Zapdos (Pokémon)

For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
← #0144: Articuno	Pokémon	#0146: Moltres →
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Zapdos (disambiguation).

Zapdos Electric Pokémon Strong Legs Pokémon サンダー Thunder #0145 Zapdos Galarian Zapdos Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Types Electric Flying Zapdos Fighting Flying Galarian Zapdos Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Abilities Pressure Zapdos Defiant Galarian Zapdos Cacophony Static Gen VI+ Zapdos Hidden Ability Cacophony Hidden Ability Cacophony Galarian Zapdos Cacophony Lightning Rod Gen V* Zapdos Hidden Ability
Gender ratio Gender unknown	Catch rate 3 (1.6%)
Breeding Egg Group No Eggs Discovered Hatch time 80 cycles Egg not obtainable
Height 5'03" 1.6 m Zapdos 0'0" 0 m Galarian Zapdos 0'0" 0 m {{{form3}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form4}}}	Weight 116.0 lbs. 52.6 kg Zapdos 128.3 lbs. 58.2 kg Galarian Zapdos 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form3}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form4}}}
Mega Stone [[|]] [[|]]
Base experience yield 216 Gen. I-IV Unknown IV 261 V+	Leveling rate Slow
EV yield Total: 3 Zapdos 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 3 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed Galarian Zapdos 0 HP 3 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed
Shape	Footprint Galarian Zapdos
Pokédex color   Yellow	Base friendship 35
External Links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation I Generation II Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

Zapdos (Japanese: サンダー Thunder) is a dual-type Electric/Flying Legendary Pokémon introduced in Generation I.

In Galar, Zapdos has a dual-type Fighting/Flying regional form, introduced in The Crown Tundra expansion. Neither Kantonian Zapdos nor Galarian Zapdos are known to evolve into or from any other Pokémon.

Along with Articuno and Moltres, it is one of the three legendary birds of Kanto.

Biology

Zapdos is a large, avian Pokémon with predominantly yellow plumage. It has small, triangular eyes with black around them and a long, thin, light orange beak. Its wings and tail are a mass of spiky feathers and there are black feathers covering the back of its wings and inner tail feathers. A large crest of spiked feathers surrounds its head. Its thighs are tan, and it has thin, light orange legs. It has feet with three forward-facing toes and one backward-facing toe; each toe has a short talon.

When Zapdos flaps its glittering wings, it releases electricity that can potentially cause thunderstorms. It produces massive crackling and snapping sounds when it flies; these are attributed to the lightning bolts it sheds when airborne. Zapdos reportedly appears only during thunderstorms and gains power when struck by lightning. It is said to live among thunderclouds, but it is rarely seen. Zapdos loves Zapdos Treats made by Snacksworth, who once saw it fly right by him in the past.

Shadow Zapdos is the only known Pokémon capable of learning the move Shadow Bolt.

Forms

Zapdos has a regional form: Galarian Zapdos.

In Galar, Zapdos has a different appearance. Its body is red-orange with black plumage. Its head features yellow eyes with more pronounced, mask-like black coloration around them, a shorter black beak, and a longer, more visible neck. Its legs are black, longer, and more muscular, its thigh feathers are also black, and its talons are yellow with red rings at their bases. Its red-orange wings are smaller, with small black markings that appear to be remnants of its Kantonian counterpart's black plumage. Finally, it has a row of spiky feathers along its chest, and a similar row of black feathers on its back.

Belligerent by nature and ever thirsting for battle, Galarian Zapdos seeks out opponents stronger than itself so it could test its might. Its powerful legs allow it to perform devastating kicks capable of destroying a dump truck, and it can run across mountains at up to 180 mph (300 km/h). Its wings have atrophied to the point that it can barely fly, but its movements are so swift that they have been compared to a lightning strike. This Pokémon earned the name of its Kantonian counterpart due to the electric-like crackling sounds that come from its feathers rubbing together. It is constantly migrating around the world but can be found in the Crown Tundra once every few decades congregating with the other birds at the Dyna Tree to eat its fruits.

Galarian Zapdos is the only known Pokémon capable of learning the move Thunderous Kick.

• 

  Galarian Zapdos about to deliver a powerful kick

• 

  Galarian Zapdos running up a steep mountain

Game data

NPC appearances

• Zapdos is the first Legendary Pokémon encountered in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon. After it kidnaps Shiftry, the player must fight it at the top of Mt. Thunder. It is possible to recruit Zapdos by returning for another fight after the credits.

