Galarian Articuno
Galarian Zapdos
Galarian Moltres
Raikou
Entei
Suicune
Articuno
Zapdos
Moltres
Tornadus
Thundurus
Landorus
Tapu Koko
Tapu Lele
Tapu Bulu
Tapu Fini
Regieleki
Regidrago
Latios
Latias
Heatran
Cresselia
Glastrier
Spectrier
Nidoking
Swampert
Dragonite
Salamence
Garchomp
Metagross
Galarian Slowking
Nihilego
Naganadel
Pheromosa
Buzzwole
Celesteela
Kartana
Stakataka
Blaziken
Kyogre
Yveltal
Xerneas
Necrozma (Dusk Mane)
Calyrex (Shadow Rider)
Mewtwo
Calyrex (Ice Rider)
Dialga
Lugia
Black Kyurem
Zekrom
Ho-Oh
Rayquaza
Zygarde
Reshiram
White Kyurem
Groudon
Regirock
Palkia
Regigigas
Registeel
Regice
Giratina
Solgaleo
Lunala
Kyurem
Necrozma
Uxie
Mesprit
Azelf
CalyrexThis survey will take about 1 minute.
Your answers will help us to improve our website.
★ Game8's Pokemon TCG Pocket Wiki is live!
☆ Check out our competitive guides for Scarlet and Violet!
┣ Tier List / Doubles Tier List / Movesets / Rental Teams
┗ Competitive Battle Guide
This is a strategy guide for using Zapdos in competitive play for the games Pokemon Sword and Shield. Read on for tips on the best Nature, EV spreads, Movesets, and Held Items to use with Zapdos, as well as its strengths and weak points.
List of Contents
| Pokemon | Type 1 | Type 2 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Abilities | ||
| Pressure | The Pokemon raises the foe's PP usage. | |
| Static (Hidden) | Contact with the Pokemon may cause paralysis. | |
| Type | |
|---|---|
| Takes 4x damage |
|
| Takes 2x damage |
|
| Takes 0.5x damage |
|
| Takes 1/4x damage |
|
| Takes 0x damage |
|
| HP | Attack | Defense | Sp. Atk | Sp. Def | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90 | 90 | 85 | 125 | 90 | 100 |
| Best Natures | ||
|---|---|---|
| Timid (+Spd, -Atk) |
Bold (+Def, -Atk) |
Calm (+Sp.Def, -Atk) |
| Nature | Timid (+Spd, -Atk) |
|---|---|
| EV Spread | Sp.Atk 252 / Sp.Def 4 / Spd 252 |
| Final Stat Values | HP 165 / Def. 105 / Sp.Atk 177 / Sp.Def 111 / Spd 167 |
| Ability | Static |
| Held Item | Life Orb |
| Moveset | ・Thunderbolt
・Hurricane ・Heat Wave ・Roost |
As Zapdos can get STAB on both Electric and Flying moves, and possesses Fire moves as well, it's difficult to wall it effectively, making Zapdos effective even when compared to other Dynamax sweepers.
Thunderbolt and Hurricane serve as Zapdos' main STAB moves. The former has the bonus of causing paralysis, while the latter has the bonus of causing confusion, both of which can be annoying to enemy sweepers. Hurricane has the added benefit of giving Zapdos access to Max Airstream to increase its speed.
Heat Wave works as a good coverage move for Zapdos who might have trouble against Steel-types.
Finally, Roost helps with Zapdos' survivability in the match, while also giving Zapdos access to Max Guard when Dynamaxed.
This build utilizes a standard specially offensive spread to maximize Zapdos' damage. The remaining EVs can be put into Special Defense.
Static gives Zapdos a better chance of spreading paralysis against enemy sweepers. When hit by a contact move, there is a 30% chance to paralyze the opponent.
Life Orb works well as a way to boost Zapdos' damage output. Thanks to the recovery from Roost, Zapdos doesn't have to worry so much about the residual damage.
| Discharge | Has a higher chance of inflicting paralysis. |
|---|---|
| Volt Switch | Allows Zapdos to switch into more favorable match-ups. |
| Rising Voltage | Has good synergy with with Electric Terrain. |
| Ancient Power | A Rock-type coverage move that can be useful against opposing Zapdos and the occassional Heat Rotom. |
| Nature | Bold (+Def, -Atk) |
|---|---|
| EV Spread | HP 252 / Def 252 / Sp.Def 4 |
| Final Stat Values | HP 197 / Def 150 / Sp.Atk 145 / Sp.Def 111 / Spd 120 |
| Ability | Static |
| Held Item | Leftovers |
| Moveset | ・Volt Switch
・Hurricane ・Substitute ・Roost |
Zapdos' flagship defensive set makes a return in Sword & Shield. A combination of good dual typing granting only 2 weaknesses in Ice and Rock, excellent support moves, and great abilities make it an excellent check to Fighting-type Pokemon and physical sweepers in general.
