Zapdos is back in Pokémon GO.
Zapdos is back in Pokémon GO Five Star Raids from June 1 until June 10. This Electric and Flying-type Bird is one of the most iconic Legendary Pokémon in the game, acting as the mascot for Team Instinct.
In terms of its utility in game, Zapdos is a decent Electric-type Raid attacker. It is also a solid choice as a Flying-type attacker, but it is held back a little by not having a Flying-type Fast Attack.
You will need an Elite Fast TM to unlock Zapdos' best, with Thunder Shock being the best option for this Pokémon. While Zapdos will not have Thunder Shock, it can be Shiny in Pokémon GO.
Here is everything you need take on Zapdos in Pokémon GO.
Best Zapdos counters in Pokémon GO:
Zapdos has a weakness to Ice and Rock-types. It has a resistance to Bug, Fighting, Flying, Grass, Ground and Steel-types.
Ice and Rock-types aren't the most common in Pokémon GO. However, there still should be plenty of good counters for you to choose from.
Here are the best Zapdos counters to take on this Pokémon GO Raid:
 Mega Diancie Rock Throw & Rock Slide |  Mega Tyranitar Smack Down & Stone Edge |  Rhyperior Smack Down & Rock Wrecker |  Rampardos Smack Down & Rock Slide |  Mega Aerodactyl Rock Throw & Rock Slide |  Mamoswine Powder Snow & Avalanche |  Shadow Mewtwo Psycho Cut & Ice Beam |  Baxcalibur Ice Fang & Avalanche |  Galarian Darmanitan Ice Fang & Avalanche |  Tyrantrum Rock Throw & Meteor Beam |  Mega Rayquaza Dragon Tail & Ancient Power |  Terrakion Smack Down & Rock Slide |
Of the best Mega Zapdos counters, most aren't that commonly avaliable in Pokémon GO. Some, you see seasonally like Galarian Darmanitan but a lot are powerful Legendary or Mega Pokémon.
Shadow Mewtwo was recently in a Shadow Raid Weekend, and all players recently got access to Mega Diancie.
However, the most common Pokémon Trainers are likely to have are the likes of Rhyperior, Rampardos and Mamoswine. These being good Zapdos counters means pretty much every Trainer should have at least a couple of good Pokémon to use in this Raid.
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Mega Evolutions to get you more Zapdos candy in Pokémon GO
Mega Evolutions can help you get more candy and XL candy with every catch. Having a mega level 3 active that boosts candy for Electric or Flying-types will give you an extra 2 candy per catch, as well as a 25% bonus to your XL candy chance.
Here are the Pokémon you can Mega Evolve to get more Zapdos Candy in Pokémon GO:
- Ampharos
- Manectric
- Kyogre
- Pidgeot
- Pinsir
- Aerodactyl
- Salamence
- Rayquaza
Sadly, none of these Pokémon are good counters to Zapdos.
How many trainers do I need to beat Zapdos in Pokémon GO?
High level Trainers, using Party Play, might be able to defeat Zapdos in a team of two. However, at least four Trainers, ideally six if you are lower level, is safest.
What is the Zapdos Pokémon GO 100% IV?
As one of the most iconic Pokémon in the game, a 100% IV Zapdos would be a great addition to your collection. Especially if you're on Team Instinct!
Here are the 100% IV CP values to keep an eye out for after the Raid:
- 2015 CP
- 2519 CP
Weather Effects:
Weather boost can help you save candy, get better IVs and benefit from power boosts on your team. Here are the weather effects to keep an eye on when taking on these raids.
Weather | Pro | Con |
|---|---|---|
| Sunny | - | - |
| Windy | The Zapdos you encounter will be a higher CP. | - |
| Partly Cloudy | Your Rock-type Pokémon will be boosted. | - |
| Cloudy | - | - |
| Snow | Your Ice-type Pokémon will be boosted. | - |
| Rainy | The Zapdos you encounter will be a higher CP. | Zapdos' Electric-type moves will be boosted. |
| Fog | - |
With only one move type to worry about, only Rainy weather will boost Zapdos' attacks. Windy or Rainy weather will give you a higher CP Zapdos after this Pokémon GO Raid.
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