1v1 Zapdos (QC 3/3) (GP 2/2)

[Boat]

[OVERVIEW]

Zapdos has an uncommon niche in 1v1 as a hybrid of offense and stall, giving it a unique matchup spread that can't easily be achieved using exclusively one or the other. Gigavolt Havoc can OHKO the many bulky Water-types in 1v1, such as Primarina, Tapu Fini, Mega Slowbro, and Mega Gyarados, while slower, bulkier Pokemon such as Necrozma and Porygon2 get Toxic stalled. Zapdos's nature as a hybrid Pokemon adds a degree of unpredictability that makes it difficult to play against. Pressure is a useful ability that lets Zapdos PP stall Pokemon that rely on a single move, such as Magearna. However, Zapdos is held back by its mediocre bulk, necessitating a very defensive spread that can't afford to invest in Speed. Zapdos's average bulk and inability to invest in Speed keep it from reliably tanking hits from powerhouses like Mega Charizard Y and Substitute Torrent Greninja or outspeeding threats such as Tapu Lele and Jumpluff. Zapdos's lack of access to Taunt means that it is outclassed as a staller by Pokemon that can use it, such as Mew and Deoxys-S, and it cannot win against other stallers such as Whimsicott and Registeel.

[SET]
name: Hybird
move 1: Thunder / Zap Cannon
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Roost
move 4: Substitute
item: Electrium Z
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 240 HP / 104 Def / 28 SpA / 136 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thunder is Zapdos's best offensive move and should be used whenever stalling the opposing Pokemon isn't a viable choice. Common threats defeated by Gigavolt Havoc include Mega Gyarados, Primarina, Mega Slowbro, Tapu Fini, Kartana, Celesteela, Choice Scarf Porygon-Z, and Heatran. Zap Cannon is a viable option over Thunder, giving Zapdos a harder-hitting Z-Move and a better chance of hitting and paralyzing the foe. However, not having the higher accuracy of Thunder means you can lose out on important 2HKOs such as against Mega Mawile, Heatran, and Choice Scarf Timid Genesect. Zap Cannon can also make PP stall matchups more difficult, because a Pokemon does not lose PP if it is fully paralyzed. In exchange, the higher paralysis chance of Zap Cannon gives higher chances of winning against faster threats Zapdos can 2HKO, such as Naganadel. Toxic is present to outstall threats that can tank or are immune to Gigavolt Havoc, such as Mega Altaria, Donphan, Clefable, Necrozma, and Porygon2. Roost is a reliable recovery option that can also be useful in shedding Zapdos's Flying typing for a turn, allowing Zapdos to win mind games and defeat Pokemon with coverage moves for Flying-types, such as Donphan and Mega Swampert. Because Electric shares no weakness with Electric / Flying typing, being able to use Roost to change typing is a powerful asset. The final move is Substitute, giving Zapdos a reliable win against the ever-present Magearna, as well as wins over important threats such as Necrozma, Porygon2, Chansey, and usually Aegislash.


Set Details
========
240 HP EVs and 136 Special Defense EVs with a Calm nature allow Zapdos to survive a Hyper Beam from Modest Porygon-Z and an Ice Beam from Timid Choice Specs Greninja. 28 Special Attack EVs ensure an OHKO against uninvested Porygon-Z. 112 Defense EVs with the given HP investment give Zapdos enough physical bulk to sometimes keep a Substitute against Donphan's Ice Shard, as eventually having a Substitute not broken is critical in order to beat Donphan. Pressure allows Zapdos to PP stall, in conjunction with Substitute and Roost, Pokemon that use Choice items or simply don't have much PP, such as Magearna and Choice Specs Necrozma. Electrium Z is the best item for this set, allowing Zapdos to pick up many OHKOs with very little Special Attack investment.

Usage Tips
========
A safe turn 1 play against most slower Pokemon is often Substitute, allowing Zapdos to block any status moves or Z-Moves they may want to use immediately. This is especially true against Magearna, Chansey, and Aegislash. Against Magearna, make sure Zapdos always stays behind a Substitute to avoid potentially taking a critical hit. Eventually, Fleur Cannon will not break the Substitute, and you can use Roost to guarantee the win. Against Donphan, you need to be aware of the mind game between Roost and Earthquake and of the possible Head Smash. Use Substitute on turn 1 to scout for Head Smash. If Donphan has Head Smash, you need to choose the correct turn to Roost. Using Roost on turn 2 or 3 is much better than on turn 4, because on turn 4 Zapdos will be in range of being KOed by Ice Shard. If Donphan has Rock Tomb instead, purposefully tank the hit so Zapdos becomes slower and no longer needs to worry about Earthquake. Eventually, this matchup becomes a loop of Ice Shard against Substitute and Roost. Continue using Roost and Substitute until Ice Shard fails to break the Substitute. Then, use Toxic to ensure the win. Against Aegislash, use Substitute and Roost to survive and recover against Never-Ending Nightmare. Use Gigavolt Havoc on a turn you think the opponent will not use King's Shield. Against Heatran, use Thunder on turn 1. If it misses, use Roost; otherwise, Gigavolt Havoc KOes. Zap Cannon and Thunder have decent chances of inflicting paralysis, which can be used to occasionally win matches you would otherwise lose, such as against Choice Specs Genesect and Naganadel.


Team Options
========
Zapdos has losing matchups against many of the bulky offense Pokemon that can't be reliably Toxic stalled, such as Mega Charizard X and Y, physical Dragonite, Mega Gardevoir, and Zygarde. Bulky Water- and Fairy-types, such as Primarina, Mega Slowbro, and Tapu Lele, can each handle a combination of those threats, while Zapdos handles threats such as Metal Sound Celesteela, Magearna, and other Water-types that threaten these complements. Zapdos also has excellent synergy with Fire-types such as Heatran and Victini that can handle the various Fairy-, Steel-, and Grass-types that Zapdos may not be able to, notably Mega Gardevoir, Tapu Lele, Choice Specs Genesect, and Tapu Bulu. Zapdos deals with Protean Greninja, Porygon2, and bulky Water-types that threaten such Fire-types.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Reflect is an alternative option with a faster EV spread that aims to improve Zapdos's matchups against physical attackers such as Mega Metagross. Combined with Hidden Power Ice, Reflect gives Zapdos consistent wins over notable physical attackers like Garchomp and Landorus-T. Laser Focus and Metal Sound are options over Substitute that can be used to defeat Kee Berry Mew and Type: Null, respectively. Heat Wave is an option for a more offensive Zapdos set that can beat Ferrothorn and Genesect. Charge is a niche choice, allowing Zapdos to double the damage of Gigavolt Havoc, gaining OHKOs it otherwise misses, such as Choice Scarf Genesect.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Bulky Stall**: Pokemon with better stall tools than Zapdos such as Rest Zygarde and Amnesia Registeel reliably beat it.

**Faster Rock-types**: Faster Rock-types or Rock-types with Speed-boosting moves, such as Carracosta, Mega Diancie, and Crustle, all OHKO or 2HKO Zapdos comfortably.

**Substitute Bypass**: Pokemon that use sound moves and other moves that bypass Substitute makes Toxic stalling a difficult prospect for Zapdos. This list includes Hoopa-U, Mega Gardevoir, Meloetta, Jumpluff, and Kommo-o.

**Defensive Taunt Users**: Pokemon that Zapdos can neither KO nor Toxic stall due to Taunt or their typing tend to beat it. These include Whimsicott, Deoxys-S, and Kee Berry Mew.

**Powerful Offense**: Faster Pokemon that have immediate power such as Mega Charizard X and Y, Mega Gardevoir, and Tapu Lele won't give Zapdos a chance to inflict them with Toxic or set up a Substitute.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Boat (phiwings99), 475993]]
- Quality checked by: [[Osra, 239997], [Synonimous, 457703], [Alakazam, 276708]]
- Grammar checked by: [[deetah, 297659], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]

 

[The Official Glyx]

I've been bribed with Kyubits into doing a QC; by no means does this mean I'm back, rather that I'm just very easily distracted from things I'm supposed to be doing-
Red = change
Red strikethrough = remove
Green = elaborate
Blue text = my commentrary

[OVERVIEW]

- Zapdos has an uncommon niche in 1v1 as a hybrid of offense and stall, giving it a unique match-up spread that can't easily be achieved using exclusively one or the other.
- A set including Toxic, Roost, and Thunder gives You don't need to give too much of the "how" in the Overview, just stating what common archetypes/mons it can beat is enough for this bullet. Zapdos wins against both hyper-offense Pokemon such as Greninja or Kartana, and bulky offense Pokemon such as Magearna or Gyarados.
- Just by including Z-Thunder, Zapdos can OHKO the many bulky Water-types in 1v1, such as Primarina, Tapu Fini, Slowbro-Mega, and Gyarados-Mega.
- Toxic and Roost are present to stall threats such as Altaria-Mega, Donphan, Clefable, Necrozma, and Porygon2. Moves and their discussion go in the Moves section, naturally.
- The final moveslot is very flexible, and adds a degree of unpredictability that makes it difficult to play against Zapdos. Talking about the variability of specific moveslots is best done in Usage Tips. I'd use this point instead to carry home the point of Zapdos' overall flexibility between multiple potential sets, since by no means is your one set the only viable set out there.
- Make sure to bring up some negatives. Zapdos isn't S rank for a reason; make sure the reader is aware of that reason. Be it through disadvantageous typing, a lacking of any of its given stats, or whatever else you can think of.

