Ground moves don't affect Zapdos at all — that's the advantage of Electric/Flying typing. It clears the crowded base-100 Speed benchmark. The stat spread leans into special offense. An original Gen 1 pick.
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 stat exp per KO.
Legendary bird POKéMON. They say lightning caused by the flapping of its wings causes summer storms.
Zapdos Weakness
ExcellentIce and Rock-type 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.
- Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
- Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
- Special stat split into Sp.Atk and Sp.Def
A Electric/Flying-type legendary, Zapdos doesn't evolve or breed. At 580 total stats, it's meant to stand on its own.
How to Evolve
Best Build
Best Zapdos Moveset
- Hidden Power Ice
- Thunder
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
Recommended Teammates
Level-up moves are just the starting point for Zapdos. TMs unlock Normal and Ground coverage and more and turn a straightforward STAB kit around Zap Cannon and Thunder into something with actual range.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
At 580 BST, Zapdos is built different. We rank it S-Tier. As a Legendary Pokemon, the raw stats back up the reputation. Best used as a sweeper.
Zapdos doesn't evolve. As a Legendary Pokemon, it stands on its own without an evolutionary line. It's a Electric/Flying type with 580 BST.
Base 100 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. On offense, Zapdos is a mixed attacker — base 90 Attack and 125 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two. Best used as a sweeper.
Zapdos appears in 20 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
First obtainable in Red & Blue, Zapdos has been featured in 20 titles across 9 generations. Legendary status means a single encounter per playthrough in most games.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwShGalarian
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A