Namranan
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[OVERVIEW]
Flying
========
Zapdos finds itself as one of the most useful Pokemon a Flying-type team can use, as its Electric typing allows it to take attacks from the likes of Tapu Koko under Electric Terrain, and it is able to provide support for its team via Defog. Its bulk also allows it to take hits from opposing offensive Pokemon such as Gengar and Latios. With Pressure as its ability, Zapdos is able to waste opposing Stealth Rock PP quickly and successfully stall out Pokemon that use the move repeatedly, as well as waste the PP of other opposing moves that threaten its teammates. Zapdos's access to Roost and Toxic allows it to be an effective user of Pressure stall and force out opposing walls and offensive Pokemon with ease; alternatively, it can also use Defog to become a fast specially defensive pivot able to outspeed the likes of Heatran and Diggersby. Zapdos can work effectively as a pivot as well thanks to its access to Volt Switch, which allows it to make a good pivoting core with teammates like Landorus-T and Tornadus-T. Zapdos effectively spreads status to the opposing team with Discharge and Toxic, allowing it to become a useful asset in wearing down opposing Pokemon for its teammates. However, because of this passive playstyle, Zapdos is susceptible to Taunt, which can be problematic if it is trying to Defog hazards, heal itself with Roost, or wear down a threat with Toxic. Also, despite being a great wall, Zapdos can still be KOed by a lot of physical attackers like Mega Aerodactyl due to its slightly lackluster offensive presence and lack of physical bulk.
[SET]
name: SubToxic
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Discharge
move 4: Roost
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 120 SpD / 136 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Substitute allows Zapdos to avoid status while also being able to stall almost any Pokemon down in tandem with Toxic and Roost. Toxic is used to beat opposing walls like Porygon2 and put offensive Pokemon such as Landorus-T and Kyurem-B on a timer. It also wears down most Ground-types that are immune to Discharge. Discharge is primarily used as a STAB move that can paralyze opposing Pokemon, making it harder for them to KO Zapdos. It also hits most Poison- and Steel-type Pokemon that are immune to Toxic. Roost is used to keep Zapdos healthy, especially after using a couple of Substitutes.
Set Details
========
136 Speed EVs with a Timid nature are used to creep maximum Speed Heatran and avoid its fast Toxic, as well as to outpace Suicune and Nidoking. Maximum HP investment with the remaining EVs put into Special Defense allows Zapdos to maximize the health of its Substitute and its own bulk. Pressure is used to further deplete the PP of threatening moves like Magma Storm, Stone Edge, and Sludge Bomb, and Toxic is used so that Zapdos can force the users of these moves out. Leftovers allows Zapdos to passively recover health behind its Substitute without being forced to use Roost.
Usage Tips
========
Take advantage of passive Pokemon like Mega Sableye to easily set up Substitute and stall them out. Use Toxic liberally throughout the battle to spread status early-game. This allows Zapdos to stall more later in the game, taking pressure off the rest of the team. Zapdos should avoid getting poisoned or burned, as it will make it immensely difficult for it to properly wall opposing Pokemon. Avoid getting hit by Knock Off, as losing its Leftovers makes it harder for this set to be effective. Take advantage of Discharge's paralysis chance to provide some speed control against Pokemon like Greninja. However, be wary of accidentally paralyzing a wall like Porygon2 or Cradily, as this will make them harder for your team to take down. Try to use Substitute when the opposing Pokemon is badly poisoned or if you expect a Z-Move from a Pokemon that is slower than Zapdos, such as Tapu Bulu or Heatran.
Team Options
========
Mantine is a great Defogger that can take Ice-type attacks for Zapdos while also being able to check threats to Zapdos like Choice Scarf Greninja. Its Haze also helps Zapdos immensely with setup sweepers like Azumarill. Celesteela also helps check Zapdos's threats thanks to its amazing typing, allowing it to take many Rock- and Ice-type attacks Zapdos is weak to, while its Flamethrower can help get rid of opposing Steel-types like Ferrothorn that make it difficult for Zapdos to be effective. Skarmory helps take physical attacks that Zapdos is usually vulnerable to, can use Defog to remove Stealth Rock and prevent it from harming Zapdos, and has Whirlwind to phaze setup sweepers that would take advantage of Zapdos. Mega Aerodactyl is a fantastic assistant for Zapdos, as it can KO opposing Rock- and Ice-types with Earthquake and Stone Edge. It also provides Stealth Rock support and Pursuit traps threats to Zapdos like Victini. Landorus-T and Gliscor are both good Electric-immune teammates that can still assist Zapdos. Choice Scarf Landorus-T also acts as a good pivot with U-turn and is a reliable way to keep faster foes in check, while Gliscor helps stallbreak opposing teams with its good bulk, high passive recovery, pseudo status immunity, and Taunt. Tornadus-T is an excellent pivot with its Speed and access to U-turn, and is also an excellent offensive Defogger that can KO opposing Steel-types with Heat Wave and remove opposing items with Knock Off.