[SET]
name: Hybird
move 1: Thunder
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Roost
move 4: Substitute / Metal Sound / Laser Focus
item: Electrium Z
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 108 Def / 28 SpA / 120 SpD / 4 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Z-Thunder is Zapdos' only offensive move, and should be used whenever stalling the opponent isn't a viable choice. Common threats defeated by Z-Thunder include the Water-types mentioned above, Kartana, Celesteela, Choice Scarf Porygon-Z, and Heatran.
- Toxic is best used to defeat other bulky Pokemon such as the ones listed above Since the Toxic bullet in the Overview is being removed, make sure to bring up the things you mentioned in here, and Pokemon that resist Z-Thunder.
- Roost is reliable recovery that can also be useful in shedding the Flying-type, giving it an important mind-game that lets it defeat Pokemon such as Donphan, and Swampert-Mega.
- The final move is almost always Substitute, giving it a reliable win against the ever-present Magearna, as well as giving it wins over important threats such as Donphan, Necrozma, Porygon2, Chansey, and Aegislash.
- Metal Sound is an excellent way to lure Type: Null, which usually wins against Zapdos. Anything else?
- Laser Focus gives Zapdos a win against Kew Kee Berry Mew; the reader may not be familiar with this abbreviation. by fishing for a Thunder paralysis so you can get past Taunt. Like stated above, most of the explanation regarding "how it wins" is best left in Usage Tips. Some more examples of anything else LF may beat would also be nice.

Set Details
========
- 248 HP / 120+ SpD allows Zapdos to survive a Hyper Beam from Modest Porygon-Z, and usually survive an Ice Beam from Timid Choice Specs Greninja.
- 28 SpA ensures an OHKO against 0 HP / 4 SpD "non-bulky" Porygon-Z.
- 248 HP / 108 Def gives Zapdos enough physical bulk to occasionally keep a Substitute against 252 Atk Adamant Donphan Ice Shard.
- 4 Speed means you outspeed Base 100s that don't invest in Speed. Regarding Speed creeping, if there's nothing specific that you can creep, the rules state that it's better to just use 0 Spe (make sure you put the 4 EVs into something else, though!)
- Pressure is a crucial part of the set, allowing Zapdos to PP stall Pokemon that use Choice items or simply don't have much PP, such as Magearna, Necrozma, and Naganadel.

Usage Tips
========
- Zapdos has a variety of strategies it can employ, and choosing the correct one for the match-up in question is crucial to success using this Pokemon.
-A safe strategy against slower Pokemon is often Substitute, allowing you to block any status moves or Z-Moves they may want to use immediately. This is especially true against Magearna, Chansey, and Aegislash, where correct play is always Substitute.
-Against Magearna, make sure you Roost on Turn 2, ensuring that they do not have enough PP to break your Substitutes.
-Against Donphan, you need to be aware of the mind-game between Roost and Earthquake, and of the possible Head Smash from Donphan. If the Donphan has Rock Tomb instead, purposefully tank the hit so you become slower, and don't need to worry about Earthquake.
-Against Heatran, use Thunder on Turn 1, and Roost Turn 2 if it misses. Otherwise, Z-Thunder KOs.


Team Options
========
- Zapdos has losing match-ups against many of the bulky offense Pokemon that can't be reliably toxic stalled, such as both variants of Charizard-Mega, Dragonite, Gardevoir, Tapu Lele, and Zygarde.
-Bulky Water and Fairy-types, such as Primarina, Slowbro, and Magearna, can handle those threats and make excellent teammates. To avoid confusion, combine this bullet with the one above it. Also be sure to clarify what Zapdos does for these teammates in return (with examples where needed).
-Zapdos also has excellent synergy with Fire-types such as Heatran and Victini that can handle the various Fairy, Steel, and Grass types that Zapdos may not be able to. Give problematic examples of Fairy/Steel/Grass types that trouble you. Also be sure to clarify what Zapdos does for these teammates in return (with examples where needed).
-It is crucial to remember that Zapdos is slow, and vulnerable to speed traps such as Jumpluff, Smeargle, and Vivillon. Including a faster pokemon such as Greninja or Zeraora is advisable. Also be sure to clarify what Zapdos does for these teammates in return (with examples where needed).


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
- Reflect is a mediocre option as a final move, giving a better match-up against Pokemon hitting physically such Metagross-Mega, but is not usually worth the opportunity cost of not having Substitute.

- Zap-Cannon is a viable option over Thunder, giving a harder hitting Z-Move. However, not having the "reliability" of Thunder means you can lose out on important 2HKOs such as against Mawile-Mega, Heatran, and Genesect.


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

**Better Stall**: Pokemon with better stall tools than Zapdos such as Rest Zygarde and Taunt Kew Clarify without Laser Focus reliably beat Zapdos. Surely there are other examples that can fit in here? Like Type:Null, Serperior, Venusaur-Mega?, Registeel, Scizor-Mega, Audino-Mega, etc.

**Faster Rock-types**: Faster Rock-types or Rock-types with speed boosting moves, such as Lycanroc, Diancie, and Crustle, all OHKO or 2HKO Zapdos comfortably.

**Sound Moves "Bypassing Substitute"**: Pokemon that use sound moves and other moves that bypass Substitute make Toxic stalling a difficult prospect for Zapdos. This list includes Hoopa-Unbound, Gardevoir, Meloetta, Infiltrator Jumpluff, and Kommo-O.

**Defensive Taunt** Something along the lines of Taunt users that Zapdos can't KO or outstall with Toxic fast enough, such as Kew, Sableye-Mega, Whimsicott, Deoxys-Speed, and Tapu Bulu. Can also afford to remove the Taunt Kew I greened above if you add this bullet.

**Powerful Offense** This should be the most obvious one with things that either hit hard immediately or set up to hit hard like both Charizard, Ice Punch Metagross, Normalium Z Porygon-Z, Tapu Lele, Meloetta, Gardevoir-Mega, Magnezone, etc.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Boat (phiwings99), 475993]]
- Quality checked by: [[Osra, 239997], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

lmk once you feel like you've updated to satisfy everything I pointed out.

 

[The Official Glyx]

- Zapdos is held back by its mediocre bulk, necessitating a very defensive spread that can't afford to invest in speed.
- Zapdos' lack of access to Taunt means that it is outclassed as a staller by Pokemon that can use it, such as Mew and Deoxys-Speed.

What are some things that its lacking bulk puts it at a disadvantage against? Not obvious things, but edge cases, like Charizard-Y, which is just barely too strong for the spread to deal with without making large sacrifices to other matchups.
What are some matchups that it wishes it had Taunt for that it'd win, otherwise?
What does it want to outspeed but can't, on account of needing so much bulk?

- 248 HP / 112 Def gives Zapdos enough physical bulk to occasionally keep a Substitute against 252 Atk Adamant Donphan Ice Shard.

I'd change this to something more reliably achieved, such as Lopunny Fake Out + Giga Impact, or Incineroar Fake Out + Malicious Moonsault

-Zap Cannon and Thunder have good chances of inflicting Paralysis, and can be used to win matches you would otherwise lose. Knowing when to play for a paralysis is an important skill to master.

Make sure to give examples of when this would be useful.

- Zapdos has losing match-ups against many of the bulky offense Pokemon that can't be reliably toxic stalled, such as both variants of Charizard-Mega, Dragonite, Gardevoir, Tapu Lele, and Zygarde. Bulky Water and Fairy-types, such as Primarina, Slowbro, and Magearna, can handle those threats, while Zapdos handles the Water-types such as Tapu Fini and Volcanion that would otherwise beat them.
-Zapdos also has excellent synergy with Fire-types such as Heatran and Victini that can handle the various Fairy, Steel, and Grass types that Zapdos may not be able to, notably Gardevoir, Tapu Lele, Genesect, and Whimsicott. Zapdos deals with the various Water-types mentioned above that Fire-type partners would struggle with.

Is beating Waters all Zapdos has to offer? Surely there must be other Pokemon, even if only individual mons that threaten the entire group of partners.

- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ], [, ]]

Make sure to add the Osra, 239997 in the first set of brackets.

 

[Boat]

Osra updated

 

[The Official Glyx]

Usage Tips
========
- Zapdos has a variety of strategies it can employ, and choosing the correct one for the match-up in question is crucial to success using this Pokemon.
-A safe strategy against slower Pokemon is often Substitute, allowing you to block any status moves or Z-Moves they may want to use immediately. This is especially true against Magearna, Chansey, and Aegislash, where correct play is always Substitute.
-Against Magearna, make sure you Roost on Turn 2, ensuring that they do not have enough PP to break your Substitutes.
-Against Donphan, you need to be aware of the mind-game between Roost and Earthquake, and of the possible Head Smash from Donphan. If the Donphan has Rock Tomb instead, purposefully tank the hit so you become slower, and don't need to worry about Earthquake.
-Against Heatran, use Thunder on Turn 1, and Roost Turn 2 if it misses. Otherwise, Z-Thunder KOs.
-Zap Cannon and Thunder have good chances of inflicting Paralysis, and can be used to occasionally win matches you would otherwise lose, such as Choice Specs Genesect and Naganadel.
========
- Zapdos has losing match-ups against many of the bulky offense Pokemon that can't be reliably toxic stalled, such as both variants of Charizard-Mega, Dragonite, Gardevoir, Tapu Lele, and Zygarde. Bulky Water and Fairy-types, such as Primarina, Slowbro, and Magearna, can handle those threats, while Zapdos handles threats such as Celesteela, Choice Scarf Genesect, and other Water-types.
-Zapdos also has excellent synergy with Fire-types such as Heatran and Victini that can handle the various Fairy, Steel, and Grass types that Zapdos may not be able to, notably Gardevoir, Tapu Lele, Choice Specs Genesect, and Whimsicott. Zapdos deals with Greninja, some variants of Landorus-T, and bulky Water-types that threaten such Fire-types.

looks like the Team Options label disappeared.

Otherwise, once that's fixed, good enough.

