Zapdos Best Builds & Guide
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Master Zapdos in Pokemon UNITE with this best builds guide! Learn the best Held & Battle items, gameplay tips, nerfs, buffs, counters and key matchups for Zapdos!
| Zapdos Pages | |
|---|---|
 Release Date
|
 Best Builds & Guide |
List of Contents
Zapdos Basic Info
| Zapdos | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
Tier Rating:
Role: Attacker Attack Type: Ranged Damage Type: Special Difficulty: Novice |
|
| "Decimate foes with thunderous strikes from this Kantonian legendary bird!" | ||
Zapdos Best Lanes
 Top |
 Jungle |
 Bottom |
|---|---|---|
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Tips & Strategies for Every Lane
Strengths and Weaknesses
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
|
✔︎ Strong area damage and crowd control ✔︎ Can break goals |
✖︎ Low mobility ✖︎ Low durability |
Best Builds for Zapdos
| Zapdos Builds | |
|---|---|
Damage BuildDamage Build
Damage Build
|
Moveset | Held Items | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battle Item | |||||
| Stats from Items (Lv. 40) | Recommended Lane | ||||
|
Sp. Atk: +107 HP: +245 Cooldown: -3.50% |
 Top Lane Jungle Bot Lane |
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| Emblem Color Combination | Target Emblem Stats | ||||
 Green x6 Black x7 |
Positive Stats: • Sp. Atk Free Negative Stats: • Attack • Defense • Sp. Def • Critical-Hit Rate |
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| Note: The emblem color and stats here are suggestions only. The builds are still viable even without the suggested emblems. |
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Damage Build Explanation
This build focuses on maxing out Zapdos' damage output, particularly its move damage.
- Wise Glasses gives Zapdos a large Sp. Atk. boost thanks to its percentage-based bonus.
- Slick Spoon provides Zapdos with HP, more Sp. Atk., and the ability to ignore a portion of its target's Sp.Def., leading to more damage.
- Drive Lens further improves Zapdos' Sp. Atk. whenever it knocks out opponents or gets an assist. It also provides a bit of cooldown reduction.
- Sp. Atk. Specs can be a replacement for any of the items should you want more flat Sp. Atk.
- Eject Button gives Zapdos a repositioning tool for offensive and defensive ends.
- X Speed can also work for the build to improve Zapdos' mobility via movement speed.
- The build's Boost Emblem loadout should consist of 6 Green Emblems for more damage and 7 Black Emblems additional cooldown reduction. This can be achieved by having at least three (3) Emblems that are both Green and Black.
- Equip Emblems that improve Sp. Atk. to further boost Zapdos' damage.
- Attack, Critical-Hit Rate, Sp. Def., and Defense can be freely traded for the other stats.
Zapdos Best Items
Best Held Items
| Item | Explanation |
|---|---|
 Sp. Atk. Specs
|
Sp. Atk. Specs gives Zapdos a large flat boost to its Sp. Atk., which can be further improved when it scores a goal. |
 Wise Glasses
|
Wise Glasses grants Zapdos a solid flat boost to its Sp. Atk, plush a percentage-based increase. |
 Choice Specs
|
Choice Specs gives Zapdos a decent Sp. Atk. boost and increases its minimum move damage. |
 Slick Spoon
|
Slick Spoon provides Zapdos with HP, and Sp. Atk., and the ability to ignore a portion of its target's Sp.Def. |
 Drive Lens
|
Drive Lens allows Zapdos to further improve its Sp. Atk. whenever it knocks out opponents or gets an assist. It also provides a bit of cooldown reduction. |
Held Item Tier List: Best Items to Equip
Best Battle Items
| Item | Explanation |
|---|---|
 Eject Button
|
Eject Button gives Zapdos a repositioning tool for offensive and defensive ends. |
 X Speed
|
X Speed improves Zapdos' mobility via increased movement speed and immunity to slowing effects. |
How to Play Zapdos
- Stay Behind Allies
- Utilize Static's Electric Fields
- Poke Opponents from Range Using Zap Cannon
- Control Areas with Thunderbolt
- Move During High-Voltage Siege
Stay Behind Allies
Due to Zapdos' lack of mobility and durability, positioning is crucial for Zapdos' gameplay. Getting caught in a bad position will almost always lead to an unfortunate knockout.
With this in mind, it's best to always stay behind your allies to prevent getting caught in a vulnerable position. Zapdos can easily provide firepower from the safety of the backlines.
