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Offensive Z-Move Zapdos [DONE]

ChrisPBacon

ChrisPBacon

cage in lunatic runagate
is a Top Metagame Resource Contributoris a Tiering Contributoris a Contributor to Smogonis a Former Old Generation Tournament Circuit Champion
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:ss/zapdos:
[SET]
Name: Offensive Z-Move
Move 1: Hurricane
Move 2: Thunderbolt
Move 3: Volt Switch
Move 4: Roost
Item: Flyinium Z
Ability: Static
Nature: Modest
EVs: 40 HP / 252 SpA / 216 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Equipped with Flyinium Z, Zapdos is a powerful offensive force, KOing foes immune or resistant to Electric, such as Landorus-T, Garchomp, Gliscor, Kyurem, and Ferrothorn, after slight chip damage. While bulkier Ground-Types such as Gastrodon and Hippowdon avoid the OHKO, they struggle to survive Supersonic Skystrike + Hurricane. With opposing Ground-Types removed, Zapdos can freely wear down its checks, such as Chansey, Mega Latias, and Mega Tyranitar, with Volt Switch. However, the lack of bulk investment and Heavy-Duty Boots means it is an unreliable check to Kartana, Serperior and Mega Lopunny, especially if Stealth Rock is up. Thunderbolt is chosen as its primary Electric STAB move over Discharge to maximise its role as a wallbreaker. Roost increases its longevity against passive foes such as Toxapex, Ferrothorn, and Tapu Fini, as well as offsets Stealth Rock chip. It also allows Zapdos to stay out of range of the likes of Mega Lopunny, Mega Scizor, and Kartana. Zapdos's EV spread outspeeds Modest Tapu Lele and Kyurem whilst maximising its power, notably KOing bulkier variants of Gliscor after Stealth Rock.

This Zapdos set fits best on offensive teams that can capitalize on its strong Volt Switch and its ability to remove Ground-types. It pairs exceptionally well with offensive pivots like Mega Lopunny and Urshifu-R, as well as strong but frail wallbreakers such as Mega Diancie, Mega Medicham, and Weavile. These attackers threaten the slow special walls that Zapdos pivots out of, like Chansey and Mega Tyranitar. In return, the former two bring Zapdos back in by using U-turn on bulky physical walls like Clefable and Toxapex. Mega Diancie helps block Stealth Rock while benefitting from Zapdos removing Ferrothorn and Gliscor. Weavile can Pursuit trap Mega Latias and Chansey and remove key items from foes with Knock Off. Due to Zapdos's Stealth Rock weakness and tendency to use Volt Switch, Defog support from the likes of Tapu Fini, Rotom-W, Gliscor, and Landorus-T allows it to switch in and pivot more frequently and minimize the need for Zapdos to use Roost. Zapdos also offensively threatens Kartana and Serperior for these teammates. Alternatively, entry hazard pressure from Zapdos's teammates such as Garchomp, Gliscor, Landorus-T, Ferrothorn, and Heatran may also force the opponent to use Defog themselves, removing their own entry hazards to Zapdos's benefit. Mega Mawile is another fantastic partner, as it can exploit Chansey and Mega Latias, as well as Weavile, which enjoys switching into Zapdos after revenge killing Zapdos.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
An alternative EV spread of 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe with a Timid Nature outspeeds Timid Tapu Lele and Kyurem, Urshifu-R, and Hydreigon while Speed tying Mega Charizard X and Y as well as Mega Medicham. However, the loss of power is noteworthy against bulkier targets, such as never KOing Ferrothorn with Hurricane into Supersonic Skystrike after Leftovers recovery.

