airfare
OUPL Champion
Zapdos @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Static
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hurricane
- Volt Switch
- Heat Wave / Thunderbolt
- Roost
In addition to its usual defensive use in deterring contact attackers like Melmetal, Kartana, and Galarian Zapdos with Static, Zapdos has a spammable Hurricane and convenient coverage for a strong offensive presence. Hurricane hits the vast majority of the tier for powerful neutral damage and is extremely potent alongside moves targeting specific switch-ins. Volt Switch generates momentum against sturdy walls like Heatran, Galarian Slowking, and Blissey, while Heat Wave can hit Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Melmetal. Thunderbolt alternatively gives it more staying power against Toxapex and Slowking while offering a more accurate STAB option. Heavy-Duty Boots adds to its long-term pivoting, attacking, and tanking potential. Zapdos appreciates teammates like Heatran and Ferrothorn that can break through the bulkier structures it falters against, and it appreciates the insurance they offer against Kyurem, Weavile, and Dragapult. It also fits well alongside frail physical attackers like Kartana and Weavile, which take advantage of it pivoting out of specially defensive walls for wallbreaking opportunities.
Here's a replay from Smogon Champion's League showing how Zapdos can tear apart typical balance backbones with its strong coverage and easy entry courtesy of its typing. https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen8ou-584926
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