Utilize Static's Electric Fields
| Move | Improved Effects |
|---|---|
| Discharge | Increased area of effect and duration. |
| Zap Cannon | Increased its size, travel distance, and damage. |
Zapdos can create electric fields when it hits opponents with boosted attacks, Thunder Shock, or Thunderbolt. The electric fields deal damage and apply a slowing effect to opponents inside its area, making it an effective crowd control move.
Additionally, the electric fields can improve Discharge or Zap Cannon's overall effects.
Static: Zapdos Passive Effect and Cooldown
Poke Opponents from Range Using Zap Cannon
Zap Cannon's range and stun effect makes it a great tool for attacking opponents from a relatively safe range even without fully engaging in a fight. This tactic is most effective when both teams are sizing each other up as it can bait opponents into attacking first and making a mistake.
Zap Cannon: Zapdos Move Effect and Cooldown
Make It Pass Through Electric Fields
Additionally, if the orb passes through an electric field created from Static or Thunderbolt, its size, travel distance, and damage increases, making it more effective. With this in mind, aim to position Zapdos so the orb passes through electric fields, improving the move's overall effect.
Control Areas with Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt creates an electric field at the designated location that deals overtime damage to enemies within a rectangular area. Aside from just dealing damage, use the move to deny areas from opponents, especially when attempting to secure objectives.
Placing it on tight areas like entrances or even just on grass areas is a great way to utilize the move.
Thunderbolt: Zapdos Move Effect and Cooldown
Move During High-Voltage Siege
High-Voltage Siege has a large area of effect and deals a ton of damage. Zapdos can also move and attack freely during the move. Use this mechanic to get into a good position and catch as many targets as possible within the move's area of effect, or to seek out specific targets.
High-Voltage Siege: Zapdos Move Effect and Cooldown
Break Goals
High-Voltage Siege can break enemy goals if it hits them 5 of times, allowing one allied Pokemon to score instantly. This effect is great for pushing lanes and getting a score lead before the 2-minute mark.
Zapdos Progression and Leveling Guide
Top and Bottom Guide
Level 1 to 5
- Quickly clear out the Bunnelbies in the lane.
- Keep farming wild Pokemon in the lane to reach level 5 and learn your first move.
- At bottom lane, prioritize taking Indeedees for more exp.
Level 6 to 9
- Keep hunting Wild Pokemon to gain more EXP from farming Altaria and Swablus.
- Once you reach level 7, learn your second move.
- Help allies secure Regice, Registeel, or Regirock when it spawns, otherwise secure Regieleki.
- Upon reaching level 9, learn your Unite Move.
Level 10+
- Stick with allies to hunt targets, secure objectives, and push lanes.
- Reach at least level 13 or max level if possible before or when Groudon spawns for a fully-upgraded moveset.
- Make sure that your Unite Move is available when Groudon spawns.
- Help teammates win a teamfight and secure Groudon.
Jungle Guide
Level 1 to 5
- Quickly defeat Xatu
- Clear the first wave of jungle camps and reach level 5 to learn your first primary move.
- Help the top lane first or whatever lane needs help the most by securing Altaria and Swablus, getting knockouts, and scoring points.
Level 6 to 9
- Clear the second wave of jungle camps and reach at least level 9 to learn your Unite Move.
- Secure Regidrago in the center to get more EXP.
- Help the bottom lane by securing Altaria and Swablus, getting kills, and scoring points.
- Help allies secure Regice, Registeel, or Regirock spawns with Registeel being the highest priority since it gives a damage buff to the party..
Level 10+
- Stick with allies to hunt targets, secure objectives, and push lanes.
- Reach at least level 13 or max level if possible before or when Groudon spawns for a fully-upgraded moveset.
- Make sure that your Unite Move is available when Groudon spawns.
- Help teammates win a teamfight and secure Groudon.
Zapdos Combos
Mega Discharge Combo
| Mega Discharge Combo | |
|---|---|
►
|
|
| Use Thunder Shock to create electric fields on targets then follow up with Discharge, making sure to also hit the electric fields for improved effects. | |
Thunder Blast Combo
| Thunder Blast Combo | |
|---|---|
►
|
|
| Lay down Thunderbolt of the target's position then follow up with Zap Cannon to make it pass through it for improved effects. | |
Matchups & Counters for Zapdos
Zapdos Matchups
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|---|---|
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| Matchup Notes | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hard Counter |
Even Matchup |
Easy Matchup |
| 1. The chart is based on our own experience playing Zapdos. 2. Pokemon within each tier are unordered 3. Any Pokemon not shown here are still under investigation. |
||
Counter with Mobility and Burst Damage
Zapdos' moves are easy to dodge for Pokemon with high mobility and its low durability make it vulnerbale to burst damage.