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

**Stealth Rock**: As Zapdos cannot afford to run Heavy-Duty Boots, its Stealth Rock weakness is exposed, limiting the amount of times it can switch in and use Volt Switch to wear opponents down.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[ChrisPBacon, 544502]]
- Quality checked by: [[Milo, 540138], [Solaros & Lunaris, 471780]
- Grammar checked by: [[UT, 523866]]
 
Last edited:
why did you put larp at the start? cringe

:ss/zapdos:
[SET]
Name: Offensive Z-Move
Move 1: Hurricane
Move 2: Thunderbolt
Move 3: Volt Switch
Move 4: Roost
Item: Flyinium Z
Ability: Static
Nature: Timid Modest
EVs: 252 SpA/ 4 SpD/ 252 Spe 40 HP / 252 SpA / 216 Spe I feel like this spread should be the default as outspeeding Lele, Kyurem and Urshifu isn't too important and loses out on doing enough damage to Kyurem, Gliscor and Ferrothorn and relies more on teammates.

[SET COMMENTS]
Equipped with a Flyinium Z, Zapdos becomes a powerful offensive force, boosting its Hurricane into a one-time Supersonic Skystrike. This allows it to OHKO foes resistant or immune immune or resistant to its electric STAB, such as Landorus-T, Garchomp as well as Gliscor, Kyurem or and Ferrothorn after slight chip. Whilst bulkier Ground-Types such as Gastrodon and Hippowdon take less damage, they struggle to survive the Z-Move in tandem with Hurricane, which also has the side benefit of potentially confusing through its answers. This removal of Ground-Types means Zapdos's Volt Switches are incredibly difficult to block, allowing it to pivot into teammates whilst wearing down answers such as Chansey, Mega Latias, Galarian Slowking and Mega Tyranitar. However, this set has noticeably lower bulk than other Zapdos variants, which in conjunction with its Stealth Rock weakness, limits the number of times it can come into a match. Thunderbolt is chosen over Discharge because of this, as it has fewer opportunities to spread paralysis and prefers acting as a breaker after chip from teammates or hazards with it's higher base power. Roost keeps Zapdos healthy throughout a match, letting it stave off weaker attacks from opponents such as Toxapex, Ferrothorn and Tapu Fini, as well as Stealth Rock chip. Zapdos's EV Spread allows it outspeed Modest Tapu Lele and Kyurem whilst maximising its power against targets such as Ferrothorn, and Gliscor. However, it should be weary of Timid variants of Tapu Lele and Kyurem.

Offensive Zapdos fits best on offense offensive teams that can capitalise on its strong Volt Switch and removal of Ground-Types. It pairs exceptionally well with Mega Lopunny and Urshifu Rapid-Strike, as they threaten the slow special walls that Zapdos pivots out of, particularly Chansey and Mega Tyranitar. The two in return bait out physical walls and bulky waters respectively, such as the prior mentioned Toxapex and Tapu Fini as well as Slowbro, and carry utilize U-Turn to bring Zapdos in to threaten them. Similarly, strong physical wallbreakers such as Mega Medicham, Mega Mawile, and Weavile appreciate having safe entry points given their frailty. The latter holding a Choice Band can also Pursuit trap Mega Latias, Galarian Slowking and Chansey, with Knock Off pressuring the opponent and supporting Zapdos's presence greatly. Due to Zapdos's Stealth Rock weakness and tendency to use Volt Switch, Defog support from the likes of Tapu Fini, Rotom-Wash, Gliscor and Landorus-Therian allow it to switch in and pivot more frequently and minimise the need for Zapdos to use Roost. Zapdos uses these partners as defensive backbones as it is extremely frail without defensive invest. Alternatively, hazard pressure from Zapdos's teammates such as Garchomp, Gliscor, Landorus and Heatran may also have an effect on the opponent's playstyle, varying on their own weaknesses to Stealth Rock.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS] You don't need to write this section as Zapdos already has one. This set is an add-on to the current analysis. Timid, max max may be put in other options though, so feel free to write a part for that.
Other Options
=============
Zapdos can run an alternative EV spread of 40HP/ 252SpA/ 216Spe with a Modest nature that outspeeds Modest Tapu Lele and Kyurem whilst maximising its power against targets such as Gastrodon, Ferrothorn, and Gliscor. However, this misses out on benchmarks such as Timid variants of Tapu Lele and Kyurem, Urshifu Rapid-Strike, and Hydreigon, as well as speed tying both Mega Charizards and Mega Medicham(<- Idk if this is worth adding, this might be more personal preference). Zapdos can run Defog over Thunderbolt if its team requires extra hazard removal, however, the loss of Thunderbolt is noticeable when forcing out Toxapex, as well as finishing off the likes of Rotom-Wash and Heatran. Zapdos is also a rather inconsistent Defog user, as nearly all Stealth Rockers threaten Zapdos with an OHKO or a crippling Toxic.