1/3 (make sure to change to 1/3 in the thread title)

 

[Synonimous]

Implement, then ping me on disc

qc

[OVERVIEW]

- Zapdos has an uncommon niche in 1v1 as a hybrid of offense and stall, giving it a unique match-up spread that can't easily be achieved using exclusively one or the other.
- Zapdos has wins against both hyper-offense Pokemon such as Greninja or Kartana, and bulky offense Pokemon such as Magearna or Gyarados.
- Just by including Z-Thunder, Zapdos can OHKO the many bulky Water-types in 1v1, such as Primarina, Tapu Fini, Slowbro-Mega, and Gyarados-Mega.
- Zapdos' overall flexibility in moves adds a degree of unpredictability that makes it difficult to play against.
- Zapdos is held back by its mediocre bulk, necessitating a very defensive spread that can't afford to invest in speed. Zapdos' average bulk and inability to invest in speed keep it from reliably tanking hits from powerhouses like Charizard-Mega-Y and Sub-Torrent Greninja, or outspeeding threats such as Tapu Lele, Genesect, and Porygon-Z.
- Zapdos' lack of access to Taunt means that it is outclassed as a staller by Pokemon that can use it, such as Mew and Deoxys-Speed. Lacking Taunt means that Zapdos cannot win against other stallers such as Whimsicott and Registeel. (What's the niche that Zapdos fills compared to these options? (It has an offensive dimension, giving it an edge against stallbreakers like Mega Gyarados and other taunt users))

[SET]
name: Hybird
move 1: Thunder / Zap-Cannon
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Roost
move 4: Substitute
item: Electrium Z
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 112 Def / 28 SpA / 120 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Z-Thunder is Zapdos' only offensive move, and should be used whenever stalling the opponent isn't a viable choice. Common threats defeated by Z-Thunder include the Water-types mentioned above, Kartana, Celesteela, Choice Scarf Porygon-Z (You can just pp stall this thing with roost), and Heatran.
- Zap-Cannon is a viable option over Thunder, giving a harder hitting Z-Move. However, not having the "reliability" of Thunder means you can lose out on important 2HKOs such as against Mawile-Mega, Heatran, and Genesect. (Zap cannon has other benefits like a guaranteed para which is helpful in matchups like kee mew, as well as fishing for para hax)
- Toxic is present to stall out threats such as Altaria-Mega, Donphan, Clefable, Necrozma, and Porygon2 that can tank Z-Thunder.
- Roost is reliable recovery that can also be useful in shedding the Flying-type, giving it an important mind-game that lets it defeat Pokemon such as Donphan, and Swampert-Mega that can massive damage with moves supereffective against Flying.
- The final move is Substitute, giving it a reliable win against the ever-present Magearna, as well as giving it wins over important threats such as Donphan, Necrozma, Porygon2, Chansey, and Aegislash.


Set Details
========
- 248 HP / 120+ SpD allows Zapdos to survive a Hyper Beam from Modest Porygon-Z, and usually survive an Ice Beam from Timid Choice Specs Greninja.
- 28 SpA ensures an OHKO against non-bulky Porygon-Z.
- 248 HP / 112 Def gives Zapdos enough physical bulk to usually survive Fake Out + Giga Impact from Jolly Lopunny-Mega.
- Pressure is a crucial part of the set, allowing Zapdos to PP stall, in conjunction with Substitute and/or Roost, Pokemon that use Choice items or simply don't have much PP, such as Magearna, Necrozma, and Naganadel.


Usage Tips
========
- Zapdos has a variety of strategies it can employ, and choosing the correct one for the match-up in question is crucial to success using this Pokemon.
-A safe strategy against slower Pokemon is often Substitute, allowing you to block any status moves or Z-Moves they may want to use immediately. This is especially true against Magearna, Chansey, and Aegislash, where correct play is always Substitute.
-Against Magearna, make sure you Roost on Turn 2 and then continue subbing, ensuring that eventually they do not have enough PP to break your Substitutes (Why are you roosting on Turn 2 instead of Turn 5? Explain why you do this b/c of the crit chance).
-Against Donphan, you need to be aware of the mind-game between Roost and Earthquake, and of the possible Head Smash from Donphan (You need to explain this matchup more and exactly what you do, especially the interaction with shard). If the Donphan has Rock Tomb instead, purposefully tank the hit so you become slower, and don't need to worry about Earthquake.
-Against Heatran, use Thunder on Turn 1, and Roost Turn 2 if it misses. Otherwise, Z-Thunder KOs.
-Zap Cannon and Thunder have good chances of inflicting Paralysis, and can be used to occasionally win matches you would otherwise lose, such as Choice Specs Genesect and Naganadel.

Team Options
========
- Zapdos has losing match-ups against many of the bulky offense Pokemon that can't be reliably toxic stalled, such as both variants of Charizard-Mega, Dragonite, Gardevoir, Tapu Lele, and Zygarde. Bulky Water and Fairy-types, such as Primarina, Slowbro, and Magearna (Mag loses to 1/2 of these, including the two most important matchups of the zards. Replace with fini or Garde), can handle those threats, while Zapdos handles threats such as Metal Sound Celesteela, Choice Scarf Genesect, and other Water-types that threaten these complements.
-Zapdos also has excellent synergy with Fire-types such as Heatran and Victini that can handle the various Fairy, Steel, and Grass types that Zapdos may not be able to, notably Gardevoir, Tapu Lele, Choice Specs Genesect, and Whimsicott (Mention Bulu here, you talk about it later as well). Zapdos deals with Greninja, some variants of Landorus-T, and bulky Water-types that threaten such Fire-types.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
- Reflect is a mediocre option as a final move, giving a better match-up against Pokemon hitting physically such Metagross-Mega, but is not usually worth the opportunity cost of not having Substitute. (This is just not true. Reflect is arguably more valuable than sub on zap due to its highly improved mus against physical attacker across the board, including Donphan: 248+ Atk Donphan Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 112 Def Zapdos through Reflect: 171-202 (44.6 - 52.7%) -- 23.4% chance to 2HKO Don't call it mediocre)


- Laser Focus and Metal Sound are options over Substitute that can be used to defeat Kee Berry Mew and Type: Null respectivelly.

(Mention HPIce here, definitely a significant move for the Chomp and Ground Z Lando MUs)

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

**Better Stall**: Pokemon with better stall tools than Zapdos such as Rest Zygarde and Serperior reliably beat Zapdos (Explain how these better stall tools win and how serp win).

**Faster Rock-types**: Faster Rock-types or Rock-types with speed boosting moves, such as Lycanroc (unmon, replace with Carracosta or something like that), Diancie, and Crustle, all OHKO or 2HKO Zapdos comfortably.

**Substitute Bypass**: Pokemon that use sound moves and other moves that bypass Substitute make Toxic stalling a difficult prospect for Zapdos. This list includes Hoopa-Unbound, Gardevoir, Meloetta, Infiltrator Jumpluff, and Kommo-O.

**Defensive Taunt" Pokemon that Zapdos can neither KO nor Toxic stall due to Taunt tend to beat Zapdos. This includes Whimsicott, Deoxys-Speed, Tapu Bulu, and Kee Berry Mew.

**Powerful Offense** Pokemon that have immediate power such as Charizard-Mega X and Y, Gardevoir, and Tapu Lele won't give Zapdos a chance to set up a Toxic or Substitute.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Boat (phiwings99), 475993]]
- Quality checked by: [[Osra, 239997], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

 

[Boat]

Synonimous implemented

 

[Synonimous]

qc part 2

[OVERVIEW]

- Zapdos has an uncommon niche in 1v1 as a hybrid of offense and stall, giving it a unique match-up spread that can't easily be achieved using exclusively one or the other.
- Zapdos has wins against both hyper-offense Pokemon such as Greninja or Kartana, and bulky offense Pokemon such as Magearna or Gyarados.
- Just by including Z-Thunder, Zapdos can OHKO the many bulky Water-types in 1v1, such as Primarina, Tapu Fini, Slowbro-Mega, and Gyarados-Mega.
- Zapdos' overall flexibility in moves adds a degree of unpredictability that makes it difficult to play against.
- Zapdos is held back by its mediocre bulk, necessitating a very defensive spread that can't afford to invest in speed. Zapdos' average bulk and inability to invest in speed keep it from reliably tanking hits from powerhouses like Charizard-Mega-Y and Sub-Torrent Greninja, or outspeeding threats such as Tapu Lele, Genesect, and Porygon-Z.
- Zapdos' lack of access to Taunt means that it is outclassed as a staller by Pokemon that can use it, such as Mew and Deoxys-Speed. Lacking Taunt means that Zapdos cannot win against other stallers such as Whimsicott and Registeel. It makes up for this weakness with wins over important stallbreakers such as Gyarados-Mega.

[SET]
name: Hybird (no, please)
move 1: Thunder / Zap-Cannon
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Roost
move 4: Substitute
item: Electrium Z
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 112 Def / 28 SpA / 120 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Z-Thunder is Zapdos' only offensive move, and should be used whenever stalling the opponent isn't a viable choice. Common threats defeated by Z-Thunder Gigavolt Havoc include the Water-types mentioned above, Kartana, Celesteela, Choice Scarf Porygon-Z, and Heatran.
- Zap-Cannon is a viable option over Thunder, giving a harder hitting Z-Move and higher guaranteed paralysis chance. However, not having the "reliability" higher accuracy of Thunder means you can lose out on important 2HKOs such as against Mawile-Mega, Heatran (You should win tran mu either way), and Specs Genesect. (The pp of the move is worth mentioning too, espcially since this is a more pp stall based set. Also there's a more subtle interaction between pressure and para)
- Toxic is present to stall out threats that can tank or are immune to Z-Thunder, such as Altaria-Mega, Donphan, Clefable, Necrozma, and Porygon2
- Roost is reliable recovery that can also be useful in shedding the Flying-type, giving it an important mind-game that lets it defeat Pokemon with coverage moves for Flying-types, such as Donphan and Swampert-Mega (This doesn't run moves that hit you that hard) (I also feel like it's worth mentioning that flying-electric and electric have no weaknesses in common, and being able to switch between them is valuable)
- The final move is Substitute, giving it a reliable win against the ever-present Magearna, as well as giving it wins over important threats such as Donphan (How reliable is this win), Necrozma, Porygon2 (Sub isn't why u beat P2, or Stored Power Necrozma, you even mention them in the Toxic section), Chansey, and Aegislash (How does sub win consistently? This should be a 50/50fest).


