From September 25, 2020 to October 2, 2020, Zapdos will be appearing as a legendary raid boss in Pokemon GO. Being both a Legendary Pokemon and the head of a five-star raid, Zapdos is no pushover when it comes to battling.
Even for players that aren't trying to complete their Pokedex in Pokemon GO, Zapdos is a recommended monster to use in battle. Its unique typing protects it from certain weaknesses, and that defense is also backed up by a high possible damage-per-second (DPS).
Because Zapdos is only available in these raids until October 2, it is recommended that trainers challenge it as soon as possible. However, it is also recommended to not challenge the raid alone, as the challenge will be much easier with a few other players participating in the raid at the same time.
Zapdos is a dual Electric and Flying-type Pokemon. It is weak to Ice and Rock-type moves, while also resisting Bug, Fighting, Flying, Grass, Ground, and Steel-type moves. Its power is boosted by both rainy and windy weather, while Zapdos has a potential max CP of 3527.
The best Ice-type Pokemon to bring along for a raid against Zapdos, along with the best movesets for this specific raid, include:
- Black Kyurem - Dragon Tail and Blizzard
- Galarian Darmanitan - Ice Fang and Avalanche
- Kyurem - Dragon Breath and Blizzard
- Mamoswine - Powder Snow and Avalanche
- Glaceon - Frost Breath and Avalanche
- Weavile - Ice Shard and Avalanche
- Abomasnow - Powder Snow and Weather Ball (Ice)
The best Rock-type Pokemon to bring against Zapdos, along with the best movesets for this specific raid, include:
- Rhyperior - Smack Down and Rock Wrecker
- Rampardos - Smack Down and Rock Slide
- Tyranitar - Smack Down and Stone Edge
- Terrakion - Smack Down and Rock Slide
- Gigalith - Smack Down and Rock Slide
- Regirock - Rock Throw and Stone Edge
After defeating and catching Zapdos, one of the best movesets that players can teach it are Thunder Shock and Drill Peck. Zapdos' high amount of resistances and few weaknesses make it helpful in PvP matchups, fighting members of Team GO Rocket, and participating in other raids. However, catching it may prove to be difficult, as its base catch rate is 3 percent and its base flee rate is 10 percent. Because of this, players are recommended to use Razz Berries or Golden Razz Berries to make catching odds a little higher.
When the Zapdos raids end on October 2, the next legendary raid boss will be Moltres. That will be active from October 2 to October 9, 2020.
Pokemon GO is available now in select regions on Android and iOS devices.
Source: Pokemon GO Hub