Pokemon Go Zapdos Raid guide: Weaknesses & best counters
The Legendary Zapdos is back as a Raid boss inPokemon Goas 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 threeLegendaryBirds from Generation 1’s Red & Blue, Zapdos is an Electric/Flying-type that is sure to stun foes into submission inNiantic’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 BirdsArticunoandMoltres.
Zapdos weaknesses in Pokemon Go
Zapdos is a dualElectric/Flying-type Pokemon, which meansit’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:
We’ve included a mix ofMegas,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.
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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 tochallenge and defeat it in 5-StarRaid 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 ofthe Might and Mastery season, so everyone will have the chance to capture itfrom July 17, 2025, until Jul 03, 2025.
Zapdos will be accompanied by fellow Legendary BirdsArticunoandMoltres, and all of them will be featured intwo 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.
Zapdos stats & moves
As a dualElectric/Flying-type Pokemon, Zapdos has the following stats:
Fast Moves
Charged Moves
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.
This special variation hit the mobile game on July 12, 2025. 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 latestPokemon Go events, includingthe current Community DayandSpotlight Hours.