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive Defog
move 1: Volt Switch / Discharge
move 2: Roost
move 3: Defog
move 4: Heat Wave / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 176 SpD / 80 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Volt Switch is used so that Zapdos can pivot out of the fight to keep momentum going. Roost allows Zapdos to recover its health and allows it to continue to be useful in the match. Defog removes entry hazards from the field, easing the need for the move on other teammates so they can run other moves. Heat Wave hits Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and Excadrill to keep them from walling Zapdos. Discharge can be used over Volt Switch so that Zapdos has a reliable STAB move that also has a decent paralysis chance. Toxic can be used over Heat Wave to hit incoming walls and checks to Zapdos like Porygon2 and Landorus-T, putting them on a timer.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP investment, 176 Special Defense EVs, and a Calm nature allow Zapdos to be as bulky as possible and survive a multitude of hits from offensive Pokemon like Gengar and Latios. Zapdos runs 80 Speed EVs to make sure that it outspeeds Adamant Bisharp and Adamant Diggersby. Leftovers is used to give Zapdos as much passive recovery as possible. Pressure is Zapdos's best ability, as it allows it to deplete the PP of opposing sweepers that it walls, limiting their choices and forcing switches.
Usage Tips
========
Volt Switch should be used once Zapdos has successfully removed Stealth Rock from the field so its teammates can come in safely. Using it against faster Pokemon allows Zapdos to bring in teammates like Mega Aerodactyl and Landorus-T safely, while using it against slower Pokemon allows it to safely pivot out to a wall like Mantine or Gliscor so they can completely stop the foe. Try to avoid having Zapdos getting its passive recovery nullified, as losing its Leftovers to Knock Off or getting hit with a status move makes it harder for Zapdos to effectively wall opposing Pokemon. Try to switch Zapdos in on a predicted Stealth Rock use, as it makes it easier to deplete the opposing Pokemon's PP for that move, allowing your team to be able to switch into the fight more easily. Make sure that Zapdos is healthy before it switches out, as it will make it easier for it to Defog effectively later in the match. Zapdos can provide speed control by spreading paralysis with Discharge, which can be really useful to keep revenge killers like Kommo-o in check. Zapdos should use Toxic on a predicted switch to a wall or an Electric-immune Pokemon so that it can put them on a timer and give its team the upper hand. Try to bluff Toxic against balance teams that are vulnerable to it like Normal so that you can surprise would-be switch-ins. Heat Wave is also important to keep hidden so you can surprise switch-ins like Ferrothorn and Bisharp in the Steel matchup, allowing you to get the upper hand in the fight.
Team Options
========
The entire team appreciates Zapdos's ability to remove Stealth Rock effectively, as most Flying-types are weak to it. Its teammates also appreciate its neutrality to Electric-type moves. Celesteela can wear down opposing Pokemon with Toxic and Leech Seed, and Leech Seed in particular can provide Zapdos with additional healing, allowing it to force out even more Pokemon. It also has a spectacular typing and great bulk that allow it to take Ice-type attacks for Zapdos as well. Mantine is an excellent switch-in to Pokemon like Greninja and can form a great defensive Defog core with Zapdos. Its Haze also allows it to make setup sweepers less of a problem for Zapdos. Landorus-T can utilize Choice Scarf to remove threats to Zapdos with its powerful Earthquake, such as Nidoking and Terrakion. Tornadus-T is a great assisting Defogger that helps take down checks to Zapdos like Mega Venusaur with Hurricane. It also forms a nice pivoting core with Zapdos and appreciates Zapdos's ability to get rid of certain Steel-types that it struggles against, such as Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor. Mega Aerodactyl appreciates Zapdos's ability to wear down opposing walls and attackers so that it can clean opposing teams more easily. In return, it can remove threats such as Taunt Tapu Koko and Trick Latios so Zapdos isn't crippled or removed. Skarmory can switch into physical attacks from Pokemon like Excadrill and Mega Gallade, as well as neutralize physical Rock-type attacks. Mega Charizard Y can break down the walls that Zapdos struggles against like Ferrothorn, making it easier for Zapdos to wear down opposing offensive Pokemon.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Flying
--------
Zapdos can use alternative spreads to deal with certain threats better or to maximize its bulk while outspeeding other important key threats. Zapdos's SubToxic set, for example, can run maximum Speed and HP to outspeed Kyurem-B and deplete its Fusion Bolt or Ice Beam PP. This, however, sacrifices Zapdos's longevity and bulk against other offensive Pokemon and makes it harder to switch into many Pokemon. Zapdos can also run a spread of 252 HP / 148 SpD / 108 Spe on the Defog set for increased survivability while still being able to outpace the likes of Jolly Bisharp and Jolly Breloom. However, this leaves Zapdos slower than Heatran, which forces hard 50/50 decisions instead of being able to pivot out with ease.