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

**Bulky Ground-Types**: Gastrodon and Hippowdon are capable of blocking Zapdos's Volt Switch without dying to Supersonic Skystrike after Stealth Rock, and can threaten Zapdos with toxic. Despite this, they lack the bulk to reliably survive a Z-Move after prior Hurricane damage.

**Special Walls**: Chansey, Mega Latias, Galarian Slowking, and both Regular and Mega Tyranitar have the bulk and typings to reliably switch into Zapdos, and in the case of the latter two, heavily damage it with Pursuit. All of them are susceptible to being worn down by repeated Volt Switches though.

**Faster Revenge Killers**: While Zapdos has a solid Speed tier, it leaves much to be desired against faster offensive Pokemon such as Mega Lopunny, Weavile, both Greninja formes, and Mega Diancie, which can all exploit its lack of bulk investment to KO it more easily. None of them can reliably switch in, however, and the former two risk being ruined by a Static paralysis.

**Residual Damage**: Zapdos hates taking residual damage, either in the form of Stealth Rock or Leech Seed, Burn, and Toxic from Pokemon it would otherwise force out, such as Ferrothorn, Toxapex, and Tapu Fini. This forces Zapdos to Roost more often, giving opponents the opportunity to force it out with an offensive threat or heal a defensive answer.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[ChrisPBacon, Where do you find your user ID In your user settings]]
- Quality checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]

Implement and Trial QC 1/2
 
amqc check, implement what u want
add remove comment
[SET]
Name: Offensive Z-Move
Move 1: Hurricane
Move 2: Thunderbolt
Move 3: Volt Switch
Move 4: Roost
Item: Flyinium Z
Ability: Static
Nature: Modest
EVs: 40 HP / 252 SpA / 216 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Equipped with a Flyinium Z, Zapdos becomes a powerful offensive force, boosting its Hurricane into a one-time Supersonic Skystrike. This allows it to KO foes immune or resistant to its electric Electric STAB, such as Landorus-T, Garchomp, Gliscor, Kyurem, and Ferrothorn after slight chip. Whilst bulkier Ground-Types such as Gastrodon and Hippowdon take less damage, they struggle to survive the Z-Move in tandem with Hurricane. This removal of Ground-Types means Zapdos's Volt Switches are incredibly difficult to block, allowing it to pivot into teammates (such as?) whilst wearing down answers such as Chansey, Mega Latias, Galarian Slowking (personally don't think that glowking is the most meta-relevant mon anymore, you can keep it if you want but im not sure if its worth mentioning here. even then it kinda regens off the damage half the time) and Mega Tyranitar. However, this set has noticeably lower bulk than other Zapdos variants, which in conjunction with its Stealth Rock weakness limits the number of times it can come into a match. Thunderbolt is chosen over Discharge because of this, as it has fewer opportunities to spread paralysis and prefers acting as a breaker after chip damage from teammates or hazards with its higher base power. Roost keeps Zapdos healthy throughout a match, letting it stave off weaker attacks from opponents such as Toxapex, Ferrothorn and Tapu Fini as well as Stealth Rock chip. mention how it allows it to check pokemon in the long term like kartana, scizor, lopunny, etc. Zapdos's EV spread allows it to outspeed Modest Tapu Lele and Kyurem whilst maximising its power against targets such as Ferrothorn and Gliscor. However, it should be wary of Timid variants of the aforementioned Pokemon.

