Zapdos

Zapdos presents itself as a key pivot thanks to its solid defensive typing, well-rounded stats, and ability Static. The combination of Static and Rocky Helmet enables Zapdos to serve as a fantastic punisher of U-turn, shut down key contact users like Mega Lopunny and Kartana, and help prevent monstrous physical setup sweepers like Mega Charizard X, Hawlucha, and Gyarados from getting out of hand. Its access to Heat Wave ensures that Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Excadrill do not come onto the field scot-free. It isn't just limited to bringing its teammates in with Volt Switch; Defog allows it to compress its role and make progress as both a pivot and an entry hazard remover on bulky offense structures, compensating for its offensive teammates' lack of longevity. However, Zapdos's typing leaves it highly susceptible to Stealth Rock, which cuts into its longevity and reduces its ability to handle physical threats like Mega Lopunny and Mega Swampert. Additionally, Zapdos can't fit all of its moves into one set, as it has to choose between giving up Hidden Power Ice and letting Gliscor, Landorus-T, and Garchomp come in for free or Defog and not being able to remove hazards. Its typing leaves it vulnerable to Ice- and Rock-type attacks, both of which are commonplace in the tier, as plenty of Pokemon like Protean Greninja, Magearna, Landorus-T, and Garchomp often carry these as coverage options. Despite its solid Speed tier, Zapdos can't afford to invest a lot of EVs in Speed, as it needs the physical bulk to handle the aforementioned physical attackers; this leaves it outpaced by Pokemon like Tapu Lele, Kyurem-B, and faster variants of Landorus-T.