Set Details
========
- 248 HP / 120+ SpD allows Zapdos to survive a Hyper Beam from Modest Porygon-Z, and usually survive an Ice Beam from Timid Choice Specs Greninja.
- 28 SpA ensures an OHKO against non-bulky Porygon-Z.
- 248 HP / 112 Def gives Zapdos enough physical bulk to usually survive Fake Out + Giga Impact from Jolly Lopunny-Mega.
(Talk about electrium z here, you have to)
- Pressure is a crucial part of the set, allowing Zapdos to PP stall, in conjunction with Substitute and Roost, Pokemon that use Choice items or simply don't have much PP, such as Magearna, Necrozma, and Naganadel.


Usage Tips
========
- Zapdos has a variety of strategies it can employ, and choosing the correct one for the match-up in question is crucial to success using this Pokemon.
-A safe strategy turn 1 play against most slower Pokemon is often Substitute, allowing you to block any status moves or Z-Moves they may want to use immediately. This is especially true against Magearna, Chansey, and Aegislash, where the correct first turn play is always Substitute.
-Against Magearna, make sure you always stay behind a Substitute, to avoid potentially taking a critical hit. Eventually, Fleur Cannon will not break Substitute, and you can Roost to guarantee the win via PP stall (Do you actually win through pp stall? Or do you slowly wear it down with Thunder...).
-Against Donphan, you need to be aware of the mind-game between Roost and Earthquake, and of the possible Head Smash from Donphan. If the Donphan has Rock Tomb instead, purposefully tank the hit so you become slower, and don't need to worry about Earthquake. Eventually, this match-up becomes a loop of Ice Shard against Substitute and Roost. Keep up the cycle until Ice Shard does not break Substitute, and Toxic to win the game. (This is a bad explanation, even I can't understand it. Since this is an important MU, go turn by turn.)
-Against Heatran, use Thunder on Turn 1, and Roost Turn 2 if it misses. Otherwise, Z-Thunder KOs.
-Zap Cannon and Thunder can have good chances of inflicting Paralysis (100% isn't what I call good, neither is 30), and can be used to occasionally win matches you would otherwise lose, such as Choice Specs Genesect and Naganadel.

Team Options
========
- Zapdos has losing match-ups against many of the bulky offense Pokemon that can't be reliably toxic stalled, such as both variants of Charizard-Mega, Dragonite, Gardevoir, Tapu Lele, and Zygarde. Bulky Water and Fairy-types, such as Primarina (Whack Lele Garde, and Dnite MU), Slowbro (Whack Garde and ZardY MU), and Tapu Lele (Tapu Lele is in the threatlist, I'd take it out since you already have garde, also whack ZardY MU), can handle those threats, while Zapdos handles threats such as Metal Sound Celesteela, Choice Scarf Genesect, and other Water-types that threaten these complements.
-Zapdos also has excellent synergy with Fire-types such as Heatran and Victini that can handle the various Fairy, Steel, and Grass types that Zapdos may not be able to, notably Gardevoir, Tapu Lele, Choice Specs Genesect, Tapu Bulu, and Whimsicott (Whimsi has a 40% lefties usage, and 30% occa. Neither Tran nor Tini is a consistent counter). Zapdos deals with Greninja, some variants of Landorus-T (What variants do you beat? Spell it out), and bulky Water-types that threaten such Fire-types.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
- Reflect is an alternative option with a faster EV spread that aims to improve Zapdos' matchups against physical attackers such as Metagross-Mega. (This set works with HPI primarily, mention that you can use it with HP to beat these physical attackers)

- Laser Focus and Metal Sound are options over Substitute that can be used to defeat Kee Berry Mew and Type: Null respectivelly.

- Hidden Power Ice and Heat Wave are options for a more offensive Zapdos set that can beat Landorus, Ferrothorn, and some variants of Garchomp and Landorus-T.

(I would also mention charge and possibly tbolt for more consistent 2hkos. Also Static is worth a mention with these alternate abilities)


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

**Better Stall**: Pokemon with better stall tools than Zapdos (This isn't why serperior wins, they leech -> beat you down with leaf storm, I don't call that stall) such as Rest Zygarde and SubSeed Serperior (explain how subseed is better stall. Serp wins b/c they have sub, not because they can stall you out necessarily) reliably beat Zapdos.

**Faster Rock-types**: Faster Rock-types or Rock-types with speed boosting moves, such as Carracosta, Diancie, and Crustle, all OHKO or 2HKO Zapdos comfortably.

**Substitute Bypass**: Pokemon that use sound moves and other moves that bypass Substitute make Toxic stalling a difficult prospect for Zapdos. This list includes Hoopa-Unbound, Gardevoir, Meloetta, Infiltrator Jumpluff, and Kommo-O.

**Defensive Taunt" Pokemon that Zapdos can neither KO nor Toxic stall due to Taunt and their bulk and/or typing tend to beat Zapdos. This includes Whimsicott, Deoxys-Speed (This is an immediate 50/50, assuming you're referring to the stall set. You should also win most of the time b/c you para with Thunder), Tapu Bulu (You outspeed this, you don't lose because of taunt, it just yeets on u with a +2 z move), and Kee Berry Mew.

**Powerful Offense** Pokemon that have immediate power and outspeed Zapdos, such as Charizard-Mega X and Y, Gardevoir, and Tapu Lele won't give Zapdos a chance to set up a Toxic or Substitute.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Boat (phiwings99), 475993]]
- Quality checked by: [[Osra, 239997], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

 

[Boat]

Synonimous implemented except for the wrong stuff.

- hybird is a beautiful name
- 2hko vs heatran matters because of metal sound. genesect 2hko matters regardless of specs or scarf.
- Sub is important vs necrozma because you lose to the specs set if you just click toxic t1. and sub blocks toxic from p2 and chansey. aegislash win is indeed a lot of 50/50s but because aegislash needs to get every single predict right, its super super favored for zapdos.
- talking about electrium z in the defensive evs section doesnt make sense.
- mag is a win because they run of out of fleur cannon pp.
- Heatran is a win if Taunt and can have flash cannon vs occa.
- 252 Atk Choice Band Victini V-create vs. 252 HP / 252 Def Occa Berry Whimsicott: 322-379 (99.3 - 116.9%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO
- DeoS best play is just taunt T1, Gigavolt havoc doesnt usually KO. its a pretty favored matchup for DeoS

 

[Chickenpie2]

if Synonimous is done with this, change it to QC 2/3 and remove dot points

 

[Synonimous]

Change these things:

stuff

Change "guaranteed wins" to almost guaranteed i.e. aegi
I already told you about the whimsi and tran stuff, rework that
The item is discussed in the set details section

and then QC 2/3 :)

 

[Ginger Princess]

Bolded is additions, strikethrough is stuff that should be removed, underline needs to be edited in some way, red is comments. All information I bring are based on 1630 Usage stats (considering anything at or above 6% as of August 2019 usage relevant) and Calcs.

qc check part 1

[OVERVIEW]

- Zapdos has an uncommon niche in 1v1 as a hybrid of offense and stall, giving it a unique match-up spread that can't easily be achieved using exclusively one or the other.
- Zapdos has wins against both hyper-offense Pokemon such as Timid Greninja or Kartana, and bulky offense Pokemon such as Magearna or Gyarados.
- Z-Thunder can OHKO the many bulky Water-types in 1v1, such as Primarina, Tapu Fini, Slowbro-Mega, and Gyarados-Mega.
- Zapdos' overall flexibility in moves adds a degree of unpredictability that makes it difficult to play against. you say this but he only has like 5 main moves, seems inaccurate
- mention how Pressure is used to PP stall opponents that rely on one move
- Zapdos is held back by its mediocre bulk, necessitating a very defensive spread that can't afford to invest in speed. Zapdos' average bulk and inability to invest in speed keep it from reliably tanking hits from powerhouses like Charizard-Mega-Y and Sub-Torrent Greninja, or outspeeding threats such as Tapu Lele, Genesect would change the example since its a roll to OHKO with gigavolt, and Porygon-Z. but you say later you OHKO that
- Zapdos' lack of access to Taunt means that it is outclassed as a staller by Pokemon that can use it, such as Mew and Deoxys-Speed. Lacking Taunt means that Zapdos cannot win against other stallers such as Whimsicott and Registeel. It makes up for this weakness with wins over important stallbreakers such as Gyarados-Mega. repetitive

[SET]
name: Hybird
move 1: Thunder / Zap-Cannon
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Roost
move 4: Substitute
item: Electrium Z
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 112 Def / 28 SpA / 120 SpD 240 HP / 104 Def / 28 SpA / 136 SpD better for gren, same rolls vs donphan

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Thunder is Zapdos' only offensive move Zap cannon tho, reword, and should be used whenever stalling the opponent isn't a viable choice. Common threats defeated by Gigavolt Havoc include the Water-types mentioned above, Kartana, Celesteela, Choice Scarf Porygon-Z, and Heatran.
- Zap-Cannon is a viable option over Thunder, giving a harder hitting Z-Move and a better chance of hitting and paralyzing. However, not having the higher accuracy of Thunder means you can lose out on important 2HKOs such as against Mawile-Mega, Heatran, and Genesect hold on, but that outspeeds you and 2hkos, right? thats what you implied in Overview. do you beat or lose to genesect?. Zap-Cannon can also make PP stall match-ups more difficult, because a Pokemon does not lose PP if it is fully paralyzed. Are there any significant times where the guaranteed paralysis lets you win a mu you would normally lose? if so, list that as a plus for zap
- Toxic is present to stall out threats that can tank or are immune to Z-Thunder, such as Altaria-Mega, Donphan, Clefable, Necrozma, and Porygon2
- Roost is reliable recovery that can also be useful in shedding the Flying-type, giving it an important mind-game that lets it defeat Pokemon with coverage moves for Flying-types, such as Donphan and Swampert-Mega. Because Electric-type shares no weakness with Electric-Flying, what does this mean? being able to Roost to change typing is a powerful asset.
- The final move is Substitute, giving it a reliable win against the ever-present Magearna, as well as giving it wins over important threats such as Necrozma, Porygon2, Chansey, and usually Aegislash.


Set Details
========
- 248 HP / 120+ 240 HP EVs and 136 SpD EVs with a Calm nature allows Zapdos to survive a Hyper Beam from Modest Porygon-Z, and usually survive an Ice Beam from Timid Choice Specs Greninja.
- 28 SpA ensures an OHKO against non-bulky Porygon-Z.
- 248 HP / 112 Def gives Zapdos enough physical bulk to usually survive Fake Out + Giga Impact from Jolly Lopunny-Mega. I know Osra said make this Mega Lopunny but you don't beat mega lopunny reliably. point out Lopunny but also include how this is necessary for Donphan.
- Pressure is a crucial part of the set, allowing Zapdos to PP stall, in conjunction with Substitute and Roost, Pokemon that use Choice items or simply don't have much PP, such as Magearna, Necrozma, and Naganadel. doesn't sludge wave do too much?
- Electrium Z is the best item for this set, allowing Zapdos to pick up many OHKOs with very little Special Attack investment.

Usage Tips
========
- Zapdos has a variety of strategies it can employ, and choosing the correct one for the match-up in question is crucial to success using this Pokemon. true for almost all Pokemon
-A safe Turn 1 play against most slower Pokemon is often Substitute, allowing you to block any status moves or Z-Moves they may want to use immediately. This is especially true against Magearna, Chansey, and Aegislash, where the correct Turn 1 play is always Substitute.
-Against Magearna, make sure you always stay behind a Substitute, to avoid potentially taking a critical hit. Eventually, Fleur-Cannon will not break Substitute, and you can Roost to guarantee the win.
-Against Donphan, you need to be aware of the mind-game between Roost and Earthquake, and of the possible Head Smash from Donphan. If the Donphan has Rock Tomb instead, purposefully tank the hit so you become slower, and don't need to worry about Earthquake. Eventually, this match-up becomes a loop of Ice Shard against Substitute and Roost. Continue using Roost and Substitute until Ice Shard fails to break your Substitute. Then use Toxic to ensure the win.
Mention how to play against aegislash, that its multiple mind games predicting whether or not they'll King's Shield, predicting an attack, or attack themselves to break a Substitute
-Against Heatran, use Thunder on Turn 1, and Roost Turn 2 if it misses. Otherwise, Z-Thunder KOs.
-Zap Cannon and Thunder have decent chances of inflicting Paralysis, and can be used to occasionally win matches you would otherwise lose, such as Choice Specs Genesect and Naganadel.

Team Options
========
- Zapdos has losing match-ups against many of the bulky offense Pokemon that can't be reliably toxic stalled, such as both variants of Charizard-Mega, physical Dragonite, Mega Gardevoir, and Zygarde. Bulky Water and Fairy-types, such as Primarina, Slowbro, and Tapu Lele, can handle those threats, while Zapdos handles threats such as Metal Sound Celesteela, Choice Scarf Genesect 252+ SpA Genesect Ice Beam vs. 240 HP / 136+ SpD Zapdos: 176-208 (46.1 - 54.5%) -- 53.1% chance to 2HKO i don't think roost heals enough to PP stall, and other Water-types that threaten these complements.
-Zapdos also has excellent synergy with Fire-types such as Heatran and Victini that can handle the various Fairy, Steel, and Grass types that Zapdos may not be able to, notably Mega Gardevoir, Tapu Lele, Choice Specs Genesect, and Tapu Bulu. Zapdos deals with Greninja, non-Rock Tomb or Smack Down Landorus-T doesn't scarf smack you too relatively commonly?, and bulky Water-types that threaten such Fire-types.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
- Reflect is an alternative option with a faster EV spread that aims to improve Zapdos' matchups against physical attackers such as Metagross-Mega. Combined with Hidden Power Ice, Reflect gives Zapdos consistent wins over notable physical attackers Garchomp and Landorus-T.

- Laser Focus and Metal Sound are options over Substitute that can be used to defeat Kee Berry Mew and Type: Null respectivelly.

- Hidden Power Ice and you just mentioned this Heat Wave are options for a more offensive Zapdos set that can beat Landorus, Ferrothorn, and some variants of Garchomp and Landorus-T.

- Charge is a niche choice, allowing Zapdos to double the damage of Gigavolt Havoc, gaining OHKOs it otherwise misses, such as Choice Scarf Genesect.

- Static is the preferred ability for any set not using Substitute. this seems really incorrect, PP stalling is always more important than potential para

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

**Better Stall**: Pokemon with better stall tools than Zapdos such as Rest Zygarde and Amnesia Registeel reliably beat Zapdos.

**Faster Rock-types**: Faster Rock-types or Rock-types with speed boosting moves, such as Carracosta, Mega Diancie, and Crustle, all OHKO or 2HKO Zapdos comfortably.

**Substitute Bypass**: Pokemon that use sound moves and other moves that bypass Substitute make Toxic stalling a difficult prospect for Zapdos. This list includes Hoopa-Unbound, Mega Gardevoir, Meloetta, Infiltrator Jumpluff, and Kommo-O.

**Defensive Taunt" Pokemon that Zapdos can neither KO nor Toxic stall due to Taunt or their typing tend to beat Zapdos. This includes Whimsicott, Deoxys-Speed, and Kee Berry Mew.

**Powerful Offense** Faster Pokemon that have immediate power such as Charizard-Mega X and Y, Mega Gardevoir, and Tapu Lele won't give Zapdos a chance to set up a Toxic or Substitute.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Boat (phiwings99), 475993]]
- Quality checked by: [[Osra, 239997], [Synonimous, 457703], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

To implement this, click reply then copy and paste.

So, I know no one told you this, but when you get 2 qc checks you should remove the bullet points and put it into paragraph formatting. So, along with implementing my check, pls turn this into paragraph formatting, then tag me when you do

 

[Boat]

Alakazam implemented. I couldnt get a lot of formatting to work for paragraph form such as indentation and correct spacing between sentences idk why.

"Because Electric-type shares no weakness with Electric-Flying, " means that Electric is weak to ground and Electric flying is weak to Ice/Rock. so they dont share any weaknesses.

 

[Chickenpie2]

I know no one told you this,

change it to QC 2/3 and remove dot points

big sad

 

[Ginger Princess]

Boat (phiwings99) rofl you don't have to do indentation. So fancy xd I'll edit them out of this one

QC Check 2

[OVERVIEW]
Zapdos has an uncommon niche in 1v1 as a hybrid of offense and stall, giving it a unique match-up spread that can't easily be achieved using exclusively one or the other. Zapdos has wins against both hyper-offense Pokemon such as Timid Greninja or Kartana, and bulky offense Pokemon such as Magearna or Gyarados. Z-Thunder can OHKO the many bulky Water-types in 1v1, such as Primarina, Tapu Fini, Slowbro-Mega, and Gyarados-Mega. combine these two sentences; something like 'z thunder beats x, y, z, toxic stall beats a, b, c Zapdos' nature as a hybrid Pokemon adds a degree of unpredictability that makes it difficult to play against. Pressure is a useful ability that lets Zapdos PP stall Pokemon that rely on a single move, such as Magearna. Zapdos is held back by its mediocre bulk, necessitating a very defensive spread that can't afford to invest in speed. Zapdos' average bulk and inability to invest in speed keep it from reliably tanking hits from powerhouses like Charizard-Mega-Y and Sub-Torrent Greninja, or outspeeding threats such as Tapu Lele and Vivillon. Zapdos' lack of access to Taunt means that it is outclassed as a staller by Pokemon that can use it, such as Mew and Deoxys-Speed. Lacking Taunt means that Zapdos cannot win against other stallers such as Whimsicott and Registeel.

[SET]
name: Hybird
move 1: Thunder / Zap-Cannon
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Roost
move 4: Substitute
item: Electrium Z
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 240 HP / 104 Def / 28 SpA / 136 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thunder is Zapdos' best offensive move, and should be used whenever stalling the opponent isn't a viable choice. Common threats defeated by Gigavolt Havoc include the Water-types mentioned above, Kartana, Celesteela, Choice Scarf Porygon-Z, and Heatran. Zap-Cannon is a viable option over Thunder, giving a harder hitting Z-Move and a better chance of hitting and paralyzing. However, not having the higher accuracy of Thunder means you can lose out on important 2HKOs such as against Mawile-Mega, Heatran, and Choice Scarf Timid Genesect. Zap Cannon can also make PP stall match-ups more difficult, because a Pokemon does not lose PP if it is fully paralyzed. In exchange, the higher paralysis chance of Zap-Cannon gives higher chances of winning against faster threats you can 2HKO, such as Naganadel. Toxic is present to stall out threats that can tank or are immune to Z-Thunder, such as Altaria-Mega, Donphan, Clefable, Necrozma, and Porygon2. Roost is reliable recovery that can also be useful in shedding the Flying-type, giving it an important mind-game that lets it defeat Pokemon with coverage moves for Flying-types, such as Donphan and Swampert-Mega. Because Electric-type shares no weakness with Electric-Flying, being able to Roost to change typing is a powerful asset. The final move is Substitute, giving it a reliable win against the ever-present Magearna, as well as giving it wins over important threats such as Necrozma, Porygon2, Chansey, and usually Aegislash.


Set Details
========
240 HP EVs and 136 SpD EVs with a Calm nature allows Zapdos to survive a Hyper Beam from Modest Porygon-Z and an Ice Beam from Timid Choice Specs Greninja. 28 SpA ensures an OHKO against non-bulky Porygon-Z. 248 HP / 112 Def gives Zapdos enough physical bulk to sometimes keep a Substitute against Donphan Ice Shard, as eventually having a Substitute not broken is critical in order to beat Donphan. and to survive Fake Out + Giga Impact from Jolly Mega Lopunny. this isn't very reliable anymore, bc of the ev shift, and the matchup wasn't reliable anyway, so i would remove this and add the bold Pressure is a crucial part of the set, allowing Zapdos to PP stall, in conjunction with Substitute and Roost, Pokemon that use Choice items or simply don't have much PP, such as Magearna and Choice Specs Necrozma. Electrium Z is the best item for this set, allowing Zapdos to pick up many OHKOs with very little Special Attack investment.

