Zapdos has returned to Pokémon Go, but this time it’s bigger, bolder, and far more electrifying-Dynamax Zapdos is swooping into Max Battles and demanding your best strategy. With only two exploitable weaknesses-Rock and Ice-trainers must get creative, as most Dynamax-eligible Pokémon can’t hit both hard and safely. If you want a shot at catching a Shiny Dynamax Zapdos, you’ll need to coordinate with your team, pick your counters wisely, and brace for a legendary challenge that’s as much about tactics as raw power.
Below, we list out some general Max Battle tips and counters for Dynamax Zapdos in Pokémon Go.
Dynamax Zapdos weakness
Dynamax Zapdos, as an Electric- and Flying-type Pokémon, has only two weaknesses: Rock- and Ice-type moves. Both of these types deal 160% damage to Zapdos in Pokémon GO Max Battles, making them the most effective options for exploiting its vulnerabilities. However, the pool of Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon that can use Rock-type moves is currently very limited, so most trainers will need to rely on Ice-type attackers for super-effective damage. It’s important to avoid using Pokémon with Grass-, Ground-, Steel-, Fighting-, Bug-, or Flying-type moves, as Zapdos resists these and will take reduced damage from them. Additionally, while some strong Ice- and Rock-type Pokémon like Lapras or Articuno are tempting choices, their secondary typings can leave them vulnerable to Zapdos’ Electric attacks, so careful team selection is crucial for maximizing your chances of victory.
Zapdos is electric- and flying-type, so it only has two weaknesses to exploit: rock– and ice-type moves. Just like its sibling Articuno, the problem is that there aren’t any Dynamax Pokémon that have rock-type Dynamax moves (as of this writing).
There aren’t really many Dynamax Pokémon out there that will help you beat down Zapdos, but there are a few that will resist its attacks, allowing you to take advantage of bulk to play the defensive option.
Dynamax Zapdos best counters
When facing Dynamax Zapdos in Pokémon Go, the best counters are those that exploit its dual Electric- and Flying-type weaknesses-specifically, Rock- and Ice-type moves. Among Dynamax and Gigantamax-capable Pokémon, Cryogonal stands out as the top choice thanks to its strong Ice-type attacks like Frost Breath and Aurora Beam, while also resisting Zapdos’ Electric- and Flying-type moves. Excadrill is another excellent option, as it can use Rock Slide for super-effective damage and is not weak to any of Zapdos’ typical attacks. Gigantamax Lapras and Dynamax Articuno, both equipped with Ice-type fast moves, are also solid picks, but trainers should be cautious: Lapras and Articuno’s secondary typings (Water and Flying) make them vulnerable to Zapdos’ Electric attacks, so they may not last as long in battle. For a more defensive approach, Steel-types like Metagross and Excadrill offer good survivability against Zapdos’ moveset while still contributing offensively. Overall, prioritize Ice- and Rock-type Dynamax Pokémon, and avoid those with Grass, Ground, Steel, Fighting, Bug, or Flying moves, as Zapdos resists these types.
With the above in mind, there are a few counters to bring to Zapdos. We recommend the following to focus on offensive moves:
- GigantamaxLapras with Water Gun
- Dynamax Cryogonal with Frost Breath
- Dynamax Articuno with Frost Breath
- Dynamax/Gigantamax Gengar with Lick
For the most part, you’ll want to keep your offensive Pokémon stocked away while your tanks soak up hits and charge the max meter. Swap to these when it’s time to Dynamax or Gigantamax, but keep them in reserve otherwise, as Zapdos’ moveset can take these out quickly.
As for defense, you should bring the following with Max Guard and Max Spirit:
- Dynamax Excadrill with Metal Claw
- Dynamax/Gigantamax Venusaur with Vine Whip
- Dynamax/Gigantamax Rillaboom with Scratch
- Dynamax Metagross with Zen Headbutt
These Pokémon are just meant to tank hits from Zapdos while they quickly charge up the max meter with their fast moves. Excadrill can resist just about everything Zapdos can throw at it, while the two grass-types will struggle against Drill Peck. Metagross will also hold its weight decently against Zapdos, so use what you have and pay attention to Zapdos’ movesets.
Even if you don’t have these powered up, consider just bringing the strongest Dynamax Pokémon you have. If you have a maxed out Dynamax Gengar and your Dynamax Cryogonal isn’t leveled (and you don’t have the means to power it up), just bring your Gengar.
General Max Battle tips
When facing Dynamax Zapdos in Max Battles, success hinges on both team composition and tactical play. Prioritize bringing Pokémon that can exploit Zapdos’s dual Electric- and Flying-type weaknesses-specifically, those with strong Rock- or Ice-type moves. Since Zapdos resists several common attack types, avoid using Pokémon with Grass, Ground, Steel, Fighting, Bug, or Flying moves to maximize your damage output. Teaching your Pokémon a second Charged Attack increases versatility and helps cover more matchups. Manage your Protect Shields wisely, saving them for crucial moments when your key counters are threatened, and be ready to switch Pokémon to maintain favorable matchups or absorb incoming attacks. Finally, coordinate with your team: a balanced group with attackers, defenders, and possibly a healer will give you the best shot at victory in these challenging Max Battles.