Pokédex entries

Generation I Kanto #145 Red(JPN) (This entry was originally untranslated in English until it was reused in Pokémon FireRed.) Green Red(ENG) A legendary bird Pokémon that is said to appear from clouds while dropping enormous lightning bolts. Blue Yellow This legendary bird Pokémon is said to appear when the sky turns dark and lightning showers down. Stadium A legendary bird Pokémon that appears with a gigantic thunder storm. It flies with the buzz and crack of electricity.

Generation II Johto #236 Gold This legendary bird Pokémon causes savage thunderstorms by flapping its glittering wings. Silver This legendary bird Pokémon is said to appear only when a thundercloud parts into two halves. Crystal Legendary bird Pokémon. They say lightning caused by the flapping of its wings causes summer storms. Stadium 2 This legendary bird Pokémon causes savage thunderstorms by flapping its glittering wings. (Pokémon Red, Silver, or Crystal inserted) This legendary bird Pokémon is said to appear only when a thundercloud parts into two halves. (Pokémon Blue, Gold, or Yellow inserted)

Generation III Hoenn #— Kanto #145 Ruby Zapdos is a legendary bird Pokémon that has the ability to control electricity. It usually lives in thunderclouds. The Pokémon gains power if it is stricken by lightning bolts. Sapphire Emerald Zapdos is a legendary bird Pokémon that has the ability to control electricity. It usually lives in thunderclouds. It gains power if it is stricken by lightning bolts. FireRed One of the legendary bird Pokémon. While it is flying, it makes crackling and snapping sounds. LeafGreen A legendary bird Pokémon that is said to appear from clouds while dropping enormous lightning bolts.

Generation IV Sinnoh #— Johto #241 Diamond A legendary Pokémon that is said to live in thunderclouds. It freely controls lightning bolts. Pearl Platinum HeartGold This legendary bird Pokémon causes savage thunderstorms by flapping its glittering wings. SoulSilver This legendary bird Pokémon is said to appear only when a thundercloud parts into two halves.

Generation V Unova #— Black A legendary Pokémon that is said to live in thunderclouds. It freely controls lightning bolts. White Black 2 A legendary Pokémon that is said to live in thunderclouds. It freely controls lightning bolts. White 2

Generation VI Kalos Coastal #152 Hoenn #— X A legendary bird Pokémon that is said to appear from clouds while dropping enormous lightning bolts. Y A legendary Pokémon that is said to live in thunderclouds. It freely controls lightning bolts. Omega Ruby Zapdos is a legendary bird Pokémon that has the ability to control electricity. It usually lives in thunderclouds. The Pokémon gains power if it is stricken by lightning bolts. Alpha Sapphire

Generation VII Alola #— Kanto #145 This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon. Let's Go Pikachu This legendary bird Pokémon is said to appear when the sky turns dark and lightning showers down. Let's Go Eevee

Generation VIII Galar Crown Tundra #203 Sinnoh #— Hisui #— This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Legends: Arceus. Sword This Pokémon has complete control over electricity. There are tales of Zapdos nesting in the dark depths of pitch-black thunderclouds. Shield Zapdos is a legendary bird Pokémon. It's said that when Zapdos rubs its feathers together, lightning will fall immediately after. Brilliant Diamond This legendary Pokémon is said to live in thunderclouds. It freely controls lightning bolts. Shining Pearl Galarian Zapdos Sword When its feathers rub together, they produce a crackling sound like the zapping of electricity. That's why this Pokémon is called Zapdos. Shield One kick from its powerful legs will pulverize a dump truck. Supposedly, this Pokémon runs through the mountains at over 180 mph.

Generation IX Paldea #— Kitakami #— Blueberry #— This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Generation IX.

Game locations

Generation I Red Blue Power Plant (Only one) Blue (Japan) Power Plant (Only one) Yellow Power Plant (Only one)

Generation II Gold Silver Time Capsule, Event Crystal Time Capsule, Event

Generation III Ruby Sapphire Trade Emerald Trade FireRed LeafGreen Power Plant (Only one) Colosseum Trade XD Citadark Isle (Shadow)

Generation IV Diamond Pearl Trade Platinum Roaming Sinnoh (Only one) HeartGold SoulSilver Route 10* (Only one) Pal Park Mountain

Generation V Black White Poké Transfer Black 2 White 2 Poké Transfer

Generation VI X Y Sea Spirit's Den* (Only one) (if the player chose Fennekin) Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Trade

Generation VII Sun Moon Trade Ultra Sun Ultra Moon Ultra Space Wilds (Cliff World) (Only one) Let's Go Pikachu Let's Go Eevee Power Plant (Only one) Routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25

