DEXERTOThe Legendary Zapdos is back as a Raid boss in Pokemon Go as part of the Might and Mastery season kick-off, so here are its weaknesses as well as our recommended counters to take it down.
As one of the three Legendary Birds from Generation 1’s Red & Blue, Zapdos is an Electric/Flying-type that is sure to stun foes into submission in Niantic’s mobile game.
Trainers looking to add this striking Kanto Pokemon to their roster will have another chance as it is back as a Pokemon Go Raid boss, along with fellow Legendary Birds Articuno and Moltres.
Zapdos weaknesses in Pokemon Go
Zapdos is a dual Electric/Flying-type Pokemon, which means it’s only weak to Rock and Ice-type moves. As such, players won’t have much variation in the Pokemon they will be able to bring along, but worry not, as there are some incredibly strong options to build a solid team.
This also means that Zapdos is resistant to Ground, Fighting, Flying, Bug, Steel, and Grass-type attacks, so trainers shouldn’t use those types, as they won’t be very effective.
Zapdos best counters
These are some of the best counters and movesets to use against Zapdos in Pokemon Go:
| POKEMON | SPRITE | BEST MOVESET |
|---|---|---|
| Mega Tyranitar |  | Smack Down & Stone Edge |
| Mega Diancie |  | Rock Throw & Rock Slide |
| Shadow Rhyperior |  | Smack Down & Rock Wrecker |
| Shadow Mamoswine |  | Powder Snow & Avalanche |
| White Kyurem |  | Ice Fang & Ice Burn |
| Black Kyurem |  | Dragon Tail & Freeze Shock |
| Rampardos |  | Smack Down & Rock Slide |
| Gigalith |  | Smack Down & Meteor Beam |
| Golem |  | Rock Throw & Stone Edge |
| Baxcalibur |  | Ice Fang & Avalanche |
We’ve included a mix of Megas, Legendaries, Shadow, and more common Pokemon in the table above, so there should be something for every trainer to use.
If you don’t have any of those counters or their alternate forms, use your strongest Ice and Rock-type Pokemon to target Zapdos’ weaknesses. Just make sure that your team is properly leveled up and has matching movesets.
How to get Zapdos in Pokemon Go
Similar to all other Legendary Pokemon in the game, the only way players can get Zapdos in Pokemon Go is to challenge and defeat it in 5-Star Raid battles. Then, attempt a catch using the Premier Balls given based on performance.
Luckily, this intimidating creature is returning to the game at the start of the Might and Mastery season, so everyone will have the chance to capture it from March 4, 2025, until March 13, 2025.
Zapdos will be accompanied by fellow Legendary Birds Articuno and Moltres, and all of them will be featured in two Raid Hours: one on March 5 and the other on March 12.
When challenging Zapdos, keep in mind that using Golden Razz Berries and landing Excellent Curveball Throws can increase your chances of catching it.
Zapdos CP in Pokemon Go
As with every Raid Boss in the game, the CP Zapdos has during a Raid battle won’t be the same once you manage to catch it after defeating it. Plus, certain types of weather can increase such CP.
| Raid Boss CP | 46,418 |
| CP range once captured | 1930 – 2015 |
| Rain/Windy weather CP range | 2413 – 2519 |
| Zapdos max CP (Level 50) | 3987 |
Zapdos stats & moves
As a dual Electric/Flying-type Pokemon, Zapdos has the following stats:
| ATTACK | DEFENSE | STAMINA | CP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 253 | 185 | 207 | 3987 |
Fast Moves
- Thunder Shock (Electric/STAB)
- Charge Beam (Electric/STAB)
Charged Moves
- Drill Peck (Flying/STAB)
- Ancient Power (Rock)
- Thunder (Electric/STAB)
- Thunderbolt (Electric/STAB)
- Zap Cannon (Electric/STAB)
Can Zapdos be Shiny?
Yes, Zapdos can be Shiny in Pokemon Go, and fans who take on this Legendary in 5-Star Raid battles will have a chance to encounter its Shiny version.
DEXERTOThis special variation hit the mobile game on July 27, 2018. Unfortunately, Shiny Zapdos has a rather lackluster appearance and is only slightly darker in color than its standard version, while its legs and feet are a more saturated orange.
While Legendary Raid Bosses have a better chance of being Shiny than regular wild spawns, the odds of spotting a Shiny Legendary Bird are low, and there’s no special method to change that.
The only way trainers can improve their chances is by challenging Zapdos multiple times and waiting for the best.
That’s all you need to know to take down Zapdos in Pokemon Go Raid battles. Don’t miss out on the latest Pokemon Go events, including the current Community Day and Spotlight Hours.
