Does Zapdos Respawn in Sword and Shield? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, Zapdos can respawn in Pokémon Sword and Shield under specific circumstances. The method for respawning differs depending on whether you’re referring to the original Zapdos or the Galarian Zapdos introduced in The Crown Tundra DLC. This article provides a detailed look at how to encounter Zapdos in both forms, what to do if you accidentally knock them out, and answers to frequently asked questions to ensure you don’t miss your chance to catch these legendary birds.
Catching the Original Zapdos
The original Kanto Zapdos is not initially present in the Wild Area.
How to Encounter the Original Zapdos
To encounter the original Zapdos in Pokémon Sword and Shield, you must first defeat the Elite Four. Once you become the Champion, Zapdos will appear as a rare spawn on Routes 22, 23, 24, and 25. These routes are near Victory Road.
Zapdos Respawn Mechanics (Kanto Version)
If you accidentally knock out the original Zapdos before catching it, don’t worry! Zapdos will respawn after you defeat the Elite Four again. This allows you multiple opportunities to catch it if your initial attempts fail. Saving your game before encountering Zapdos is highly recommended, as it lets you simply restart the game to try again without having to rechallenge the Elite Four.
Catching Galarian Zapdos
Galarian Zapdos is exclusive to The Crown Tundra DLC.
Finding Galarian Zapdos
Galarian Zapdos roams freely in the Wild Area of the main game after you initially encounter it in The Crown Tundra. After the initial encounter, fly to the Meetup Spot in the southern part of the Wild Area and begin your search.
Galarian Zapdos Respawn Mechanics
Similar to the original Zapdos, if you defeat Galarian Zapdos before capturing it, it will respawn. Simply fly back to the Meetup Spot in the Wild Area, and it will eventually reappear. You don’t need to beat the Elite Four again for Galarian Zapdos to respawn, making it easier to retry the encounter.
FAQs about Zapdos in Sword and Shield
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about catching and respawning Zapdos (both original and Galarian forms) in Pokémon Sword and Shield.
1. What happens if I knock out Galarian Zapdos?
If you knock out Galarian Zapdos, it will respawn in the Wild Area. Fly to the Meetup Spot and continue your search to encounter it again.
2. Is Galarian Zapdos shiny locked?
Yes, Galarian Zapdos is shiny locked in Pokémon Sword and Shield. This means it is impossible to encounter a shiny version of Galarian Zapdos through normal gameplay.
3. Does the original Zapdos respawn after beating the Elite Four?
Yes, if you knock out the original Zapdos before catching it, it will respawn after you defeat the Elite Four again.
4. Where can I find Galarian Zapdos after it runs away?
Galarian Zapdos runs off to the original game’s Wild Area. Fly to the Meetup Spot in the far south of the Wild Area and start searching.
5. What is the catch rate for Galarian Zapdos?
Galarian Zapdos has a very low catch rate, reported to be around 0.3% in Pokemon Go. It also has a high flee rate, making it incredibly challenging to catch. While the exact catch rate in Sword and Shield isn’t explicitly stated, it’s known to be difficult.
6. Can I catch Zapdos more than once?
You can catch one of each Zapdos per save file. If you accidentally knock one out, follow the respawn mechanics described earlier to get another chance. You can’t catch multiple of the same Zapdos in a single playthrough.
7. How rare is Galarian Zapdos?
Galarian Zapdos is a rare spawn in the Wild Area after the initial encounter in The Crown Tundra. It is not guaranteed to appear immediately, so persistence is key.
8. Is it possible to catch Zapdos with a Poké Ball?
Yes, it’s possible to catch Zapdos with a regular Poké Ball, but it’s much more challenging than using Ultra Balls or Great Balls. Status conditions like paralysis, sleep, or freeze will greatly increase your chances of success.
9. Where can I find the original Zapdos again after beating the Elite Four?
After defeating the Elite Four, the original Zapdos can be found as a rare spawn on Routes 22, 23, 24, and 25.
10. What should I do before fighting Zapdos?
Save your game before engaging with either the original or Galarian Zapdos. This allows you to reset your game if you accidentally knock it out, encounter a critical hit, or run out of Poké Balls without catching it.
11. How do I stop Galarian Zapdos from running away?
When you approach Galarian Zapdos, it will become startled and run away. You need to hop on your bike and chase it for a few minutes until it slows down. Avoid other Pokémon encounters to save time.
12. What is the best Poké Ball to use for catching Zapdos?
Ultra Balls are generally the best choice for catching Zapdos due to their higher catch rate. However, Timer Balls can be effective if the battle lasts for many turns, and Net Balls can be useful against Water and Bug-type Pokémon (though Zapdos is neither of these types).
13. What are the best status conditions to inflict on Zapdos for capture?
Paralysis, sleep, and freeze are the best status conditions for increasing your chances of catching Zapdos. They significantly boost the likelihood of a successful capture.
14. Are the Galarian Legendary Birds (Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres) harder to catch than other Legendaries?
Yes, the Galarian Legendary Birds are notoriously harder to catch due to their low catch rates and high flee rates. Patience and persistence are required to successfully capture them.
15. Can Daily Adventure Incense help me find Galarian Zapdos?
In Pokémon GO, Daily Adventure Incense is the only way to encounter the Galarian Birds. However, this mechanic is not present in Pokémon Sword and Shield.
Conclusion
Catching Zapdos in Pokémon Sword and Shield requires patience and strategy. Understanding the respawn mechanics for both the original and Galarian versions ensures you have multiple opportunities to add these legendary Pokémon to your team. Remember to save before encounters, use appropriate Poké Balls, and inflict status conditions to maximize your chances of success. And while enjoying the strategic elements of the game, consider exploring the broader context of how games impact learning and society. The Games Learning Society provides valuable insights into this intersection. For more information, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.