The Legendary Zapdos will be a returning raid boss in Pokemon Go during the Shared Skies season, so trainers will need to prepare in advance with some strong counters.
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 Pokemon Go.
Trainers looking to add this striking Gen 1 Legendary to their roster will have another chance when it returns to 5-star raids from June 1, 2024, until June 10, 2024.
So, without further ado, let’s check out the best strategies and Pokemon to use while taking on Zapdos in Pokemon Go.
Contents
- Zapdos weaknesses
- Zapdos counters
- How to get Zapdos in Pokemon Go
- Can Zapdos be Shiny in Pokemon Go?
Zapdos weaknesses in Pokemon Go
Zapdos is an Electric/Flying-type Pokemon, which means it’s 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.
This also means that Zapdos is resistant to Ground, Fighting, Flying, Bug, Steel, and Grass-type attacks, so trainers shouldn’t bring those types along, as they won’t be very effective.
Zapdos counters in Pokemon Go
Here are some of the best counters you can use during the battle:
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| Pokemon | Sprite | Best Moveset |
| Mega Diancie | Rock Throw & Rock Slide | |
| Mega Tyranitar | Smack Down & Stone Edge | |
| Mega Aerodactyl | Rock Throw & Rock Slide | |
| Shadow Rhyperior | Smack Down & Rock Wrecker | |
| Shadow Rampardos | Smack Down & Rock Slide | |
| Shadow Mamoswine | Powder Snow & Avalanche | |
| Baxcalibur | Ice Fang & Avalanche | |
| Tyrantrum | Rock Throw & Meteor Beam | |
| Galarian Darmanitan | Ice Fang & Avalanche | |
| Terrakion | Smack Down & Rock Slide |
The list above includes a mix of Megas, Legendaries, Shadow, and standard Pokemon, so there should be something for every trainer.
Of course, these Pokemon still need to be leveled up and know the proper moves if you want to defeat 5-star Zapdos in raids.
How to get Zapdos in Pokemon Go
As a Legendary, Zapdos can only be obtained through Raid battles in Pokemon Go. Luckily for players, this monster will make a comeback to 5-Star Raid battles from Saturday, June 1, 2024, until Monday, June 10, 2024.
After defeating it in a raid battle, trainers will have an opportunity to catch Zapdos and add it to their team.
Can Zapdos be Shiny in Pokemon Go?
Yes, Zapdos can be Shiny in Pokemon Go and fans who take on this Legendary in 5-star raids will have a chance to encounter its Shiny version.
Shiny Zapdos 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.
That’s all you need to know to take down Zapdos through 5-star raids in Pokemon Go. For more about Legendary Pokemon, check our guide on every Legendary in Pokemon Go or our Ho-Oh Pokemon Go Raid guide.