This Zapdos set fits best on offensive teams that can capitalise on its strong Volt Switch and removal of Ground-Types. It pairs exceptionally well with Mega Lopunny and Urshifu-R Urshifu Rapid-Strike, as they threaten the slow special walls that Zapdos pivots out of, particularly Chansey and Mega Tyranitar. The two in return bait out physical walls and bulky waters respectively, such as the prior mentioned Toxapex and Tapu Fini as well as Slowbro and Defensive Landorus-Therian, and utilise U-Turn to bring Zapdos in to threaten them. Similarly, strong physical wallbreakers such as Mega Medicham, Mega Mawile, and Weavile appreciate having safe entry points given their frailty. (merge some of these with the first point. i think those two you first mentioned fall into the vein of "strong physical wallbreaker" it could be something like "Strong physical wallbreakers, such as Mega Lopunny, Mega Medicham/Mega Mawile, and Weavile/Urshifu-R pair exceptionally well with Zapdos..." Then merge the reasoning.) The latter can also Pursuit trap Mega Latias, Galarian Slowking (see above) and Chansey, with Knock Off pressuring the opponent and supporting its presence greatly. Due to Zapdos's Stealth Rock weakness and tendency to use Volt Switch, Defog support from the like of Tapu Fini, Rotom-Wash, Gliscor and Landorus-Therian allow it to switch in and pivot more frequently and minimise the need for Zapdos to use Roost. Zapdos uses these partners as defensive backbones as it is considerably frailer without defensive investment. Zapdos also offensively threatens Kartana and Serperior for the aforementioned teammates. Alternatively, hazard pressure from Zapdos's teammates such as Garchomp, Gliscor, Landorus, Ferrothorn (tbh ferro is more known for spikes and not rocks, spikes don't affect zap as u already know) and Heatran may also force the opponent to use Defog themselves, removing their own hazards to Zapdos's benefit.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Zapdos can run an EV spread of 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe with a Timid nature (fixed spacing) in order to outspeed Timid Tapu Lele and Kyurem, Urshifu Rapid-Strike, (added comma) and Hydreigon while speed tying Mega Charizard X and Y as well as Mega Medicham. However, the loss of power is noteworthy against bulkier targets, such as Ferrothorn, (ferro still does not take hurri into fly z too well and can't stave it off as easily as the other two mentioned here, especially gastro) Hippowdon (removed comma) and Gastrodon.

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

merged

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[ChrisPBacon, 544502]]
- Quality checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]
 
add remove comment

[SET]
Name: Offensive Z-Move
Move 1: Hurricane
Move 2: Thunderbolt
Move 3: Volt Switch
Move 4: Roost
Item: Flyinium Z
Ability: Static
Nature: Modest
EVs: 40 HP / 252 SpA / 216 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Equipped with a Flyinium Z, Zapdos becomes a powerful offensive force, boosting its Hurricane into a one-time Supersonic Skystrike. This allows it to KO foes immune or resistant to its Electric STAB, such as Landorus-T, Garchomp, Gliscor, Kyurem, and Ferrothorn after slight chip. Omit the part about Supersonic Skystrike, and merge the first two sentences (so like “Equipped with Flyinium Z, Zapdos….force, capaable of KOing foes…”) Whilst bulkier Ground-Types such as Gastrodon and Hippowdon take less damage, they struggle to survive the Z-Move in tandem with Hurricane. This removal of Ground-Types means Zapdos's Volt Switches are incredibly difficult to block, allowing it to pivot into teammates that take advantage of its checks whilst wearing down answers such as Chansey, Mega Latias, and Mega Tyranitar. However, this set has noticeably lower bulk than other Zapdos variants, which in conjunction with its Stealth Rock weakness limits the number of times it can come into a match. It also makes it a much less sturdy answer to Kartana and Serperior, among others. Thunderbolt is chosen over Discharge because of this, as it has fewer opportunities to spread paralysis and prefers acting as a breaker after chip damage from teammates or hazards with its higher base power. Roost keeps Zapdos healthy throughout a match, letting it stave off weaker attacks from opponents such as Toxapex, Ferrothorn and Tapu Fini as well as Stealth Rock chip. It also allows Zapdos to stay out of range of the likes of Mega Lopunny, Mega Scizor, and Kartana. Zapdos's EV spread allows it to outspeed Modest Tapu Lele and Kyurem whilst maximising its power against targets such as Ferrothorn and Gliscor. However, it should be wary of Timid variants of the aforementioned Pokemon.

