Competitive Information for Zapdos [Ruby/Sapphire]
Electric / Flying
Abilities:
If this Pokemon is the target of a move, that move loses one additional PP.
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Movesets for Singles
Looking for a competitive moveset for Zapdos? These builds are optimized for Ruby/Sapphire Single Battles. The movesets and EVs are designed to maximize damage against common opponents and threats in the Ruby/Sapphire metagame. Check out the expert movesets below to boost your battle performance and dominate your opponents!
Zapdos is here! This distinguished Pokémon is Electric and Flying-typed and ready to shine! Zapdos is a common Pokémon to see in the RS metagame. Its only type-related weaknesses are Ice and Rock. Want to master Zapdos's movesets? Dive into our detailed strategies below!
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
Nature: Timid (+Spe, -Atk)
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Moveset:
- Thunderbolt / Thunder Wave
- Baton Pass
- Roar
- Toxic
Zapdos is a legendary Special Sweeper. It's meant to take down the opponent's team with high-damaging special attacks. Previously before Generation IV, a move's damage category was determined by its type. Leftovers are always a great recovery option to ensure Zapdos last longer regaining it's it's vitality every turn. With Pressure, if Zapdos is the target of a move that move loses one additional pp.
♦ Thunder Wave is a status move (paralyzes the target).
♦ Baton Pass is a status move (Zapdos switches, passing stat changes and more).
♦ Roar is a status move (forces the target to switch to a random ally).
♦ Toxic is a status move (badly poisons the target).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/caa91
Item: Magnet
Ability: Pressure
Nature: Modest (+SpA, -Atk)
Nature: Timid (+Spe, -Atk)
EVs: 12 Hp / 252 SpA / 244 Spe
Moveset:
- Thunderbolt / Thunder Shock
- Extrasensory
- Detect
- Thunder Wave
Zapdos is a legendary Special Sweeper. It attempts to take down the opponent's team with high-damaging special attacks. Prior to Generation IV, a move's damage category was determined by its type. With Pressure, if Zapdos is the target of a move that move loses one additional pp.
♦ Thunder Shock is a special STAB-boosted 40-base power Electric-type move (10% chance to paralyze the target).
♦ Extrasensory is a special 80-base power Psychic-type move (10% chance to flinch the target).
♦ Detect is a status move (prevents moves from affecting your Zapdos this turn).
♦ Thunder Wave is a status move (paralyzes the target).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/cba91
Movesets for Doubles
Need a strong doubles moveset for Zapdos? These builds are perfect for VGC (Pokémon Video Game Championship) and other competitive Ruby/Sapphire 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 Ruby/Sapphire metagame with these expert-crafted setups!
Item: Magnet
Ability: Pressure
Nature: Modest (+SpA, -Atk)
Nature: Timid (+Spe, -Atk)
EVs: 12 Hp / 252 SpA / 244 Spe
Moveset:
- Thunderbolt / Thunder Shock
- Extrasensory
- Detect
- Thunder Wave
Zapdos is a legendary Special Sweeper. It's goal is to take down the opponent's team with high-damaging special attacks. In the old days before Generation IV, a move's damage category was determined by its type. With Pressure, if Zapdos is the target of a move that move loses one additional pp.
♦ Thunder Shock is a special STAB-boosted 40-base power Electric-type move (10% chance to paralyze the target).
♦ Extrasensory is a special 80-base power Psychic-type move (10% chance to flinch the target).
♦ Detect is a status move (prevents moves from affecting your Zapdos this turn).
♦ Thunder Wave is a status move (paralyzes the target).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/daa91
Movepool
Want to know what moves Zapdos can learn? Check out the full list of moves available in the Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire 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 Ruby/Sapphire. 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 RS 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
- Moves with Priority: Detect, Endure, Protect
- Moves that inflict status: Thunder Wave, Toxic
Moves that boost Zapdos's stats
- Agility
- Charge
- Steel Wing
Most notable and possible best moves for Zapdos
- Agility
- Baton Pass
- Drill Peck
- Hidden Power Grass
- Hidden Power Ice
- Light Screen
- Protect
- Rest
- Roar
- Substitute
- Thunder Wave
- Thunderbolt
- Toxic
Common Effort Values for Zapdos in Ruby and Sapphire
- Timid Nature ( 0/0/0/252/4/252/ )
- Timid Nature ( 4/0/0/252/0/252/ )
- Optimize Zapdos's Defensive EV-spread for Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire
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 Ruby/Sapphire movesets. You can find Zapdos builds Ruby/Sapphire. Zapdos movesets Ruby/Sapphire are listed here. VGC Zapdos Competitive Movesets can be found here. Find various EV spreads, find the best nature for Zapdos in Ruby/Sapphire along with competitive movesets. Basic info and Movesets for evolution