How to Counter Zapdos: A Comprehensive Guide
Zapdos, the legendary Electric/Flying-type Pokémon, presents a formidable challenge to trainers. Its unique typing grants it resistances and immunities that can make battles tricky. However, with the right strategies and Pokémon, you can effectively counter this powerful bird. Here’s a breakdown of how to overcome Zapdos, along with answers to some common questions.
Understanding Zapdos’ Weaknesses and Strengths
The key to successfully battling Zapdos lies in understanding its type matchups. As an Electric/Flying-type, Zapdos has some notable strengths:
- Resistance: It resists Flying, Steel, Fighting, Bug, and Grass-type attacks.
- Immunity: Importantly, it’s immune to Ground-type attacks due to its Flying-type.
However, Zapdos is vulnerable to:
- Weakness: It is weak against Rock and Ice-type attacks. This double weakness is your primary target for countering it.
This means that using Rock and Ice-type Pokémon with strong attacks of these types is crucial for dealing maximum damage to Zapdos.
Top Pokémon Counters for Zapdos
To effectively counter Zapdos, you need Pokémon with the right typing and powerful moves. Here are some of the best options:
Top-Tier Counters
- Shadow Rhyperior: With its high attack stat and Rock-type moves, Shadow Rhyperior is an exceptional counter. Its Ground typing means it won’t be targeted by Electric-type moves.
- Mega Diancie: This Rock/Fairy-type boasts immense attack power, dealing super-effective damage with its Rock moves.
- Shadow Mamoswine: This Ice/Ground-type can dish out devastating Ice-type attacks while also being resistant to Zapdos’ Electric moves.
- Mega Tyranitar: A Rock/Dark-type powerhouse, Mega Tyranitar can inflict heavy damage with its strong Rock-type moves.
- Shadow Tyranitar: Similar to its Mega evolution, Shadow Tyranitar brings high attack and Rock-type moves to the fight.
- Rhyperior: A solid non-shadow option, Rhyperior remains a powerful Rock/Ground-type counter.
Other Effective Options
- Rampardos: Known for its high attack, Rampardos is a pure Rock-type that can deal significant damage.
- Glaceon: With its strong Ice-type moves, Glaceon can be a reliable counter, though it lacks the extra resistances some other Pokémon have.
- Weavile: As a Dark/Ice-type, Weavile’s Ice-type moves can be highly effective, though its bulk is less than other counters.
- Darmanitan (Galarian): Boasting high attack and Ice-type moves, this form of Darmanitan is a solid choice.
- Avalugg: A very bulky Ice-type that is perfect for withstanding Zapdos’ attacks and can consistently deliver Ice-type damage.
- Terrakion: As a Rock/Fighting type, Terrakion can utilize powerful rock moves to counter Zapdos.
Movesets
It’s not just about the Pokémon you choose, but also the moves they know. When facing Zapdos, focus on these move types:
- Rock: For maximum damage, aim for Rock-type Fast Attacks and Charged Attacks such as Smack Down, Rock Throw, Rock Slide, Stone Edge, and Ancient Power.
- Ice: Ice-type moves are also effective, such as Ice Shard, Powder Snow, Avalanche, and Ice Beam.
Battle Strategies
Beyond Pokémon and move choices, a smart battle strategy can make all the difference:
- Avoid Ground-type Attacks: Zapdos is immune to Ground-type attacks, so using these moves is a waste of time and energy.
- Utilize Weather: If the weather is Snowy, your Ice-type attacks will be boosted. If it is Partly Cloudy, your Rock-type attacks will have a boost. Utilize the weather to your advantage.
- Dodge Effectively: Dodge Zapdos’ Charged Attacks to avoid unnecessary damage and keep your counters alive longer.
- Team Composition: Mix your Rock and Ice-type counters for a balanced approach, and remember to have backups ready.
- Raid Group Size: While it is possible to defeat Zapdos with a small group, it is generally recommended to have at least 4-6 trainers in your raid group, especially when it is a higher-difficulty raid such as a Shadow Raid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Zapdos immune to Electric-type attacks?
No, Zapdos is not immune to Electric-type attacks, being a part Electric-type. It takes normal damage from them.
2. Can Zapdos beat Lugia?
While Lugia is a strong opponent, Zapdos can be a good counter to it due to Lugia’s weakness to Electric attacks.
3. How many people do you need to beat Zapdos?
For a standard Zapdos raid, a minimum of 4-6 trainers is recommended for a reliable victory. However, Shadow Zapdos raids are much harder, and more trainers are recommended.
4. Can you solo a Zapdos raid?
Generally, no, due to its high attack and defense. Shadow Zapdos raids are especially difficult and will require a well-equipped team.
5. What is Zapdos weak against?
Zapdos is weak against Rock and Ice-type attacks.
6. What are the best movesets for countering Zapdos?
Focus on Rock and Ice-type moves such as Smack Down, Rock Throw, Rock Slide, Stone Edge, Ancient Power, Ice Shard, Powder Snow, Avalanche, and Ice Beam.
7. Is Zapdos stronger than Moltres?
Yes, generally Zapdos is considered stronger than Moltres due to its more favorable typing and less weaknesses.
8. Is Zapdos stronger than Raikou?
In the context of a game, yes; despite both being Electric types, Zapdos has a much better typing, being able to avoid ground attacks that Raikou can’t.
9. Can Zapdos beat Articuno?
Yes, Zapdos has a distinct advantage over Articuno. Zapdos is super effective against Articuno, while Articuno’s attacks are resisted.
10. What is the best ball to catch Zapdos?
The Ultra Ball is the most effective ball for catching Zapdos due to its high catch rate multiplier.
11. How can I increase my chances of catching Zapdos?
Apply a status condition like Paralysis or Sleep, and lower its health to the red before throwing Pokéballs.
12. What is Rayquaza weak against?
Rayquaza is weak against Dragon, Fairy, Ice, and Rock-type attacks.
13. Is Dragonite stronger than Zapdos?
In direct matchups, Zapdos is likely to perform better against Dragonite due to Dragonite’s weakness to Ice type attacks and its inability to deal super effective damage against Zapdos.
14. What is the weakest Legendary Bird?
Moltres is generally considered the weakest due to its typing giving it a quad weakness to Rock.
15. Is Lugia stronger than the legendary birds?
Yes, Lugia is considered stronger and is the master of the legendary bird trio.