VGC 18 Zapdos

[Egor]

QC: Jio / Carbonific
GP:

[OVERVIEW]

* Thanks to its above-average bulk and decent Speed, Zapdos is one of the best Tailwind setters in VGC.

* Zapdos's typing is pretty good defensively, leaving it with some good resistances and immunity to Ground-type attacks. Unfortunately, Zapdos has weakness to very common Rock Slide.

* It can survive strong neutral attacks such as Mega Kangaskhan's Double-Edge, super effective hits such as Mega Tyranitar's Rock Slide and even some Z-moves like Incineroar's Malicious Moonsault but unable to take on any stronger attacks.

* Pressure allows Zapdos to leech PP from low-PP moves such as Tapu Bulu's Stone Edge.

*On the offensive side, Zapdos faces competition from Thundurus-T, Mega Manectric and Tapu Koko because they're faster and/or stronger. Zapdos sets itself apart from them with its bulk and, unlike Mega Manectric, Zapdos doesn't use a Mega slot.

[SET]
name: Offensive Tailwind
move 1: Tailwind
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Heat Wave
move 4: Detect / Heat Wave
item: Electrium Z
ability: Pressure
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 60 HP / 108 Def / 148 SpA / 4 SpD / 188 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

* Tailwind doubles your team's Speed for three turns. It helps Pokémon with mediocre Speed to outspeed faster foes.

* Thunderbolt is STAB move, hitting Water- and Flying-types such as Politoed and Celesteela.

* Hidden Power Ice hard hits Landorus-T and Mega Salamence.

* Detect allows Zapdos to survive strong attacks and double target. Heat Wave is a spread move, which hits Grass-types, especially Ferrothorn, hard.

* Electrium Z is necessary for powerful 175 BP Gigavolt Havoc, which has a big chance to OHKO +1 Tapu Fini with some chip damage.

* The given EV spread with Modest nature gives Zapdos much offensive presence. With this spread Zapdos OHKOs uninvested Landorus-T and usually OHKOs Naive Mega Salamence with Hidden Power Ice, while survives Joly Mega Metagross's Zen Headbutt under Psychic Terrain and Timid Mega Charizard Y's sun-boosted Flamethrower. Timid nature with EV spread in 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe also can be used, as it Speed ties with other positive-nature base 100s like Mega Charizard Y and 2HKOs no bulk Mega Metagross with Heat Wave, though with this EV spread Zapdos loses a lot of bulk.

* You should use Zapdos either early- or mid-game to provide speed control for your team. Leading with Zapdos is fine because it brings Zapdos onto the field safely.

* Don't overrate Zapdos's bulk and switch it out from possible super effective moves or Z-moves. Alternatively, use Detect.

* Zapdos appreciates Wide Guard support because it has weakness to multi-target Rock Slide. Aegislash is decent teammate because it can provide Wide Guard support and switch into Rock-type attacks. In return, Zapdos can freely switch into Ground-type attacks.

* Fake Out support from the likes of Incineroar and Scrafty helps Zapdos to setup Tailwind more easily.

* Steel-types such as Mega Metagross and Kartana works with Zapdos well because they theaten Tyranitar, one of the best Zapdos counters. Zapdos can take on Water-types such as Tapu Fini and switch into Ground-type attacks. These Pokémon also appreciates speed control provided by Tailwind.

[SET]
name: Terrain Abuser
move 1: Tailwind
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Heat Wave
move 4: Roost
item: Misty Seed / Psychic Seed
ability: Pressure
nature: Modest
evs: 204 HP / 124 Def / 36 SpA / 100 SpD / 44 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

* Tailwind provides a Speed control for your team for three turns.

* Thunderbolt hits Flying- and Water-types like Celesteela and Tapu Fini.

* Hidden Power Ice with Thunderbolt provides good coverage. It hits Mega Salamence and Landorus-T for a large amount of damage. Heat Wave is a spread move that hits Grass-types such as Amoonguss harder than Hidden Power Ice.