Usage Tips
========
A safe Turn 1 play against most slower Pokemon is often Substitute, allowing you to block any status moves or Z-Moves they may want to use immediately. This is especially true against Magearna, Chansey, and Aegislash, where the correct Turn 1 play is always Substitute. Against Magearna, make sure you always stay behind a Substitute, to avoid potentially taking a critical hit. Eventually, Fleur-Cannon will not break Substitute, and you can Roost to guarantee the win. Against Donphan, you need to be aware of the mind-game between Roost and Earthquake, and of the possible Head Smash from Donphan. If the Donphan has Rock Tomb instead, purposefully tank the hit so you become slower, and don't need to worry about Earthquake. Eventually, this match-up becomes a loop of Ice Shard against Substitute and Roost. Continue using Roost and Substitute until Ice Shard fails to break your Substitute. Then use Toxic to ensure the win. I would add more detail about Head Smash Donphan and speedy tomb Donphan, as you play differently for each Against Aegislash, use Substitute and Roost to survive and recover against Z-Shadow Ball. Use Gigavolt Havoc on a turn you think they will not use King's Shield. Against Heatran, use Thunder on Turn 1, and Roost Turn 2 if it misses. Otherwise, Z-Thunder KOs. Zap Cannon and Thunder have decent chances of inflicting Paralysis, and can be used to occasionally win matches you would otherwise lose, such as Choice Specs Genesect and Naganadel.

Team Options
========
Zapdos has losing match-ups against many of the bulky offense Pokemon that can't be reliably toxic stalled, such as both variants of Charizard-Mega, physical Dragonite, Mega Gardevoir, and Zygarde. Bulky Water and Fairy-types, such as Primarina, Mega Slowbro, and Tapu Lele, can each handle a combination of those threats, while Zapdos handles threats such as Metal Sound Celesteela, Magearna, and other Water-types that threaten these complements. Zapdos also has excellent synergy with Fire-types such as Heatran and Victini that can handle the various Fairy, Steel, and Grass types that Zapdos may not be able to, notably Mega Gardevoir, Tapu Lele, Choice Specs Genesect, and Tapu Bulu. Zapdos deals with Protean Greninja, Porygon2, and bulky Water-types that threaten such Fire-types.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Reflect is an alternative option with a faster EV spread that aims to improve Zapdos' matchups against physical attackers such as Metagross-Mega. Combined with Hidden Power Ice, Reflect gives Zapdos consistent wins over notable physical attackers Garchomp and Landorus-T. Laser Focus and Metal Sound are options over Substitute that can be used to defeat Kee Berry Mew and Type: Null respectivelly. Heat Wave is an option for a more offensive Zapdos set that can beat Ferrothorn and Genesect. Charge is a niche choice, allowing Zapdos to double the damage of Gigavolt Havoc, gaining OHKOs it otherwise misses, such as Choice Scarf Genesect.

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

**Better Bulky Stall**: Pokemon with better stall tools than Zapdos such as Rest Zygarde and Amnesia Registeel reliably beat Zapdos.

**Faster Rock-types**: Faster Rock-types or Rock-types with speed boosting moves, such as Carracosta, Mega Diancie, and Crustle, all OHKO or 2HKO Zapdos comfortably.

**Substitute Bypass**: Pokemon that use sound moves and other moves that bypass Substitute make Toxic stalling a difficult prospect for Zapdos. This list includes Hoopa-Unbound, Mega Gardevoir, Meloetta, Infiltrator no other ability is run Jumpluff, and Kommo-O.

**Defensive Taunt" Pokemon that Zapdos can neither KO nor Toxic stall due to Taunt or their typing tend to beat Zapdos. This includes Whimsicott, Deoxys-Speed, and Kee Berry Mew.

**Powerful Offense** Faster Pokemon that have immediate power such as Charizard-Mega X and Y, Mega Gardevoir, and Tapu Lele won't give Zapdos a chance to set up a Toxic or Substitute.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Boat (phiwings99), 475993]]
- Quality checked by: [[Osra, 239997], [Synonimous, 457703], [Alakazam, 276708]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

Overall very good. qc 3/3

 

[deetah]

Add Remove Comments (AC) = Add Comma (RC) = Remove Comma (AH) = Add Hyphen

GP 1/2

Zapdos

[OVERVIEW]

Zapdos has an uncommon niche in 1v1 as a hybrid of offense and stall, giving it a unique match-up matchup spread that can't easily be achieved using exclusively one or the other. Z-Thunder Gigavolt Havoc (Or Electrium Z-boosted Thunder, whichever you prefer) can OHKO the many bulky Water-types in 1v1, such as Primarina, Tapu Fini, Slowbro-Mega Mega Slowbro, and Gyarados-Mega Mega Gyarados, while slower, bulkier Pokemon such as Necrozma, (RC) and Porygon2 get Toxic stalled. Zapdos's nature as a hybrid Pokemon adds a degree of unpredictability that makes it difficult to play against. Pressure is a useful ability that lets Zapdos PP stall Pokemon that rely on a single move, such as Magearna. Zapdos is held back by its mediocre bulk, necessitating a very defensive spread that can't afford to invest in Speed. Zapdos's average bulk and inability to invest in Speed keep it from reliably tanking hits from powerhouses like Charizard-Mega-Y Mega Charizard Y and Sub- Substitute Torrent Greninja, or outspeeding threats such as Tapu Lele and Jumpluff. Zapdos's lack of access to Taunt means that it is outclassed as a staller by Pokemon that can use it, such as Mew and Deoxys-Speed. Lacking Taunt means that Zapdos Deoxys-S, and it cannot win against other stallers such as Whimsicott and Registeel.

[SET]
name: Hybird
move 1: Thunder / Zap-Cannon Zap Cannon
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Roost
move 4: Substitute
item: Electrium Z
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 240 HP / 104 Def / 28 SpA / 136 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thunder is Zapdos's best offensive move, (RC) and should be used whenever stalling the opponent isn't a viable choice. Common threats defeated by Gigavolt Havoc include the Water-types mentioned above aforementioned Water-types, Kartana, Celesteela, Choice Scarf Porygon-Z, and Heatran. Zap-Cannon Zap Cannon is a viable option over Thunder, giving Zapdos a harder-(AH)hitting Z-Move and a better chance of hitting and paralyzing the foe. However, not having the higher accuracy of Thunder means you can lose out on important 2HKOs such as against Mawile-Mega Mega Mawile, Heatran, and Choice Scarf Timid Genesect. Genesect. (Remove the underline) Zap-Cannon Zap Cannon can also make PP stall match-ups matchups more difficult, (RC) because a Pokemon does not lose PP if it is fully paralyzed. In exchange, the higher paralysis chance of Zap-Cannon Zap Cannon gives higher chances of winning against faster threats you can 2HKO, such as Naganadel. Toxic is present to stall out outstall (Stall out is probably fine, but outstall sounds better imo) threats that can tank or are immune to Z-Thunder Gigavolt Havoc, such as Altaria-Mega Mega Altaria, Donphan, Clefable, Necrozma, and Porygon2. Roost is a reliable recovery option that can also be useful in shedding the Flying-type its Flying typing for a turn, giving it Zapdos an important mind-game that lets it defeat Pokemon with coverage moves for Flying-types, such as Donphan and Swampert-Mega Mega Swampert. Because Electric-type shares no weakness with Electric-Flying Electric / Flying typing, being able to use Roost to change typing is a powerful asset. The final move is Substitute, giving it a reliable win against the ever-present Magearna, as well as giving it wins over important threats such as Necrozma, Porygon2, Chansey, and usually Aegislash.


Set Details
========
240 HP EVs and 136 SpD Special Defense EVs with a Calm nature allows Zapdos to survive a Hyper Beam from Modest Porygon-Z and an Ice Beam from Timid Choice Specs Greninja. 28 SpA Special Attack EVs ensures an OHKO against non-bulky Porygon-Z. 248 HP / 112 Def gives Zapdos enough physical bulk to sometimes keep a Substitute against Donphan's Ice Shard, as eventually having a Substitute not broken is critical in order to beat Donphan. Pressure is a crucial part of the set, allowing Zapdos to PP stall, in conjunction with Substitute and Roost, Pokemon that use Choice items or simply don't have much PP, such as Magearna and Choice Specs Necrozma. Electrium Z is the best item for this set, allowing Zapdos to pick up many OHKOs with very little Special Attack investment.

Usage Tips
========
A safe turn 1 play against most slower Pokemon is often Substitute, allowing you Zapdos to block any status moves or Z-Moves they may want to use immediately. This is especially true against Magearna, Chansey, and Aegislash, where the correct Turn 1 play is always Substitute. Against Magearna, make sure you Zapdos always stays behind a Substitute, (RC) to avoid potentially taking a critical hit. Eventually, Fleur-Cannon Fleur Cannon will not break the Substitute, and you can use Roost to guarantee the win. Against Donphan, you need to be aware of the mind-game between Roost and Earthquake, and of the possible Head Smash from Donphan. Use Substitute on turn 1 to scout for Head Smash. If it has Head Smash, you need to choose the correct turn to Roost. Using Roost on turn 2 or Turn 3 is much better than on turn 4, because on turn 4 you Zapdos will be in range to die from of being KOed by Ice Shard. If the Donphan has Rock Tomb instead, purposefully tank the hit so you become slower, and don't need to worry about Earthquake. Eventually, this match-up matchup becomes a loop of Ice Shard against Substitute and Roost. Continue using Roost and Substitute until Ice Shard fails to break your the Substitute. Then use Toxic to ensure the win. Against Aegislash, use Substitute and Roost to survive and recover against Z-Shadow Ball Never-Ending Nightmare. Use Gigavolt Havoc on a turn you think they will not use King's Shield. Against Heatran, use Thunder on turn 1, and Roost turn 2 if it misses. Otherwise, Z-Thunder Gigavolt Havoc KOs. Zap Cannon and Thunder have decent chances of inflicting paralysis, (RC) and can be used to occasionally win matches you would otherwise lose, such as Choice Specs Genesect and Naganadel.

