National Dex Monotype Zapdos (Flying) {GP: 1/1}

[Thunder]

[SET]
name: SubToxic (Flying)
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Discharge
move 4: Roost
item: Heavy-Duty Boots / Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 8 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Zapdos is an excellent user of Pressure stall with Toxic and Roost. Substitute helps it avoid status and stall most Pokemon with Toxic and Roost. Toxic helps Zapdos beat defensive Pokemon like Avalugg and Porygon2 while also putting offensive threats like Landorus-T and Tapu Lele on a timer. Toxic also helps wear down Ground-types such as Gastrodon and Swampert. Discharge has a nice chance to paralyze opposing Pokemon, which makes it tougher for them to KO Zapdos, and also hits Poison- and Steel-types like Toxapex and Celesteela. Discharge paralysis can also provide speed control against Pokemon like Choice Scarf Greninja. Heavy-Duty Boots allows Zapdos to switch in without worrying about its Stealth Rock weakness, while Leftovers provide passive recovery. Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature helps Zapdos outspeed threats such as Mimikyu, Suicune, and Tapu Bulu. 248 HP EVs allows Zapdos to set up 4 Substitutes and maximize the health of the Substitute.

Flying teams appreciate Zapdos's ability to annoy offensive threats such as Scizor and weaken walls like Porygon2. Zapdos should set up Substitute on passive Pokemon such as Klefki, Mandibuzz, and Toxapex and stall them out. It should try to spread Toxic on the opposing team early to make it easier to stall late-game. Zapdos should avoid getting statused and getting its item removed by Knock Off or Corrosive Gas, as both limit its ability to function as a wall. Celesteela acts as a great partner for Zapdos with its ability to take on Ice- and Rock-type attacks while also having Flamethrower to hit Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Excadrill, which Zapdos can struggle with. Leech Seed and Toxic from Celesteela further help in removing pressure from Zapdos. Mega Aerodactyl also works great alongside Zapdos, as it can KO Ice-types with Stone Edge, use Pursuit to deal with threats like Victini, and provide Stealth Rock support. Landorus-T and Gliscor are both good Electric-immune partners, with Choice Scarf Landorus-T also dealing with faster threats and bringing Zapdos in with U-turn and Gliscor acting as a status absorber and forming a good stallbreaker core with Zapdos. Setup sweepers such as Dragon Dance Mega Aerodactyl and Dragonite appreciate Zapdos's ability to weaken teams, allowing them to pull off an easier late-game sweep. Tornadus-T is also an excellent partner with U-turn to bring in Zapdos, Heat Wave and Focus Blast to KO Steel-types, and Knock Off to remove items. It can also act as an offensive Defogger in case Zapdos gets hit by Knock Off or is running Leftovers. Leftovers Zapdos also appreciates Defog support from Mantine, which can act as a switch-in to special Ice-type attacks and has Haze for setup sweepers. Pokemon such as Landorus, Mega Charizard Y, and Moltres can help Zapdos deal with Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and specially defensive Heatran.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive (Flying)
move 1: Volt Switch / Discharge
move 2: Roost
move 3: Defog
move 4: Heat Wave / Toxic
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 176 SpD / 80 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Specially defensive Zapdos is an excellent pick on Flying-type teams due to its ability to switch into threatening special attackers such as Choice Scarf Latias, Gengar, and Magnezone and provide Defog support for its teammates. Volt Switch helps Zapdos pivot and maintain momentum, while Discharge deals with Pokemon like Celesteela and Toxapex better and does not force Zapdos to switch out. Heat Wave hits Steel-types like Excadrill and Ferrothorn. Toxic can be used on teams with reliable way of dealing with Steel-types, as it helps put threats like Diggersby and Garchomp on a timer, which otherwise can deal with Zapdos's other moves, and deals with walls like Porygon2. Heavy-Duty Boots allows Zapdos to safely switch in throughout the battle without worrying about its Stealth Rock weakness. Defog in conjunction with Pressure can stall out Stealth Rock's PP. Static is an alternative to have an easier time spreading paralysis, especially in conjunction with Discharge. 80 Speed EVs along with a Timid nature helps Zapdos outspeed Pokemon such as Jolly Diggersby, maximum Speed Heatran, and Tapu Bulu. Maximum HP investment and 176 Special Defense EVs allows Zapdos to take multiple hits from Pokemon such as Gengar and Latias.

