In Pokémon GO today, on September 30, 2020, the only raid hour with the electric bird Zapdos begins. We will show you the best counters and what you need to know for the event this evening.
What is a raid hour? Once a week, every Wednesday evening, this one-hour event takes place. During this time, you will find a legendary level 5 raid at almost every gym in Pokémon GO.
This week’s event is all about Zapdos. Last week it was Articuno, and next week we expect Moltres in the raid hour. So, Zapdos will disappear again for an indefinite time.
Raid hour with Zapdos – Counters, Time, and Shinies
When does the raid hour start? It starts at the usual time at 6:00 PM local time. From about 7:00 PM, you will find Zapdos raids at many gyms.
The best counters against Zapdos: Here we list some strong Pokémon that will greatly help you in the battle against Zapdos.
| Pokémon | Fast Attack | Charge Attack |
| (Shadow) Snorunt | Icicle Spear | Avalanche |
| Rampardos | Catapult | Stone Edge |
| (Shadow) Tyranitar | Catapult | Stone Edge |
| Mamoswine | Powder Snow | Avalanche |
| Rhyperior | Catapult | Stone Edge / Rock Wrecker |
| (Shadow) Mewtwo | Psychic Blade/ Confusion | Icy Wind |
| Terrakion | Catapult | Stone Edge |
| Groudon | Catapult | Stone Edge |
| Landorus | Rock Throw | Stone Edge |
| Golem | Rock Throw | Stone Edge |
How many players should be used? Depending on Pokémon strength and trainer level, different group sizes are effective. If you are rather an average trainer, you should participate with 3 to 4 players per battle.
However, Zapdos can already be defeated with three players at level 25. In the linked article, you will also find more strong counters against the electric bird.
If you want to be quick and effective tonight, invite more trainers to the group. With 5 or more trainers, battles should take very little time, so you can complete as many raids as possible during the raid hour.
Shiny Zapdos – What does it look like?
That’s why it’s worth it: The raid hour is especially worthwhile today with Zapdos for shiny hunters who have not yet been able to catch the bird in its shiny form.
Shiny Zapdos has been available in Pokémon GO for a while. With its appearance in the raids, you now have another chance to catch it. In the following graphic, you can see the comparison between normal Zapdos and the shiny form. What are the chances of getting a Shiny Zapdos?
In the coming days, the game will change for you. The developers explain that some Corona bonuses in Pokémon GO will be removed – but 3 will remain forever. So you will need to walk again in the coming weeks for eggs.