Generation VIII Sword Shield TradeVersion 1.3.0+ Expansion Pass Max Lair (Dynamax Adventure) (Only one) (Kantonian Form) Roaming Wild Area (Only one) (Galarian Form) Brilliant Diamond Trade (Kantonian Form) Unobtainable (Galarian Form) Shining Pearl Ramanas Park (Kanto Room) (requires Kanto Slate) (Only one) (Kantonian Form) Unobtainable (Galarian Form) Legends: Arceus Unobtainable

Generation IX Scarlet Violet Trade (Kantonian Form) Pokémon HOME (Galarian Form) The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero South Province: Area One after receiving the Zapdos Treat from Snacksworth (Only one) (Solo Quest) (Kantonian Form)

In side games

Generation I Snap Tunnel Pinball Red Field: Lavender Town

Generation II This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.

Generation III Trozei! Random Agent Cards, Mr. Who's Den MD Red MD Blue Mt. Thunder Peak (3F)

Generation IV MD Time MD Darkness Amp Plains (7F) MD Sky Amp Plains (7F) Rumble Eternal Tower (Normal Mode S) Ranger: GS Layuda Island

Generation V Rumble Blast Factory: World Axle - B2F (post-ending) Rumble U Aquatic Hill: The Floors Are Hot! (Reward), Verdant Plaza: Battle Royale

Generation VI Battle Trozei Mountain of Order: Stage 5 Rumble World Fairy Land: Ancient Stronghold (Special Boss) Super MD Yellow Point Picross Area 20: Stage 13

Generation VII Rumble Rush Zapdos Sea, Castform Sea, Bulbasaur Sea, Greninja Sea, Charizard SeaFinal

Generation VIII MD DX Mt. Thunder (13F)

Cross-Generation Shuffle Expert Stage: Stage EX5 Masters EX Master Fair sync pair scout: Hop (Champion) & Zapdos (Galarian Form), Blue (Champion) & Zapdos (Kantonian Form)

In events

Zapdos

Games	Event	Language/Region	Location	Level	Distribution period
GSC	Gotta Catch 'Em All Station! Zapdos	English	United States	50	November 30 to December 20, 2001; February 15 to 21, 2002
RSEFRLG	Journey Across America Zapdos	English	United States	70	February 25 to July 23, 2006
RSEFRLG	Party of the Decade Zapdos	English	United States	70	August 8, 2006
XYORAS	Pokémon Scrap Zapdos	Japanese region	Online	70	March 1 to August 31, 2016
XYORAS	Aldora Zapdos	PAL region	Online	70	March 11 to September 30, 2016
ORAS	Movie Zapdos	Korean region	Online	70	May 2 to July 31, 2016
XYORAS	Aldora Zapdos	American region	Online	70	May 3 to August 31, 2016

Galarian Zapdos

Games	Event	Language/Region	Location	Level	Distribution period
SwSh	Wild Area's Shiny Galarian Zapdos	All	Online	70	March 14, 2022 onwards

Held Items

Game		Held Item(s)
Red*	Blue*	BrightPowder (100%)
Yellow*

Stats

Base stats

Zapdos

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 90		150 - 197	290 - 384
Attack: 90		85 - 156	166 - 306
Defense: 85		81 - 150	157 - 295
Sp. Atk: 125		117 - 194	229 - 383
Sp. Def: 90		85 - 156	166 - 306
Speed: 100		94 - 167	184 - 328
Total: 580	Other Pokémon with this total
Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature. Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature. This Pokémon's Special base stat in Generation I was 125.

Galarian Zapdos

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 90		150 - 197	290 - 384
Attack: 125		117 - 194	229 - 383
Defense: 90		85 - 156	166 - 306
Sp. Atk: 85		81 - 150	157 - 295
Sp. Def: 90		85 - 156	166 - 306
Speed: 100		94 - 167	184 - 328
Total: 580	Other Pokémon with this total
Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature. Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed 5/5 ★★★★★	Power 3/5 ★★★☆☆
Skill 4/5 ★★★★☆	Stamina 2/3 ★★☆
Jump 5/5 ★★★★★	Total 19/23 ★★★☆

Type effectiveness

Zapdos

Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:

Damaged normally by: Normal 1× Fighting ½× Flying ½× Poison 1× Ground 0× Rock 2× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass ½× Electric 1× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Weak to: Normal 1× Fighting ½× Flying ½× Poison 1× Ground 0× Rock 2× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass ½× Electric 1× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Immune to: Normal 1× Fighting ½× Flying ½× Poison 1× Ground 0× Rock 2× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass ½× Electric 1× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Resistant to: Normal 1× Fighting ½× Flying ½× Poison 1× Ground 0× Rock 2× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass ½× Electric 1× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Notes: If Gravity is in effect, this Pokémon is given an Iron Ball (in Generation IV) or a Ring Target, or it is affected by Smack Down or Ingrain, the effectiveness of  Ground-type  moves is 2×. In Generation V, if this Pokémon is given an Iron Ball, the effectiveness of  Ground-type  moves is 1×. If this Pokémon has Lightning Rod, the effectiveness of  Electric-type  moves is 0×.

