[OVERVIEW]
Zapdos presents itself as a key pivot thanks to its solid defensive typing, well-rounded stats, and 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 an entry 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 letting Gliscor, Landorus-T, and Garchomp come in for free or Defog and not being able to remove hazards. Its typing leaves it vulnerable to Ice- and Rock-type attacks, both of which are commonplace in the tier, as plenty of Pokemon like Protean Greninja, Magearna, Landorus-T, and Garchomp often carry these as coverage options. Despite its solid Speed tier, Zapdos can't afford to invest a lot of EVs in Speed, as it needs the physical bulk to handle the aforementioned physical attackers; this leaves 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, Kommo-o, Clefable, and Mega Latias, 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. If Zapdos's teammates already have methods of dealing with these Ground-types, Defog is an option on bulky offense structures that lets it compress the role of a pivot and entry hazard remover. 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. Alternatively, Zapdos can run 184 Speed EVs to outrun offensive Landorus-T at the cost of reducing its physical bulk. 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 extra longevity in conjunction with Roost.
Usage Tips
========
Zapdos excels as a defensive pivot that primarily switches into contact users, such as Tornadus-T and Kartana, to punish them and checks 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 let Zapdos trade damage against physical attackers, especially if it 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 it can bait in and take down Zapdos after a boost. If Zapdos has Defog, it can remove Stealth Rock for the benefit of its team against the likes of Ferrothorn and defensive Landorus-T. Be careful when using Zapdos as a Defogger if the opponent packs Stealth Rock setters like Heatran, Kommo-o, Chansey, Seismitoad, and Clefable, especially if Zapdos is not running Discharge to potentially cripple them, with the exception of Seismitoad, as they can threaten it back with Toxic or, in Clefable's case, heavy damage. 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. In return, Zapdos handles Skarmory and Hawlucha, and it also 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 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 it 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 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: U-turn isn't blocked by Ground-types, unlike Volt Switch; Toxic punishes checks that attempt to force Zapdos out, like Mega Latias and Gastrodon; and Roar pairs well with support from entry hazards and wears 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 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, including Ice Punch Mega Medicham and Ice Beam from users like Protean Greninja, Magearna, and Mega Latias, 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 specially 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. 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 also can fire back with heavy damage.
**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 Tapu Koko and setup 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 must be mindful of its PP if it has Thunder Wave and risks taking chip damage from Rocky Helmet after using Seismic Toss, and it 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 checkmated, as they cannot switch out if they get trapped and will be eliminated. Mega Venusaur takes little damage 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 like burn and especially Toxic poison compound with the damage taken from Stealth Rock, forcing Zapdos to waste 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/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/skypenguin.462413/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/a-blue-banana.649096/
Zapdos presents itself as a key pivot thanks to its solid defensive typing, well-rounded stats, and 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 an entry 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 letting Gliscor, Landorus-T, and Garchomp come in for free or Defog and not being able to remove hazards. Its typing leaves it vulnerable to Ice- and Rock-type attacks, both of which are commonplace in the tier, as plenty of Pokemon like Protean Greninja, Magearna, Landorus-T, and Garchomp often carry these as coverage options. Despite its solid Speed tier, Zapdos can't afford to invest a lot of EVs in Speed, as it needs the physical bulk to handle the aforementioned physical attackers; this leaves 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, Kommo-o, Clefable, and Mega Latias, 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. If Zapdos's teammates already have methods of dealing with these Ground-types, Defog is an option on bulky offense structures that lets it compress the role of a pivot and entry hazard remover. 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. Alternatively, Zapdos can run 184 Speed EVs to outrun offensive Landorus-T at the cost of reducing its physical bulk. 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 extra longevity in conjunction with Roost.
Usage Tips
========
Zapdos excels as a defensive pivot that primarily switches into contact users, such as Tornadus-T and Kartana, to punish them and checks 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 let Zapdos trade damage against physical attackers, especially if it 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 it can bait in and take down Zapdos after a boost. If Zapdos has Defog, it can remove Stealth Rock for the benefit of its team against the likes of Ferrothorn and defensive Landorus-T. Be careful when using Zapdos as a Defogger if the opponent packs Stealth Rock setters like Heatran, Kommo-o, Chansey, Seismitoad, and Clefable, especially if Zapdos is not running Discharge to potentially cripple them, with the exception of Seismitoad, as they can threaten it back with Toxic or, in Clefable's case, heavy damage. 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. In return, Zapdos handles Skarmory and Hawlucha, and it also 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 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 it 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 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: U-turn isn't blocked by Ground-types, unlike Volt Switch; Toxic punishes checks that attempt to force Zapdos out, like Mega Latias and Gastrodon; and Roar pairs well with support from entry hazards and wears 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 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, including Ice Punch Mega Medicham and Ice Beam from users like Protean Greninja, Magearna, and Mega Latias, 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 specially 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. 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 also can fire back with heavy damage.
**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 Tapu Koko and setup 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 must be mindful of its PP if it has Thunder Wave and risks taking chip damage from Rocky Helmet after using Seismic Toss, and it 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 checkmated, as they cannot switch out if they get trapped and will be eliminated. Mega Venusaur takes little damage 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 like burn and especially Toxic poison compound with the damage taken from Stealth Rock, forcing Zapdos to waste 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/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/skypenguin.462413/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/a-blue-banana.649096/
Last edited:
