A new month has arrived and Pokemon GO trainers have a lot to look forward to. The April PoGO events calendar is jam-packed and trainers have a chance to earn some exciting rewards and encounters thanks to non-stop events. While racing from activity to activity, players are also going to encounter some Team GO Rocket enemies and eventually work their way up to another Giovanni battle.

When the time comes to face off agains the Team GO Rocket leader during April 2021, Pokemon GO players are going to have to carefully prepare for the battle. In addition to some other powerful Pokemon Giovanni has in his lineup, he's also coming equipped with a Shadow Zapdos this time around. That means players have a tough fight ahead of themselves, but also that there is a powerful encounter reward at the end of the road.

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In order to earn that Legendary shadow encounter reward, trainers first need to get a powerful counter roster together to defeat Giovanni. One of the most important decisions made during that planning will be how to counter Zapdos. Trainers should keep in mind that Zapdos is a dual Electric- and Flying-type, which means it has two weaknesses: Rock- and Ice-types. Trainers can take advantage of those weaknesses by bringing some meta-relevant and powerful Pokemon into the battle...

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Best Shadow Zapdos Counters for April 2021

Rhyperior with Smack Down and Rock Wrecker

Mamoswine with Powder Snow and Avalanche

Rampardos with Smack Down and Rock Slide

Terrakion with Smack Down and Rock Slide

Galarian Darmanitan with Ice Fang and Avalanche

Tyranitar with Smack Down and Stone Edge

As always, trainers don't need one of these exact Pokemon with the perfect move set in order to succeed, but things will definitely be a bit easier if they have that option. The most important thing is to have a Pokemon with high DPS that can take advantage of Zapdos' Rock- or Ice- type weaknesses. Ideally it would also be a Pokemon with a lot of health as well, since Zapdos puts out a lot of fast damage itself. Luckily, a few of the best options are Pokemon who have been relevant in the meta game for years, so the majority of players probably already have at least a few powered up with the correct move set already.

Over the next week or so players should begin to learn a lot more about what other events are on the way throughout the rest of the the Season of Legends. Be sure to check back in the near future for more Pokemon GO strategy guides, news, and updates. Until then, good luck out there, trainers!

Pokemon GO is available on Android and iOS.

MORE: Pokemon GO Complete Guide for General Tips, Tricks, & Strategies