All of Zapdos's teammates appreciates its Electric neutrality allowing it to switch in against special attacks like Thunderbolt from unboosted Mega Latios. Zapdos should try to come in on a predicted Stealth Rock use to decrease its PP, use Volt Switch to bring in teammates safely, and avoid getting statused or having its Heavy-Duty Boots removed by Knock Off. Stealth Rock-weak teammates such as Mega Aerodactyl and Mega Charizard Y greatly appreciate Defog support from Zapdos. Celesteela is a great partner alongside Zapdos, as it can switch in against Ice- and Rock-type attacks thanks to its excellent typing and wear down teams with Leech Seed and Toxic. Leech Seed's additional healing is also greatly appreciated by Zapdos. Mantine forms a great defensive core with Zapdos, with Mantine appreciating Zapdos's ability to switch in on Electric-type moves and Zapdos benefitting from Mantine tanking Ice-type moves. Mantine also switches into powerful Water-type attacks like Keldeo's Hydro Pump, and Zapdos running Defog allows Mantine to be less passive and run other moves such as Toxic. Haze from Mantine further helps Zapdos against setup sweepers. Pokemon like Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Charizard Y, and Landorus-T appreciates Zapdos's ability to bring them safely in with Volt Switch; in return, the former two can KO Ice-types, while the latter can KO Rock-types. Mega Aerodactyl can also Pursuit trap Pokemon such Victini and Trick Latios, which threatens Zapdos. Landorus and Mega Charizard Y help in breaking through walls, like Hippowdon and Heatran, for Zapdos, making it easier to wear down offensive threats. They also help in dealing with Poison- and Steel-types like Mega Venusaur and Ferrothorn if Zapdos is running Toxic over Heat Wave. Tornadus-T can also act as a secondary Defogger and forms a great pivoting core with Volt Switch Zapdos while also taking on Pokemon like Mega Venusaur, which Zapdos struggles with.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Flying
--------
Choice Specs Zapdos with Hurricane can be utilized to take down threats such as Hippowdon and Mega Venusaur, but Flying-type teams generally prefer Zapdos's defensive utility, and Thundurus-T is generally better offensively.

Checks and Counters
===================

Flying
--------
**Stallbreakers**: Pokemon like Gliscor and Hydregion can use Taunt to shut down Zapdos from using Toxic and Roost, making it less effective. Zapdos can especially struggle against Gliscor due to the fact that it can tank any of Zapdos's attacks with ease and further benefits from Toxic due to Poison Heal.

**Opposing Walls**: Walls like Blissey, Mega Venusaur, and Heatran are tough for Zapdos to break through, as Blissey can remove status with Natural Cure, while the latter two can't be poisoned but they have to be careful of paralysis from Discharge. Walls like Swampert and Celesteela can be tough for specially defensive variants, but they struggle against SubToxic variants.

**Wallbreakers*: Zapdos struggles against wallbreakers such as Choice Specs Blacephalon, Mega Lopunny, and Zygarde-10%, which easily break past it due to their strong STAB moves or super effective coverage moves; Mega Lopunny can even handle Zapdos behind Substitute thanks to Triple Axel.

**Setup Sweepers**: Zapdos variants lacking Heat Wave can allow Steel-type Pokemon like Excadrill and Mega Scizor to set up for free, while non-Toxic variants can allow Pokemon like Mega Charizard X and Volcarona to set up, although they do not like Discharge paralysis.

**Status**: Toxic poison and burn negate Leftovers recovery and make it difficult for Zapdos to wall opposing foes.

**Super Effective Coverage**: Zapdos struggles against Pokemon having Ice- and Rock-type attacks like Mamoswine and Terrakion, especially physical attackers due to its rather unimpressive physical bulk.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Thunder, 475881]]
- <Flying> analysis by: [[Thunder, 475881]]
- Quality checked by: [[Mateeus, 321991], [Maple, 473171]]
- Grammar checked by: [[DC, 449990]]

 

[Mateeus]

=====SubToxic=====
[SET]
- There's a missing hypen in HDB;
- Since this is SubToxic, Leftovers can be slashed after Boots. A PP stalling set like this really appreciates passive recovery;

[SET COMMENTS]
Moveset Description
- Mention Swampert being worn down by Toxic in the Ground-types section (it's the most important example, as that's what allows Zapdos to be a juggernaut vs Water teams);
- Put some examples of Poisons and Steels that Discharge hits. Pex and Steela are good ones;
- Add "healthy throughout the match" in the Roost description and remove "can be used to pp stall opposing Pokemon in tandem with Substitute". The latter was already mentioned in the first sentence of the paragraph;
- Add Toxapex and Klefki as examples of Pokemon Zapdos can sub on;
- Remove the "susceptible to Taunt" part; that's moreso suited for checks & counters;
- Remove Lando-T and Tapu Lele from the examples, as the former often Choice Scarf and you mentioned them already. Replace them for Suicune and Tapu Bulu
- Mention how Leftovers can help it in the item section.

Good Teammates
- I wouldn't say this Zapdos checks Scarf Greninja as Ice Beam cleanly 2HKOes and you rely on a Discharge para to do so. Instead, you should mention that Flying-type teams appreciate Zapdos's ability to annoy offensive threats (mention example) and weaken walls;
- "Zapdos can spread status to opposing Pokemon by Toxic and Discharge, thus becoming helpful in wearing them down for it's teammates" looks redundant with what you have already written in the first paragraph and in the first sentence of the second one, so I would remove it;
- Mention Celesteela's Leech Seed and Toxic taking pressure off of Zapdos;
- Add that sweepers like Dragon Dance Mega Aerodactyl and Dragonite can take advantage of Zapdos's stallbreaking capabilities to pull off a sweep late-game easier;
- Add Landorus (base), Moltres, and Mega Charizard Y as teammates that can take care of Steel-types for Zapdos;
- Mention Gliscor can form a stallbreaking core with Zapdos;
- Mention Focus Blast alongside Heat Wave on Torn-T, as it's able to run a steelbreaker set this gen;
- Add a Leftovers mention in the "It can also act as a offensive Defog supporter in case Zapdos gets hit by a Knock Off" sentence;
- Mantine should be mentioned as a good partner should Zapdos be running Leftovers, since it can reliably blow SR off the field.