If you’ve been struggling in Max Battles, here are some general tips to survive – and make sure you’re an asset to your team. While Gigantamax Battles are tough, a Legendary Max Battle shouldn’t be as tough as that. You can slack a little, but you should still heed our advice:
- Make sure you have enough players. High-efficiency players with maxed out investments will likely be able to solo Zapdos, but this isn’t going to be realistic for most people. Try to go at it with three other players for the highest chance of winning. Note that unlike Gigantamax Pokémon, the Dynamax Legendary Pokémon have a max party size of four (rather than 40).
- Don’t sleep on Max Spirit and Max Guard. Teams work best when there’s a variety of moves, not just maxed-out attacks. Each player should bring Pokémon with the defensive and healing moves unlocked as well. Max Guard will focus single-target damage towards you and reduce the damage taken and Max Spirit will heal the whole party, so these moves are really important to make sure your damage-dealers can keep dishing.
- Remember to swap to super effective moves when it’s time to Dynamax. For Dynamax Pokémon, their max moves are determined by whatever type their fast move is. This means if you have a Cryogonal with Frost Breath, it will know Max Hailstorm. A Gengar with Lick will know Max Phantasm. Take advantage of this and make sure to swap to a Pokémon that will deal super effective damage to your target before Dynamaxing, if you can.
- Focus on your fast moves. You want to spam your fast moves to build up that Dynamax meter and often times, using your charge move is actually a DPS loss when compared to the damage you could be doing with your max move will be. Spam those attacks!
- Level up a few ’mons, but you don’t have to go too hard. Depending on your group size, you absolutely do not need to max out all your Dynamax Pokémon to level 40-50. While this will make it easier on the rest of your group, if this isn’t an investment you can make, you don’t have to stress about it. Power things up as high as you can afford to, but don’t fret if you don’t have a maxed out Pokémon.
- That all being said, make sure to come as prepared as you can be. This is a team effort and there’s a chance that a full group of four can still fail. Do not just bring your unleveled Dynamax Wooloo expecting a free ride to a powerful Pokémon. (After all, if everyone does that, then you certainly won’t clear the battle.) Again, you don’t have to completely max out your Pokémon, but it will be better for everyone involved if you bring something helpful to the table.
- Keep your eye out for a shiny Zapdos! If you clear the raid, there is a chance that the Zapdos you catch will be shiny – which also means it’ll be a guaranteed catch. Use a Pinap Berry to score extra candy if you get lucky enough to find a sparkly Zapdos.
How can I exploit Zapdos’s only two weaknesses in battles
To exploit Zapdos’s two weaknesses-Rock and Ice-in battles, focus on building a team with Pokémon that can deliver strong Rock- or Ice-type attacks, ideally with Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB) for extra damage. Here’s how to maximize your advantage:
-
Use high-DPS Rock-type Pokémon like Rhyperior (Smack Down/Rock Wrecker), Rampardos (Smack Down/Rock Slide), Tyranitar (Smack Down/Stone Edge), or Terrakion (Smack Down/Rock Slide). These Pokémon not only hit Zapdos’s Rock weakness but also benefit from STAB if their moves match their type.
-
Deploy powerful Ice-type attackers such as Mamoswine (Powder Snow/Avalanche), Galarian Darmanitan (Ice Fang/Avalanche), or Kyurem (Dragon Breath/Glaciate). These take advantage of Zapdos’s Ice weakness and can deal significant damage, especially with STAB.
-
Avoid using Ground, Grass, Bug, Steel, Fighting, or Flying-type moves, as Zapdos resists these and they will deal reduced damage.
-
If you lack ideal counters, prioritize your strongest Pokémon with Rock or Ice moves, even if they don’t get STAB-raw power can still help chip away at Zapdos’s health.
-
In Dynamax or Max Battle formats, keep your offensive Rock and Ice attackers in reserve until you’re ready to maximize their impact, using tankier Pokémon to absorb hits and charge your max meter early in the fight.
Coordinating with teammates to stack Rock and Ice attackers will help you exploit Zapdos’s limited weaknesses and bring down this legendary bird efficiently.
What are the most effective Ice and Rock moves to use against Zapdos
The most effective Rock and Ice moves to use against Zapdos in Pokémon Go are:
Rock-type Moves:
-
Rock Throw (Fast move)
-
Smack Down (Fast move)
-
Stone Edge (Charged move)
-
Rock Slide (Charged move)
Ice-type Moves:
-
Ice Shard (Fast move)
-
Frost Breath (Fast move)
-
Avalanche (Charged move)
-
Blizzard (Charged move)
Pairing these moves with strong Pokémon that can learn them-such as Rhyperior, Tyranitar, Golem, Omastar (for Rock), and Mamoswine, Lapras, Articuno, Jynx, or Piloswine (for Ice)-will maximize your damage output against Zapdos. Be cautious when using Ice-types like Lapras and Articuno, as their secondary typings make them vulnerable to Zapdos’s Electric moves.
