Zapdos (Pokémon)

For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
← #144: Articuno	Pokémon	#146: Moltres →
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Zapdos (disambiguation).

Zapdos Electric Pokémon サンダー Thunder #145 Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type Electric Flying Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Abilities Pressure Cacophony Cacophony Static Hidden Ability Cacophony Hidden Ability Cacophony Cacophony Lightning Rod Hidden Ability Gen. V*
Gender ratio Gender unknown	Catch rate 3 (1.6%)
Breeding Egg Group Undiscovered Hatch time 80 cycles Egg not obtainable
Height 5'03" 1.6 m Zapdos 0'0" 0 m {{{form2}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form3}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form4}}}	Weight 116.0 lbs. 52.6 kg Zapdos 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form2}}} 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 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 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed
Shape	Footprint {{{form2}}}
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.

It is not 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.

In the anime

In the main series

Zapdos in the anime

Major appearances

Zapdos (M02)

Zapdos debuted in The Power of One. Lawrence III wanted to capture the three Legendary birds, as well as their master Lugia, for his own personal collection.

Other

Zapdos made its main series debut 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 sidetracked when Zapdos showed up and they changed their objective to capture Zapdos instead.

The Mirage Master briefly wielded the power of a Mirage Zapdos in The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon.

A Zapdos appeared in An Electrifying Rage!. It was first seen flying across the sky by Ash and his friends. Team Rocket later made an attempt to capture Zapdos, which infuriated it, forcing Ash to battle it with Talonflame, Hawlucha, and newly-evolved Noivern. When Team Rocket continued their attempt, Noivern and Pikachu helped save Zapdos and calm it down.

Minor appearances

A Zapdos appeared in Team Rocket's fantasy in An EGG-sighting Adventure!.

A Zapdos appeared in the ending credits of Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea. Jackie captured it with a Capture Styler and flew away on its back.

A Zapdos made a cameo appearance in Doc Brock!. This may have been taken from Pokémon Platinum, where a Zapdos could be seen roaming throughout Sinnoh.

A Zapdos made a cameo appearance in a flashback in Dealing With a Fierce Double Ditto Drama!, and both of Narissa's Ditto transformed into it.

A Zapdos made a cameo appearance in the opening sequence of Lucario and the Mystery of Mew.

A Zapdos made a brief cameo in the opening sequence of The Rise of Darkrai, where it was seen flying across the sky.

A Zapdos appeared in a flashback in Dealing With a Fierce Double Ditto Drama!.

A Zapdos made a cameo appearance in the opening sequence of Zoroark: Master of Illusions.

A Zapdos appeared in I Choose You!.

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.

Zapdos in Pokémon Origins

Zapdos in Pokémon Generations

In Pokémon Origins

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

In Pokémon Generations

A wild Zapdos appeared in The Adventure, where it briefly flew by during a battle between Red's Pikachu and a wild Caterpie.

In the manga

Zapdos in Pokémon Adventures

In the movie adaptations

Main article: Zapdos (M02)

Zapdos appears in the manga adaptation of The Power of One by Tanigami Toshio.

In the Pocket Monsters HGSS Jō's Big Adventure manga

A Zapdos appeared as a silhouette in JBA5.

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Main article: Zapdos (Adventures)

Having captured this Legendary bird in the abandoned Power Plant in Holy Moltres as in the games, Lt. Surge appears with Zapdos in his team during the events of Volume 3, using it as a never-ending power source for his Electric types, allowing them to continually shock Red at full force, a strategy that turns against him when Red uses Saur's Razor Leaf to cut the supply cords and his insulating underwear with them. After having been merged with Articuno and Moltres into an undiscovered Pokémon, the three Pallet Town Trainers are able to defeat the combined monster, so it leaves his team, and Team Rocket afterwards to go back to the wild.

