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No. 0145

Zapdos

Electric Pokémon

BaseGalarian
Zapdos official artwork
Official art

Zapdos is an Electric/Flying-type Pokémon, 2× weak to Rock and Ice, with a base stat total of 580. It isn’t usable in Pokémon Champions’ Regulation M-C.

ElectricFlying
Height
1.6 m 5′03″
Weight
52.6 kg 116.0 lbs
Base stat total
580 Higher than 91% of Pokémon
Introduced
Gen I Red & Green (JP)
Abilities
Legendary
Pokédex entryShield
Zapdos is a legendary bird Pokémon. It’s said that when Zapdos rubs its feathers together, lightning will fall immediately after.
See all 11 entries

Base stats

HP90165–197290–384
Atk9099–156166–306
Def8594–150157–295
SpA125130–194229–383
SpD9099–156166–306
Spe100108–167184–328
Total580Higher than 91% of Pokémon
HP90Atk90Def85Spe100SpD90SpA125

Ranges in Pokémon Champions at Lv 50: 0 Stat Points with a −10% Stat Alignment to 32 Stat Points with a +10% one (HP has no alignment).Ranges in the main games at Lv 100: 0 IV/EV with a hindering nature to 31 IV/252 EV with a helpful nature. EV yield: 3 SpA.

Stat calculatorChampions Stat Points & Stat Alignment, or EVs, IVs & nature
Calculate damage →

Type matchups

ElectricFlyingshow which type causes itweaknessresistance

Weak to

2×
Ice (because of Flying)Rock (because of Flying)

Resists

½×
Bug (because of Flying)Fighting (because of Flying)Flying (because of Electric)Grass (because of Flying)Steel (because of Electric)

Immune to

0×
Ground (because of Flying)
Takes normal damage from 10 types
NormalPoisonGhostFireWaterElectricPsychicDragonDarkFairy

Speed tiers

The faster Pokémon moves first each turn, so knowing who you outspeed decides a lot of battles. These are its Speed values at Lv 50 in Pokémon Champions (base Speed 100); Scarf and Tailwind use the Max+ value.

Max+167Max152No SP120Min108Scarf250Tailwind334

At max Speed, Zapdos outspeeds 18 of the 30 most used Pokémon in Champions VGC on Showdown, and ties 2.

Speed at Lv 50 in Pokémon Champions: Zapdos against the 30 most used Pokémon in Champions VGC on Showdown, fastest first
SpeedPokémon
203Mega Garchomp ZModest · 32 SP · #21 on Showdown
200Mega GengarTimid · 32 SP · #26 on Showdown
190Mega Raichu YTimid · 23 SP · #13 on Showdown
189Mega SalamenceTimid · 32 SP · #4 on Showdown
184WhimsicottTimid · 32 SP · #23 on Showdown
178Mega MetagrossJolly · 32 SP · #28 on Showdown
178Mega StaraptorJolly · 32 SP · #29 on Showdown
172SneaslerAdamant · 32 SP · #2 on Showdown
169Mega FloetteTimid · 32 SP · #17 on Showdown
169GarchompJolly · 32 SP · #19 on Showdown
167Zapdos · Max+32 SP, Speed-raising alignment
167Mega Charizard YTimid · 32 SP · #14 on Showdown
167Mega GardevoirTimid · 32 SP · #20 on Showdown
161IndeedeeTimid · 32 SP · #30 on Showdown
156Hisuian ArcanineJolly · 32 SP · #16 on Showdown
152Zapdos · Max32 SP, neutral alignment
150ArchaludonTimid · 32 SP · #9 on Showdown
149GholdengoTimid · 32 SP · #8 on Showdown
143BasculegionJolly · 32 SP · #6 on Showdown
128PelipperTimid · 32 SP · #12 on Showdown
120Zapdos · No SP0 SP, neutral alignment
120VolcaronaBold · 0 SP · #25 on Showdown
105RillaboomAdamant · 0 SP · #1 on Showdown
101MiloticCalm · 0 SP · #15 on Showdown
95SylveonModest · 15 SP · #18 on Showdown
94Female IndeedeeRelaxed · 0 SP · #7 on Showdown
90PolitoedCalm · 0 SP · #22 on Showdown
90SinistchaBold · 0 SP · #24 on Showdown
85ArmarougeQuiet · 0 SP · #27 on Showdown
80IncineroarCareful · 0 SP · #3 on Showdown
80FarigirafBold · 0 SP · #11 on Showdown
70KingambitAdamant · 0 SP · #5 on Showdown
60Mega GolisopodAdamant · 0 SP · #10 on Showdown

Smogon · Showdown Others at their most common Speed investment in Champions VGC (Reg M-C · Doubles, Sep 2026); Pokémon holding a Mega Stone are shown as their Mega.