=====Specially Defensive=====
[SET]
- Slash Discharge with Volt Switch, as it can beat Toxapex and Celesteela in the long run;
- Slash Toxic with Heat Wave as an option to whittle down threats that come freely on this set, such as Diggersby and Garchomp. Mention this is an option for teams that can reliably check Steel-types, however;

[SET COMMENTS]
Moveset Description
- Wouldn't say it reliably switches into Tapu Koko, as Specs Thunderbolt should cleanly 2HKO. Instead, say its typing and bulk allows Zapdos to switch in on a multitude of threatening special attackers, such as Magnezone and Alolan Ninetales.
- Describe Discharge as a Electric STAB that can take on Electric-weak targets better, after Volt Switch;
- Describe Toxic being a way to heavily cripple attackers that switch in on this set freely, after Heat Wave;
- Just mention Zapdos should use Volt Switch to bring teammates safely on the usage tip sentence; no need to make it that long when the teammates paragraph exist;

Good Teammates
- Introduce this paragraph by saying that all of Zapdos's teammates appreciate its Electric-type neutrality and its ability to switch on dangerous special threats;
- The first (now second) sentence of this paragraph seems weird to me. You could just mention that SR weak teammates like Mega Charizard Y and Mega Aerodactyl really appreciate Defog support from Zapdos to further preserve their health;
- With the new intro, remove the "It's neutrality to Electric-type moves is also greatly appreciated" part;
- Celesteela is a good partner to Zapdos moreso because it switches into physical attackers and Rock- / Ice-type attacks for Zapdos. Leech Seed and Toxic are secondary, therefore you should swap the order of the descriptions;
- Say Mantine also switches into powerful Water-type attacks like Pelipper's Hydro Pump, and can also afford to be less passive with Toxic because this Zapdos runs Defog;
- Remove Skarmory from this section as it's usually outclassed and unorthodox.
- Specify that Mega Charizard Y (and add Landorus here) break through Steel- and Poison-types should Zapdos be running Toxic.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Flying
--------
- Remove the alternative spread for SubToxic Zapdos; it always needs to run max speed to outspeed threats to Flying teams such as Kyurem, Hydreigon, and Mimikyu;
- Discharge and Toxic are now slashes on the Defog set, so take their mentions out of here as well;
- Add that a Choice Specs set with Hurricane can be an option to surprise most of Zapdos's checks like Mega Venusaur and Hippowdon; however, Flying teams prefer Zapdos's defensive utility and Thundurus-T is generally better offensively.

Checks and Counters
===================

Flying
--------
- "Stallbreakers" is more fitting than "Taunt users" in the first bullet, and mention Hydreigon and Gliscor instead. Detail Gliscor as a special mention, since it can also block Discharge, benefit from Toxic, and take Heat Wave with ease;
- Add "Wallbreakers" as a section, given most of them usually bypass Zapdos;
- In the "Status" section, add "...it harder to wall and PP stall opposing Pokemon";
- Rename "Super Effective Moves" to "Super Effective Coverage"

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[The Thunderbirds, 475881]]
- <Flying> analysis by: [[The Thunderbirds, 475881]]
- Quality checked by: [[Mateeus, 321991], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]

Approved, QC 1/2!

 

[Thunder]

=====SubToxic=====
[SET]
- There's a missing hypen in HDB;
- Since this is SubToxic, Leftovers can be slashed after Boots. A PP stalling set like this really appreciates passive recovery;

[SET COMMENTS]
Moveset Description
- Mention Swampert being worn down by Toxic in the Ground-types section (it's the most important example, as that's what allows Zapdos to be a juggernaut vs Water teams);
- Put some examples of Poisons and Steels that Discharge hits. Pex and Steela are good ones;
- Add "healthy throughout the match" in the Roost description and remove "can be used to pp stall opposing Pokemon in tandem with Substitute". The latter was already mentioned in the first sentence of the paragraph;
- Add Toxapex and Klefki as examples of Pokemon Zapdos can sub on;
- Remove the "susceptible to Taunt" part; that's moreso suited for checks & counters;
- Remove Lando-T and Tapu Lele from the examples, as the former often Choice Scarf and you mentioned them already. Replace them for Suicune and Tapu Bulu
- Mention how Leftovers can help it in the item section.

Good Teammates
- I wouldn't say this Zapdos checks Scarf Greninja as Ice Beam cleanly 2HKOes and you rely on a Discharge para to do so. Instead, you should mention that Flying-type teams appreciate Zapdos's ability to annoy offensive threats (mention example) and weaken walls;
- "Zapdos can spread status to opposing Pokemon by Toxic and Discharge, thus becoming helpful in wearing them down for it's teammates" looks redundant with what you have already written in the first paragraph and in the first sentence of the second one, so I would remove it;
- Mention Celesteela's Leech Seed and Toxic taking pressure off of Zapdos;
- Add that sweepers like Dragon Dance Mega Aerodactyl and Dragonite can take advantage of Zapdos's stallbreaking capabilities to pull off a sweep late-game easier;
- Add Landorus (base), Moltres, and Mega Charizard Y as teammates that can take care of Steel-types for Zapdos;
- Mention Gliscor can form a stallbreaking core with Zapdos;
- Mention Focus Blast alongside Heat Wave on Torn-T, as it's able to run a steelbreaker set this gen;
- Add a Leftovers mention in the "It can also act as a offensive Defog supporter in case Zapdos gets hit by a Knock Off" sentence;
- Mantine should be mentioned as a good partner should Zapdos be running Leftovers, since it can reliably blow SR off the field.

=====Specially Defensive=====
[SET]
- Slash Discharge with Volt Switch, as it can beat Toxapex and Celesteela in the long run;
- Slash Toxic with Heat Wave as an option to whittle down threats that come freely on this set, such as Diggersby and Garchomp. Mention this is an option for teams that can reliably check Steel-types, however;

[SET COMMENTS]
Moveset Description
- Wouldn't say it reliably switches into Tapu Koko, as Specs Thunderbolt should cleanly 2HKO. Instead, say its typing and bulk allows Zapdos to switch in on a multitude of threatening special attackers, such as Magnezone and Alolan Ninetales.
- Describe Discharge as a Electric STAB that can take on Electric-weak targets better, after Volt Switch;
- Describe Toxic being a way to heavily cripple attackers that switch in on this set freely, after Heat Wave;
- Just mention Zapdos should use Volt Switch to bring teammates safely on the usage tip sentence; no need to make it that long when the teammates paragraph exist;

Good Teammates
- Introduce this paragraph by saying that all of Zapdos's teammates appreciate its Electric-type neutrality and its ability to switch on dangerous special threats;
- The first (now second) sentence of this paragraph seems weird to me. You could just mention that SR weak teammates like Mega Charizard Y and Mega Aerodactyl really appreciate Defog support from Zapdos to further preserve their health;
- With the new intro, remove the "It's neutrality to Electric-type moves is also greatly appreciated" part;
- Celesteela is a good partner to Zapdos moreso because it switches into physical attackers and Rock- / Ice-type attacks for Zapdos. Leech Seed and Toxic are secondary, therefore you should swap the order of the descriptions;
- Say Mantine also switches into powerful Water-type attacks like Pelipper's Hydro Pump, and can also afford to be less passive with Toxic because this Zapdos runs Defog;
- Remove Skarmory from this section as it's usually outclassed and unorthodox.
- Specify that Mega Charizard Y (and add Landorus here) break through Steel- and Poison-types should Zapdos be running Toxic.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Flying
--------
- Remove the alternative spread for SubToxic Zapdos; it always needs to run max speed to outspeed threats to Flying teams such as Kyurem, Hydreigon, and Mimikyu;
- Discharge and Toxic are now slashes on the Defog set, so take their mentions out of here as well;
- Add that a Choice Specs set with Hurricane can be an option to surprise most of Zapdos's checks like Mega Venusaur and Hippowdon; however, Flying teams prefer Zapdos's defensive utility and Thundurus-T is generally better offensively.

Checks and Counters
===================

Flying
--------
- "Stallbreakers" is more fitting than "Taunt users" in the first bullet, and mention Hydreigon and Gliscor instead. Detail Gliscor as a special mention, since it can also block Discharge, benefit from Toxic, and take Heat Wave with ease;
- Add "Wallbreakers" as a section, given most of them usually bypass Zapdos;
- In the "Status" section, add "...it harder to wall and PP stall opposing Pokemon";
- Rename "Super Effective Moves" to "Super Effective Coverage"

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[The Thunderbirds, 475881]]
- <Flying> analysis by: [[The Thunderbirds, 475881]]
- Quality checked by: [[Mateeus, 321991], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]

Approved, QC 1/2!

Implemented

 

[DugZa]

name: SubToxic (Flying)

[SET COMMENTS]
- "...while also having Flamethrower to hit Steel-types like Ferrothorn which Zapdos can struggle with." Add Excadrill as an example of Steel types that Flamethrower hits
- Correct Moltres spelling at the end of paragraph 2

name: Specially Defensive (Flying)

[SET COMMENTS]
- Remove A-Ninetales as an example that Zapdos switches into, replace with Scarf Latios/Latias/Gengar
- Add that Toxic can also help against walls like Porygon2
- Add Mega Charizard-Y as a Pokemon that appreciates Zapdos bringing it in safely with Volt Switch
- Add Tornadus as a good teammate and secondary Defogger and also forms a great pivoting core with Zapdos and can help against Pokemon Zapdos can struggle against (M-Venusaur)
- Add that Aerodactyl can pursuit trap threats like Victini and Trick Latios, making things easier for Zapdos

Checks and Counters
===================

Flying
--------
- Add Volcarona as a setup sweeper that takes advantage of Toxic-less Zapdos variants
- In the "Status" category, make it clear that being Toxic'd completely shut down Zapdos, while Burn affects it to a lesser degree and negates Leftovers recovery on Leftovers sets

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[The Thunderbirds, 475881]]
- <Flying> analysis by: [[The Thunderbirds, 475881]]
- Quality checked by: [[Mateeus, 321991], [Maple, 473171]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]

Approved, QC 2/2!

 

[Thunder]

implemented

 

[Mateeus]

All of Zapdos's teammates appreciates its electric neutrality allowing it to switch in against strong special attacks like Rising Voltage from Alolan Raichu under Electric Terrain.

before gping, I think you should change the example here; Zapdos doesn't reliably take RV from A-Rai under Terrain

Mega Charizard X

Y*

 

[Thunder]

Made the changes

 

[Light Sanctity]

this is an AM check and does NOT count toward the amount needed!

ADD REMOVE COMMENT(s)
AC = ADD Comma, AP = Add Period, RH = Remove Hyphen, AH = Add Hyphen.