Best Counters
| Pokemon | Explanation |
|---|---|
|
Darkrai
|
Rating: ★★★★★ • Can put Zapdos to sleep with Dark Void and burst it down with boosted attacks. • Can isolate Zapdos during fights with Worst Nightmare. |
|
Mimikyu
|
Rating: ★★★★ • Can reach Zapdos from afar using Shadow Sneak and burst it down with Shadow Claw or Play Rough, and Play With Me. |
|
Ceruledge
|
Rating: ★★★★ • Can dodge Zapdos' moves and get to it using Flame Charge and burst it down with Psycho Cut or Bitter Blade and Revenant Rend. |
Even Matchups
Making sure to stay behind allies and hitting opponents with moves will allow Zapdos to get the upper hand against these Pokemon.
Strike First
| Ranged, Fragile Pokemon with High Damage |
|---|
|
| How to Beat |
|
• Much like Zapdos,these Pokemon prefer to keep their distance from opponents when fighting. They also have high damage potential that can be dangerous for Zapdos. • Strike first using Zap Cannon and Thunderbolt to quickly knock them out. • As a last resort, you can use High-Voltage Siege. |
Keep a Safe Distance
| All-Rounders |
|---|
|
|
| How to Beat |
|
• These Pokemon excel in close combat and rely mostly on their attacks or combos to deal damage. They are also durable enough to tank Zapdos's damage. • Keep a safe distance and use Zap Cannon to stun them and Thunderbolt to slow them. • As a last resort, use High-Voltage Siege to knock them out. |
Group Up with Allies
| Highly Durable Pokemon |
|---|
|
| How to Beat |
|
• These Pokemon are extremely durable, making it hard for Zapdos to take them out alone. With that, it's best to group up with allies to bring them down with the help of Zapdos. • Use Zap Cannon to stun them and Thunderbolt to slow them, keeping them at bay. |
Easy Matchups
These Pokemon are easy targets for Zapdos and fall quickly to its attacks.
Utilize Their Numbers
| Supporters |
|---|
|
| How to Beat |
|
• These Pokemon usually stick with their allies and rarely venture alone. Although they themselves pose no threat to Zapdos, their support capabilities makes them valuable during fights. • Use Zap Cannon to stun them and Thunderbolt to slow them and their allies. • Alternatively, use High-Voltage Siege to quickly deal with them. |
Best Teammates for Zapdos
| Pokemon | Explanation |
|---|---|
|
Slowbro
Aegislash
|
Frontliners |
| Pokemon who can fight in the frontlines and tank damage allow Zapdos to safely use its moves from a distance. |
Looking for teammates to synergize with you? Head over to our Friend Request Board to find other trainers to join you in your grind or just to hang out with!
Zapdos Moves
Move Slot 1 (R)
|
Thunder Shock
(Lv. 1 or 3) |
Move Type: Sure Hit, Ranged Damage Type: Special Cooldown: 5s Starting Damage: 540 Final Damage: 682 |
|---|---|
| Has the user attack with a jolt of electricity. If this move hits an opposing Pokemon, it also zaps a nearby opposing Pokemon, dealing damage to it. | |
|
Thunderbolt
(Lv. 5) Upgrade Lv. 11 |
Move Type: Area, Ranged Damage Type: Special Cooldown: 6s Starting Damage: 701 Initial damage: 701, Electric field damage: 44 Final Damage: 1653 Initial damage: 1653, Electric field damage: 104 |
|
Has the user unleash a strong electric blast to the designated area, dealing damage and paralyzing opposing Pokemon. An electric field is left in the move’s area of effect.
Upgrade: Reduces this move's cooldown based on the number of Pokemon it hits. |
|
Move Slot 2 (ZR)
|
Discharge
(Lv. 1 or 3) |
Move Type: Area, Buff Damage Type: Special Cooldown: 7s Starting Damage: 324 Initial damage: 324, Damage increase: 15% Final Damage: 481 Initial damage: 481, Damage increase: 15% |
|---|---|
| Has the user let loose a flare of electricity from its feathers, dealing damage to nearby opposing Pokémon and leaving them paralyzed. If there is an electric field within this move’s area of effect, the electric field is absorbed, increasing this move’s area of effect and duration. | |
|
Zap Cannon
(Lv. 7) Upgrade Lv. 13 |
Move Type: Ranged, Buff Damage Type: Special Cooldown: 1s Starting Damage: 1108 Enhanced damage: 1332 Final Damage: 2218 Enhanced damage: 2663 |
|
Has the user fire an electric cannon-like blast that explodes on contact, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon caught in the explosion’s area of effect. When the electric orb passes through an electric field, it absorbs the electric field, increasing its size, travel distance, and damage dealt to opposing Pokemon. Opposing Pokemon caught in the explosion are also left unable to act.