Hurricane serves as Zapdos' main STAB move. It has the bonus of causing confusion, which when partnered with paralysis from Static can be annoying to enemy sweepers. It also has the added benefit of giving Zapdos access to Max Airstream to increase it's speed.
Volt Switch allows Zapdos to switch into more favorable match-ups.
Substitute makes sure Zapdos can be safe from crippling status moves such as Toxic while Roost can be a reliable recovery move to help Zapdos last longer in battle.
This build utilizes a standard physically defensive spread to maximize Zapdos' physical bulk. The remaining EVs can be put into Special Defense.
Its powerful ability Static allows it to switch into moves like Rapid-Strike Urshifu's Surging Strikes and Landorus-Therian's U-Turn and inflict Paralysis on the user.
We're using Leftovers to provide Zapdos some much-needed passive recovery.
| Heat Wave | For hitting the likes of Ferrothorn and Scizor. |
|---|
| Nature | Bold (+Def, -Atk) |
|---|---|
| EV Spread | HP 252 / Def 196 / Sp.Def 60 |
| Final Stat Values | HP 197 / Def 143 / Sp.Atk 145 / Sp.Def 110 / Spd 128 |
| Ability | Static |
| Held Item | Kee Berry |
| Moveset | ・Discharge
・Hurricane ・Roost ・Eerie Impulse |
This Zapdos aims to counter opposing lead Dynamax users, with Kee Berry providing the Legendary Bird a +1 Defense boost when it's hit by a physical attack. Partnered with Eerie Impulse to reduce the opponent's Special Attack, this build aims to be tanky for both sides of the spectrum.
Eerie Impulse is its most important support move, lowering the opposing Pokemon's Special Attack stat by two stages. This combination allows Zapdos to counter Physical attackers with its natural bulk, as well as check and phaze special attackers with its stat-reducing move.
Hurricane serves as Zapdos' main STAB move. It has the bonus of causing confusion, which when partnered with paralysis from Static can be annoying to enemy sweepers. It also has the added benefit of giving Zapdos access to Max Airstream to increase it's speed.
Roost allows Zapdos to stay healthy throughout the match while Discharge is a great utility move that has a 30% chance to paralyze the target
Since this build aims to handle damage from both physical and special attackers, we're going for a more balanced distribution here that still focuses on bulk.
Static gives Zapdos a better chance of spreading paralysis against enemy sweepers. When hit by a contact move, there is a 30% chance to paralyze the opponent.
Kee Berry provides a +1 Defense boost when it's hit by a physical attack.
| Charge | Doubles the power of Zapdos' next Electric-type attack, while also boosting its Special Defense by 1 stage. |
|---|---|
| Heat Wave | For hitting the likes of Ferrothorn and Scizor. |
| Nature | Timid (+Spd, -Atk) |
|---|---|
| EV Spread | Sp.Atk 252 / Sp.Def 4 / Spd 252 |
| Final Stat Values | HP 165 / Def 105 / Sp.Atk 177 / Sp.Def 111 / Spd 167 |
| Ability | Static |
| Held Item | Choice Scarf
Choice Specs |
| Moveset | ・Thunderbolt
・Hurricane ・Heat Wave ・Volt Switch |
Although better known as a paralysis-spreading defensive Pokemon, Zapdos' excellent base 125 Special Attack and great base 100 Speed make it an effective special attacker.
Thunderbolt, Hurricane, and Heat Wave are all the moves it needs to hit majority of the metagame for super effective damage, while Volt Switch allows it to quickly pivot into a teammate if it encounters a check or counter.
This build utilizes a standard specially offensive spread to maximize Zapdos' damage. The remaining EVs can be put into Special Defense.
Static gives Zapdos a better chance of spreading paralysis against enemy sweepers. When hit by a contact move, there is a 30% chance to paralyze the opponent.
Zapdos has two options for held items: Choice Scarf and Choice Specs, which doubles its Speed and Special Attack stat respectively.
Choice Scarf allows the Legendary Bird to outrun faster threats, such as Cinderace or Dracovish, and hit them hard with its STAB moves.
Choice Specs, on the other hand, boosts Zapdos' already formidable Special Attack stat, allowing it to win out against Defensive Water-type Pokemon and make it more difficult to switch into.
| Ancient Power | Allows Zapdos to hit Fire-types like Heat Rotom and also has a 10% chance to increase all of its stats by 1 stage. |
|---|
| Nature | Timid (+Spe, -Atk) |
|---|---|
| EV Spread | HP 252 / 4 Def / Spe 252 |
| Final Stat Values | HP 197 / Def 106 / Sp. Atk 145 / Sp. Def 110 / Spe 167 |
| Ability | Static |
| Held Item | Safety Goggles |
| Moveset | ・Thunderbolt
・Hurricane ・Weather Ball ・Roost |
Zapdos matches up favorably against Sun teams, mainly against Charizard and Venusaur. It can threaten both of these Pokemon with its STAB moves.
