Abhi
Professional Zoomer
Zapdos-Galar @ Choice Band
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Brave Bird
- U-turn
- Stomping Tantrum / Thunderous Kick
Galarian Zapdos has recently started soaring in usage in OU with its effective Speed tier, bone-breaking Brave Bird, and cranium-crushing Close Combat, which make it very difficult to switch into safely because very few Pokemon resist its STAB combination. Stomping Tantrum makes Tapu Koko, one of the few Pokemon that resist its STAB moves, more wary of switching in. Thunderous Kick is a viable alternative over Stomping Tantrum, giving Galarian Zapdos a weaker yet safer Fighting-type STAB move, and it also has the ability to beat Pokemon like Corviknight, which can normally spam Roost, with the Defense drops. Galarian Zapdos's ability to take advantage of Defog with Defiant makes entry hazard setters like Ferrothorn and Landorus-T great partners. These Pokemon also provide Galarian Zapdos defensive utility by checking revenge killers like Tapu Koko, and Dragapult. Pokemon like Zeraora and Tapu Koko, which can take advantage of Landorus-T's high usage and lure it in, benefit Galarian Zapdos by helping it activate Defiant. Future Sight users like Galarian Slowking and Slowbro boost Galarian Zapdos's wallbreaking power, with Galarian Slowking also giving it defensive utility against foes like Zapdos and Slowbro providing a safe switch with Teleport.
Here's a replay from SCL showcasing Galarian Zapdos:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen8ou-584903
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