Zapdos is leaving Pokemon Go again in only a couple of days, making this your last chance to get one for the foreseeable future. The legendary thunder bird is appearing in gyms until this Thursday, July 14. Not only is this a good opportunity to add one to your collection if you’ve previously missed it, but you’ll also have a chance to catch a shiny Zapdos if you’re lucky.
Here are some tips to help you beat and catch the legendary bird before it leaves Pokemon Go.
Zapdos Raid Hours
Zapdos is appearing in five-star raid battles from July 7 to July 14, giving you one week to catch it before it leaves the rotation again.
Your best chance to encounter the legendary Pokemon will come on July 13, during Pokemon Go’s weekly Raid Hour event. More Zapdos raids will take place at gyms from 6 to 7 p.m. local time that evening, giving you more opportunities to challenge the legendary Pokemon.
Zapdos weaknesses
Thanks to its electric/flying type combination, Zapdos is weak to only two types of Pokemon: rock and ice. The former will be especially effective against the legendary Pokemon if they’re also part-ground, as they’ll take reduced damage from Zapdos’ electric-type attacks.
Best Zapdos counters
Here are some recommended Pokemon to use against Zapdos:
Rock
- Golem: Rock Throw, Stone Edge
- Tyranitar: Smack Down, Stone Edge
- Regirock: Rock Throw, Stone Edge
- Rhyperior: Smack Down, Rock Wrecker
- Rampardos: Smack Down, Rock Slide
- Terrakion: Smack Down, Rock Slide
Ice
- Articuno: Frost Breath, Ice Beam
- Mamoswine: Powder Snow, Avalanche
- Weavile: Ice Shard, Avalanche
- Glaceon: Frost Breath, Avalanche
- Galarian Darmanitan: Ice Fang, Avalanche
- Avalugg: Ice Fang, Avalanche
Best moveset for Zapdos
Zapdos’ best Fast Attack is Thunder Shock, but you have two good options when it comes to Charged Attack. Zap Cannon is a great choice if you want to take advantage of the Pokemon’s electric typing, while Drill Peck charges up more quickly and lets Zapdos hit fighting, grass and bug Pokemon super-effectively.
Pokemon Go still has a handful of events lined up before July ends, including Starly Community Day and new Spotlight Hours. You can see everything going on this month in our July events roundup.