Zapdos (Pokémon)

← #144: Articuno

Pokémon

#146: Moltres →

Zapdos サンダー Thunder #145
Artwork from FR/LG
Type Electric Flying Unknown Unknown Blue-Striped Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown	Category Electric Pokémon
Ability Pressure Blue-Striped -----	Exp. at Lv. 100 1,250,000
Regional Pokédex numbers Kanto #145 Johto #236 Hoenn #300 Sinnoh — Unova Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers Fiore R— Almia R— Oblivia
Height 5'03" Imperial 1.6 m Metric 5'03"/1.6 m Red-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m Blue-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m
Weight 116.0 lbs. Imperial 52.6 kg Metric 116.0 lbs./52.6 kg Red-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg Blue-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg
Dex color Yellow	Catch rate 3 (0.4%)
Body style Blue-Striped	Footprint      Blue-Striped
Gender ratio Gender unknown Unknown Gender unknown
Breeding Undiscovered group 81 cycles* (20655 minimum steps)
EV yield HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 3 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 Base Exp.: 216 Battle Exp.: 2161*
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.

It is not known to evolve into or from any other Pokémon.

It is, along with Articuno and Moltres, one of the three legendary birds of Kanto.

Biology

Physiology

Zapdos has the form of a large bird with black and yellow plumage. Its spiky feathers make it look like it is made of lightning. Its tail feathers stick out in several directions, furthering this illusion. A large crest of feathers decorates its head, and distinctive black rings encircle its eyes. Its beak is very long and thin. While Zapdos is the smallest and lightest of the legendary birds, it is still a fairly large Pokémon.

Gender differences

Zapdos is a genderless species.

Special abilities

When Zapdos flaps its glittering wings, it releases electricity, potentially causing thunderstorms.

Behavior

Zapdos is one of the legendary birds of Kanto. It is a poorly understood species, believed by many to be pure myth. It is always seen in conjunction with thunderstorms, leading many to believe that it gathers energy from the electricity in the atmosphere. It is also reported to cause massive crackling and snapping sounds when it flies; these are contributed to the lightning bolts it is said to shed when airborne.

Habitat

File:Rare.gif

Rare Pokémon

Zapdos is usually always seen during electrical storms, and appears to live in thunderclouds. One is said to live in an abandoned power plant in Kanto. It can be construed that it is attracted by the electricity of the plant. They are extremely rare.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

In the anime

File:Capture13.png

Zapdos in The Power of One

The first time Zapdos was seen was in Island of the Giant Pokémon. However, it wasn't a real Zapdos, just a machine.

Later, in The Bike Bridge Gang, the gang's leader rode a Zapdos-like bike.

Zapdos made its first true appearance in The Power of One. Lawrence III wanted to capture the three Kanto Legendary Birds as well as Lugia.

The Thunderbird Pokémon made another appearance in As Clear As Crystal. When Team Rocket made an attempt to steal a crystal that gave a lake the ability to heal Electric-type Pokémon, they were side-tracked when Zapdos showed up and changed their objective to capture Zapdos instead.

A Zapdos made an appearance in the credits of Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea. Jackie had captured it with a Capture Styler and flew away on it.

A Zapdos made a cameo appearance in Doc Brock!. This may have been taken from Pokémon Platinum, where in this version, there is a Zapdos roaming Sinnoh.

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.

In the manga

Pokémon Special

Lt. Surge appears with Zapdos in his team during the events of Template:PSV, using it as a neverending power source for his Electric-types. It leaves his team, and Team Rocket, once he and Sabrina are defeated.

Blue later captures Zapdos and uses it against Will and Karen, having caught it on her personal training journey to overcome her fear of birds.

In the TCG

Main article: Zapdos (TCG)

Other appearances

Super Smash Bros. Melee

When released from a Poké Ball, Zapdos uses a powerful ThunderShock 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.

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

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red 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 thunderstorm. It flies with the buzz and crack of electricity.
Generation II Gold This legendary bird Pokémon cause 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 cause savage thunderstorms by flapping its glittering wings.
Generation III 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 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. 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 Diamond A legendary Pokémon that is said to live inside thunder clouds. It can freely control thunder. Pearl A legendary Pokémon that is said to live inside thunder clouds. It can freely control thunder. Platinum A legendary Pokémon that is said to live in thunderclouds. It freely controls lightning bolts. HeartGold {{{heartgolddex}}} SoulSilver {{{soulsilverdex}}}
Generation V Black {{{blackdex}}} White {{{whitedex}}} Black 2 {{{black2dex}}} White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI X Unknown Y Unknown

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red Blue One Power Plant Blue (Japan) None Trade Yellow One Power Plant
Generation II Gold Silver None Time Capsule Crystal None Time Capsule
Generation III Ruby Sapphire None Trade Emerald None Trade FireRed LeafGreen One Power Plant Colosseum None Trade XD One Citadark Isle (Shadow)
Generation IV Diamond Pearl None Trade Platinum One Roaming Sinnoh HeartGold SoulSilver None Trade Pal Park Mountain Pokéwalker None
Generation V Black White None Trade Black 2 White 2 None Trade Dream World None
Generation VI X Y None Trade

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Snap	Tunnel
Pokémon Trozei!	Random Agent Cards Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red/Blue Rescue Team	Mt. Thunder Peak (3F)
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time/Darkness	Amp Plains (7F) (with Mystery Part or Secret Slab in the bag)

Base stats

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.

Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation V, 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× 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× 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× 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× 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 2×.

Learnset

By leveling up

|- style="text-align:center" | style="text-align:left" | electric | style="background:#81B9EF" |  flying 

| style=" background:#FFF" | 4 | style=" background:#FFF" | 1 | style=" background:#FFF" | Zapdos | style="display:none; background:#FFF" | {{{6}}} Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Movelist/note

By breeding

None.

By tutoring

|- style="background:#FCD659" | colspan="13" | Bold indicates a move that gets STAB
Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only from an Evolution of this Pokémon
A colored initial indicates that the move is not available to be tutored in this game,
while a colored background indicates that the move is available. |} |}

Special moves

Shadow moves	<span style="color:#{{{2}}};">Level 50+	Purified moves
Shadow Bolt	File:Box xd 145.png	Baton Pass	Normal
Shadow Rush		Metal Sound	Steel
Shadow Shed		Extrasensory	Psychic
Shadow Sky		Thunderbolt	Electric

Sprites

Gen	Game
I	Red	Blue	Yellow		Red (Ja)	Green	Back
II	Gold	Silver	Crystal				Back
III	Ruby	Sapphire	Emerald		FireRed	LeafGreen	Back
IV	Diamond	Pearl	Platinum		HeartGold	SoulSilver	Back
V	Black	White	Black 2	White 2			Back

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

Trivia

• In Generation I, Zapdos was the only dual-type Electric Pokémon. This was changed in Generation II with the addition of Template:Type2 to the Magnemite line and the introduction of the Chinchou family.
• Although legendaries cannot breed, in Pokémon Snap Zapdos and the other birds hatch from eggs.
• Zapdos shares the same species name with Elekid and Electabuzz. They are all known as Electric Pokémon.
• Zapdos and Jolteon have almost the same Japanese name, a final s being the only difference.
• In Generation I, Zapdos had a different base stat total (490) then the other members of its trio - Articuno had 485 and Moltres had 495. Since of Generation II, due to the Special Attack/Defense split, all three legendary birds have had a base stat total of 580.
• Zapdos and the Chinchou evolution family (without Volt Absorb) are the only Template:Type2 Pokémon that receive neutral damage from Electric-type moves.
• Zapdos is the only one of the legendary birds to not have a double weakness to Rock.
• It is so far the only dual-type Electric/Flying Pokémon.
• Zapdos is the only one of the legendary birds not to have a season mentioned in its Pokédex entries. Articuno is said to bring winter, and Moltres is said to bring spring.
  • However, many Pokédex entries state that Zapdos is able to bring and control summer storms.
• The Generation I back sprite for Zapdos is the only one not to show its face.

Origin

Zapdos is based on the Native American legend of the thunderbird. The thunderbird was known for being the spirit of thunder, lightning, and rain in the form of a giant bird. The beating of the wings was said to create thunder.

Name origin

Zapdos's name is a combination of the word zap and the Spanish word for two, dos, indicating that it is the second in the series of Kanto legendary birds. Its Japanese name is simply Thunder.

In other languages

• German: Zapdos
• French: Electhor - A combination of electric and Thor, the Norse god of thunder.
• Korean: 썬더 Thunder

Related articles

• Legendary birds
• Zapdos (The Power of One)

External links

• Thunderstruck, the fanlisting for Zapdos.

Notes

Legendary Pokémon

Generation I

Generation II

Generation III

Generation IV

Generation V

Generation VI

Generation VII

Generation VIII

Generation IX

See also: Mythical Pokémon

Super Smash Bros. series Games: Super Smash Bros. • Super Smash Bros. Melee • Super Smash Bros. Brawl Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U • Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Characters: Pikachu • Jigglypuff • Mewtwo • Pichu Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle • Ivysaur • Charizard) • Lucario • Greninja • Incineroar Stages: Saffron City • Pokémon Stadium • Poké Floats • Pokémon Stadium 2 • Spear Pillar Prism Tower • Unova Pokémon League • Kalos Pokémon League Poké Ball and Master Ball: Abomasnow • Abra • Alolan Exeggutor • Alolan Raichu • Alolan Vulpix • Arceus • Articuno • Beedrill Bellossom • Bewear • Blastoise • Bonsly • Celebi • Chansey • Charizard • Chespin • Chikorita • Clefairy Cyndaquil • Darkrai • Dedenne • Deoxys • Ditto • Eevee • Electrode • Entei • Fennekin Fletchling • Gardevoir • Genesect • Giratina • Gogoat • Goldeen • Groudon • Gulpin • Hitmonlee Ho-Oh • Inkay • Jirachi • Keldeo • Koffing • Kyogre • Kyurem • Latias and Latios Lugia • Lunala • Manaphy • Marill • Marshadow • Meloetta • Meowth • Mew • Metagross • Mimikyu Moltres • Munchlax • Onix • Oshawott • Palkia • Piplup • Porygon2 • Pyukumuku • Raikou • Scizor • Snivy Snorlax • Solgaleo • Spewpa • Staryu • Starmie • Suicune • Swirlix • Tapu Koko • Togedemaru • Togepi Torchic • Unown • Venusaur • Victini • Vulpix • Weavile • Weezing • Wobbuffet • Xerneas • Zapdos • Zoroark Collectables: Trophies (Melee • Brawl • for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U) Stickers Spirits Misc: The Subspace Emissary • My Music • Final Smash • Pokémon Change • Brawl cameos

← #144: Articuno

Pokémon

#146: Moltres →

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.