Mastering Zapdos Raids in Pokémon GO: Dates, Weaknesses, and Best Counters
As a Pokémon GO enthusiast, you know the thrill of facing off against legendary Pokémon in raid battles. One such formidable opponent is Zapdos, the legendary Electric/Flying-type Pokémon. Zapdos will appear in 5-star raids from June 1 to June 10, 2024.
This blog will provide you with everything you need to know to conquer Zapdos, including its weaknesses, the best counters, and optimal strategies for success.
Key Takeaways
- Be prepared for a challenging raid.
- Coordinate with friends for Raid Hours and higher IV Zapdos.
- By exploiting Zapdos's weaknesses and using proper strategies, you can defeat and catch this legendary bird.
- Stay informed about raid schedules and news for a maximized Pokémon GO experience.
Understanding Zapdos in Pokémon GO
Zapdos, one of the original legendary birds from the Kanto region, is an Electric/Flying-type Pokémon. This unique typing grants it resistance to Bug, Fighting, Flying, Grass, Ground, and Steel-type moves, but it also leaves it vulnerable to Rock and Ice-type attacks. Knowing these vulnerabilities is crucial for trainers aiming to take down this legendary bird efficiently.
Zapdos Stats:
Max CP at Level 40: 3527
Max CP at Level 50: 3987
Attack: 253
Defense: 185
Stamina: 207
Recommended Movesets for Zapdos:
Fast Moves: Thunder Shock (Electric), Charge Beam (Electric)
Charge Moves: Thunderbolt (Electric), Thunder (Electric), Drill Peck (Flying), Ancient Power (Rock)
Understanding these stats and movesets helps select the best counters for the raid battle.
Best Counters for Zapdos
To defeat Zapdos, focus on Pokémon that can exploit its weaknesses to Rock and Ice-type moves. Here are the top Pokémon to use against Zapdos:
Rhyperior
Fast Move: Smack Down (Rock)
Charge Move: Rock Wrecker (Rock) Rhyperior's combination of high defense and strong Rock-type moves makes it an excellent choice for battling Zapdos.
Rampardos
Fast Move: Smack Down (Rock)
Charge Move: Rock Slide (Rock) Rampardos boasts one of the highest attack stats among Rock-type Pokémon, making it a powerful contender.
Mamoswine
Fast Move: Powder Snow (Ice)
Charge Move: Avalanche (Ice) Mamoswine is bulky and packs a punch with its Ice-type moves, which are super effective against Zapdos.
Terrakion
Fast Move: Smack Down (Rock)
Charge Move: Rock Slide (Rock) Terrakion's Rock-type moves exploit Zapdos's weaknesses perfectly.
Mega Abomasnow
Fast Move: Powder Snow (Ice)
Charge Move: Weather Ball (Ice) As a Mega Evolution, Abomasnow offers a significant boost in power, especially with its Ice-type moves.
Glaceon
Fast Move: Frost Breath (Ice)
Charge Move: Avalanche (Ice) Glaceon's Ice-type moves are highly effective and durable in battle.
Tyranitar
Fast Move: Smack Down (Rock)
Charge Move: Stone Edge (Rock) Tyranitar's combination of bulk and powerful Rock-type moves makes it a solid choice for this raid.
Tips for Zapdos Raid Battles
Team Composition:
Ensure your team comprises high-level Rock and Ice-type Pokémon. Using Mega Evolutions can also provide a significant advantage due to their increased stats and boost to similar type Pokémon on your team.
Weather Considerations:
Weather can affect raid battles significantly. Windy weather boosts Zapdos's Flying-type moves, making it more dangerous. On the other hand, snowy or partly cloudy weather will increase your Ice and Rock-type moves, respectively, giving you an edge in the battle.
Dodge Efficiently:
Zapdos's powerful moves, like Thunder and Drill Peck, can deal significant damage. Learn to dodge these moves effectively to keep your Pokémon in the battle longer.
Raid Hours:
Take advantage of Raid Hours, which occur every Wednesday from 6 PM to 7 PM local time. Zapdos will appear more frequently in raids during these times, giving you more opportunities to catch it.
Coordinate with Friends:
Raiding with friends makes the battle more manageable and increases your chances of getting a higher IV Zapdos due to the friendship bonuses.
Zapdos Raid Battle Schedule
Zapdos will be featured in 5-star raids from June 1 to June 10, 2024. Mark these dates in your calendar and prepare your team ahead of time. Additionally, Zapdos will be featured during Raid Hours on June 5, 2024, from 6 PM to 7 PM local time. This is an excellent opportunity to battle and catch multiple Zapdos.
Preparing for the Battle
Stock Up on Raid Passes: Ensure you have enough Raid Passes for multiple attempts, especially during Raid Hours.
Revives and Potions: Keep a good supply of Revives and Potions to heal your team between battles. Zapdos can be challenging, and you may need to reattempt the raid multiple times.
Golden Razz Berries: Use Golden Razz Berries to increase your chances of catching Zapdos after the raid. Excellent throws and curveballs also significantly improve your catch rate.
Know the Catch CP: The CP range for a regular Zapdos catch is 1930 - 2015. Knowing this range helps you identify whether the Zapdos you caught have good stats.
Final Thoughts
Zapdos is a challenging but rewarding raid boss in Pokémon GO. By understanding its weaknesses and using the best counters, you can increase your chances of success. Prepare your team with powerful Rock and Ice-type Pokémon, take advantage of weather boosts, and coordinate with friends to make the most of Raid Hours. With the right strategy and preparation, you'll be ready to add this legendary bird to your collection.
Stay updated with the latest Pokémon GO news and raid schedules to maximize your gaming experience. Happy raiding!
FAQ's
Q. What are Zapdos Raid Dates?
A. The Zapdos Raid event in Pokémon GO typically occurs during special raid events organized by Niantic. Keep an eye on in-game announcements and the official Pokémon GO website for updates on upcoming raid dates featuring Zapdos.
Q. What are Zapdos Raid's Weaknesses?
A. Zapdos in Pokémon GO is a Legendary flying-type Pokémon with weaknesses to ice and rock-type attacks. Leveraging these weaknesses is essential in defeating Zapdos efficiently during raids.
Q. Mention the Best Counters for Zapdos Raids.
A. When preparing for a Zapdos Raid in Pokémon GO, consider using ice-type pokémon such as Articuno or Mamoswine to deal super effective damage. Rock-type Pokémon like Rampardos and Tyranitar can also be effective counters against Zapdos due to their weakness.
Q. How to Catch Zapdos?
A. To catch Zapdos after defeating it in a raid, use golden razz berries and aim for excellent throws to increase your chances of a successful catch. Stock up on ultra balls and employ a patient and accurate throwing technique.
Q. What is Zapdos's Fast Attack?
A. Zapdos's fast attack in Pokémon GO is Thunder Shock, an electric-type move used during battles. Ensure your counters resist this move to improve your chances of defeating Zapdos in raids.