Galarian Zapdos

Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:

Damaged normally by: Normal 1× Fighting ½× Flying 2× Poison 1× Ground 0× Rock 1× Bug ¼× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass ½× Electric 2× Psychic 2× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark ½× Fairy 2× None

Weak to: Normal 1× Fighting ½× Flying 2× Poison 1× Ground 0× Rock 1× Bug ¼× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass ½× Electric 2× Psychic 2× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark ½× Fairy 2× None

Immune to: Normal 1× Fighting ½× Flying 2× Poison 1× Ground 0× Rock 1× Bug ¼× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass ½× Electric 2× Psychic 2× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark ½× Fairy 2× None

Resistant to: Normal 1× Fighting ½× Flying 2× Poison 1× Ground 0× Rock 1× Bug ¼× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass ½× Electric 2× Psychic 2× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark ½× Fairy 2× None

Notes: If Gravity is in effect, this Pokémon is given an Iron Ball or a Ring Target, or it is affected by Smack Down or Ingrain, the effectiveness of  Ground-type  moves is 1×.

Learnset

By leveling up

Zapdos

Generation IX Other generations: I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 011 Peck Flying Physical 03535 100100% 35 011 Thunder Wave Electric Status 0000— 09090% 20 055 Thunder Shock Electric Special 04040 100100% 30 1010 Light Screen Psychic Status 0000— 00——% 30 1515 Pluck Flying Physical 06060 100100% 20 2020 Agility Psychic Status 0000— 00——% 30 2525 Ancient Power Rock Special 06060 100100% 5 3030 Charge Electric Status 0000— 00——% 20 3535 Drill Peck Flying Physical 08080 100100% 20 4040 Roost Flying Status 0000— 00——% 5 4545 Discharge Electric Special 08080 100100% 15 5050 Rain Dance Water Status 0000— 00——% 5 5555 Thunder Electric Special 110110 07070% 10 6060 Detect Fighting Status 0000— 00——% 5 6565 Magnetic Flux Electric Status 0000— 00——% 20 7070 Zap Cannon Electric Special 120120 05050% 5

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Zapdos Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Zapdos Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

Galarian Zapdos

Generation IX Other generations: VIII

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 011 Peck Flying Physical 03535 100100% 35 011 Focus Energy Normal Status 0000— 00——% 30 055 Rock Smash Fighting Physical 04040 100100% 15 1010 Light Screen Psychic Status 0000— 00——% 30 1515 Pluck Flying Physical 06060 100100% 20 2020 Agility Psychic Status 0000— 00——% 30 2525 Ancient Power Rock Special 06060 100100% 5 3030 Brick Break Fighting Physical 07575 100100% 15 3535 Drill Peck Flying Physical 08080 100100% 20 4040 Quick Guard Fighting Status 0000— 00——% 15 4545 Thunderous Kick Fighting Physical 09090 100100% 10 5050 Bulk Up Fighting Status 0000— 00——% 20 5555 Counter Fighting Physical 0000— 100100% 20 6060 Detect Fighting Status 0000— 00——% 5 6565 Close Combat Fighting Physical 120120 100100% 5 7070 Reversal Fighting Physical 0000— 100100% 15

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Zapdos Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Zapdos

By TM

Zapdos

Generation IX Other generations: I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  TM001 TM001 Take Down Normal Physical 09090 085}}85% 20 TM004 TM004 Agility Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 30 TM007 TM007 Protect Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM014 TM014 Acrobatics Flying Physical 05555 100}}100% 15 TM025 TM025 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM027 TM027 Aerial Ace Flying Physical 06060 00—}}—% 20 TM032 TM032 Swift Normal Special 06060 00—}}—% 20 TM040 TM040 Air Cutter Flying Special 06060 095}}95% 25 TM047 TM047 Endure Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM048 TM048 Volt Switch Electric Special 07070 100}}100% 20 TM049 TM049 Sunny Day Fire Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM050 TM050 Rain Dance Water Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM051 TM051 Sandstorm Rock Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM060 TM060 U-turn Bug Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM070 TM070 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM072 TM072 Electro Ball Electric Special 0000— 100}}100% 10 TM075 TM075 Light Screen Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 30 TM082 TM082 Thunder Wave Electric Status 0000— 090}}90% 20 TM085 TM085 Rest Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM096 TM096 Eerie Impulse Electric Status 0000— 100}}100% 15 TM097 TM097 Fly Flying Physical 09090 095}}95% 15 TM103 TM103 Substitute Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM113 TM113 Tailwind Flying Status 0000— 00—}}—% 15 TM118 TM118 Heat Wave Fire Special 09595 090}}90% 10 TM126 TM126 Thunderbolt Electric Special 09090 100}}100% 15 TM130 TM130 Helping Hand Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TM132 TM132 Baton Pass Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 40 TM136 TM136 Electric Terrain Electric Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM147 TM147 Wild Charge Electric Physical 09090 100}}100% 15 TM152 TM152 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 090}}90% 5 TM160 TM160 Hurricane Flying Special 110110 070}}70% 10 TM163 TM163 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5 TM164 TM164 Brave Bird Flying Physical 120120 100}}100% 15 TM166 TM166 Thunder Electric Special 110110 070}}70% 10 TM171 TM171 Tera Blast Normal Special 08080 100}}100% 10 TM173 TM173 Charge Electric Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TM193 TM193 Weather Ball Normal Special 05050 100}}100% 10 TM197 TM197 Dual Wingbeat Flying Physical 04040 090}}90% 10 TM210 TM210 Supercell Slam Electric Physical 100100 095}}95% 15 TM223 TM223 Metal Sound Steel Status 0000— 085}}85% 40

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Zapdos Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution or an alternate form of Zapdos Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

Galarian Zapdos

Generation IX Other generations: VIII

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  TM001 TM001 Take Down Normal Physical 09090 085}}85% 20 TM004 TM004 Agility Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 30 TM006 TM006 Scary Face Normal Status 0000— 100}}100% 10 TM007 TM007 Protect Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM012 TM012 Low Kick Fighting Physical 0000— 100}}100% 20 TM014 TM014 Acrobatics Flying Physical 05555 100}}100% 15 TM020 TM020 Trailblaze Grass Physical 05050 100}}100% 20 TM025 TM025 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM027 TM027 Aerial Ace Flying Physical 06060 00—}}—% 20 TM032 TM032 Swift Normal Special 06060 00—}}—% 20 TM039 TM039 Low Sweep Fighting Physical 06565 100}}100% 20 TM047 TM047 Endure Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM049 TM049 Sunny Day Fire Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM050 TM050 Rain Dance Water Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM051 TM051 Sandstorm Rock Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM058 TM058 Brick Break Fighting Physical 07575 100}}100% 15 TM060 TM060 U-turn Bug Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM064 TM064 Bulk Up Fighting Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TM070 TM070 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM075 TM075 Light Screen Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 30 TM084 TM084 Stomping Tantrum Ground Physical 07575 100}}100% 10 TM085 TM085 Rest Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM087 TM087 Taunt Dark Status 0000— 100}}100% 20 TM097 TM097 Fly Flying Physical 09090 095}}95% 15 TM103 TM103 Substitute Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM113 TM113 Tailwind Flying Status 0000— 00—}}—% 15 TM130 TM130 Helping Hand Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TM134 TM134 Reversal Fighting Physical 0000— 100}}100% 15 TM152 TM152 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 090}}90% 5 TM160 TM160 Hurricane Flying Special 110110 070}}70% 10 TM163 TM163 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5 TM164 TM164 Brave Bird Flying Physical 120120 100}}100% 15 TM167 TM167 Close Combat Fighting Physical 120120 100}}100% 5 TM171 TM171 Tera Blast Normal Special 08080 100}}100% 10 TM181 TM181 Knock Off Dark Physical 06565 100}}100% 20 TM197 TM197 Dual Wingbeat Flying Physical 04040 090}}90% 10 TM204 TM204 Double-Edge Normal Physical 120120 100}}100% 15 TM205 TM205 Endeavor Normal Physical 0000— 100}}100% 5 TM213 TM213 Coaching Fighting Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM221 TM221 Throat Chop Dark Physical 08080 100}}100% 15

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Zapdos Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution or an alternate form of Zapdos

By breeding

Zapdos

Generation IX Other generations: II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII

Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  This Pokémon learns no moves by breeding.

Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Zapdos Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Zapdos Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Zapdos Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

Galarian Zapdos

Generation IX Other generations: II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII

Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  This Pokémon learns no moves by breeding.

Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Zapdos Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Zapdos Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Zapdos Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

TCG-only moves

Move	Card
Bolt Strike	Zapdos G (Arceus 12)

Side game data

Zapdos

Pokémon Pinball   Acquisition: Catch			Pokémon Trozei! Rarity: Rare
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team Body size: 4 Recruit rate: 30% Friend Area: Legendary Island Phrases 51%-100% HP I represent the power of lightning! 26%-50% HP I am troubled... My health is down by half already... 1%-25% HP I fear the worst... Even my thunderbolts grow weak... Level up I've leveled! My lightning grows more powerful!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 2 Recruit rate: 10% IQ group: C
Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon Body size: Standard (1 tile) How to Recruit: Boss of Yellow Point Connected to: Moltres, Lugia Connection Orb Set: 20 Phrases Normal My lightning is the rage of the sky and the ground! Let me fight by your side! Low HP (< 50%) I won't lose like this...
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs Group: Electric Poké Assist: (present) Electric Field move: (present) (None ×-) Not available in the past. Browser entry R-299 It creates thunderbolts in the air and discharges electricity.
Pokémon Rumble Attack ●●●●● Defense ●●● Speed ●●●●			Pokémon Rumble Blast Attack ●●●●● Defense ●●● Speed ●●●●
Pokémon Rumble Rush Walking Speed: 1.5 seconds Base HP: 57 Base Attack: 83 Base Defense: 57 Base Speed: 70
Pokémon Battle Trozei Electric Attack Power: ★★★★★ Power of Six Increases the damage dealt by matching six Pokémon.
Pokémon Shuffle Electric Attack Power: 70 - 140 20 #150 Power of 4 Increases damage when you make a match of four. Swappable Skill(s): Paralyze
Pokémon GO Base HP: 207 Base Attack: 253 Base Defense: 185 Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 20 km Evolution Requirement: N/A Fast Attacks: Charge Beam, Thunder Shock† Charged Attacks: Zap Cannon, Thunderbolt, Thunder, Ancient Power*, Drill Peck*, Frustration, Return

Galarian Zapdos

Pokémon GO Base HP: 207 Base Attack: 252 Base Defense: 189 Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 20 km Evolution Requirement: N/A Fast Attacks: Counter Charged Attacks: Close Combat, Brave Bird, Ancient Power

Evolution data

Zapdos

Unevolved Zapdos  Electric  Flying

Galarian Zapdos

Unevolved Zapdos Galarian Form  Fighting  Flying

Sprites

Generation I Red Green Red Blue Yellow Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation II Gold Silver Crystal Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation III Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation IV Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation V Black White Black 2 White 2 Front Back Front Back

Generation VI X Y Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Front Back Front Back

Generation VII Sun Moon Ultra Sun Ultra Moon Front Back Front Back Let's Go, Pikachu! Let's Go, Eevee!

Cross-Generation HOME

For other sprites and images, please see Zapdos images on the Bulbagarden Archives.

In the anime

Main series

Zapdos in Pokémon the Series

Major appearances

Zapdos (M02)

Zapdos debuted in The Power of One, where Lawrence III sought it, along with the other two legendary birds and their leader, Lugia, for his own personal collection.

Other

Zapdos made its physical main series debut in As Clear As Crystal, where it intercepted Team Rocket in their attempt to steal a crystal that gave a lake the ability to heal Electric-type Pokémon. As a result, they changed their objective to capture Zapdos instead.

In The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon, the Mirage Master briefly used a Mirage Zapdos.

In An Electrifying Rage!, Ash and his friends witnessed a Zapdos flying across the sky. Team Rocket later made an attempt to capture the Zapdos, which infuriated it, forcing Ash to battle it with Talonflame, Hawlucha, and the newly-evolved Noivern. When Team Rocket continued their attempt, Noivern and Pikachu helped save Zapdos and calm it down.

In A Crackling Raid Battle!, a Zapdos caused power outages in Vermilion City. Ash and Goh encountered it at the Kanto Power Plant and had a Raid Battle against it with the assistance of Team Rocket. Goh was able to weaken it with his Raboot and Flygon, but he wasn't able to catch it like he had hoped.

Minor appearances

Zapdos made its main series debut in Team Rocket's fantasy in An EGG-sighting Adventure!.

In the ending credits of Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea, Jackie captured a Zapdos with his Capture Styler and flew away on its back.

In Doc Brock!, a Zapdos roamed around Sinnoh.

In a flashback in Dealing With a Fierce Double Ditto Drama!, Narissa saw a Zapdos flying by and had her two Ditto transform into it, intimidating a potential opponent.

A Zapdos appeared in the opening sequence of Lucario and the Mystery of Mew.

In the opening sequence of The Rise of Darkrai, a Zapdos was flying across the sky.

A Zapdos appeared in the opening sequence of Zoroark: Master of Illusions.

A Zapdos appeared in I Choose You!.

A silhouetted Zapdos appeared in a fantasy in Healing the Healer!.

A shadowed Zapdos appeared in This Could be the Start of Something Big!.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry EP242 Zapdos Ash's Pokédex Zapdos, the Electric Pokémon. Zapdos has both Electric and Flying elements, and the flappage of its wings can create lightning.

Episode Pokémon Source Entry JN040 Zapdos Goh's Rotom Phone Zapdos, the Electric Pokémon. An Electric and Flying type. It is said Zapdos can be found inside thunderclouds and that it can control lightning. A Legendary Pokémon.

Pokémon Origins

Zapdos in Pokémon Origins

A Zapdos briefly appeared in File 3: Giovanni, as part of the explanation of the Master Ball's capabilities.

In File 4: Charizard, Red caught a Zapdos in the Power Plant.

Pokémon Generations

Zapdos in Pokémon Generations

In The Adventure, a wild Zapdos briefly flew by during a battle between Red's Pikachu and a wild Caterpie.

GOTCHA!

A Zapdos briefly appeared as a silhouette in GOTCHA!.

Pokémon: Twilight Wings

In The Gathering of Stars, a Galarian Zapdos was seen in the Crown Tundra.

In the manga

Zapdos in Pokémon Adventures

Galarian Zapdos in Pokémon Adventures

Movie adaptations

Main article: Zapdos (M02)

Zapdos appeared in the manga adaptation of The Power of One.

Zapdos also appeared in the graphic novel adaptation of the same movie.

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

A Zapdos appeared in A Crackling Raid Battle!.

Pocket Monsters DP

A Zapdos appeared in PMDP11.

Pocket Monsters HGSS Jō's Big Adventure

A Zapdos appeared as a silhouette in JBA5.

Pokémon Adventures

Main article: Zapdos (Adventures)

Spoiler warning: this article may contain major plot or ending details.

In Holy Moltres, Team Rocket Commander Lt. Surge caught Zapdos at the abandoned Power Plant. He later used it as an infinite source of electricity for his Pokémon while battling Red at Silph Co. Red managed to defeat Surge by using Saur's Razor Leaf to cut his insulation suit, causing Zapdos to unintentionally shock him unconscious. Zapdos was later merged with Articuno and Moltres into a combination Pokémon that was defeated by Red, Blue, and Green, causing it to split up again and freeing the legendary birds.

Green later caught Zapdos before the Gold, Silver & Crystal arc as a part of overcoming her fear of birds. She used it and the other legendary birds to battle Lugia and Ho-Oh in Ilex Forest.

	Spoilers end here.

A Galarian Zapdos first appeared in PASS36.

Pokémon Battrio: Aim to be Battrio Master!

A Zapdos appeared in ABM01.

Pokémon: Yeah! I Got Pokémon!

A Zapdos appeared in GDZ74.

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Ginji's Rescue Team

A Zapdos appeared in I Want to be Human Again!. It reappeared in a flashback in Why I Became a Pokémon. The Answer Finally Revealed!!.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

Zapdos debuted in Regain the Deserted Power Plant!.

A Zapdos appeared in Get Lugia!.

Pokémon Zensho

A silhouette of a Zapdos appeared in PZ07.

In the TCG

Main article: Zapdos (TCG)

Other appearances

Super Smash Bros. Melee

When released from a Poké Ball, Zapdos uses a powerful Thunder Shock that hits opponents several times to produce a substantial amount of damage.

Trophy information

Zapdos flaps its wings, and summer storms appear, throwing lightning every which way. It's said that you can hear this legendary Pokémon coming, as its wings make a very distinctive popping sound as it flies. In addition to electrical moves like the dreaded Thunder, it also wields a vicious move called Drill Peck.

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

Zapdos appears in the background of the Prism Tower stage in the 3DS version of the game.

Zapdos trophy in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS

Zapdos also appears as a trophy in the 3DS game.

Trophy information

NA: Gazing up at dark storm clouds gathering in the sky, many children must have once wondered if the Pokémon they saw in the second Pokémon movie was in the clouds. An innocent and childish dream, perhaps... but even today as adults, the sound of thunder might just bring back memories of this Legendary bird Pokémon.

PAL: Gazing up at dark storm clouds gathering in the sky, many children must once have wondered if the Pokémon they just saw in the latest movie was lurking somewhere in their depths. An innocent and childish dream, perhaps...but even today as adults, the sound of thunder might just bring back memories of this Legendary Bird Pokémon.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Along with returning in the background of Prism Tower, Zapdos appears as a Spirit alongside Articuno and Moltres.