Abilities

Competitive

Smogon · Showdown On Showdown

Sep 2026
Other Showdown formats Scarlet & Violet, with Tera
SV SinglesOUSV Doubles(DUU)National DexOU

13.6% of teams · rank #8 · Singles, all Pokémon · 1630 weighting · 426,601 battles · Sep 2026

Most common build

Ability
Nature
Bold
EVs
248 HP / 188 Def / 72 Spe
  1. Roost
  2. Volt Switch
  3. Hurricane
  4. Heat Wave

Each part is the most used on its own, so not every team runs this exact set.

Usage by rating

  • All games9.2%
  • 1500 weighting12.3%
  • 1630 weighting13.6%
  • 1760 weighting12.7%

Usage by month

Oct 202513.6%

Moves

Items

Abilities

  • 98.4%
  • 1.6%

EV spreads

  • Bold 248 HP / 188 Def / 72 Spe16.8%
  • Bold 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD15.2%
  • Timid 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe10.9%
  • Timid 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe8.8%
  • Bold 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpA5.3%

Common teammates

Checks & counters

Evolution

Zapdos does not evolve.

Moves

Level up 16

1PeckNo additional effect.FlyingPhys35100%35
1Thunder WaveParalyzes the target.ElectricStatus—90%20
5Thunder Shock10% chance to paralyze the target.ElectricSpec40100%30
10Light ScreenFor 5 turns, special damage to allies is halved.PsychicStatus——30
15PluckUser steals and eats the target's Berry.FlyingPhys60100%20
20AgilityRaises the user's Speed by 2.PsychicStatus——30
25Ancient Power10% chance to raise all stats by 1 (not acc/eva).RockSpec60100%5
30Charge+1 SpD, user's next Electric move 2× power.ElectricStatus——20
35Drill PeckNo additional effect.FlyingPhys80100%20
40RoostHeals 50% HP. Flying-type removed 'til turn ends.FlyingStatus——5
45Discharge30% chance to paralyze adjacent Pokémon.ElectricSpec80100%15
50Rain DanceFor 5 turns, heavy rain powers Water moves.WaterStatus——5
55Thunder30% chance to paralyze. Can't miss in rain.ElectricSpec11070%10
60DetectPrevents moves from affecting the user this turn.FightingStatus——5
65Magnetic FluxRaises Def, Sp. Def of allies with Plus/Minus by 1.ElectricStatus——20
70Zap Cannon100% chance to paralyze the target.ElectricSpec12050%5

