Charlotte
giraffe
This is a substantially edited version of RNGisFatal's previous tackle at it. Implemented what had been my QC of it and made many other smaller changes.
[OVERVIEW]
Unlike other Electric-types, such as Tapu Koko and Thundurus-T, Zapdos has the ability to run defensive sets to take on dangerous attackers, including Mega Salamence, Mega Gyarados, and Mega Lucario. Zapdos is one of the few Electric-types with access to reliable recovery in the form of Roost, which helps it stay healthy and perform its defensive role. In addition, Zapdos has a unique niche with its access to Heat Wave, allowing it to threaten Steel-types, particularly Mega Scizor and Ferrothorn, making it a good fit in a variety of team archetypes.
However, Zapdos's defensive capability is sometimes hindered by Stealth Rock; furthermore, Zapdos's defensive stats are not stellar, so it is reliant on its typing to effectively function as a wall.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Volt Switch / Thunderbolt / Discharge
move 2: Heat Wave
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Toxic
move 4: Roost
item: Rocky Helmet / Wiki Berry / Leftovers
ability: Static / Pressure
nature: Bold
evs: 244 HP / 244 Def / 20 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Volt Switch functions as a STAB move that hits Water- and Flying-types super effectively while helping Zapdos's team gain momentum and bring in a teammate safely. However, being forced to switch is not always a positive trait of this move, as damage from Stealth Rock can build quickly with the additional pivoting.
* Thunderbolt is Zapdos's strongest accurate Electric-type move.
* Discharge has a considerable chance to paralyze foes, which can leave them significantly more vulnerable to being revenge killed.
* Heat Wave is one of Zapdos's primary selling points as a defensive tank; the coverage it provides alongside Zapdos's Electric-type STAB move is invaluable. It allows Zapdos to effectively check Kartana, Excadrill, Mega Lucario, and Mega Scizor.
* Hidden Power Ice heavily damages Mega Salamence, Landorus-T, and Garchomp. This keeps them from setting up further, forcing them to launch a last-ditch effort attack or to simply switch out.
* Toxic is a good utility move that puts a timer on defensive behemoths such as Porygon2 and Cresselia. In combination with Roost, Zapdos is able to stall for additional poison damage.
* Roost is a vitally important move for Zapdos to stay healthy so it can fulfill its role as a defensive wall.
Set Details
========
* EVs are used to maximize HP and Defense, and a Bold nature is chosen to maximize Zapdos's physical bulk, letting it handle physical threats such as Mega Salamence with a Dragon Dance boost. 20 Speed EVs allow Zapdos to outspeed neutral base 70 Pokemon, most notably Breloom.
* Rocky Helmet punishes physical attackers every time they use a contact move; this is particularly useful against Mega Gyarados, Mega Salamence, and Mega Blaziken.
* Wiki Berry provides a single-use burst of recovery, healing 50% of Zapdos's max HP. This can be particularly useful when Zapdos has to switch frequently while Stealth Rock is active, as it will activate automatically when Zapdos is put below 25% of its max HP.
* Leftovers provides a steady and much-welcomed source of passive recovery. This can help alleviate the damage taken from harmful weather and status on a turn-by-turn basis.
* Static punishes contact attacks with a significant chance to paralyze. This can be particularly useful when Zapdos is being used to take on certain physical attackers that are either naturally fast or boost their own Speed, such as Kartana, Mega Gyarados, and Mega Salamence.
* Pressure helps Zapdos use Roost to stall out foes that rely on low-PP moves such as Stone Edge and Fire Blast. It also allows for a means of checking the foe's Speed; when Zapdos is led or brought in after a double KO, take note of whether Pressure activates before a foe's ability to determine which Pokemon is faster.
Usage Tips
========
* Since this set aims to use Zapdos as a physical wall, use it to switch into the dangerous physical attackers it can handle such as Mega Salamence, Mega Gyarados, Azumarill, and Mega Scizor.
* When using Toxic in combination with either Discharge or Static, be careful not to paralyze Pokemon you need to badly poison. Accidentally paralyzing a Porygon2, for instance, could leave it significantly harder to KO than if it were badly poisoned.
* Even without much Speed investment, Zapdos is still faster than many bulky attackers. It can use its naturally high Speed to its advantage and attempt to stall out the PP of certain Rock-, Ice-, and Electric-type moves with Pressure and Roost.
Team Options
========
* Zapdos is often paired with Pokemon that struggle with Mega Salamence or bulky Water-types, appreciating Zapdos handling them. Mega Blaziken in particular is a common partner; alongside Ferrothorn, this forms a popular core.
* Zapdos also finds itself as a fairly common option on sand teams, being able to tackle bulky Water-types and Celesteela, which Tyranitar and Excadrill can struggle with, and switch into the Fighting- and Ground-type attacks that threaten them both.
