Zapdos is the member of the legendary bird trio that can be caught in Pokémon GO. In this guide, we will show you how to counter Zapdos to then get the chance to catch the bird. With the right counter Pokémon, you will achieve a quick victory against Zapdos as a raid boss.
Update, July 11, 2021 on Zapdos: Zapdos reappears on July 18, 2021, on the second event day of the Pokémon GO Fest in the game. It is one of the legendary Pokémon that you should definitely catch at GO Fest 2021.
If you defeat Zapdos as a raid boss, you then have the chance to catch it. We will show you which monsters give you a good chance of victory.
Zapdos Max CP (CP) and Weaknesses
Just like with the other legendary birds, Articuno and Moltres, the fight against Zapdos will not be “doable” alone. You should find a group of trainers and take on this raid boss together.
Zapdos is of the Type Electric and Flying and has many strong counter Pokémon. It has a maximum of 2015 CP after capture. In rain and wind, it receives a weather bonus and can have up to 2519 CP. If you catch a Zapdos with such a value, it has an IV of 100%.
Zapdos Raid Counter – How to Defeat It
Many trainers dream of owning the complete collection of all Pokémon. An important part of that is the legendary bird trio. The Electric bird has many counter options. Zapdos takes heavy damage from Rock and Ice attacks. According to Pokebattler, these are the best attackers against Zapdos (via pokebattler.com):
- Rhydon with Rock Smash and Stone Edge
- Walrein with Powder Snow and Avalanche
- Rampardos with Rock Smash and Rock Slide
- Terrakion with Rock Smash and Rock Slide
- Galarian Darmanitan with Ice Fang and Avalanche
- Tyranitar with Rock Smash and Stone Edge
Other Zapdos Counters:
- Glaceon with Ice Shard and Avalanche
- Snorunt with Ice Shard and Avalanche
- Mewtwo with Psycho Cut and Ice Beam
- Landorus with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
Catching Zapdos – Chances are Low
Anyone who has managed to fight a legendary Pokémon must face the next task: catching the Pokémon. This task may sound easy in theory but causes many trainers trouble in practice.
Legendary Pokémon have a base catch rate of only about 3% – We therefore recommend using berries to increase your chances. The buddy distance for legendary Pokémon is 20 kilometers for one candy.
Another sought-after legendary Pokémon is Mewtwo. We will show you what kind of Pokémon it is and where you can get Mewtwo.