Green later captures Zapdos before the Gold, Silver & Crystal arc and uses it against Will and Karen, having caught it and its Legendary bird companions on her personal training journey to overcome her fear of birds. During this battle, it is lent to Blue when things get rough. Once returned, it is put back in its Poké Ball and isn't seen again, meaning it has either been deposited into her box or released.

In the Pokémon Battrio: Aim to be Battrio Master! manga

A Zapdos appeared in ABM01.

In the Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All manga

A Zapdos appeared in GDZ74.

In the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Ginji's Rescue Team manga

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!!.

In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga

Zapdos debuted in Regain the Deserted Power Plant!.

A Zapdos appeared in Get Lugia!.

A Zapdos appeared in PMDP11.

In the Pokémon Zensho manga

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.

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

Zapdos appears as a Spirit alongside Articuno and Moltres.

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(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 cause savage thunderstorms by flapping its glittering wings.

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 inside thunder clouds. It can freely control thunder. Pearl Platinum A legendary Pokémon that is said to live in thunderclouds. It freely controls lightning bolts. HeartGold This legendary bird Pokémon cause 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 This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Generation VIII.

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) (16 Badges required) 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 Unobtainable

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 Shuffle Expert Stage: Stage EX5 Rumble World Fairy Land: Ancient Stronghold (Special Boss) Super MD Yellow Point Picross Area 20: Stage 13

In events

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

Held Items

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

Stats

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.

Pokéathlon stats

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

Type effectiveness

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×.

Learnset

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!

By leveling up

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

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 011 Peck Flying Physical 03535 100100% 35 011 Thunder Shock Electric Special 04040 100100% 30 088 Thunder Wave Electric Status 0000— 09090% 20 1616 Leer Normal Status 0000— 100100% 30 2424 Drill Peck Flying Physical 08080 100100% 20 3232 Thunderbolt Electric Special 09090 100100% 15 4040 Agility Psychic Status 0000— 00——% 30 4848 Light Screen Psychic Status 0000— 00——% 30 5656 Roost Flying Status 0000— 00——% 10 6464 Thunder Electric Special 110110 07070% 10 7272 Sky Attack Flying Physical 200200 09090% 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

By TM/HM

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

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  TM01 TM01 Headbutt Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 15 TM05 TM05 Rest Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM06 TM06 Light Screen Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 30 TM07 TM07 Protect Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM08 TM08 Substitute Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM09 TM09 Reflect Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TM12 TM12 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM14 TM14 Fly Flying Physical 09090 095}}95% 15 TM16 TM16 Thunder Wave Electric Status 0000— 090}}90% 20 TM18 TM18 U-turn Bug Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM27 TM27 Toxic Poison Status 0000— 090}}90% 10 TM36 TM36 Thunderbolt Electric Special 09090 100}}100% 15 TM38 TM38 Thunder Electric Special 110110 070}}70% 10 TM48 TM48 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5 TM50 TM50 Roost Flying Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10

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 TM moves from other generations

Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

By leveling up

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

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 011 Peck Flying Physical 03535 100100% 35 011 Thunder Shock Electric Special 04040 100100% 30 088 Thunder Wave Electric Status 0000— 09090% 20 1515 Detect Fighting Status 0000— ——% 5 2222 Pluck Flying Physical 06060 100100% 20 2929 Ancient Power Rock Special 06060 100100% 5 3636 Charge Electric Status 0000— ——% 20 4343 Agility Psychic Status 0000— ——% 30 5050 Discharge Electric Special 08080 100100% 15 5757 Rain Dance Water Status 0000— ——% 5 6464 Light Screen Psychic Status 0000— ——% 30 7171 Drill Peck Flying Physical 08080 100100% 20 7878 Thunder Electric Special 110110 07070% 10 8585 Roost Flying Status 0000— ——% 10 9292 Magnetic Flux Electric Status 0000— ——% 20 9999 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