Thunderbolt is Zapdos' main STAB move which it can use to damage most foes in any weather. Hurricane is its secondary STAB move, but is not so reliable in the sun. Both of these moves turn into powerful Max moves upon Dynamaxing Zapdos, Max Lightning and Max Airstream respectively.
Weather Ball gives Zapdos additional coverage under Sun, allowing it to take on Venusaur and Zacian directly. Finally, Roost gives some much needed recovery and is best used on passive turns or when anticipating a switching opponent.
This EV spread maximizes Zapdos' HP and Speed. It is important to keep Zapdos as bulky as possible, and with its Timid nature, being as quick as possible. Its decent Special Attack stat allows it to still threaten Pokemon that it can hit for super-effective, however it should not be treated as a Sweeper because it is not EV'd as such.
Zapdos' Static Ability lets it paralyze opponents upon contact. While not always consistent, the occasional paralysis is helpful and optimal compared to its other Ability, Pressure. Static is especially good against multi-hitting contact moves such as Rapid Strike Urshifu's Surging Strikes.
Safety Goggles protects Zapdos from being put to sleep by Sleep Powder and from Rage Powder's redirection. It can also protect Zapdos from the incremental damage from Sandstorm and Hail.
| Protect | Protect is a valuable move in battle and is useful for scouting moves or stalling out Dynamax turns. |
|---|---|
| Eerie Impulse | Eerie Impulse can severely drop a Special Attacker's offensive capabilities |
| Heat Wave | Heat Wave is a Fire-type move that doesn't change depending on weather like Weather Ball does. Consider running Heat Wave if you need Zapdos to have Fire-type coverage. |
Placing Zapdos next to an Intimidate user or a Pokemon with access to Dual Screens (Light Screen and Reflect.) will help further improve its bulk and survivability. It is important to switch Zapdos out and preserve it if it is in danger of taking a powerful Rock-type move.
| Support | Special Attacking Sweeper | Prankster Support |
|---|---|---|
 Incineroar
|
 Zapdos
|
 Grimmsnarl
|
Incineroar is valuable support for Zapdos as it is able to reduce an opposing Groudon's Attack stat with its Intimidate, effectively turning a OHKO from a Max Rockfall into a 2HKO. It is also able to use Fake Out into much faster Pokemon.
Grimmsnarl can set up screens for Zapdos, further boosting its bulk and allowing it to survive multiple attacks. It is also able to reduce an opposing Pokemon's Special Attack stat with Spirit Break.
| Weakness |
|
|---|
Although reasonably bulky, Zapdos will not be able to withstand super-effective Rock-type moves.
| Pokemon | Description |
|---|---|
 Groudon
|
Ranking: ★★★★★
・Can tank hits from Zapdos and can knock it out with a Max Rockfall. Groudon - Moveset & Best Build for Ranked Battle |
 Nihilego
|
Ranking: ★★★★★
・Outspeeds and can knock out Zapdos with a boosted Meteor Beam. Nihilego - Moveset & Best Build for Ranked Battle |
All Competitive Builds for Ranked Battle
| Competitive Pokemon Battle Guides | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Tier List |
 Best Builds |
 Series 10 List of Contenders |
|||
 Doubles Tier List
|
 Team Building |
 Rental Teams |
|||
Zapdos - Moveset & Best Build for Ranked Battle
Genshin Impact Walkthrough & Guides Wiki
Pokemon TCG Pocket (PTCGP) Strategies & Guides Wiki
Call of Duty Black Ops 6 (BO6) Walkthrough & Guides Wiki
Honkai: Star Rail Walkthrough & Guides Wiki
Metaphor: ReFantazio Walkthrough & Guides Wiki
Zenless Zone Zero Walkthrough & Guides Wiki
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet (SV) Walkthrough & Guides Wiki
Throne and Liberty Walkthrough & Guides Wiki
Palworld Walkthrough & Guides Wiki
Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak Walkthrough & Guides Wiki
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Walkthrough & Guides Wiki
Pokemon Legends: Arceus Walkthrough & Guides Wiki
New Pokemon Snap Walkthrough & Guides Wiki
Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Walkthrough & Guides Wiki
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Walkthrough & Guides Wiki
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Walkthrough & Guides Wiki
FF7 Remake Walkthrough & Guides Wiki
©2019 Pokémon. ©1995-2019 Nintendo/Creatures Inc. /GAME FREAK inc.
The copyrights of videos of games used in our content and other intellectual property rights belong to the provider of the game.
The contents we provide on this site were created personally by members of the Game8 editorial department.
We refuse the right to reuse or repost content taken without our permission such as data or images to other sites.
![Brighter Shores Review [Early Access] | Addicting Old-school Charm, Modern Paywall](https://img.game8.co/4034916/d207d216dc6467ec4f29739c07e919a1.png/thumb)
Zapdos in Sword and Shield cannot learn Air Slash.