Zapdos AM Check

[SET]
name: SubToxic (Flying)
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Discharge
move 4: Roost
item: Heavy-Duty Boots / Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 8 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Zapdos access to Pressure in conjunction with Toxic and Roost allows to act as an excellent user of Pressure stall. Substitute helps it in avoiding status and helps in stalling most of the Pokemon with Toxic and Roost. Toxic helps in beating defensive oriented Pokemon like Avalugg and Porygon2 while putting offensive threats like Landorus-T, Tapu Lele, (AC) and Urshifu-S on a timer. Toxic also helps in wearing Ground-type Pokemon such as Gastrodon and Swampert, (AC) which are otherwise immune to Discharge. Discharge acts as primarily STAB move with a nice chance of paralyzing opposing Pokemon, (AC) which makes it tougher for them to kill KO Zapdos. It also hits Poison- and Steel-type Pokemon like Toxapex and Celesteela, (AC) which are otherwise immune to Toxic. Roost helps in keeping Zapdos healthy throughout the match. Heavy-Duty Boots allows Zapdos to switch in without worrying about its Stealth Rock weakness, while Leftovers provide passive recovery both of which are greatly appreciated by Zapdos. Zapdos should set Substitue (Capitalize) on passive Pokemon such as Klefki, Mandibuzz and Toxapex and stalling them out. It should try to spread Toxic on opposing team early thus allowing it to stall more later. Zapdos should avoid getting statused or getting it's its item removed by Knock Off or Corrosive Gas, (AC) as both of them hurts it ability to function as a wall. Discharge paralysis can also be used to provide speed control against Pokemon like Choice Scarf Greninja. Maximum Speed investmet investment with a Timid nature helps Zapdos in outspeeding threats such as Mimikyu, Suicune, (AC) and Tapu Bulu. 248 HP EVs allows to Zapdos to set 4 Substitutes, (AC) while maintaining maximizing health of the Substitute and its own bulk.

Flying appreciates Zapdos's ability to annoy offensive threats such as Scizor and Choice Band Dracovish and weaken walls like Porygon2. Celesteela acts as a great partner for Zapdos with its ability to take on Ice- and Rock-type attacks while also having Flamethrower to hit Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Excadrill, (AC) which Zapdos can struggle with. Leech Seed and Toxic from Celesteela further helps in removing pressure from Zapdos. Mega Aerodactyl also works great alongside Zapdos, (AC) as it can KO opposing Ice-types with Stone Edge, having Pursuit to deal with threats like Victini and provides Stealth Rock support. Landorus-T and Gliscor are both good Electric- (RH) immune partners, as Choice Scarf Landorus-T can help in dealing with faster threats and bringing Zapdos in with U-turn, while Gliscor can act as a status absorber forming a good stallbreaker core with Zapdos. Setup sweepers such as Dragon Dance Mega Aerodactyl and Dragonite appreciates Zapdos's ability to weaken teams allowing them to pull off an easier late-game sweep. Tornadus-T is also an excellent parter partner with access to moves such as U-turn to bring in Zapdos, Heat Wave and Focus Blast to KO Steel-type Pokemon and Knock Off for removing items. It can also act as a offensive Defog supporter in case Zapdos gets hit by a Knock Off or is running Leftovers. Zapdos running Leftovers also appreciate Defog support from Mantine who can also act as a switchin to special Ice-type attacks and further have Haze for setup sweepers. Pokemon such as Landorus-I, Mega Charizard Y, (AC) and Moltres can help deal Zapdos with Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and specially defensive Heatran.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive (Flying)
move 1: Volt Switch / Discharge
move 2: Roost
move 3: Defog
move 4: Heat Wave / Toxic
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 176 SpD / 80 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Specially Defensive Zapdos is an excellent pick on Flying-type teams with its ability to switch in on threatening special attackers such as Choice Scarf users like Latias and Gengar, and Magnezone and provide Latias, Gengar and Magnezone while providing Defog support for its teammates. Volt Switch helps Zapdos in pivoting out of a fight a match while maintaining momentum. Discharge helps Zapdos in dealing with Pokemon like Celesteela and Toxapex better and not forcing it to switch out. Roost helps in keeping Zapdos healthy thus Roost helps keep Zapdos healthy allowing it to be useful later in the battle as well. Defog helps Zapdos in removing entry hazards and terrains from the field. Heat Wave allows it to hit Steel-types like Excadrill and Ferrothorn, (AC) which could otherwise wall Zapdos. Toxic can be used on teams with reliable way of dealing with Steel-types, (AC) as it helps in putting threats like Diggersby and Garchomp on a timer, (AC) which otherwise otherwise can deal with it's its other moves and helping against walls like Porygon2. Heavy Duty Boots Heavy-Duty Boots allows Zapdos to safely switch in throughout the battle without worrying about its Stealth Rock weakness. Defog in conjunction with Pressure can out stall Stealth Rock's PP. Zapdos can use Static to have easier time spreading paralysis (lowercase) especially when used with Discharge but Pressure's ability to stall out Stealth Rock is generally prefered preferred. Zapdos should try to come in on a predicted Stealth Rock use, (AC) as that can help in decreasing PP of that move faster. Zapdos should use Volt Switch to bring in teammates safely. Zapdos should avoid getting statused or have its Heavy Duty Boots Heavy-Duty Boots removed by Knock Off, (AC) as both hurts it longevity. 80 Speed EVs along with a Timid nature helps Zapdos in outspeeding Pokemon such as Jolly Diggersby, max Speed Heatran, (AC) and Tapu Bulu. Max HP investment along with 176 SpD Special Defense EVs allows Zapdos to be as bulky as possible taking multiple hits from Pokemon such as Gengar and Latias.