This Zapdos set fits best on offensive teams that can capitalise on its strong Volt Switch and removal of Ground-Types. It pairs exceptionally well with offensive pivots like Mega Lopunny and Urshifu-R, as well strong, but frail physical wallbreakers such as Mega Mawile Mega Mawile is not a mon I would call frail, you can probably find a better example, Mega Medicham and Weavile. These attackers threaten the slow special walls that Zapdos pivots out of, like Chansey and Mega Tyranitar. In return, the former two bring Zapdos back in by using U-Turn on bulky physical walls like Clefable and Toxapex. Weavile can also Pursuit trap Mega Latias and Chansey, with Knock Off pressuring the opponent and supporting its presence greatly. Due to Zapdos's Stealth Rock weakness and tendency to use Volt Switch, Defog support from the like of Tapu Fini, Rotom-W, Gliscor and Landorus-T allow it to switch in and pivot more frequently and minimise the need for Zapdos to use Roost. Zapdos uses these partners as defensive backbones as it is considerably frailer without defensive investment. Zapdos also offensively threatens Kartana and Serperior for these teammates. Alternatively, hazard pressure from Zapdos's teammates such as Garchomp, Gliscor, Landorus, Ferrothorn and Heatran may also force the opponent to use Defog themselves, removing their own hazards to Zapdos's benefit. If you want to mention Mega Mawile anywhere, add it here as a strong physical breaker than can come in freely on Weavile, who enjoys coming in on Zapdos after it gets a kill.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Zapdos can run an EV spread of 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe with a Timid Nature in order to outspeed Timid Tapu Lele and Kyurem, Urshifu Rapid-Strike, and Hydreigon while speed tying Mega Charizard X and Y as well as Mega Medicham. However, the loss of power is noteworthy against bulkier targets, such as Hippowdon and Gastrodon. You can add Gliscor here too, that matchup can be more annoying if its not Modest.

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

merged

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[ChrisPBacon, 544502]]
- Quality checked by: [[Milo, 540138], [username2, userid2]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]

2/2
 
Solaros & Lunaris said:
Mega Mawile is not a mon I would call frail, you can probably find a better example
Click to expand...
adding onto sols check u can swap the mmaw mention with mdia, and can also elaborate how bounce is nice bc zappy got no boots + nuke glisc and ferro type stuff for dia to go ham

also add mlop to one of the mons its no longer a sturdy check to, IMO that's the biggest ones in terms of examples

FYI its wallbreaker, not breaker

also wld add on rocks into c&c and specify its for this set

just an add on not an official check, but please add this / lmk on cord if you have any issues with them, good work on this :blobthumbsup:
 
