The stat budget goes to damage. Sp. Atk and Speed carry the offense, Defense doesn't even come close. An Electric Pokemon on a slow 1.25M XP grind, worth 3 Sp. Atk EVs per KO.
This legendary Pokémon is said to live in thunderclouds. It freely controls lightning bolts.
This legendary Pokémon is said to live in thunderclouds. It freely controls lightning bolts.
Ice and Rock moves hit Zapdos for super-effective damage. The upside? Ground-type moves can't touch it at all. 5 resistances help offset the weaknesses. With 90 HP and balanced defenses, Zapdos can afford to eat a neutral hit or two.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Ice, Rock |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Grass, Fighting, Flying, Bug, Steel |
| 0x (Immune) | Ground |
 | A | |
Recommended Build AbilitySturdy ItemRocky Helmet NatureBold Moves View Skarmory builds →
| ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemRocky Helmet NatureImpish Moves
Damage vs Zapdos View Corviknight builds →U Turn5-5% | ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilitySturdy ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureImpish Moves
Damage vs Zapdos View Avalugg builds →Rapid Spin9-10% Avalanche 2x32-38% | ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityBulletproof ItemRocky Helmet NatureImpish Moves
Damage vs Zapdos View Chesnaught builds →Knock Off10-13% | ||
 Pelipper Water | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityDrizzle ItemFocus Sash NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Zapdos View Pelipper builds →Hurricane21-24% | ||
A Electric/Flying-type legendary, Zapdos doesn't evolve or breed. At 580 total stats, it's meant to stand on its own. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Zapdos's built to absorb hits. Bold nature leans into physical wall duty, Heavy-Duty Boots gives it hazard immunity on every switch-in, and Roost handles sustain. Static and max HP and Defense EVs tie the defensive profile together.
Best Build
Zapdos best EVs are Defense and HP
Wall Moveset
- Hurricane
- Roost
- Volt Switch
- Heat Wave
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Special Sweeper Moveset
- Hurricane
- Heat Wave
- Thunder
- Thunderbolt
Recommended Teammates
Special Tank Moveset
- Hurricane
- Roost
- Volt Switch
- Thunder
Recommended Teammates
Special Sweeper Moveset
- Hurricane
- Roost
- Discharge
- Volt Switch
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Wall Moveset
- Roost
- Discharge
- Thunder Wave
- Volt Switch
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Special Sweeper Moveset
- Heat Wave
- Thunderbolt
- Protect
- Reflect
Recommended Teammates
Wall Moveset
- Roost
- Hurricane
- Volt Switch
- Heat Wave
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Special Sweeper Moveset
- Heat Wave
- Thunderbolt
- Protect
- Reflect
Recommended Teammates
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee uses different battle mechanics.
Competitive build content is not applicable for this game. Select a main series game for builds.
Moves
Level-up moves are just the starting point for Zapdos. TMs unlock Rock and Normal coverage and more and turn a straightforward STAB kit around Zap Cannon and Brave Bird into something with actual range.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Leveling does the heavy lifting. Zapdos picks up Thunder and Zap Cannon along the way, building toward a complete offensive set. TMs add Rock and Normal coverage and more, but the foundation's already strong by then.
Leveling does the heavy lifting. Zapdos picks up Thunder and Zap Cannon along the way, building toward a complete offensive set. TMs add Rock and Normal coverage and more, but the foundation's already strong by then.
Level-up moves are just the starting point for Zapdos. TMs unlock Normal and Bug coverage and turn a straightforward STAB kit around Sky Attack and Thunder into something with actual range.
Zapdos doesn't appear in Scarlet & Violet. Transfer it from Red, Yellow, or Let's Go Pikachu to add it to your collection. Check the source games below for encounter details.
Zapdos can't be caught in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl. Bring it over from Red, Yellow, or Let's Go Pikachu instead. The encounter info below covers the source games.
No wild encounters for Zapdos in Sword & Shield. It's available in Red, Yellow, or Let's Go Pikachu and can be transferred over. The details below show where to find it.
Zapdos is a fixed encounter, not a random spawn. Walk up to it, interact, and the battle starts immediately. Head to Power Plant when your team is ready for the fight.
Best Locations to Catch Zapdos in Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee
At 580 BST, Zapdos is built different. We rank it B-Tier. As a Legendary Pokemon, the raw stats back up the reputation. Best used as a sweeper.
Pressure increases the PP cost of moves targetting the Pokémon by one. That's the one you want on Zapdos. Static is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses.
Base 100 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. On offense, Zapdos is a special attacker with base 125 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two. Best used as a sweeper.
Zapdos has answers, but so do you. Priority moves (Mach Punch, Aqua Jet, Ice Shard) bypass its speed. Bulky walls that resist its STAB also shut it down.
First obtainable in Red & Blue, Zapdos has been featured in 20 titles across 10 generations. Legendary status means a single encounter per playthrough in most games.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwShGalarian
Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves