I think the only thing more potentially terrifying than a giant, pointy bird that summons thunderstorms is a supernaturally pissed-off giant, pointy bird that summons thunderstorms. I don’t think I’d have the guts to stand within ten feet of a Shadow Zapdos, but if you have less concern for your well being, you can make good use of it. Here are the best moves for Shadow Zapdos in Pokémon GO.
As a part of the Season of Legends, Team GO Rocket’s ever-persistent mob boss, Giovanni, has captured the original trio of Legendary Birds and subjected them to whatever unspeakable horrors result in Shadow Pokémon. Currently, he’s flaunting his Shadow Zapdos, but if you can defeat him, you’ll be able to capture the electrified bird for yourself.
Best Shadow Zapdos Moves in Pokémon GO
As a Shadow Pokémon, Shadow Zapdos takes more damage from attacks, but deals out more in turn. Zapdos is a very fast Pokémon on a normal day, so with the right moveset, it can deal out quick, decisive blows while avoiding the brunt of damage resulting from its weakened defenses.
Quick Moves
- Charge Beam (Electric)
- Thunder Shock (Electric, Elite TM)
Main Moves
- Drill Peck (Flying)
- Ancient Power (Rock)
- Thunder (Electric)
- Thunderbolt (Electric)
- Zap Cannon (Electric)
- Frustration (Normal, Shadow-exclusive)
If you’re going for an offensive build, your best choices for Quick and Main moves are Thunder Shock and Drill Peck, respectively. This powerful combo will pack the highest possible DPS out of Zapdos’ entire kit, while also providing an opportunity to exploit both Electric and Flying type weaknesses. The only problem is that Thunder Shock is an Elite TM move, so if you don’t have it, you’ll have to settle for Charge Beam instead, sacrificing some damage potential.
If a defensive build is your preference, Charge Beam will suffice for your Quick move as it consumes slightly less energy than Thunder Shock. For your Main move, Zap Cannon would be your best choice to strike a balance between decent DPS and fast charge-up time. In a pinch, you could also try Ancient Power to mitigate Zapdos’ weakness to Ice types, though that’s a very circumstantial choice.
Just like the lightning it represents, Shadow Zapdos is all about the initial blitz. Strike hard, strike fast, and don’t give them a chance to retaliate.
