Competitive Information for Zapdos [Black/White]
Electric / Flying
Abilities:
This Pokemon draws Electric moves to itself to raise Sp. Atk by 1; Electric immunity.
If this Pokemon is the target of a foe's move, that move loses one additional PP.
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Note: Pokemon with the Lightning Rod ability are immune to Electric attacks.
Movesets for Singles
Looking for a competitive moveset for Zapdos? These builds are optimized for Black/White Single Battles. The movesets and EVs are designed to maximize damage against common opponents and threats in the Black/White metagame. Check out the expert movesets below to boost your battle performance and dominate your opponents!
Unveil the power of Zapdos, a lit Pokémon known for its Electric and Flying typing! It's to see Zapdos show up as a Black/White opponent. Its only type-related weaknesses are Ice and Rock. Uncover the best movesets for Zapdos below and optimize your gameplay!
Item: Leftovers / Expert Belt
Ability: Pressure
Nature: Timid (+Spe, -Atk)
EVs: 192 Hp / 108 SpA / 24 SpD / 184 Spe
Moveset:
- Heat Wave
- Discharge / Thunder
- Roost
- Substitute
Dominating single battles, Zapdos is a unforgettable Special Tank. It's primary goal is to take a substantial amount of hits from special attacks while dealing some decent damage. Expert Belt boosts the damage of Zapdos's super effective moves by 20%. Leftovers are always a great recovery option to ensure Zapdos last longer regaining it's life every turn. With Pressure, if Zapdos is the target of a foe's move that move loses one additional pp.
◆ Discharge is a special STAB-boosted 80-base power Electric-type move (30% chance to paralyze adjacent pokemon).
◆ Thunder is a special STAB-boosted 120-base power Electric-type move (30% chance to paralyze. Can't miss in rain).
◆ Roost is a status move (heals 50% hp. Flying-type removed until turn ends).
◆ Substitute is a status move (Zapdos takes 1/4 its max hp to put in a substitute).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/gaa91
Item: Life Orb / Choice Specs
Ability: Lightning Rod
Nature: Modest (+SpA, -Atk)
Nature: Timid (+Spe, -Atk)
EVs: 12 Hp / 252 SpA / 244 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Moveset:
- Thunderbolt / Discharge
- Air Cutter
- Heat Wave
- Extrasensory
In single battles, Zapdos's Special Sweeper role is a eminent. The intention of this moveset is to take down the opponent's team with heavy-hitting special power. Choice Specs will increase the damage of Zapdos's special moves by 1.5x but will lock you into the first move you pick. Life Orb boosts the power of Zapdos's damaging moves by 1.3x but it then loses 1/10 its max HP immediately after the attack. With Lightning Rod, Zapdos draws electric moves to itself to raise sp. Atk by 1; electric immunity.
◆ Discharge is a special STAB-boosted 80-base power Electric-type move (30% chance to paralyze adjacent pokemon).
◆ Air Cutter is a special STAB-boosted 55-base power Flying-type move (high critical hit ratio. Hits adjacent foes).
◆ Heat Wave is a special 100-base power Fire-type move (10% chance to burn the foes).
◆ Extrasensory is a special 80-base power Psychic-type move (10% chance to make the target flinch).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/gba91
Movesets for Doubles
Need a strong doubles moveset for Zapdos? These builds are perfect for VGC (Pokémon Video Game Championship) and other competitive Black/White Double Battles. The VGC is the ultimate test of strategy and skill, and these movesets and EVs are designed to excel against multiple opponents at once while providing essential support to your team. Dominate the Black/White metagame with these expert-crafted setups!
Item: Life Orb / Choice Specs
Ability: Lightning Rod
Nature: Modest (+SpA, -Atk)
Nature: Timid (+Spe, -Atk)
EVs: 12 Hp / 252 SpA / 244 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Moveset:
- Air Cutter
- Heat Wave
- Discharge / Thunderbolt
- Extrasensory
For double battles, Zapdos is a powerful Special Sweeper. It's primary goal is to overwhelm foes with brute special attacks. Choice Specs will increase the damage of Zapdos's special moves by 1.5x but will lock you into the first move you pick. Life Orb boosts the power of Zapdos's damaging moves by 1.3x but it then loses 1/10 its max HP immediately after the attack. With Lightning Rod, Zapdos draws electric moves to itself to raise sp. Atk by 1; electric immunity.
◆ Heat Wave is a special 100-base power Fire-type move (10% chance to burn the foes).
◆ Discharge is a special STAB-boosted 80-base power Electric-type move (30% chance to paralyze adjacent pokemon).
◆ Thunderbolt is a special STAB-boosted 95-base power Electric-type move (10% chance to paralyze the target).
◆ Extrasensory is a special 80-base power Psychic-type move (10% chance to make the target flinch).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/haa91
Movepool
Want to know what moves Zapdos can learn? Check out the full list of moves available in the Pokemon Black/White generation.
Sort and organize the learnset by type, category, accuracy, and power. Moves in bold get the same-type attack bonus (STAB) when used by Zapdos.
Damage Modifiers:
Combo List
These are a list of several common move combinations Zapdos can perform in Black/White. Not every combo going to be game-changing, but some can be pretty fun to play with. Sometimes these can be easily overlooked or forgotten, hence why we find and list them here. Discover what items, abilities, and moves this Pokemon can use in combination with each other to gain a strategic advantage in competitive battles.
Competitive BW Move and Ability Combos for Zapdos
- Moves: Rain dance + Thunder
- Moves: Rest + Sleep talk
- Moves: Rest + Snore
- Move: Swagger + Item: Mirror Herb
- Move: Facade + Item: Flame Orb
- Move: Facade + Item: Toxic Orb
- Item: Blunder Policy + Move: Zap Cannon
- Moves with Priority: Detect, Endure, Protect
- Moves that Break Screens: Defog
- Moves that inflict status: Thunder Wave, Toxic
Moves that boost Zapdos's stats
- Agility
- Ancient Power
- Charge
- Charge Beam
- Ominous Wind
- Steel Wing
Most notable and possible best moves for Zapdos
- Agility
- Baton Pass
- Baton Pass
- Discharge
- Heat Wave
- Hidden Power Ice
- Light Screen
- Protect
- Rest
- Roost
- Substitute
- Thunder
- Thunder Wave
- Toxic
- U-turn
- Volt Switch
Common Effort Values for Zapdos in Black and White
- Timid Nature ( 192/0/0/108/24/184/ )
- Calm Nature ( 232/0/0/0/240/36/ )
- Optimize Zapdos's Defensive EV-spread for Pokemon Black and White
Usage Data
Explore the latest analytical usage data for this Pokémon from various VGC and online competitions. We use this data to develop our strategies and movesets. The data is categorized by competition and skill level: top-ranking trainers, mid-level players, and entry-level players.
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Here are the best movesets for Zapdos. Top rated Zapdos Black/White movesets. You can find Zapdos builds Black/White. Zapdos movesets Black/White are listed here. VGC Zapdos Competitive Movesets can be found here. Find various EV spreads, find the best nature for Zapdos in Black/White along with competitive movesets. Basic info and Movesets for evolution