By TM/HM

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

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  TM05 TM05 Roar Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 20 TM06 TM06 Toxic Poison Status 0000— 090}}90% 10 TM10 TM10 Hidden Power Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15 TM11 TM11 Sunny Day Fire Status 0000— —}}—% 5 TM15 TM15 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5 TM16 TM16 Light Screen Psychic Status 0000— —}}—% 30 TM17 TM17 Protect Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM18 TM18 Rain Dance Water Status 0000— —}}—% 5 TM19 TM19 Roost Flying Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM21 TM21 Frustration Normal Physical 0000— 100}}100% 20 TM24 TM24 Thunderbolt Electric Special 09090 100}}100% 15 TM25 TM25 Thunder Electric Special 110110 070}}70% 10 TM27 TM27 Return Normal Physical 0000— 100}}100% 20 TM32 TM32 Double Team Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 15 TM37 TM37 Sandstorm Rock Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM40 TM40 Aerial Ace Flying Physical 06060 —}}—% 20 TM42 TM42 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM44 TM44 Rest Psychic Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM48 TM48 Round Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15 TM51 TM51 Steel Wing Steel Physical 07070 090}}90% 25 TM57 TM57 Charge Beam Electric Special 05050 090}}90% 10 TM58 TM58 Sky Drop Flying Physical 06060 100}}100% 10 TM68 TM68 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 090}}90% 5 TM72 TM72 Volt Switch Electric Special 07070 100}}100% 20 TM73 TM73 Thunder Wave Electric Status 0000— 090}}90% 20 TM76 TM76 Fly Flying Physical 09090 095}}95% 15 TM87 TM87 Swagger Normal Status 0000— 085}}85% 15 TM88 TM88 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM89 TM89 U-turn Bug Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM90 TM90 Substitute Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM93 TM93 Wild Charge Electric Physical 09090 100}}100% 15 XTM100 TM100 Confide Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 20

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 TM moves from other generations

By breeding

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

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 in Generation VII Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation. Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Zapdos in that game. 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

By tutoring

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

Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  S M US UM Defog Flying Status — —% 15 S M US UM Heat Wave Fire Special 95 90% 10 S M US UM Laser Focus Normal Status — —% 30 S M US UM Shock Wave Electric Special 60 —% 20 S M US UM Signal Beam Bug Special 75 100% 15 S M US UM Sky Attack Flying Physical 140 90% 5 S M US UM Snore Normal Special 50 100% 15 S M US UM Tailwind Flying Status — —% 15

A black or white abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Zapdos can be tutored the move in that game A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Zapdos cannot be tutored the move in that game 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 Move Tutor moves from other generations

Side game data

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 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 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*

Evolution

Unevolved Zapdos  Electric  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

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

Trivia

• Of all Legendary Pokémon with fixed in-game locations, Zapdos can be obtained with the fewest number of Badges: 2. The player can catch Zapdos with only the Boulder Badge and either the Cascade Badge^PE or the Soul Badge^RBY.
• Zapdos shares its category with Elekid and Electabuzz. They are all known as the Electric Pokémon.
• Zapdos and Jolteon's Japanese names are almost exactly the same as each other's, with a final s being the only difference.
• Zapdos possesses a type advantage over all other members of its trio, as well as its trio master, Lugia.
• In the anime episode The Bridge Bike Gang, Chopper's bike was decorated to look like a Zapdos.

Origin

Zapdos may 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.

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 A combination of électrique and Thor, the Norse god of thunder Spanish Zapdos Same as English name German Zapdos Same as English name Italian Zapdos Same as English name Korean 썬더 Sunder Transliteration of Japanese name Mandarin Chinese 閃電鳥 / 闪电鸟 Shǎndiànniǎo Literally "Lightning bird" Cantonese Chinese 雷鳥 Lèuihníuh Literally "Thunder bird"

More languages Hindi ज़ॅपडोस Zapdos Transcription of English name Russian Запдос Zapdos Transcription of English name

Related articles

• Zapdos (M02)
• Zapdos (Adventures)
• Legendary birds
• Legendary Pokémon

External links

• Article on Wikipedia

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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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.