Pokemon Go Guide for Zapdos: Best Raid Counters, Shiny, How to Catch

Jeff Kotuby,

July 18, 2018 1:20 PM

On Saturday, September 13, Zapdos will spawn yet again as a raid boss for Trainers to catch in Pokemon Go! We'll show you how to defeat the legendary bird and catch one of your very own!

Congrats Trainers! Pokemon Go players successfully completed all of Professor Willow’s challenges and unlocked the legendary birds, including Zapdos, as raid bosses! Here’s everything you need to know to defeat Zapdos. 

Zapdos Raid Basics

Zapdos is an Electric/Flying type legendary that will come with Charge Beam as its fast move (Thunder Shock, its former Zapdos Day-exclusive move, may or may not be available) with Zap Cannon, Thunder, or Thunderbolt as its charge moves. It will spawn with 42961 CP and will be catchable at a range between 1820 – 1902 CP (regular) or 2275 – 2378 CP (weather boosted.) 

Counters

The following Pokemon are the best counters for Zapdos. Its Electric and Flying typing gives it few weaknesses, but these Pokemon should be perfect for the encounter:

Tyranitar

Sensing a theme here? Tyranitar cements its status as the top raid battler when equipped with its Community Day moveset of Smack Down and Stone Edge.

Golem/Alolan Golem

Both forms of Golem will counter Zapdos well. We’ll give the nod to the OG (Original Golem) for its Ground typing. Either way, both Golems should be equipped with Rock Throw and Stone Edge to do the most damage possible to Zapdos.

Piloswine

This little boar is one of the best counters for Zapdos, as it resists the Mega Ultra Chicken’s Electric-type attacks and strikes back with Ice-type moves like Ice Shard and Avalanche. That moveset is the preferred set to battle Zapdos, as Ground-type moves won’t phase ‘Dos much.

Jynx

Another helpful Ice-type to fight Zapdos is Jynx. Armed with Frost Breath and Avalanche, Jynx can do a nice amount of damage in this fight.

Rayquaza

We know some Trainers may not have access to Rayquaza, but if they do, it’s definitely worth bringing it into battle. Armed with Dragon Tail and Outrage, Rayquaza will cut through Zapdos (and pretty much anything) like a hot knife through butter.

Mewtwo

Again, Trainers might not have Mewtwo at their disposal, but the true king of Generation 1 makes a great comrade to bring into battle. Avoid using a Mewtwo with Aura Sphere, though, as Zapdos resists Fighting-type moves.

Any Rock or Ice Types Not Weak to Electric

Ideally, you’ll want to use the above Pokemon, but if your box lacks the necessary ‘Mons, any Rock or Ice type will suffice. Do avoid Pokemon like Omastar and Articuno, though, as their weaknesses to Electric will make them take increased damage from Zapdos and faint easier.

Solo

Like its cohort Articuno, Zapdos will be too much for just one Trainer to handle. Bring a number of friends, the more the merrier, but around 6 or 7 Trainers with strong Pokemon should be able to handle it.

Weather

Zapdos will be weather boosted by rain and windy conditions. While the Zapdos you catch will be more powerful, so will its raid boss counterpart. Partly cloudy conditions will boost Rock-type moves, so ideally there will be some clouds in the forecast to help your Pokemon. We wouldn’t bank on any snow coming through the United States any time soon, though.

Shiny

Trainers will have a chance at a Shiny Zapdos during its special day. Shiny Zapdos are a bit more colorful, with more pronounced bright colors versus its default counterpart’s scheme.

Best of luck catching this bird, Trainers! Let us know how you do. For more help catching the legendary birds, check out our guides on the other two in the set, Articuno and Moltres! 



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