All of Zapdos's teammates appreciates its Electric neutrality allowing it to switch in against special attacks like Thunderbolt from unboosted Mega Latios. Stealth Rock weak teammates such as Mega Aerodactyl and Mega Charizard Y greatly appreciate Defog support from Zapdos. Celesteela forms a great partner alongside Zapdos, (AC) as it can switch in against Ice- and Rock-type attacks thanks to its excellent typing and wear down teams with Leech Seed and Toxic. Leech Seed additional healing is greatly appreciated by Zapdos. Mantine forms a great defensive core with Zapdos, with Mantine appreciating Zapdos ability to switch in on Electric-type moves, (AC) while Mantine can come in on Ice-type moves directed towards Zapdos. Mantine also switches into powerful Water-type attacks like Keldeo's Hydro Pump, and Zapdos running Defog allows Mantine to be less passive as it allows it run moves such as Toxic. Haze from Mantine further helps Zapdos against setup sweepers. Pokemon like Mega Aerodactyl, (AC) Mega Charizard Y, (AC) and Landorus-T appreciates Zapdos's ability to bring them safely in with Volt Switch, in return the former two can KO Ice-types while the latter can KO Rock-types, (AC) which otherwise are threats to Zapdos. Mega Aerodactyl can further Pursuit trap Pokemon such Victini and Trick Latios, which threatens Zapdos. Landorus-I and Mega Charizard Y help in breaking through walls for Zapdos, making it easier for it to wear down offensive threats. They can also help in dealing with Poison- (AH) and Steel-type like Mega Venasaur and Ferrothorn Pokemon incase Zapdos is running Toxic over Heat Wave. Tornadus-T can also act as a secondary Defogger and forms a great pivoting core with Zapdos running Volt Switch while also taking on Pokemon like Mega Venasaur, (AC) which Zapdos can struggle with.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Flying
--------
A Choice Specs Zapdos with Hurricane can be utilized to take threats such as Hippowdon and Mega Venasaur off the guard but Flying-type teams generally prefer Zapdos defensive utility and Thundurus-T is generally better offensively.

Checks and Counters
===================

Flying
--------
**Stallbreakers**: Pokemon like Gliscor and Hydregion can use Taunt to shut down Zapdos from using Toxic or Roost, thus making it useless for any incoming damage from the opposing Pokemons. Zapdos can struggle especially against Gliscor due to the fact that it can tank any of Zapdos's attack with ease and further benefits from Toxic due to Gliscor's access to Poison Heal.

**Opposing Walls**: Walls like Blissey, Mega Venasaur and Heatran can be tough for Zapdos for break through as Blissey can switch out to cure itself from Poison thanks to Natural Cure, while the latter two can't be Poisoned, but they have to careful of Paralysis from Discharge. Walls like Swampert and Celesteela can be tough for Specially Defensive variants but they struggle against SubToxic variants.

**Wallbreakers*: Zapdos can struggle against wallbreakers such as Choice Specs Blacephalon, Mega Lopunny, (AC) and Zygarde-10% who can easily break past Zapdos due to either their strong STAB moves or super effective coverage moves as in case of Mega Lopunny, (AC) which can even hurt a Zapdos behind Substitute thanks to Triple Axel. (AP)

**Setup Sweepers**: Zapdos variants lacking Heat Wave can allow Steel-type Pokemon like Excadrill and Mega Scizor to setup for free, while non-Toxic variants can allows Pokemon like Mega Charizard X and Volcarona to set up although the they do not like paralysis from Zapdos running Discharge instead of Volt Switch.

**Status**- Toxic can completely shut down Zapdos, as it relies on being healthy to act as wall while getting burn hurts it to as losing health to burn damage or negation of Leftovers on Zapdos running Leftovers also makes it tough to wall opposing Pokemon

**Super Effective Coverage**- Zapdos can struggle against Pokemon having Ice- and Rock-type attacks, most notably the physical variants due to its rather unimpressive physical bulk.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[The Thunderbirds, 475881]]
- <Flying> analysis by: [[The Thunderbirds, 475881]]
- Quality checked by: [[Mateeus, 321991], [Maple, 473171]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]

 

[Thunder]

Thanks, made the changes

 

[DC]

Remove Add Comments
AC = Add Comma, RC = Remove Comma, AH = Add Hyphen, RH = Remove Hyphen