* Roost increases Zapdos's longevity and allows it to stay on field for more time.

* Misty Seed and Psychic Seed increase Zapdos's special bulk by one stage in Misty or Psychic Terrain respectively.

* The given EV spread with the Modest nature allows Zapdos to survive Tapu Lele's Shattered Psyche in Psychic Terrain when Zapdos's Seed is activated and outpace +1 base 100s under Tailwind. Also Zapdos 2HKOes most standart variants of Tapu Fini with Thunderbolt.

* You must be careful with switches because Terrain Seeds consumes after activating, and without Special Defense boost Zapdos loses many special bulk. Before bringing Zapdos on the field with Terrain which activates Seed, you should eliminate or weaken Pokémon that can force out Zapdos.

* You must have Tapu Lele or Tapu Fini in your team, depending on Zapdos's Seed.

* Steel-types such as Kartana and Mega Metagross can take on very threatening to Zapdos Tyranitar, while Zapdos freely switches into Ground-type attacks. Mega Metagross is particularly useful if you run Psychic Seed Zapdos, as Psychic Terrain will strengthen Mega Metagross's Zen Headbutt alongside with activate Zapdos's Psychic Seed.

* Intimidate support from the likes of Incineroar, Scrafty and Landorus-T helps Zapdos to take on physical attacks more easily. Scrafty deserves a special mention because it provides both Fake Out and Intimidate support and threatens Tyranitar.

[SET]
name: Bulky Tailwind
move 1: Tailwind
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Heat Wave
move 4: Roost / Detect
item: Wiki Berry / Sitrus Berry
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 36 Def / 4 SpA / 172 SpD / 44 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

* Tailwind helps Zapdos's teammates to outspeed many opponent's Pokémon on three turns.

* Thunderbolt is the strongest Zapdos's attack which hits Water- and Flying-types.

* Hidden Power Ice gives Zapdos coverage for Landorus-T and Mega Salamence, while multi-target Heat Wave helps Zapdos to knock out Grass- and Steel-types like Mega Metagross and Ferrothorn.

* Roost heals half of Zapdos's HP, increasing its longevity. Detect helps to reveal opposing Pokemons' moves and allows Zapdos to survive double target.

* Wiki Berry and Sitrus Berry heal Zapdos on 50% or 25% when it's on 25% or 50%, respectively. Wiki Berry is generally more useful because it restores more HP, but Sitrus Berry is less risky.

* The given EV spread with Calm nature enables Zapdos to be 3HKOed by Adamant Landorus-T's Rock Slide, survive Ludicolo's rain-boosted Hydro Vortex 15 of 16 times, and outspeed +1 base 100s under Tailwind. Alternatively, Modest nature can be used for more power in exchange to special bulk.

* This Zapdos's set is good for teams that don't wish to rely on a Seed or that haven't place for Tapu Fini or Tapu Lele.

* As usual, Steel-types are good teammates. Aegislash and Celesteela provides additional utility in Wide Guard, which protects Zapdos from Rock Slide and other multi-target moves.

* Intimidate and Fake Out support from the likes of Incineroar, Scrafty, and Hitmontop is appreciated by Zapdos, as it helps Zapdos to survive more physical attacks and set up Tailwind.

* Tyranitar can be a good teammate for Zapdos because they cover each other's weaknesses pretty good.

 

[Egor]

Ok, I think this analysis is ready for qc.

 

[Adamant Zoroark]

(Not QC) No mention of Misty Seed? Misty Seed + Psychic Seed makes up fairly substantial usage, seeing as it gives Zapdos a pseudo-Assault Vest that still lets it use status moves; Zapdos doesn’t care nearly as much about losing Berry recovery as some other ‘mons do.

