Shadow Zapdos
Attack
Defense
Stamina
Best Movesets
Analysis
The boost from being a Shadow Pokemon makes Zapdos more viable as an Electric-type attacker, especially if its secondary Flying typing would resist attacks from raid bosses and gym defenders. Though expensive to power up, Shadow Zapdos isn't a bad choice if you're looking for variety in your team.
Shadow Zapdos shines best when used in Party Play, utilizing its nuclear Party Power-boosted Zap Cannons to gain an edge over other Electric-type choices. Though the move's 1-bar cost can lead to some performance inconsistencies, Shadow Zapdos's incredible DPS potential is worth it.
Offense
- Thunder Shock has slightly more DPS than Charge Beam.
- Thunderbolt is more flexible and consistently outperforms Zap Cannon in relevant match-ups. However, Zap Cannon takes better advantage of Party Power.
- Thunder's low power renders it the worst charge move.
- Drill Peck does benefit from STAB, but doesn't really synergize with Zapdos' fast moves.
- Ancient Power has no use on Zapdos.
The legacy Thunder Shock performs better than Charge Beam due to faster energy gains.
Drill Peck fills a dual role here, both as Zapdos's cheapest move (enabling baiting) and just as a solid STAB move. Pair this with Thunderbolt for the most consistent Electric damage option. If you're feeling spicier, consider running Drill Peck + Zap Cannon. This leaves you significantly more reliant on careful baiting, but if you can land it then there's no better nuke in Zapdos's kit.
Zapdos almost has potential in Great League. When almost every team had Azumarill + Registeel, it was able to fill an interesting antimeta role in somewhat being able to handle both. However, with the rise of Galarian Stunfisk (which completely walls out Zapdos), the mon is significantly more difficult to run. Sadly, this thunderbird is a go.
