Zapdos @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 240 HP / 196 SpD / 72 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Discharge
- Hurricane
- Substitute
- Roost
Zapdos embodies the calm before the storm when it takes flight in NatDex OU! Generally seen as a contact move punisher with Static, Zapdos has recently tapped into a different potential by utilizing Pressure. With the nasty combination of Substitute + Roost + Pressure, it has the staying power to quickly exhaust its foes' moves. Low PP attacks such as Heatran's Magma Storm, Mega Tyranitar's Stone Edge, and Serperior's Leaf Storm are at the mercy of its wrath; Substitute also gives it a safety net to take on the former two and escape the trapping effect of Heatran's Magma Storm. Zapdos's positive matchups against common Defoggers like Kartana, Tapu Fini, and Gliscor mean it can safely switch in and deplete their Defog PP with Pressure; thus, it pairs well with entry hazard-stacking teammates such as Ferrothorn, Mew, and Heatran. Additionally, Spikes, in particular, makes for potent support due to the switches that Zapdos tends to force, especially against foes that dislike parafusion. Clefable can absorb Knock Off for Zapdos and run Sticky Barb + Trick to cripple Gliscor, Heatran, and Gastrodon, which makes them more vulnerable to Zapdos's relentless fury.
Check out this team by Jordy featuring this Zapdos set, which peaked at #2 on the ladder! https://pokepast.es/c42ed2a1a331bb82
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