Also, a couple of things from PGL usage stats that make me think an offensive set is worthy of mentioning, if not outright listing:

-Electrium Z is the most used item on Zapdos (I think this still applies if you pool FIWAM berries together; when I did it Electrium wasn’t leading by much, so FIWAM may have overtaken it since)
-Over 70% of Zapdos are either Modest or Timid, and there is no way that much usage is just a fluke due to bad players.

A set might look something like:

[SET]
name: Offensive Tailwind
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Tailwind
move 3: Heat Wave / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Roost / Hidden Power Ice
item: Wiki Berry / Electrium Z
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

(EVs are just an example; don’t feel like getting a more efficient spread rn)

Also, Malicious Moonsault seems like a pretty weird thing to EV train for, considering fewer than 10% of Incineroar run it.

 

[Carbonific]

Zapdos is a hard Pokemon to write an analysis for, as the line between each variant is oftentimes subtle, so I'm not blaming you for not getting this perfect on the first attempt. I think, as much of a pain as it is, you're going to need to split this into three sets, as the moves they use and the play-style of each is slightly different:

1. Offensive Tailwind
@ Electrium Z
Modest Nature
- Tailwind
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power Ice / Heat Wave
- Detect / Heat Wave

* Mention a Timid option in Set Comments.
* Longevity is not the point of this set, so Roost is dropped entirely. Focus on checking specific threats.

2. Terrain Abuser
@ Misty Seed / Psychic Seed
Modest Nature
- Tailwind
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power Ice / Heat Wave
- Roost

* Proper maneuvering becomes crucial, as switching comes with a price. Roost becomes mandatory.

3. Bulky Tailwind
@ Wiki Berry / Sitrus Berry
Calm Nature
- Tailwind
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power Ice / Heat Wave
- Roost / Detect

* Mention a Modest option in Set Comments.
* Focus on natural bulk for teams that don't wish to rely on a Seed. Berry recovery makes Detect viable.
* Maybe bring up Roar as an option in Slot 4 for checking setup outside of Soundproof Kommo-o.

Don't worry about citing perfectly optimized EV spreads for the time being (ex. 252 SpA / 252 Spe is fine for the Timid spread). Just focus on the general layout of the above and we'll sort the specifics later.

 

[Egor]

Analysis was rewrited, and now there are three sets instead of one

 

[Jio]

not much to say, solid write up! QC 1/2 :]

 

[Egor]

Ready for the second check

 

[Carbonific]

Overall very good! The differences between each set are well defined.

Overview

• Move Point #2 down to being Point #4, so all the points about bulk are together.

• but unable to take on any stronger attacks.

  - Remove this part. You don't need to be negative here. Zapdos is bulky; no need to downplay that fact.

Set 1

• Change EVs to 60 HP / 108 Def / 148 SpA / 4 SpD / 188 Spe. They:
  • Survive Jolly Mega Metagross' Psychic Terrain-boosted Zen Headbutt
  • Survive Timid Mega Charizard Y's sun-boosted Flamethrower
  • Allow Hidden Power to OHKO uninvested Landorus-T
  • With a Modest nature, allow Hidden Power to OHKO Naive Mega Salamence 15/16 times
  • Outspeed Landorus-T of an equivalent nature
• Modest should always be running some bulk; only Timid should get a 252/252 mention. For example, there's little point 2HKOing Mega Metagross if you can't take a Zen Headbutt from it.

• You should use

  - Add that leading it is also useful for providing an opportunity to get onto the field safely, which is more difficult for this variant given the lesser defensive investment.