* Steel-types, such as Mega Metagross and Heatran, can switch into Toxic, which cripples Zapdos, and Ice-type attacks, which hit Zapdos super effectively. Mega Metagross and Heatran can also benefit from having Zapdos as a teammate, as it can comfortably switch into Ground-type attacks.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
* Specially defensive Zapdos can be a good fit for some teams; it trades being able to handle Dragon Dance Mega Salamence and Mega Gyarados for being significantly better at taking on offensive Tapu Fini and Primarina, especially their Z-move variants.
* Offensive sets using either Choice Scarf or Electrium Z can be effective options, utilizing Zapdos's access to Heat Wave to provide it a niche over the generally preferred Thundurus-T.
* Substitute can be used in conjunction with Pressure and Roost to further exhaust a foe's PP. This style of Zapdos is best played with high Speed investment, allowing the Substitute to take the brunt of most strong attacks. However, fitting Substitute in will mean giving up on valued coverage moves, which significantly changes how Zapdos is played.
* Roar allows Zapdos to phaze foes that are setting up to dangerous levels or rack up damage with Stealth Rock set by another member of your team. Though, as with Substitute, it can be difficult to find the space in an already tight moveset.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Mega Venusaur**: While being resistant to Electric-type moves and immune to Toxic, Mega Venusaur's ability in Thick Fat lets it handle Heat Wave and Hidden Power Ice with ease. It can also wear down Zapdos quite quickly with Leech Seed and Sludge Bomb.
**Strong Rock- and Ice-type Attacks**: Pokemon such as Mamoswine, Cloyster, and Protean Greninja are able to super effectively hit Zapdos using their Ice-type STAB moves and substantially weaken it. Likewise, Pokemon like Mega Tyranitar can threaten Zapdos with Stone Edge.
**Strong Neutral Hits**: Zapdos is often reliant on its typing to take on various threats. Due to its mediocre defensive stats, strong neutral hits can overwhelm Zapdos. For example, Mega Charizard X can OHKO Zapdos with Flare Blitz or Outrage after Stealth Rock damage and a Dragon Dance boost. Mega Charizard Y can also easily 2HKO Zapdos with a Drought-boosted Fire-type STAB move of its choice, and terrain boosts allow Tapu Lele to 2HKO it with Psychic and Tapu Koko to 2HKO it using Thunderbolt.
**Stealth Rock**: Zapdos loses 25% of its max HP every time it switches in on Stealth Rock; this can seriously hinder its ability to wall certain threats.
**Status**: Due to the fact that Zapdos has to keep itself healthy throughout the match to function as a wall, it dislikes any residual damage—especially Toxic, which will put a timer on Zapdos, leaving it unable to stay active for many consecutive turns without taking substantial amounts of damage.
[OVERVIEW]
Unlike other Electric-types, such as Tapu Koko and Thundurus-T, Zapdos has the ability to run defensive sets to take on dangerous attackers, including Mega Salamence, Mega Gyarados, and Mega Lucario. Zapdos is one of the few Electric-types with access to reliable recovery in the form of Roost, which helps it stay healthy and perform its defensive role. In addition, Zapdos has a unique niche with its access to Heat Wave, allowing it to threaten Steel-types, particularly Mega Scizor and Ferrothorn, making it a good fit in a variety of team archetypes.
However, Zapdos's defensive capability is sometimes hindered by Stealth Rock; furthermore, Zapdos's defensive stats are not stellar, so it is reliant on its typing to effectively function as a wall.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Volt Switch / Thunderbolt / Discharge
move 2: Heat Wave
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Toxic
move 4: Roost
item: Rocky Helmet / Wiki Berry / Leftovers
ability: Static / Pressure
nature: Bold
evs: 244 HP / 244 Def / 20 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Volt Switch functions as a STAB move that hits Water- and Flying-types super effectively while helping Zapdos's team gain momentum and bring in a teammate safely. However, being forced to switch is not always a positive trait of this move, as damage from Stealth Rock can build quickly with the additional pivoting.
* Thunderbolt is Zapdos's strongest accurate Electric-type move.
* Discharge has a considerable chance to paralyze foes, which can leave them significantly more vulnerable to being revenge killed.
* Heat Wave is one of Zapdos's primary selling points as a defensive tank; the coverage it provides alongside Zapdos's Electric-type STAB move is invaluable. It allows Zapdos to effectively check Kartana, Excadrill, Mega Lucario, and Mega Scizor.
* Hidden Power Ice heavily damages Mega Salamence, Landorus-T, and Garchomp. This keeps them from setting up further, forcing them to launch a last-ditch effort attack or to simply switch out.
* Toxic is a good utility move that puts a timer on defensive behemoths such as Porygon2 and Cresselia. In combination with Roost, Zapdos is able to stall for additional poison damage.
* Roost is a vitally important move for Zapdos to stay healthy so it can fulfill its role as a defensive wall.
Set Details
========
* EVs are used to maximize HP and Defense, and a Bold nature is chosen to maximize Zapdos's physical bulk, letting it handle physical threats such as Mega Salamence with a Dragon Dance boost. 20 Speed EVs allow Zapdos to outspeed neutral base 70 Pokemon, most notably Breloom.