Upgrade: When the electric orb passes through an electric field, the orb's size increases, along with the duration opposing Pokemon are left unable to act. |
|
Unite Moves (ZL)
 High-Voltage Siege
(Lv. 9) |
Move Type: Hindrance, Area Damage Type: Special Cooldown: 89s Starting Damage: 164 Damager per bolt: 164 Final Damage: 278 Damager per bolt: 278 |
|---|---|
| Has the user continuously drop lightning bolts in the designated area, creating an electric field where the lightning strikes. The lightning bolts paralyze and deal damage to opposing Pokémon they hit. If lightning bolts hit the same opposing Pokémon 3 consecutive times, that Pokémon will be left unable to act. If lightning bolts hit one of the opposing team’s goal zones 5 times, that goal zone will become defenseless, and 1 ally Pokémon will be able to score immediately. | |
Standard Attack
Standard Attack |
Has the user hurl an electric orb, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon. Whenever a set amount of time passes, the user's next basic attack becomes a boosted attack, launching a powerful electric orb and dealing damage to opposing Pokemon. If this move hits Pokemon from the opposing team, the user's boosted attack cooldowns are reduced. |
|---|
Ability (Passive)
 Static
|
Zapdos When the Pokemon with this Ability receives damage from nearby Pokemon from the opposing team, it paralyzes them. This Ability goes on cooldown after it’s triggered. When the Pokemon with this Ability hits with a boosted attack, Thunder Shock, or Thunderbolt, it creates an electric field. The electric field will remain for a short time, dealing damage and applying a slowing effect to opposing Pokemon in it. |
|---|
Zapdos Stats & Evolutions
Zapdos Evolutions
 ZapdosThis Pokemon does not evolve. |
Zapdos Stats
| Level | HP | Defense | Special Defense | Attack Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3320 | 74 | 74 | 168 |
| 2 | 3452 | 83 | 83 | 176 |
| 3 | 3596 | 92 | 92 | 186 |
| 4 | 3755 | 102 | 103 | 196 |
| 5 | 3930 | 114 | 115 | 207 |
| 6 | 4123 | 126 | 128 | 220 |
| 7 | 4335 | 140 | 142 | 234 |
| 8 | 4568 | 155 | 157 | 249 |
| 9 | 4824 | 172 | 175 | 266 |
| 10 | 5106 | 190 | 193 | 284 |
| 11 | 5416 | 211 | 214 | 304 |
| 12 | 5757 | 233 | 237 | 326 |
| 13 | 6133 | 257 | 262 | 351 |
| 14 | 6545 | 284 | 290 | 378 |
| 15 | 7000 | 314 | 320 | 408 |
Attack Damage is the damage of the Basic Attack as tested against the Training Dummy.
Zapdos In-Game Stat Listings
| Offense | Endurance | Mobility | Scoring | Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Zapdos Skins (Holowear)
| This Pokemon has no available Holowear. |
|---|
Pokemon UNITE Related Guides
All Pokemon Guides and Builds
Upcoming Pokemon
 Articuno(TBA) |
 Moltres(TBA) |
 Meganium(TBA) |
 Typhlosion(TBA) |
 Feraligatr(TBA) |
- |
|---|
Mega Evolutions
| Mega Evolved Pokemon | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mega Charizard X |
Mega Charizard Y |
Mega Gyarados |
| Mega Lucario |
Mega Mewtwo X |
Mega Mewtwo Y |
Pokemon by Role
| All Pokemon Roles | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Attackers |
 All-Rounders |
 Defenders |
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 Speedsters |
 Supporters |
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Pokemon by Characteristics
| Attack Type | |
|---|---|
 Melee Pokemon |
 Ranged Pokemon |
 Physical Pokemon |
 Special Pokemon |
| Stat Rankings | |
 HP Ranking |
 Defense Ranking |
 Sp. Def. Ranking |
 Basic Attack Ranking |
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