Set 2

• Change EVs to 204 HP / 124 Def / 36 SpA / 100 SpD / 44 Spe. They:
  • Use a 16n-1 HP for sandstorm/hail/Leech Seed
  • Survive Tapu Lele's Psychic Terrain-boosted Z-Psychic
  • Use an 11n SpA to make efficient use of the nature
  • Outspeed +1 base 100s in Tailwind
  • Dump the remainder in Def

Set 3

• Change EVs to 252 HP / 36 Def / 4 SpA / 172 SpD / 44 Spe. They:
  • Survive 2 Landorus-T Rock Slide
  • Survive Ludicolo's rain-boosted Z-Hydro Pump 15/16 times
  • Outspeed +1 base 100s in Tailwind
• Remove the point about Tyranitar's sandstorm helping to put Zapdos into pinch berry range. While it's true, it can just as easily put it into KO range of a foe's attack as well, making it kinda unnoteworthy.
• The mention of a Modest nature is fine staying vague, since that approach is super flexible.

Post when implemented and I'll stamp it.

 

[Egor]

Overall very good! The differences between each set are well defined.

Overview

• Move Point #2 down to being Point #4, so all the points about bulk are together.
• - Remove this part. You don't need to be negative here. Zapdos is bulky; no need to downplay that fact.

Set 1

• Change EVs to 60 HP / 108 Def / 148 SpA / 4 SpD / 188 Spe. They:
  • Survive Jolly Mega Metagross' Psychic Terrain-boosted Zen Headbutt
  • Survive Timid Mega Charizard Y's sun-boosted Flamethrower
  • Allow Hidden Power to OHKO uninvested Landorus-T
  • With a Modest nature, allow Hidden Power to OHKO Naive Mega Salamence 15/16 times
  • Outspeed Landorus-T of an equivalent nature
• Modest should always be running some bulk; only Timid should get a 252/252 mention. For example, there's little point 2HKOing Mega Metagross if you can't take a Zen Headbutt from it.
• - Add that leading it is also useful for providing an opportunity to get onto the field safely, which is more difficult for this variant given the lesser defensive investment.

Set 2

• Change EVs to 204 HP / 124 Def / 36 SpA / 100 SpD / 44 Spe. They:
  • Use a 16n-1 HP for sandstorm/hail/Leech Seed
  • Survive Tapu Lele's Psychic Terrain-boosted Z-Psychic
  • Use an 11n SpA to make efficient use of the nature
  • Outspeed +1 base 100s in Tailwind
  • Dump the remainder in Def

Set 3

• Change EVs to 252 HP / 36 Def / 4 SpA / 172 SpD / 44 Spe. They:
  • Survive 2 Landorus-T Rock Slide
  • Survive Ludicolo's rain-boosted Z-Hydro Pump 15/16 times
  • Outspeed +1 base 100s in Tailwind
• Remove the point about Tyranitar's sandstorm helping to put Zapdos into pinch berry range. While it's true, it can just as easily put it into KO range of a foe's attack as well, making it kinda unnoteworthy.
• The mention of a Modest nature is fine staying vague, since that approach is super flexible.

Post when implemented and I'll stamp it.

Implemented

 

[Carbonific]

Overview

• The last point is largely fine, although Mega Manectric gets Overheat and Thundurus-T can run Fightinium Z + Focus Blast to deal with Ferrothorn, so neither are always walled by it.

Set 1

• Slash Timid on the main set.

• big chance to OHKO +1 Tapu Fini

  - The chance went down a bit with the reduced SpA. You need some chip damage to guarantee it.

• ontothr field safely.

  - Fix

Set 2

• Remove the note about Mega Kangaskhan's Double-Edge. Does this way too easily.

Set 3

• Remove the mention of Gigavolt Havok. It's only even close with Modest, which is rare.

 

[Egor]

Overview

• The last point is largely fine, although Mega Manectric gets Overheat and Thundurus-T can run Fightinium Z + Focus Blast to deal with Ferrothorn, so neither are always walled by it.

Set 1

• Slash Timid on the main set.
• - The chance went down a bit with the reduced SpA. You need some chip damage to guarantee it.
• - Fix

Set 2

• Remove the note about Mega Kangaskhan's Double-Edge. Does this way too easily.

Set 3

• Remove the mention of Gigavolt Havok. It's only even close with Modest, which is rare.