Checks and Counters
===================
Flying
--------
**Stallbreakers**: Pokemon such as Hydreigon and Kommo-o can use Taunt to stop Zapdos's recovery and ability to Defog, which makes it a sitting duck for any incoming damage from the opposing team.
**Opposing Walls**: Pokemon like Mega Venusaur, Chansey, and Heatran all take very little damage from Zapdos. However, other walls such as Swampert, Celesteela, and Clefable are threatened by the SubToxic set.
**Wallbreakers and Setup Sweepers**: Pokemon like Mega Gallade, Choice Specs Blacephelon, Refresh Mega Latias, and Refresh Mega Altaria can break through Zapdos's defenses and eventually KO it.
**Super Effective Coverage**: Like most Flying-types, Zapdos is weak to Rock- and Ice-type attacks, especially physical variants due to its underwhelming physical bulk.
**Status**: Zapdos gets completely shut down by Toxic, since it relies on being healthy. Getting burned does not help either, as the negation of Leftovers makes it harder to wall opposing Pokemon.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Namranan, 353292]]
- Flying analysis by: [[Namranan, 353292]]
- Quality checked by: [[maroon, 305839]], [[Moosical, 215618]], [Eien, 100418]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Electrolyte, 148071]]
Flying
========
Zapdos finds itself as one of the most useful Pokemon a Flying-type team can use, as its Electric typing allows it to take attacks from the likes of Tapu Koko under Electric Terrain, and it is able to provide support for its team via Defog. Its bulk also allows it to take hits from opposing offensive Pokemon such as Gengar and Latios. With Pressure as its ability, Zapdos is able to waste opposing Stealth Rock PP quickly and successfully stall out Pokemon that use the move repeatedly, as well as waste the PP of other opposing moves that threaten its teammates. Zapdos's access to Roost and Toxic allows it to be an effective user of Pressure stall and force out opposing walls and offensive Pokemon with ease; alternatively, it can also use Defog to become a fast specially defensive pivot able to outspeed the likes of Heatran and Diggersby. Zapdos can work effectively as a pivot as well thanks to its access to Volt Switch, which allows it to make a good pivoting core with teammates like Landorus-T and Tornadus-T. Zapdos effectively spreads status to the opposing team with Discharge and Toxic, allowing it to become a useful asset in wearing down opposing Pokemon for its teammates. However, because of this passive playstyle, Zapdos is susceptible to Taunt, which can be problematic if it is trying to Defog hazards, heal itself with Roost, or wear down a threat with Toxic. Also, despite being a great wall, Zapdos can still be KOed by a lot of physical attackers like Mega Aerodactyl due to its slightly lackluster offensive presence and lack of physical bulk.
[SET]
name: SubToxic
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Discharge
move 4: Roost
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 120 SpD / 136 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Substitute allows Zapdos to avoid status while also being able to stall almost any Pokemon down in tandem with Toxic and Roost. Toxic is used to beat opposing walls like Porygon2 and put offensive Pokemon such as Landorus-T and Kyurem-B on a timer. It also wears down most Ground-types that are immune to Discharge. Discharge is primarily used as a STAB move that can paralyze opposing Pokemon, making it harder for them to KO Zapdos. It also hits most Poison- and Steel-type Pokemon that are immune to Toxic. Roost is used to keep Zapdos healthy, especially after using a couple of Substitutes.