Music

This is a list of music associated with Zapdos in the Pokémon games.

Games	Location	Song name	Composition	Arrangement
US  UM	When battling Zapdos, Articuno, or Moltres	Battle! (Wild Pokémon)RGBY	Junichi Masuda	Junichi Masuda
Sw  Sh	When battling Galarian Zapdos, Galarian Articuno, or Galarian Moltres	Battle! (Legendary Bird Pokémon)	Gō Ichinose	Gō Ichinose
S  V	When battling Zapdos, Articuno, or Moltres	Battle! (Wild Pokémon)PE	Junichi Masuda	Shota Kageyama

Trivia

• In English, the category "Electric Pokémon" is shared by Elekid, Electabuzz, and Kantonian Zapdos.
  • In Japanese, Elekid has the category でんきポケモン Denki Pokémon (Electric Pokémon), while the other two Pokémon share the category でんげきポケモン Dengeki Pokémon (Electric Shock Pokémon).
• Out of all the Legendary Pokémon with fixed in-game locations, Zapdos can be obtained with the fewest number of Badges: two. The player can catch Zapdos with only the Boulder Badge and either the Cascade Badge^PE or the Soul Badge^RBY.
• Zapdos and Jolteon's Japanese names are almost exactly the same as each other's, with a final ～ス ~s being the only difference.
• Kantonian Zapdos possesses a type advantage over all of the other members of its trio, as well as Lugia, often viewed as the leader of the trio.
  • This is reversed for the trio's regional forms, with Galarian Zapdos possessing a type disadvantage against the other members and Lugia.
• In The Bridge Bike Gang, Chopper's bike is decorated to resemble a Zapdos.
• Zapdos's cry in Pokémon Journeys: The Series is the same as Lunala's, as seen in A Crackling Raid Battle!.
• Zapdos's English name was suggested by Bill Giese, who assisted in the naming of many Generation I Pokémon.
• Zapdos and the other two legendary birds had Australian beetle species named after them: Binburrum articuno, Binburrum zapdos, and Binburrum moltres. The three species were first described in 2020, and were collectively named after the Legendary birds to reflect their rarity.

Origin

Zapdos seems to be based on the Native American legend of the thunderbird, a spirit of thunder, lightning, and rain that took the form of a giant bird. The beating of the wings was said to create thunder. It may also have been based on the lightning bird, a bird created from wherever lightning hits the earth. Aesthetically, it may be based on hummingbirds, due to the long beak, the rather simple wings, and described violent behavior.

As suggested by the Pokédex entries, the three legendary birds appear to be embodiments of seasons, Zapdos represents summer, while Articuno and Moltres represent winter and spring, respectively. Autumn is however unrepresented.

Galarian Zapdos appears to be based on ratites, with kiwis in particular matching its brown feathers and long beak. Due to its speed, it may also be based on a roadrunner. Its powerful kicks might also draw influence from the secretarybird, a mostly terrestrial bird that hunts by stomping and kicking its prey. Its legs could also be derived from the English Pouter, a pigeon breed known for such. Its Shiny coloration is similar to Kantonian Zapdos's regular coloration.

Name origin

Zapdos is a combination of zap and dos (Spanish for two, indicating that it is the second in the series of Kanto legendary birds).

Thunder is literally thunder.

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese サンダー Thunder From thunder French Électhor From électrique and the Norse god of thunder Thor Spanish Zapdos Same as English name German Zapdos Same as English name Italian Zapdos Same as English name Korean 썬더 Sunder Transcription of Japanese name Mandarin Chinese 閃電鳥 / 闪电鸟 Shǎndiànniǎo From 閃電 / 闪电 shǎndiàn and 鳥 / 鸟 niǎo Cantonese Chinese 閃電鳥 Símdihnníuh* 雷鳥 Lèuihníuh* From 閃電 símdihn and 鳥 níuh From 雷 lèuih and 鳥 níuh

More languages Hindi ज़ैपडोस Zapdos Transcription of English name Russian Запдос Zapdos Transcription of English name Thai ธันเดอร์ Thandoe Transcription of Japanese name

See also

• Zapdos (M02)
• Zapdos (Adventures)
• Legendary birds
• Legendary Pokémon
• Regional form
• Myths and legends involving Legendary and Mythical Pokémon

External links

Galarian forms

See also: Regional forms (Alolan • Galarian • Hisuian • Paldean) • Ecologically similar Pokémon

Legendary Pokémon

Generation I

Generation II

Generation III

Generation IV

Generation V

Generation VI

Generation VII

Generation VIII

Generation IX

See also: Mythical Pokémon

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This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.