Team Options
========
Zapdos has losing match-ups matchups against many of the bulky offense Pokemon that can't be reliably Toxic stalled, such as both variants of Charizard-Mega Mega Charizard X and Y, physical Dragonite, Mega Gardevoir, and Zygarde. Bulky Water-(AH) and Fairy-types, such as Primarina, Mega Slowbro, and Tapu Lele, can each handle a combination of those threats, while Zapdos handles threats such as Metal Sound Celesteela, Magearna, and other Water-types that threaten these complements. Zapdos also has excellent synergy with Fire-types such as Heatran and Victini that can handle the various Fairy-(AH), Steel-(AH), and Grass-(AH)types that Zapdos may not be able to, notably Mega Gardevoir, Tapu Lele, Choice Specs Genesect, and Tapu Bulu. Zapdos deals with Protean Greninja, Porygon2, and bulky Water-types that threaten such Fire-types.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Reflect is an alternative option with a faster EV spread that aims to improve Zapdos's matchups against physical attackers such as Metagross-Mega Mega Metagross. Combined with Hidden Power Ice, Reflect gives Zapdos consistent wins over notable physical attackers like Garchomp and Landorus-T. Laser Focus and Metal Sound are options over Substitute that can be used to defeat Kee Berry Mew and Type: Null, (AC) respectivelly respectively. Heat Wave is an option for a more offensive Zapdos set that can beat Ferrothorn and Genesect. Charge is a niche choice, allowing Zapdos to double the damage of Gigavolt Havoc, gaining OHKOs it otherwise misses, such as Choice Scarf Genesect.

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

**Bulky Stall**: Pokemon with better stall tools than Zapdos such as Rest Zygarde and Amnesia Registeel reliably beat Zapdos.

**Faster Rock-types**: Faster Rock-types or Rock-types with speed-(AH)boosting moves, such as Carracosta, Mega Diancie, and Crustle, all OHKO or 2HKO Zapdos comfortably.

**Substitute Bypass**: Pokemon that use sound moves and other moves that bypass Substitute makes Toxic stalling a difficult prospect for Zapdos. This list includes Hoopa-Unbound, Mega Gardevoir, Meloetta, Jumpluff, and Kommo-o.

**Defensive Taunt" Pokemon that Zapdos can neither KO nor Toxic stall due to Taunt or their typing tend to beat Zapdos. This includes Whimsicott, Deoxys-Speed, and Kee Berry Mew.

**Powerful Offense** Faster Pokemon that have immediate power such as Charizard-Mega Mega Charizard X and Y, Mega Gardevoir, and Tapu Lele won't give Zapdos a chance to set up a Toxic or Substitute.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Boat (phiwings99), 475993]]
- Quality checked by: [[Osra, 239997], [Synonimous, 457703], [Alakazam, 276708]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

 

[Ginger Princess]

Add Remove Comments (AC) = Add Comma (RC) = Remove Comma (AH) = Add Hyphen

GP 1/2

View attachment 198544

Zapdos

[OVERVIEW]

Zapdos has an uncommon niche in 1v1 as a hybrid of offense and stall, giving it a unique match-up matchup spread that can't easily be achieved using exclusively one or the other. Z-Thunder Gigavolt Havoc (Or Electrium Z-boosted Thunder, whichever you prefer) can OHKO the many bulky Water-types in 1v1, such as Primarina, Tapu Fini, Slowbro-Mega Mega Slowbro, and Gyarados-Mega Mega Gyarados, while slower, bulkier Pokemon such as Necrozma, (RC) and Porygon2 get Toxic stalled. Zapdos's nature as a hybrid Pokemon adds a degree of unpredictability that makes it difficult to play against. Pressure is a useful ability that lets Zapdos PP stall Pokemon that rely on a single move, such as Magearna. Zapdos is held back by its mediocre bulk, necessitating a very defensive spread that can't afford to invest in Speed. Zapdos's average bulk and inability to invest in Speed keep it from reliably tanking hits from powerhouses like Charizard-Mega-Y Mega Charizard Y and Sub- Substitute Torrent Greninja, or outspeeding threats such as Tapu Lele and Jumpluff. Zapdos's lack of access to Taunt means that it is outclassed as a staller by Pokemon that can use it, such as Mew and Deoxys-Speed. Lacking Taunt means that Zapdos Deoxys-S, and it cannot win against other stallers such as Whimsicott and Registeel.

[SET]
name: Hybird
move 1: Thunder / Zap-Cannon Zap Cannon
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Roost
move 4: Substitute
item: Electrium Z
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 240 HP / 104 Def / 28 SpA / 136 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thunder is Zapdos's best offensive move, (RC) and should be used whenever stalling the opponent isn't a viable choice. Common threats defeated by Gigavolt Havoc include the Water-types mentioned above aforementioned Water-types, Kartana, Celesteela, Choice Scarf Porygon-Z, and Heatran. Zap-Cannon Zap Cannon is a viable option over Thunder, giving Zapdos a harder-(AH)hitting Z-Move and a better chance of hitting and paralyzing the foe. However, not having the higher accuracy of Thunder means you can lose out on important 2HKOs such as against Mawile-Mega Mega Mawile, Heatran, and Choice Scarf Timid Genesect. Genesect. (Remove the underline) Zap-Cannon Zap Cannon can also make PP stall match-ups matchups more difficult, (RC) because a Pokemon does not lose PP if it is fully paralyzed. In exchange, the higher paralysis chance of Zap-Cannon Zap Cannon gives higher chances of winning against faster threats you can 2HKO, such as Naganadel. Toxic is present to stall out outstall (Stall out is probably fine, but outstall sounds better imo) threats that can tank or are immune to Z-Thunder Gigavolt Havoc, such as Altaria-Mega Mega Altaria, Donphan, Clefable, Necrozma, and Porygon2. Roost is a reliable recovery option that can also be useful in shedding the Flying-type its Flying typing for a turn, giving it Zapdos an important mind-game that lets it defeat Pokemon with coverage moves for Flying-types, such as Donphan and Swampert-Mega Mega Swampert. Because Electric-type shares no weakness with Electric-Flying Electric / Flying typing, being able to use Roost to change typing is a powerful asset. The final move is Substitute, giving it a reliable win against the ever-present Magearna, as well as giving it wins over important threats such as Necrozma, Porygon2, Chansey, and usually Aegislash.


Set Details
========
240 HP EVs and 136 SpD Special Defense EVs with a Calm nature allows Zapdos to survive a Hyper Beam from Modest Porygon-Z and an Ice Beam from Timid Choice Specs Greninja. 28 SpA Special Attack EVs ensures an OHKO against non-bulky Porygon-Z. 248 HP / 112 Def gives Zapdos enough physical bulk to sometimes keep a Substitute against Donphan's Ice Shard, as eventually having a Substitute not broken is critical in order to beat Donphan. Pressure is a crucial part of the set, allowing Zapdos to PP stall, in conjunction with Substitute and Roost, Pokemon that use Choice items or simply don't have much PP, such as Magearna and Choice Specs Necrozma. Electrium Z is the best item for this set, allowing Zapdos to pick up many OHKOs with very little Special Attack investment.

Usage Tips
========
A safe turn 1 play against most slower Pokemon is often Substitute, allowing you Zapdos to block any status moves or Z-Moves they may want to use immediately. This is especially true against Magearna, Chansey, and Aegislash, where the correct Turn 1 play is always Substitute. Against Magearna, make sure you Zapdos always stays behind a Substitute, (RC) to avoid potentially taking a critical hit. Eventually, Fleur-Cannon Fleur Cannon will not break the Substitute, and you can use Roost to guarantee the win. Against Donphan, you need to be aware of the mind-game between Roost and Earthquake, and of the possible Head Smash from Donphan. Use Substitute on turn 1 to scout for Head Smash. If it has Head Smash, you need to choose the correct turn to Roost. Using Roost on turn 2 or Turn 3 is much better than on turn 4, because on turn 4 you Zapdos will be in range to die from of being KOed by Ice Shard. If the Donphan has Rock Tomb instead, purposefully tank the hit so you become slower, and don't need to worry about Earthquake. Eventually, this match-up matchup becomes a loop of Ice Shard against Substitute and Roost. Continue using Roost and Substitute until Ice Shard fails to break your the Substitute. Then use Toxic to ensure the win. Against Aegislash, use Substitute and Roost to survive and recover against Z-Shadow Ball Never-Ending Nightmare. Use Gigavolt Havoc on a turn you think they will not use King's Shield. Against Heatran, use Thunder on turn 1, and Roost turn 2 if it misses. Otherwise, Z-Thunder Gigavolt Havoc KOs. Zap Cannon and Thunder have decent chances of inflicting paralysis, (RC) and can be used to occasionally win matches you would otherwise lose, such as Choice Specs Genesect and Naganadel.

Team Options
========
Zapdos has losing match-ups matchups against many of the bulky offense Pokemon that can't be reliably Toxic stalled, such as both variants of Charizard-Mega Mega Charizard X and Y, physical Dragonite, Mega Gardevoir, and Zygarde. Bulky Water-(AH) and Fairy-types, such as Primarina, Mega Slowbro, and Tapu Lele, can each handle a combination of those threats, while Zapdos handles threats such as Metal Sound Celesteela, Magearna, and other Water-types that threaten these complements. Zapdos also has excellent synergy with Fire-types such as Heatran and Victini that can handle the various Fairy-(AH), Steel-(AH), and Grass-(AH)types that Zapdos may not be able to, notably Mega Gardevoir, Tapu Lele, Choice Specs Genesect, and Tapu Bulu. Zapdos deals with Protean Greninja, Porygon2, and bulky Water-types that threaten such Fire-types.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Reflect is an alternative option with a faster EV spread that aims to improve Zapdos's matchups against physical attackers such as Metagross-Mega Mega Metagross. Combined with Hidden Power Ice, Reflect gives Zapdos consistent wins over notable physical attackers like Garchomp and Landorus-T. Laser Focus and Metal Sound are options over Substitute that can be used to defeat Kee Berry Mew and Type: Null, (AC) respectivelly respectively. Heat Wave is an option for a more offensive Zapdos set that can beat Ferrothorn and Genesect. Charge is a niche choice, allowing Zapdos to double the damage of Gigavolt Havoc, gaining OHKOs it otherwise misses, such as Choice Scarf Genesect.