Implemented

 

[Carbonific]

You missed the mention of 44 Spe outpacing +1 base 100s on Sets 2 + 3.

2/2 QC

 

[P Squared]

GP 1/1
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[OVERVIEW]

* Thanks to its above-average bulk and decent Speed, Zapdos is one of the best Tailwind setters in VGC.
* Zapdos's typing is pretty good defensively, leaving it with some good resistances and immunity to Ground-type attacks. Unfortunately, Zapdos has a weakness to the very common Rock Slide.
* It can survive strong neutral attacks such as Mega Kangaskhan's Double-Edge, super effective hits such as Mega Tyranitar's Rock Slide, and even some Z-Moves like Incineroar's Malicious Moonsault, but it is unable to take on any stronger attacks.
* Pressure allows Zapdos to leech PP from low-PP moves such as Tapu Bulu's Stone Edge.
* On the offensive side, Zapdos faces competition from faster and stronger Pokemon like Thundurus-T, Mega Manectric, and Tapu Koko because they're faster and/or stronger. Zapdos sets itself apart from them with its bulk, and, unlike Mega Manectric, Zapdos doesn't use a Mega slot.

[SET]
name: Offensive Tailwind
move 1: Tailwind
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Heat Wave
move 4: Detect / Heat Wave
item: Electrium Z
ability: Pressure
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 60 HP / 108 Def / 148 SpA / 4 SpD / 188 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
* Tailwind doubles your team's Speed for three turns. It helps Pokemon with mediocre Speed to outspeed faster foes.
* Thunderbolt is the STAB move, hitting Water- and Flying-types such as Politoed and Celesteela.
* Hidden Power Ice hard hits Landorus-T and Mega Salamence hard.
* Detect allows Zapdos to survive strong attacks and double targets. Heat Wave is a spread move, which that hits Grass-types, especially Ferrothorn, hard.
* Electrium Z is necessary for the powerful 175-Base Power Gigavolt Havoc, which has a big chance to OHKO +1 Tapu Fini with some chip damage.
* The given EV spread with Modest nature gives Zapdos much offensive presence. With this spread, Zapdos OHKOes uninvested Landorus-T and usually OHKOes Naive Mega Salamence with Hidden Power Ice, while it survives Jolly Mega Metagross's Zen Headbutt under Psychic Terrain and Timid Mega Charizard Y's sun-boosted Flamethrower. A Timid nature with EV spread in 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe also can be used, as it Speed ties with other positive-nature base 100s like Mega Charizard Y and 2HKOes no-bulk Mega Metagross with Heat Wave, though with this EV spread Zapdos loses a lot of bulk.
* You should use Zapdos either early- or mid-game to provide speed control for your team. Leading with Zapdos is fine because it brings Zapdos onto the field safely.
* Don't overrate Zapdos's bulk; and switch it out from possible super effective moves or Z-Moves. Alternatively, use Detect.
* Zapdos appreciates Wide Guard support because it is weak has weakness to the multi-target Rock Slide. Aegislash is decent teammate because it can provide Wide Guard support and switch into Rock-type attacks. In return, Zapdos can freely switch into Ground-type attacks.
* Fake Out support from the likes of Incineroar and Scrafty helps Zapdos to setup Tailwind more easily.
* Steel-types such as Mega Metagross and Kartana works with Zapdos well because they threaten Tyranitar, one of the best Zapdos counters. Zapdos can take on Water-types such as Tapu Fini and switch into Ground-type attacks. These Pokemon also appreciates the speed control provided by Tailwind.