Set Details
========
136 Speed EVs with a Timid nature are used to creep maximum Speed Heatran and avoid its fast Toxic, as well as to outpace Suicune and Nidoking. Maximum HP investment with the remaining EVs put into Special Defense allows Zapdos to maximize the health of its Substitute and its own bulk. Pressure is used to further deplete the PP of threatening moves like Magma Storm, Stone Edge, and Sludge Bomb, and Toxic is used so that Zapdos can force the users of these moves out. Leftovers allows Zapdos to passively recover health behind its Substitute without being forced to use Roost.
Usage Tips
========
Take advantage of passive Pokemon like Mega Sableye to easily set up Substitute and stall them out. Use Toxic liberally throughout the battle to spread status early-game. This allows Zapdos to stall more later in the game, taking pressure off the rest of the team. Zapdos should avoid getting poisoned or burned, as it will make it immensely difficult for it to properly wall opposing Pokemon. Avoid getting hit by Knock Off, as losing its Leftovers makes it harder for this set to be effective. Take advantage of Discharge's paralysis chance to provide some speed control against Pokemon like Greninja. However, be wary of accidentally paralyzing a wall like Porygon2 or Cradily, as this will make them harder for your team to take down. Try to use Substitute when the opposing Pokemon is badly poisoned or if you expect a Z-Move from a Pokemon that is slower than Zapdos, such as Tapu Bulu or Heatran.
Team Options
========
Mantine is a great Defogger that can take Ice-type attacks for Zapdos while also being able to check threats to Zapdos like Choice Scarf Greninja. Its Haze also helps Zapdos immensely with setup sweepers like Azumarill. Celesteela also helps check Zapdos's threats thanks to its amazing typing, allowing it to take many Rock- and Ice-type attacks Zapdos is weak to, while its Flamethrower can help get rid of opposing Steel-types like Ferrothorn that make it difficult for Zapdos to be effective. Skarmory helps take physical attacks that Zapdos is usually vulnerable to, can use Defog to remove Stealth Rock and prevent it from harming Zapdos, and has Whirlwind to phaze setup sweepers that would take advantage of Zapdos. Mega Aerodactyl is a fantastic assistant for Zapdos, as it can KO opposing Rock- and Ice-types with Earthquake and Stone Edge. It also provides Stealth Rock support and Pursuit traps threats to Zapdos like Victini. Landorus-T and Gliscor are both good Electric-immune teammates that can still assist Zapdos. Choice Scarf Landorus-T also acts as a good pivot with U-turn and is a reliable way to keep faster foes in check, while Gliscor helps stallbreak opposing teams with its good bulk, high passive recovery, pseudo status immunity, and Taunt. Tornadus-T is an excellent pivot with its Speed and access to U-turn, and is also an excellent offensive Defogger that can KO opposing Steel-types with Heat Wave and remove opposing items with Knock Off.
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive Defog
move 1: Volt Switch / Discharge
move 2: Roost
move 3: Defog
move 4: Heat Wave / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 176 SpD / 80 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Volt Switch is used so that Zapdos can pivot out of the fight to keep momentum going. Roost allows Zapdos to recover its health and allows it to continue to be useful in the match. Defog removes entry hazards from the field, easing the need for the move on other teammates so they can run other moves. Heat Wave hits Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and Excadrill to keep them from walling Zapdos. Discharge can be used over Volt Switch so that Zapdos has a reliable STAB move that also has a decent paralysis chance. Toxic can be used over Heat Wave to hit incoming walls and checks to Zapdos like Porygon2 and Landorus-T, putting them on a timer.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP investment, 176 Special Defense EVs, and a Calm nature allow Zapdos to be as bulky as possible and survive a multitude of hits from offensive Pokemon like Gengar and Latios. Zapdos runs 80 Speed EVs to make sure that it outspeeds Adamant Bisharp and Adamant Diggersby. Leftovers is used to give Zapdos as much passive recovery as possible. Pressure is Zapdos's best ability, as it allows it to deplete the PP of opposing sweepers that it walls, limiting their choices and forcing switches.