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

**Bulky Stall**: Pokemon with better stall tools than Zapdos such as Rest Zygarde and Amnesia Registeel reliably beat Zapdos.

**Faster Rock-types**: Faster Rock-types or Rock-types with speed-(AH)boosting moves, such as Carracosta, Mega Diancie, and Crustle, all OHKO or 2HKO Zapdos comfortably.

**Substitute Bypass**: Pokemon that use sound moves and other moves that bypass Substitute makes Toxic stalling a difficult prospect for Zapdos. This list includes Hoopa-Unbound, Mega Gardevoir, Meloetta, Jumpluff, and Kommo-o.

**Defensive Taunt" Pokemon that Zapdos can neither KO nor Toxic stall due to Taunt or their typing tend to beat Zapdos. This includes Whimsicott, Deoxys-Speed, and Kee Berry Mew.

**Powerful Offense** Faster Pokemon that have immediate power such as Charizard-Mega Mega Charizard X and Y, Mega Gardevoir, and Tapu Lele won't give Zapdos a chance to set up a Toxic or Substitute.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Boat (phiwings99), 475993]]
- Quality checked by: [[Osra, 239997], [Synonimous, 457703], [Alakazam, 276708]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

I implemented this for him, this is ready for a 2nd check

 

[Lumari]

remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 2/2

check

[OVERVIEW]

Zapdos has an uncommon niche in 1v1 as a hybrid of offense and stall, giving it a unique matchup spread (array of good matchups? not sure what this means) that can't easily be achieved using exclusively one or the other. Gigavolt Havoc can OHKO the many bulky Water-types in 1v1, such as Primarina, Tapu Fini, Mega Slowbro, and Mega Gyarados, while slower, bulkier Pokemon such as Necrozma and Porygon2 get Toxic stalled. Zapdos's nature as a hybrid Pokemon adds a degree of unpredictability that makes it difficult to play against. Pressure is a useful ability that lets Zapdos PP stall Pokemon that rely on a single move, such as Magearna. However, Zapdos is held back by its mediocre bulk, necessitating a very defensive spread that can't afford to invest in Speed. Zapdos's average bulk and inability to invest in Speed keep it from reliably tanking hits from powerhouses like Mega Charizard Y and Substitute Torrent Greninja (RC) or outspeeding threats such as Tapu Lele and Jumpluff. Zapdos's lack of access to Taunt means that it is outclassed as a staller by Pokemon that can use it, such as Mew and Deoxys-S, and it cannot win against other stallers such as Whimsicott and Registeel.

[SET]
name: Hybird
move 1: Thunder / Zap Cannon
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Roost
move 4: Substitute
item: Electrium Z
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 240 HP / 104 Def / 28 SpA / 136 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thunder is Zapdos's best offensive move and should be used whenever stalling the opponent opposing Pokemon isn't a viable choice. Common threats defeated by Gigavolt Havoc include the aforementioned Water-types, (repeat them here pls) Kartana, Celesteela, Choice Scarf Porygon-Z, and Heatran. Zap Cannon is a viable option over Thunder, giving Zapdos a harder-hitting Z-Move and a better chance of hitting and paralyzing the foe. However, not having the higher accuracy of Thunder means you can lose out on important 2HKOs such as against Mega Mawile, Heatran, and Choice Scarf Timid Genesect. Zap Cannon can also make PP stall matchups more difficult, because a Pokemon does not lose PP if it is fully paralyzed. In exchange, the higher paralysis chance of Zap Cannon gives higher chances of winning against faster threats you Zapdos can 2HKO, such as Naganadel. Toxic is present to outstall threats that can tank or are immune to Gigavolt Havoc, such as Mega Altaria, Donphan, Clefable, Necrozma, and Porygon2. Roost is a reliable recovery option that can also be useful in shedding its Zapdos's Flying typing for a turn, giving allowing Zapdos an important mind-game that lets it to win mind games and defeat Pokemon with coverage moves for Flying-types, such as Donphan and Mega Swampert. Because Electric-type shares no weakness with Electric / Flying typing, being able to use Roost to change typing is a powerful asset. The final move is Substitute, giving it Zapdos a reliable win against the ever-present Magearna, as well as giving it wins over important threats such as Necrozma, Porygon2, Chansey, and usually Aegislash.


Set Details
========
240 HP EVs and 136 Special Defense EVs with a Calm nature allow Zapdos to survive a Hyper Beam from Modest Porygon-Z and an Ice Beam from Timid Choice Specs Greninja. 28 Special Attack EVs ensure an OHKO against non-bulky (=uninvested? if so replace with that, if not then w/e) Porygon-Z. 248 HP / 112 Defense EVs with the given HP investment gives give Zapdos enough physical bulk to sometimes keep a Substitute against Donphan's Ice Shard, as eventually having a Substitute not broken is critical in order to beat Donphan. Pressure is a crucial part of the set, allowing allows Zapdos to PP stall, in conjunction with Substitute and Roost, Pokemon that use Choice items or simply don't have much PP, such as Magearna and Choice Specs Necrozma. Electrium Z is the best item for this set, allowing Zapdos to pick up many OHKOs with very little Special Attack investment.

Usage Tips
========
A safe turn 1 play against most slower Pokemon is often Substitute, allowing Zapdos to block any status moves or Z-Moves they may want to use immediately. This is especially true against Magearna, Chansey, and Aegislash. Against Magearna, make sure Zapdos always stays behind a Substitute to avoid potentially taking a critical hit. Eventually, Fleur Cannon will not break the Substitute, and you can use Roost to guarantee the win. Against Donphan, you need to be aware of the mind game (RH) between Roost and Earthquake (RC) and of the possible Head Smash. Use Substitute on turn 1 to scout for Head Smash. If it Donphan has Head Smash, you need to choose the correct turn to Roost. Using Roost on turn 2 or 3 is much better than on turn 4, because on turn 4 Zapdos will be in range of being KOed by Ice Shard. If the Donphan has Rock Tomb instead, purposefully tank the hit so you become Zapdos becomes slower (RC) and don't need no longer needs to worry about Earthquake. Eventually, this matchup becomes a loop of Ice Shard against Substitute and Roost. Continue using Roost and Substitute until Ice Shard fails to break the Substitute. Then, (AC) use Toxic to ensure the win. Against Aegislash, use Substitute and Roost to survive and recover against Never-Ending Nightmare. Use Gigavolt Havoc on a turn you think they the opponent will not use King's Shield. Against Heatran, use Thunder on turn 1. (AP) If it misses, use and Roost; (SC) turn 2 if it misses. otherwise, Gigavolt Havoc KOs KOes. Zap Cannon and Thunder have decent chances of inflicting paralysis, (AC) and which can be used to occasionally win matches you would otherwise lose, such as against Choice Specs Genesect and Naganadel.

Team Options
========
Zapdos has losing matchups against many of the bulky offense Pokemon that can't be reliably Toxic stalled, such as Mega Charizard X and Y, physical Dragonite, Mega Gardevoir, and Zygarde. Bulky Water- and Fairy-types, such as Primarina, Mega Slowbro, and Tapu Lele, can each handle a combination of those threats, while Zapdos handles threats such as Metal Sound Celesteela, Magearna, and other Water-types that threaten these complements. Zapdos also has excellent synergy with Fire-types such as Heatran and Victini that can handle the various Fairy-, Steel-, and Grass-types that Zapdos may not be able to, notably Mega Gardevoir, Tapu Lele, Choice Specs Genesect, and Tapu Bulu. Zapdos deals with Protean Greninja, Porygon2, and bulky Water-types that threaten such Fire-types.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Reflect is an alternative option with a faster EV spread that aims to improve Zapdos's matchups against physical attackers such as Mega Metagross. Combined with Hidden Power Ice, Reflect gives Zapdos consistent wins over notable physical attackers like Garchomp and Landorus-T. Laser Focus and Metal Sound are options over Substitute that can be used to defeat Kee Berry Mew and Type: Null, respectively. Heat Wave is an option for a more offensive Zapdos set that can beat Ferrothorn and Genesect. Charge is a niche choice, allowing Zapdos to double the damage of Gigavolt Havoc, gaining OHKOs it otherwise misses, such as Choice Scarf Genesect.

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

**Bulky Stall**: Pokemon with better stall tools than Zapdos such as Rest Zygarde and Amnesia Registeel reliably beat Zapdos it.

**Faster Rock-types**: Faster Rock-types or Rock-types with Speed-boosting moves, such as Carracosta, Mega Diancie, and Crustle, all OHKO or 2HKO Zapdos comfortably.

**Substitute Bypass**: Pokemon that use sound moves and other moves that bypass Substitute makes Toxic stalling a difficult prospect for Zapdos. This list includes Hoopa-U, Mega Gardevoir, Meloetta, Jumpluff, and Kommo-o.

**Defensive Taunt Users**: Pokemon that Zapdos can neither KO nor Toxic stall due to Taunt or their typing tend to beat Zapdos it. This includes These include Whimsicott, Deoxys-S, and Kee Berry Mew.

**Powerful Offense**; (colon) Faster Pokemon that have immediate power such as Mega Charizard X and Y, Mega Gardevoir, and Tapu Lele won't give Zapdos a chance to set up a inflict them with Toxic or set up a Substitute.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Boat (phiwings99), 475993]]
- Quality checked by: [[Osra, 239997], [Synonimous, 457703], [Alakazam, 276708]]
- Grammar checked by: [[deetah, 297659], [, ]]

 

[Boat]

The Dutch Plumberjack implemented

 

[Ginger Princess]

https://www.smogon.com/dex/sm/pokemon/zapdos/1v1/

This is uploaded!