TM / HM / TR 40

TM01Take DownHas 1/4 recoil.NormalPhys9085%20
TM04AgilityRaises the user's Speed by 2.PsychicStatus——30
TM07ProtectPrevents moves from affecting the user this turn.NormalStatus——10
TM14AcrobaticsPower doubles if the user has no held item.FlyingPhys55100%15
TM25FacadePower doubles if user is burn/poison/paralyzed.NormalPhys70100%20
TM27Aerial AceThis move does not check accuracy.FlyingPhys60—20
TM32SwiftThis move does not check accuracy. Hits foes.NormalSpec60—20
TM40Air CutterHigh critical hit ratio. Hits adjacent foes.FlyingSpec6095%25
TM47EndureUser survives attacks this turn with at least 1 HP.NormalStatus——10
TM48Volt SwitchUser switches out after damaging the target.ElectricSpec70100%20
TM49Sunny DayFor 5 turns, intense sunlight powers Fire moves.FireStatus——5
TM50Rain DanceFor 5 turns, heavy rain powers Water moves.WaterStatus——5
TM51SandstormFor 5 turns, a sandstorm rages. Rock: 1.5× SpD.RockStatus——10
TM60U-turnUser switches out after damaging the target.BugPhys70100%20
TM70Sleep TalkUser must be asleep. Uses another known move.NormalStatus——10
TM72Electro BallMore power the faster the user is than the target.ElectricSpec—100%10
TM75Light ScreenFor 5 turns, special damage to allies is halved.PsychicStatus——30
TM82Thunder WaveParalyzes the target.ElectricStatus—90%20
TM85RestUser sleeps 2 turns and restores HP and status.PsychicStatus——5
TM96Eerie ImpulseLowers the target's Sp. Atk by 2.ElectricStatus—100%15
TM97FlyFlies up on first turn, then strikes the next turn.FlyingPhys9095%15
TM103SubstituteUser takes 1/4 its max HP to put in a substitute.NormalStatus——10
TM113TailwindFor 4 turns, allies' Speed is doubled.FlyingStatus——15
TM118Heat Wave10% chance to burn the foe(s).FireSpec9590%10
TM126Thunderbolt10% chance to paralyze the target.ElectricSpec90100%15
TM130Helping HandOne adjacent ally's move power is 1.5× this turn.NormalStatus——20
TM132Baton PassUser switches, passing stat changes and more.NormalStatus——40
TM136Electric Terrain5 turns. Grounded: +Electric power, can't sleep.ElectricStatus——10
TM147Wild ChargeHas 1/4 recoil.ElectricPhys90100%15
TM152Giga ImpactUser cannot move next turn.NormalPhys15090%5
TM160Hurricane30% chance to confuse target. Can't miss in rain.FlyingSpec11070%10
TM163Hyper BeamUser cannot move next turn.NormalSpec15090%5
TM164Brave BirdHas 33% recoil.FlyingPhys120100%15
TM166Thunder30% chance to paralyze. Can't miss in rain.ElectricSpec11070%10
TM171Tera BlastIf Terastallized: Phys. if Atk > SpA, type = Tera.NormalSpec80100%10
TM173Charge+1 SpD, user's next Electric move 2× power.ElectricStatus——20
TM193Weather BallPower doubles and type varies in each weather.NormalSpec50100%10
TM197Dual WingbeatHits 2 times in one turn.FlyingPhys4090%10
TM210Supercell SlamUser is hurt by 50% of its max HP if it misses.ElectricPhys10095%15
TM223Metal SoundLowers the target's Sp. Def by 2.SteelStatus—85%40

Biology

Zapdos is part of the Legendary Bird Trio. It is said to cause and appear from dark and gray clouds in the sky while shedding lightning from its wings. It has the power to control electricity, and is said to gain power from thunder storms.

It is said that when it rubs its feathers together, lightning will fall immediately after, and there are tales of Zapdos resting in pitch black thunderclouds.

Design & origin

Zapdos's design is inspired by the Indigenous North American myth of the thunderbird.

Adapted from Wikipedia: List of generation VIII Pokémon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · edited.

Polls & views

Each line is one source, as it published it. Polls counted every form under its species.

Pokédex entries

Electric Pokémon
Kanto · Red & Green (JP)
Color
Yellow
Rare
Pal Park area
Mountain
Kanto#145Original Johto#236Updated Johto#241Coastal Kalos#152Let’s Go Kanto#145Crown Tundra#203

  1. Zapdos is a legendary bird Pokémon. It’s said that when Zapdos rubs its feathers together, lightning will fall immediately after.

    Shield

  2. This Pokémon has complete control over electricity. There are tales of Zapdos nesting in the dark depths of pitch-black thunderclouds.

    Sword

  3. A legendary Pokémon that is said to live in thunderclouds. It freely controls lightning bolts.

    Diamond · Pearl · Platinum · Black · White · Black 2 · White 2 · Y

  4. One of the legendary bird Pokémon. While it is flying, it makes crackling and snapping sounds.

    FireRed

  5. ZAPDOS is a legendary bird Pokémon that has the ability to control electricity. It usually lives in thunderclouds. It gains power if it is stricken by lightning bolts.

    Emerald

  6. ZAPDOS is a legendary bird Pokémon that has the ability to control electricity. It usually lives in thunderclouds. The Pokémon gains power if it is stricken by lightning bolts.

    Ruby · Sapphire · Omega Ruby · Alpha Sapphire

  7. Legendary bird Pokémon. They say lightning caused by the flapping of its wings causes summer storms.

    Crystal

  8. This legendary bird Pokémon is said to appear only when a thundercloud parts into two halves.

    Silver · SoulSilver

  9. This legendary bird Pokémon causes savage thunderstorms by flapping its glittering wings.

    Gold · HeartGold

  10. This legendary bird Pokémon is said to appear when the sky turns dark and lightning showers down.

    Yellow · Let’s Go, Pikachu! · Let’s Go, Eevee!

  11. A legendary bird Pokémon that is said to appear from clouds while dropping enormous lightning bolts.

    Red · Blue · LeafGreen · X

Names around the world

English
Zapdos
Japanese
サンダー
Japanese (romaji)
Thunder
Korean
썬더
Chinese (Traditional)
閃電鳥
Chinese (Simplified)
闪电鸟
French
Électhor
German
Zapdos
Spanish
Zapdos
Italian
Zapdos

Sprites

Artwork and 3D models

Gen IX · Gen VIII · Gen VII · Gen VI

Generation V

Generation IV

Generation III

Generation II

Generation I

Training

3 SpA
3 ≈0.4% with a Poké Ball at full HP
35
261
Slow

Breeding

Undiscovered
Genderless
80 egg cycles ≈20,655 steps (Gen IV–VII)

Where to find

Shield: The Crown Tundra 1 area
  • Max LairCapture during a Dynamax Adventure. · Lv 70
Green 1 area
  • Power PlantStatic encounter · Lv 50
Red 1 area
  • Power PlantStatic encounter · Lv 50
Sword: The Crown Tundra 1 area
  • Max LairCapture during a Dynamax Adventure. · Lv 70
Let’s Go, Eevee! 26 areas
  • Power PlantStatic encounter · Lv 50
  • Road 1Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 10Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 11Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 12Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 13Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 14Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 15Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 16Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 17Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 18Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 19Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 2 (north, towards Pewter City)Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 2 (south, towards Viridian City)Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 20Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 21Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 22Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 23Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 24Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 25Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 3Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 4Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 6Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 7Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 8Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 9Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
Let’s Go, Pikachu! 26 areas
  • Power PlantStatic encounter · Lv 50
  • Road 1Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 10Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 11Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 12Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 13Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 14Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 15Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 16Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 17Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 18Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 19Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 2 (north, towards Pewter City)Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 2 (south, towards Viridian City)Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 20Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 21Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 22Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 23Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 24Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 25Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 3Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 4Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 6Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 7Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 8Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
  • Road 9Rare spawn in the sky with lure or catch combo · Lv 3–56
Ultra Moon 2 areas
  • Ultra Space WildsStatic encounter · Lv 60
  • Ultra Space Wilds Cliff WorldStatic encounter · Lv 60
Ultra Sun 2 areas
  • Ultra Space WildsStatic encounter · Lv 60
  • Ultra Space Wilds Cliff WorldStatic encounter · Lv 60
Y 2 areas
  • Roaming KalosStatic encounter · Lv 70
  • Sea Spirit’s DenStatic encounter · Lv 70
X 2 areas
  • Roaming KalosStatic encounter · Lv 70
  • Sea Spirit’s DenStatic encounter · Lv 70
XD 1 area
  • Citadark Isle Dome 2FSnagging a Pokemon from a trainer in Pokemon Colosseum or Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness. · Lv 50
SoulSilver 1 area
  • Road 10Static encounter · Lv 50
HeartGold 1 area
  • Road 10Static encounter · Lv 50
Platinum 1 area
  • Roaming SinnohOn any overworld patch of grass, On any overworld water tile · Lv 60
LeafGreen 1 area
  • Power PlantStatic encounter · Lv 50
FireRed 1 area
  • Power PlantStatic encounter · Lv 50
Yellow 1 area
  • Power PlantStatic encounter · Lv 50
Blue 1 area
  • Power PlantStatic encounter · Lv 50
Red 1 area
  • Power PlantStatic encounter · Lv 50

Locations cover Red & Blue to Sword & Shield (with its DLC) and Let’s Go. We don’t have them yet for Legends: Arceus, Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Scarlet & Violet and Legends: Z-A.