[SET]
name: Terrain Abuser
move 1: Tailwind
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Heat Wave
move 4: Roost
item: Misty Seed / Psychic Seed
ability: Pressure
nature: Modest
evs: 204 HP / 124 Def / 36 SpA / 100 SpD / 44 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
* Tailwind provides a speed control for your team for three turns.
* Thunderbolt hits Flying- and Water-types like Celesteela and Tapu Fini.
* Hidden Power Ice with Thunderbolt provides good coverage. It hits Mega Salamence and Landorus-T for a large amount of damage. Heat Wave is a spread move that hits Grass-types such as Amoonguss harder than Hidden Power Ice.
* Roost increases Zapdos's longevity and allows it to stay on the field for more time.
* Misty Seed and Psychic Seed increase Zapdos's special bulk by one stage in Misty or and Psychic Terrain, respectively.
* The given EV spread with the Modest nature allows Zapdos to survive Tapu Lele's Shattered Psyche in Psychic Terrain when Zapdos's Seed is activated and outpace +1 base 100s under Tailwind. Also, Zapdos 2HKOes most standard variants of Tapu Fini with Thunderbolt.
* You must be careful with switches because Terrain Seeds are consumed after activating, and without a Special Defense boost, Zapdos loses a lot of many special bulk. Before bringing Zapdos on into the field with the Terrain which that activates its Seed, you should eliminate or weaken Pokemon that can force it out Zapdos.
* You must have Tapu Lele or Tapu Fini in your team, depending on Zapdos's Seed.
* Steel-types such as Kartana and Mega Metagross can take on Pokemon that are very threatening to Zapdos such as Tyranitar, while Zapdos freely switches into Ground-type attacks for them. Mega Metagross is particularly useful if you run Psychic Seed Zapdos, as Psychic Terrain will strengthen Mega Metagross's Zen Headbutt alongside with activate activating Zapdos's Psychic Seed.
* Intimidate support from the likes of Incineroar, Scrafty, and Landorus-T helps Zapdos to take on physical attacks more easily. Scrafty deserves a special mention because it provides both Fake Out and Intimidate support and threatens Tyranitar.

[SET]
name: Bulky Tailwind
move 1: Tailwind
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Heat Wave
move 4: Roost / Detect
item: Wiki Berry / Sitrus Berry
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 36 Def / 4 SpA / 172 SpD / 44 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
* Tailwind helps Zapdos's teammates to outspeed many opponent's Pokémon foes for on three turns.
* Thunderbolt is the strongest of Zapdos's attacks and which hits Water- and Flying-types.
* Hidden Power Ice gives Zapdos coverage for Landorus-T and Mega Salamence, while the multi-target Heat Wave helps Zapdos to knock out Grass- and Steel-types like Mega Metagross and Ferrothorn.
* Roost heals half of Zapdos's HP, increasing its longevity. Detect helps to reveal opposing Pokemon's moves and allows Zapdos to survive double targeting.
* Wiki Berry and Sitrus Berry heal Zapdos on 50% or 25% when it's on Zapdos is at 25% or 50%, respectively. Wiki Berry is generally more useful because it restores more HP, but Sitrus Berry is less risky.
* The given EV spread with a Calm nature enables Zapdos to be 3HKOed by Adamant Landorus-T's Rock Slide, survive Ludicolo's rain-boosted Hydro Vortex 15 out of 16 times, and outspeed +1 base 100s under Tailwind. Alternatively, a Modest nature can be used for more power in exchange for to special bulk.
* This Zapdos's set is good for teams that don't wish to rely on a Seed or that haven't don't have place for Tapu Fini or Tapu Lele.
* As usual, Steel-types are good teammates. Aegislash and Celesteela provides additional utility in Wide Guard, which protects Zapdos from Rock Slide and other multi-target moves.
* Intimidate and Fake Out support from the likes of Incineroar, Scrafty, and Hitmontop is appreciated by Zapdos, as it helps Zapdos to survive more physical attacks and set up Tailwind.
* Tyranitar can be a good teammate for Zapdos because they cover each other's weaknesses pretty well good.

 

[Darkmalice]

Egor update your analysis with GP check and it can go on site. It only takes 5-10 minutes!

 

[Carbonific]

Was bored, so I just did this myself. Uploaded!