Electro Bird

[SET]
name: SubToxic (Flying)
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Discharge
move 4: Roost
item: Heavy-Duty Boots / Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 8 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Zapdos access to Pressure in conjunction with Toxic and Roost allows to act as an excellent user of Pressure stall. Zapdos is an excellent user of Pressure stall with Toxic and Roost. Substitute helps it in avoiding avoid status and helps in stalling stall most of the Pokemon with Toxic and Roost. Toxic helps in beating Zapdos beat defensive oriented Pokemon like Avalugg and Porygon2 while also putting offensive threats like Landorus-T,(RC) and Tapu Lele on a timer. Toxic also helps in wearing wear down Ground-types Pokemon such as Gastrodon and Swampert,(RC) which are otherwise immune to Discharge. Discharge acts as primarily STAB move with a nice chance of paralyzing has a nice chance to paralyze opposing Pokemon, which makes it tougher for them to KO Zapdos,(period to comma) It and also hits Poison- and Steel-types Pokemon like Toxapex and Celesteela,(RC) which are otherwise immune to Toxic. Discharge paralysis can also provide speed control against Pokemon like Choice Scarf Greninja. Roost helps in keeping Zapdos healthy throughout the match.(dex info) Heavy-Duty Boots allows Zapdos to switch in without worrying about its Stealth Rock weakness, while Leftovers provide passive recovery both of which are greatly appreciated by Zapdos. Zapdos should set Substitute on passive Pokemon such as Klefki, Mandibuzz and Toxapex and stalling them out. It should try to spread Toxic on opposing team early thus allowing it to stall more later. Zapdos should avoid getting statused or getting its item removed by Knock Off or Corrosive Gas, as both of them hurts it ability to function as a wall.(These belong in 2nd para) Discharge paralysis can also be used to provide speed control against Pokemon like Choice Scarf Greninja.(gonna move this) Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature helps Zapdos in outspeeding outspeed threats such as Mimikyu, Suicune, and Tapu Bulu. 248 HP EVs allows to Zapdos to set up 4 Substitutes,(RC) while maintaining maximizing and maximize the health of the Substitute and its own bulk.

Flying teams appreciates Zapdos's ability to annoy offensive threats such as Scizor and weaken walls like Porygon2. Zapdos should set up Substitute on passive Pokemon such as Klefki, Mandibuzz, and Toxapex and stall them out. It should try to spread Toxic on the opposing team early to make it easier to stall late-game. Zapdos should avoid getting statused and getting its item removed by Knock Off or Corrosive Gas, as both limit its ability to function as a wall.(moved from 1st para) Celesteela acts as a great partner for Zapdos with its ability to take on Ice- and Rock-type attacks while also having Flamethrower to hit Steel-types like Ferrothorn,(RC) and Excadrill,(AC) which Zapdos can struggle with. Leech Seed and Toxic from Celesteela further helps in removing pressure from Zapdos. Mega Aerodactyl also works great alongside Zapdos, as it can KO opposing Ice-types with Stone Edge, having use Pursuit to deal with threats like Victini,(AC) and provides Stealth Rock support. Landorus-T and Gliscor are both good Electric-(AH)immune partners, as with Choice Scarf Landorus-T can help in also dealing with faster threats and bringing Zapdos in with U-turn while and Gliscor can act acting as a status absorber and forming a good stallbreaker core with Zapdos. Setup sweepers such as Dragon Dance Mega Aerodactyl and Dragonite appreciates Zapdos's ability to weaken teams,(AC) allowing them to pull off an easier late-game sweep. Tornadus-T is also an excellent parnter partner with access to moves such as U-turn to bring in Zapdos, Heat Wave and Focus Blast to KO Steel-types,(AC) Pokemon and Knock Off for removing to remove items. It can also act as an offensive Defog supporter Defogger in case Zapdos gets hit by a Knock Off or is running Leftovers. Zapdos running Leftovers Zapdos also appreciates Defog support from Mantine,(AC) who can also which can act as a switch-(AH)in to special Ice-type attacks and have has Haze for setup sweepers. Pokemon such as Landorus-I Landorus, Mega Charizard Y, and Moltres can help deal Zapdos deal with Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and specially defensive Heatran.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive (Flying)
move 1: Volt Switch / Discharge
move 2: Roost
move 3: Defog
move 4: Heat Wave / Toxic
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 176 SpD / 80 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Specially defensive(lowercase) Zapdos is an excellent pick on Flying-type teams with due to its ability to switch in on into threatening special attackers such as Choice Scarf users like Latias, Gengar, and Magnezone while providing and provide Defog support for its teammates. Volt Switch helps Zapdos in pivoting out of a match while maintaining pivot and maintain momentum,(period to comma) while Discharge helps Zapdos in dealing deals with Pokemon like Celesteela and Toxapex better and not forcing it does not force Zapdos to switch out. Roost keeps Zapdos healthy thus allowing it to be useful later in the battle as well. Defog helps Zapdos in removing entry hazards and terrains from the field.(dex info, removed space) Heat Wave allows it to hits Steel-types like Excadrill and Ferrothorn,(RC) which could otherwise wall Zapdos. Toxic can be used on teams with reliable way of dealing with Steel-types, as it helps in putting put threats like Diggersby and Garchomp on a timer, which otherwise otherwise can deal with its Zapdos's other moves,(AC) and helping against deals with walls like Porygon2. Heavy-Duty Boots allows Zapdos to safely switch in throughout the battle without worrying about its Stealth Rock weakness. Defog in conjunction with Pressure can out stall out Stealth Rock's PP. Zapdos can use Static to have easier time spreading paralysis especially when used with Discharge but Pressure's ability to stall out Stealth Rock is generally prefered. Static is an alternative to have an easier time spreading paralysis, especially in conjunction with Discharge. Zapdos should try to come in on a predicted Stealth Rock use, as that can help in decreasing PP of that move faster. Zapdos should use Volt Switch to bring in teammates safely. Zapdos should avoid getting statused or have its Heavy-Duty Boots removed by Knock Off, as both hurts it longevity.(this is for 2nd para) 80 Speed EVs along with a Timid nature helps Zapdos in outspeeding outspeed Pokemon such as Jolly Diggersby, maximum Speed Heatran, and Tapu Bulu. Maximum HP investment along with and 176 Special Defense EVs allows Zapdos to be as bulky as possible taking take multiple hits from Pokemon such as Gengar and Latias.

