Zapdos
Electric Pokémon
This Pokémon has complete control over electricity. There are tales of Zapdos nesting in the dark depths of pitch-black thunderclouds.
Base Stats
Type Effectiveness
Abilities
Forms
Evolution Chain
Moves
Details
Sprites
Competitive
Strategy Overview
Zapdos offers a premium speed control option in Tailwind backed by a great 100 base Speed, making it a reliable user of the move. Its Electric typing offensively covers Urshifu-R, Volcanion, and Tapu Fini, while its Flying type allows it to defensively cover Rillaboom and Genesect. Zapdos' high Special Attack and ability to pivot out of the field means it is rarely passive as a support Pokemon. These traits and respectable bulk place it as a useful glue on fast-paced teams, supporting offensive behemoths such as Urshifu-R and Kyurem-B. On these types of teams, it faces competition from other Tailwind users such as the speedier and more offensive Naganadel, though its Volt Switch and durability set it apart. Zapdos is plagued by some poor matchups into tier mainstays such as Kyurem-B, Zygarde, and Diancie. Additionally, most of Zapdos's utility comes from its relatively fast Tailwind, meaning Taunt and Trick Room will render its main strength useless.
Most Used Moves
Common Teammates
Competitive data from Smogon University via data.pkmn.cc