* Rocky Helmet punishes physical attackers every time they use a contact move; this is particularly useful against Mega Gyarados, Mega Salamence, and Mega Blaziken.
* Wiki Berry provides a single-use burst of recovery, healing 50% of Zapdos's max HP. This can be particularly useful when Zapdos has to switch frequently while Stealth Rock is active, as it will activate automatically when Zapdos is put below 25% of its max HP.
* Leftovers provides a steady and much-welcomed source of passive recovery. This can help alleviate the damage taken from harmful weather and status on a turn-by-turn basis.
* Static punishes contact attacks with a significant chance to paralyze. This can be particularly useful when Zapdos is being used to take on certain physical attackers that are either naturally fast or boost their own Speed, such as Kartana, Mega Gyarados, and Mega Salamence.
* Pressure helps Zapdos use Roost to stall out foes that rely on low-PP moves such as Stone Edge and Fire Blast. It also allows for a means of checking the foe's Speed; when Zapdos is led or brought in after a double KO, take note of whether Pressure activates before a foe's ability to determine which Pokemon is faster.
Usage Tips
========
* Since this set aims to use Zapdos as a physical wall, use it to switch into the dangerous physical attackers it can handle such as Mega Salamence, Mega Gyarados, Azumarill, and Mega Scizor.
* When using Toxic in combination with either Discharge or Static, be careful not to paralyze Pokemon you need to badly poison. Accidentally paralyzing a Porygon2, for instance, could leave it significantly harder to KO than if it were badly poisoned.
* Even without much Speed investment, Zapdos is still faster than many bulky attackers. It can use its naturally high Speed to its advantage and attempt to stall out the PP of certain Rock-, Ice-, and Electric-type moves with Pressure and Roost.
Team Options
========
* Zapdos is often paired with Pokemon that struggle with Mega Salamence or bulky Water-types, appreciating Zapdos handling them. Mega Blaziken in particular is a common partner; alongside Ferrothorn, this forms a popular core.
* Zapdos also finds itself as a fairly common option on sand teams, being able to tackle bulky Water-types and Celesteela, which Tyranitar and Excadrill can struggle with, and switch into the Fighting- and Ground-type attacks that threaten them both.
* Steel-types, such as Mega Metagross and Heatran, can switch into Toxic, which cripples Zapdos, and Ice-type attacks, which hit Zapdos super effectively. Mega Metagross and Heatran can also benefit from having Zapdos as a teammate, as it can comfortably switch into Ground-type attacks.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
* Specially defensive Zapdos can be a good fit for some teams; it trades being able to handle Dragon Dance Mega Salamence and Mega Gyarados for being significantly better at taking on offensive Tapu Fini and Primarina, especially their Z-move variants.
* Offensive sets using either Choice Scarf or Electrium Z can be effective options, utilizing Zapdos's access to Heat Wave to provide it a niche over the generally preferred Thundurus-T.
* Substitute can be used in conjunction with Pressure and Roost to further exhaust a foe's PP. This style of Zapdos is best played with high Speed investment, allowing the Substitute to take the brunt of most strong attacks. However, fitting Substitute in will mean giving up on valued coverage moves, which significantly changes how Zapdos is played.
* Roar allows Zapdos to phaze foes that are setting up to dangerous levels or rack up damage with Stealth Rock set by another member of your team. Though, as with Substitute, it can be difficult to find the space in an already tight moveset.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Mega Venusaur**: While being resistant to Electric-type moves and immune to Toxic, Mega Venusaur's ability in Thick Fat lets it handle Heat Wave and Hidden Power Ice with ease. It can also wear down Zapdos quite quickly with Leech Seed and Sludge Bomb.
**Strong Rock- and Ice-type Attacks**: Pokemon such as Mamoswine, Cloyster, and Protean Greninja are able to super effectively hit Zapdos using their Ice-type STAB moves and substantially weaken it. Likewise, Pokemon like Mega Tyranitar can threaten Zapdos with Stone Edge.
**Strong Neutral Hits**: Zapdos is often reliant on its typing to take on various threats. Due to its mediocre defensive stats, strong neutral hits can overwhelm Zapdos. For example, Mega Charizard X can OHKO Zapdos with Flare Blitz or Outrage after Stealth Rock damage and a Dragon Dance boost. Mega Charizard Y can also easily 2HKO Zapdos with a Drought-boosted Fire-type STAB move of its choice, and terrain boosts allow Tapu Lele to 2HKO it with Psychic and Tapu Koko to 2HKO it using Thunderbolt.
**Stealth Rock**: Zapdos loses 25% of its max HP every time it switches in on Stealth Rock; this can seriously hinder its ability to wall certain threats.
**Status**: Due to the fact that Zapdos has to keep itself healthy throughout the match to function as a wall, it dislikes any residual damage—especially Toxic, which will put a timer on Zapdos, leaving it unable to stay active for many consecutive turns without taking substantial amounts of damage.
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