All of Zapdos's teammates appreciates its Electric neutrality allowing it to switch in against special attacks like Thunderbolt from unboosted Mega Latios. Zapdos should try to come in on a predicted Stealth Rock use to decrease its PP, use Volt Switch to bring in teammates safely, and avoid getting statused or having its Heavy-Duty Boots removed by Knock Off.(feel free to move this sentence around in this paragraph) Stealth Rock-(AH)weak teammates such as Mega Aerodactyl and Mega Charizard Y greatly appreciate Defog support from Zapdos. Celesteela forms is a great partner alongside Zapdos, as it can switch in against Ice- and Rock-type attacks thanks to its excellent typing and wear down teams with Leech Seed and Toxic. Leech Seed's additional healing is also greatly appreciated by Zapdos. Mantine forms a great defensive core with Zapdos, with Mantine appreciating Zapdos's ability to switch in on Electric-type moves,(RC) while Mantine can come in on Ice-type moves directed towards Zapdos and Zapdos benefitting from Mantine tanking Ice-type moves. Mantine also switches into powerful Water-type attacks like Keldeo's Hydro Pump, and Zapdos running Defog allows Mantine to be less passive as it allows it and run other moves such as Toxic. Haze from Mantine further helps Zapdos against setup sweepers. Pokemon like Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Charizard Y, and Landorus-T appreciates Zapdos's ability to bring them safely in with Volt Switch;(comma to semicolon) in return,(AC) the former two can KO Ice-types,(AC) while the latter can KO Rock-types which otherwise are threats to Zapdos. Mega Aerodactyl can further also Pursuit trap Pokemon such Victini and Trick Latios, which threatens Zapdos. Landorus-I Landorus and Mega Charizard Y help in breaking through walls(like?) for Zapdos, making it easier for it to wear down offensive threats. They can also help in dealing with Poison- and Steel-types like Mega Venasaur Venusaur and Ferrothorn Pokemon incase if Zapdos is running Toxic over Heat Wave. Tornadus-T can also act as a secondary Defogger and forms a great pivoting core with Volt Switch Zapdos running Volt Switch while also taking on Pokemon like Mega Venasaur Venusaur, which Zapdos can struggles with.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Flying
--------
A Choice Specs Zapdos with Hurricane can be utilized to take down threats such as Hippowdon and Mega Venasaur off the guard Venusaur,(AC) but Flying-type teams generally prefer Zapdos's defensive utility,(AC) and Thundurus-T is generally better offensively.

Checks and Counters
===================

Flying
--------
**Stallbreakers**: Pokemon like Gliscor and Hydregion can use Taunt to shut down Zapdos from using Toxic or and Roost, thus making it useless for any incoming damage from the opposing Pokemons less effective. Zapdos can struggle especially struggle against Gliscor due to the fact that it can tank any of Zapdos's attacks with ease and further benefits from Toxic due to Gliscor's access to Poison Heal.

**Opposing Walls**: Walls like Blissey, Mega Venasaur Venusaur,(AC) and Heatran can be are tough for Zapdos for to break through,(AC) as Blissey can switch out to cure itself from Poison thanks to remove status with Natural Cure,(RC) while and the latter two can't be poisoned,(RC) but they have to be careful of paralysis(lowercase) from Discharge. Walls like Swampert and Celesteela can be tough for specially defensive(lowercase) variants,(AC) but they struggle against SubToxic variants.

**Wallbreakers*: Zapdos can struggles against wallbreakers such as Choice Specs Blacephalon, Mega Lopunny, and Zygarde-10%,(AC) who can which easily break past Zapdos it due to their strong STAB moves or super effective coverage moves;(add semicolon) as in case of Mega Lopunny,(RC) which can even hurt a handle Zapdos behind Substitute thanks to Triple Axel.

**Setup Sweepers**: Zapdos variants lacking Heat Wave can allow Steel-type Pokemon like Excadrill and Mega Scizor to setup set up for free, while non-Toxic variants can allow Pokemon like Mega Charizard X and Volcarona to set up,(AC) although the they do not like paralysis from Zapdos running Discharge instead of Volt Switch.

**Status**:(dash to colon) Toxic can completely shut down Zapdos, as it relies on being healthy to act as wall while getting burn hurts it to as losing health to burn damage or negation of Leftovers on Zapdos running Leftovers also makes it tough to wall opposing Pokemon Toxic poison and burn negate Leftovers recovery and make it difficult for Zapdos to wall opposing foes.

**Super Effective Coverage**:(dash to colon) Zapdos can struggles against Pokemon having Ice- and Rock-type attacks (like?), most notably the physical variants especially physical attackers due to its rather unimpressive physical bulk.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[The Thunderbirds, 475881]] - Update your name
- <Flying> analysis by: [[The Thunderbirds, 475881]] - here too
- Quality checked by: [[Mateeus, 321991], [Maple, 473171]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

GP 1/1. [DC, 449990] Please be careful with implementation and reminder to proofread your analysis to catch easy errors like "Venasaur".

 

[Thunder]

Implemented.