add remove conjecture
[SET]
Name: Offensive Z-Move
Move 1: Hurricane
Move 2: Thunderbolt
Move 3: Volt Switch
Move 4: Roost
Item: Flyinium Z
Ability: Static
Nature: Modest
EVs: 40 HP / 252 SpA / 216 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Equipped with a Flyinium Z, Zapdos becomes is a powerful offensive force, allowing it to KO KOing foes immune or resistant to its Electric STAB, such as Landorus-T, Garchomp, Gliscor, Kyurem, and Ferrothorn, (comma) after slight chip damage. Whilst bulkier Ground-Types While bulkier Ground-types such as Gastrodon and Hippowdon take less damage avoid the OHKO, they struggle to survive the Z-Move in tandem with Hurricane Supersonic Skystrike + Hurricane. This removal of Ground-Types means Zapdos's Volt Switches are incredibly difficult to block, allowing it to pivot into teammates that take advantage of its checks whilst wearing down answers such as Chansey, Mega Latias, and Mega Tyranitar With opposing Ground-types removed, Zapdos can freely wear down its checks, such as Chansey, Mega Latias, and Mega Tyranitar, with Volt Switch. However, this set has noticeably lower bulk than other Zapdos variants, which in conjunction with its Stealth Rock weakness limits the number of times it can come into a match. It also makes it a much less sturdy answer to Kartana, Serperior, and Mega Lopunny, among others However, the lack of bulk investment and Heavy-Duty Boots means it is an unreliable check to Kartana, Serperior, and Mega Lopunny, especially if Stealth Rock is up don't directly reference other sets. Thunderbolt is chosen over Discharge because of this, as it has fewer opportunities to spread paralysis and prefers acting as a wallbreaker after chip damage from teammates or hazards with its higher base power as its primary Electric STAB move over Discharge to maximize its role as a wallbreaker. Roost keeps Zapdos healthy throughout a match, letting it stave off weaker attacks from opponents increases its longevity against passive foes such as Toxapex, Ferrothorn, and Tapu Fini, (commas) as well as offsets Stealth Rock chip. It also allows Zapdos to stay out of range of the likes of Mega Lopunny, Mega Scizor, and Kartana. Zapdos's EV spread allows it to outspeed outspeeds Modest Tapu Lele and Kyurem whilst maximising its power against targets such as Ferrothorn and Gliscor. However, it should be wary of Timid variants of the aforementioned Pokemon. does modest get any key KOs/rolls compared to timid? if yes say "Modest is preferred over Timid to [OHKO Ferrothorn with Supersonic Skystrike or whatever]"

This Zapdos set fits best on offensive teams that can capitalise capitalize on its strong Volt Switch and its ability to removal of Ground-types. It pairs exceptionally well with offensive pivots like Mega Lopunny and Urshifu-R, as well as strong, (comma) but frail wallbreakers such as Mega Diancie, Mega Medicham, (comma) and Weavile. These attackers threaten the slow special walls that Zapdos pivots out of, like Chansey and Mega Tyranitar. In return, the former two bring Zapdos back in by using U-turn on bulky physical walls like Clefable and Toxapex. Mega Diancie aids in preventing Stealth Rock on Zapdos's side, allowing it to circumvent its hazard weakness more effectively, whilst benefitting from Zapdos's removal of Ferrothorn and Gliscor helps block Stealth Rock while benefitting from Zapdos removing Ferrothorn and Gliscor. Weavile can also Pursuit trap Mega Latias and Chansey, with Knock Off pressuring the opponent and supporting its presence greatly and remove key items from foes with Knock Off. Due to Zapdos's Stealth Rock weakness and tendency to use Volt Switch, Defog support from the likes of Tapu Fini, Rotom-W, Gliscor, (comma) and Landorus-T allows it to switch in and pivot more frequently and minimise minimize the need for Zapdos to use Roost. Zapdos uses these partners as defensive backbones as it is considerably frailer without defensive investment. Zapdos also offensively threatens Kartana and Serperior for these teammates. Alternatively, entry hazard pressure from Zapdos's teammates such as Garchomp, Gliscor, Landorus-T I assume, Ferrothorn, (comma) and Heatran may also force the opponent to use Defog themselves, removing their own entry hazards to Zapdos's benefit. Mega Mawile is another fantastic partner, as it can exploit Chansey and Mega Latias, as well as Weavile, which enjoys switching into Zapdos after Zapdos gets a kill revenge killing Zapdos.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Zapdos can run an An alternative EV spread of 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe with a Timid Nature in order to outspeed outspeeds Timid Tapu Lele and Kyurem, Urshifu Rapid-Strike Urshifu-R, and Hydreigon while Speed tying Mega Charizard X and Y as well as Mega Medicham. However, the loss of power is noteworthy against bulkier targets, such as Hippowdon, Gliscor and Gastrodon make this more specific if you can.

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

**Stealth Rock**: As Zapdos cannot afford to run Heavy-Duty Boots on Offensive variants, its Stealth Rock weakness is exposed, limiting the amount of times it can switch in and use Volt Switch to wear opponents down.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[ChrisPBacon, 544502]]
- Quality checked by: [[Milo, 540138], [Solaros & Lunaris, 471780]
- Grammar checked by: [[UT, 523866]]
GP 1/1!

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GP Team done
 
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