for example, Landorus using Rock Slide or Hoopa-U using Hyperspace Fury greatly threatens Zapdos.
**Status**: Status effects such as Toxic and Will-O-Wisp threaten Zapdos greatly, as they cause residual damage, which Zapdos hates, as it needs to have as much health as possible to be able to reliably check most special attackers.
**Taunt**: Taunt prevents Zapdos from using Defog or Roost, leaving it incapable of performing its role on the team.
**Wallbreakers**: While Zapdos has high bulk, it is not able to wall some of the stronger wallbreakers in the metagame, such as Mega Charizard Y and Mega Medicham. Zapdos also often fails to wall Choice Specs users such as Psyshock variants of Meloetta.
**Dragon-types**: Dragon-types such as Garchomp and Kyurem-B take little damage from both of Zapdos's attacks and hit it back hard with their STAB moves.
**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rock will cause Zapdos to lose 25% of its health upon switching in, rendering it unable to switch into many common attackers such as Life Orb Thundurus and Latios. Zapdos is also threatened by some Stealth Rock users such as Tyranitar and Chansey, the latter of which is able to shrug off any attack by Zapdos and cripple it with Toxic.
**Rock-types**: Rock-types such as Terrakion and Tyranitar take little damage from Zapdos and threaten it with their STAB attacks.
**Ice-types**: Ice-types such as Mamoswine, Weavile, and Kyurem-B are able to force Zapdos out due to their super effective STAB attacks.
**Walls**: If Zapdos is not running any status moves, it often struggles to break through most walls, and even when running Toxic, it will fail to break through walls running Heal Bell, such as Chansey and Lanturn.
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