Usage Tips
========
Volt Switch should be used once Zapdos has successfully removed Stealth Rock from the field so its teammates can come in safely. Using it against faster Pokemon allows Zapdos to bring in teammates like Mega Aerodactyl and Landorus-T safely, while using it against slower Pokemon allows it to safely pivot out to a wall like Mantine or Gliscor so they can completely stop the foe. Try to avoid having Zapdos getting its passive recovery nullified, as losing its Leftovers to Knock Off or getting hit with a status move makes it harder for Zapdos to effectively wall opposing Pokemon. Try to switch Zapdos in on a predicted Stealth Rock use, as it makes it easier to deplete the opposing Pokemon's PP for that move, allowing your team to be able to switch into the fight more easily. Make sure that Zapdos is healthy before it switches out, as it will make it easier for it to Defog effectively later in the match. Zapdos can provide speed control by spreading paralysis with Discharge, which can be really useful to keep revenge killers like Kommo-o in check. Zapdos should use Toxic on a predicted switch to a wall or an Electric-immune Pokemon so that it can put them on a timer and give its team the upper hand. Try to bluff Toxic against balance teams that are vulnerable to it like Normal so that you can surprise would-be switch-ins. Heat Wave is also important to keep hidden so you can surprise switch-ins like Ferrothorn and Bisharp in the Steel matchup, allowing you to get the upper hand in the fight.
Team Options
========
The entire team appreciates Zapdos's ability to remove Stealth Rock effectively, as most Flying-types are weak to it. Its teammates also appreciate its neutrality to Electric-type moves. Celesteela can wear down opposing Pokemon with Toxic and Leech Seed, and Leech Seed in particular can provide Zapdos with additional healing, allowing it to force out even more Pokemon. It also has a spectacular typing and great bulk that allow it to take Ice-type attacks for Zapdos as well. Mantine is an excellent switch-in to Pokemon like Greninja and can form a great defensive Defog core with Zapdos. Its Haze also allows it to make setup sweepers less of a problem for Zapdos. Landorus-T can utilize Choice Scarf to remove threats to Zapdos with its powerful Earthquake, such as Nidoking and Terrakion. Tornadus-T is a great assisting Defogger that helps take down checks to Zapdos like Mega Venusaur with Hurricane. It also forms a nice pivoting core with Zapdos and appreciates Zapdos's ability to get rid of certain Steel-types that it struggles against, such as Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor. Mega Aerodactyl appreciates Zapdos's ability to wear down opposing walls and attackers so that it can clean opposing teams more easily. In return, it can remove threats such as Taunt Tapu Koko and Trick Latios so Zapdos isn't crippled or removed. Skarmory can switch into physical attacks from Pokemon like Excadrill and Mega Gallade, as well as neutralize physical Rock-type attacks. Mega Charizard Y can break down the walls that Zapdos struggles against like Ferrothorn, making it easier for Zapdos to wear down opposing offensive Pokemon.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Flying
--------
Zapdos can use alternative spreads to deal with certain threats better or to maximize its bulk while outspeeding other important key threats. Zapdos's SubToxic set, for example, can run maximum Speed and HP to outspeed Kyurem-B and deplete its Fusion Bolt or Ice Beam PP. This, however, sacrifices Zapdos's longevity and bulk against other offensive Pokemon and makes it harder to switch into many Pokemon. Zapdos can also run a spread of 252 HP / 148 SpD / 108 Spe on the Defog set for increased survivability while still being able to outpace the likes of Jolly Bisharp and Jolly Breloom. However, this leaves Zapdos slower than Heatran, which forces hard 50/50 decisions instead of being able to pivot out with ease.
Checks and Counters
===================
Flying
--------
**Stallbreakers**: Pokemon such as Hydreigon and Kommo-o can use Taunt to stop Zapdos's recovery and ability to Defog, which makes it a sitting duck for any incoming damage from the opposing team.
**Opposing Walls**: Pokemon like Mega Venusaur, Chansey, and Heatran all take very little damage from Zapdos. However, other walls such as Swampert, Celesteela, and Clefable are threatened by the SubToxic set.
**Wallbreakers and Setup Sweepers**: Pokemon like Mega Gallade, Choice Specs Blacephelon, Refresh Mega Latias, and Refresh Mega Altaria can break through Zapdos's defenses and eventually KO it.
**Super Effective Coverage**: Like most Flying-types, Zapdos is weak to Rock- and Ice-type attacks, especially physical variants due to its underwhelming physical bulk.
**Status**: Zapdos gets completely shut down by Toxic, since it relies on being healthy. Getting burned does not help either, as the negation of Leftovers makes it harder to wall opposing Pokemon.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Namranan, 353292]]
- Flying analysis by: [[Namranan, 353292]]
- Quality checked by: [[maroon, 305839]], [[Moosical, 215618]], [Eien, 100418]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Electrolyte, 148071]]
Last edited:
