Shadow Zapdos Pokemon GO sprite Shadow
#0145

Shadow Zapdos

Shadow
B
Tier B Electric Attacker
#11 overall · 16.909 DPS
Max CP
3,987
Best
Thunder Shock
Zap Cannon
Legendary Rainy Windy

Shadow Zapdos is a Legendary Electric/Flying-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO, originally from the Kanto region (#145, Generation 1). With a max CP of 3,987 and base stats of 253/185/207 (Atk/Def/Sta), Shadow Zapdos has a total stat product of 645. Shadow Zapdos's best moveset is Thunder Shock and Zap Cannon, making it a competitive Electric-type attacker for raids.

Shadow Zapdos is weak to Ice, Rock-type moves. It resists Bug, Fighting, Flying, Grass, Ground, Steel-type attacks. Shadow Zapdos is a 20.0 km buddy Pokemon.

Stats

Max CP
3,987
Lv.40: 3,527 Lv.50: 3,987
Attack 253
Defense 185
Stamina 207
Total 645
Buddy 20.0 km Gen 1 · Kanto 2nd Move: 100,000 Dust · 100 Candy

Rankings

Raid Attacker
Electric Attacker
B
#11
16.9
DPS
367
TDO
Thunder Shock
Zap Cannon
Flying Attacker
A
#18
16.6
DPS
361
TDO
Thunder Shock
Drill Peck

Moves

Fast Moves

Electric
7
DPS
7.0 PWR 14 EN 1.0s DUR 14 EPS Rainy
Electric
Thunder Shock STAB Elite
8
DPS
4.0 PWR 7 EN 0.5s DUR 14 EPS Rainy

Charged Moves

Rock
20
DPS
70.0 PWR 33 EN 3.5s DUR
Flying
Drill Peck STAB
28
DPS
70.0 PWR 33 EN 2.5s DUR
Electric
Thunder STAB
40
DPS
100.0 PWR 100 EN 2.5s DUR
Electric
32
DPS
80.0 PWR 50 EN 2.5s DUR
Electric
Zap Cannon STAB Buff
40
DPS
140.0 PWR 100 EN 3.5s DUR

Best Moveset Analysis

For raids and gym battles, Shadow Zapdos's best offensive moveset is Thunder Shock combined with Zap Cannon, achieving 16.9 DPS and 367 TDO as a Electric-type attacker (ranked #11, Tier B). Alternatively, Shadow Zapdos can serve as a Flying-type attacker with Thunder Shock and Drill Peck (#18, Tier A).

Among fast moves, the highest DPS option is Thunder Shock (8 DPS), while Charge Beam generates energy the fastest (14 EPS).

Raid Guide

Shadow Zapdos as Raid Boss

Not Currently in Raids

Shadow Zapdos is not currently available as a raid boss. When Shadow Zapdos returns to raids, here are the best counters to defeat it. A 100% IV Shadow Zapdos from raids would have 2015 CP at level 20, or 2519 CP at level 25 with weather boost.

How to Get Shadow Zapdos

Shadow Zapdos can be encountered in the wild in Pokemon GO.

A Shadow version of Shadow Zapdos is available from Team GO Rocket. Shadow Shadow Zapdos knows Frustration as its charged move, which can be removed with a Charged TM. Purifying costs 20,000 Stardust and 20 Candy, and the purified form learns Return. Walking Shadow Zapdos as your buddy earns 1 candy every 20.0 km.

Shadow Zapdos Catch CP

These are the possible CP values when encountering Shadow Zapdos in different scenarios. The range shows minimum (lowest IV floor) to maximum (100% perfect IV).

Wild Catch
Level 1–30
90 – 3,048 CP
Wild (Weather Boost)
Level 1–35
90 – 3,300 CP
Raid Catch
Level 20
1,979 – 2,065 CP
Raid (Weather Boost)
Level 25
2,461 – 2,569 CP
Egg Hatch
Level 20
1,979 – 2,065 CP
Research Encounter
Level 15
1,496 – 1,562 CP
GO Battle League
Level 20
1,979 – 2,065 CP

A 100% IV Shadow Zapdos from raids or eggs will show 2,015 CP at level 20. If you see this number, don't hesitate — it's a perfect catch!

Trainer Tips

Shadow Zapdos is a Electric/Flying-type Pokemon with a stat total of 645. With its high Attack stat (253), Shadow Zapdos is best suited for offensive roles in both raids and PvP.

Watch out for Ice, Rock-type moves when using Shadow Zapdos. These types deal super effective damage that can cut into Shadow Zapdos's performance.

Shadow Zapdos's moves get a damage boost in Rainy and Windy weather. Take advantage of weather conditions to maximize your DPS in raids and gym battles.

Unlocking a second charged move costs 100,000 Stardust and 100 Candy. With 5 charged moves available, a second move gives Shadow Zapdos much better coverage in PvP battles.

Should I Invest in Shadow Zapdos?

Power-Up Costs

Level 20 → 40 (Standard)
135,000 Stardust
15 Candy
Level 40 → 50 (XL Candy)
0 Stardust
0 XL Candy
Total (20 → 50)
135,000 Stardust

Verdict

Situational
Shadow Zapdos is a solid but not elite Electric-type attacker, sitting at Tier B (#11) in raid performance. With a max CP of 3,987 and base stats of 253/185/207, it can fill a role on your team if you lack stronger Electric-type counters. The best moveset is Thunder Shock paired with Zap Cannon. Consider investing if you need a Electric-type attacker now, but hold off on XL Candy investment as better alternatives exist. A useful stepping stone rather than an endgame pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best moveset for Shadow Zapdos in Pokemon GO?
Shadow Zapdos's best moveset is Thunder Shock (fast) and Zap Cannon (charged), providing 16.9 DPS as a Electric-type attacker.
What are Shadow Zapdos's weaknesses in Pokemon GO?
Shadow Zapdos is weak to Ice, Rock-type moves. On the other hand, Shadow Zapdos resists Bug, Fighting, Flying, Grass, Ground, Steel-type attacks.
What is Shadow Zapdos's max CP in Pokemon GO?
Shadow Zapdos's maximum CP is 3,987 at level 50 (with XL Candy), or 3,527 at level 40. A 100% IV Shadow Zapdos caught from raids or eggs (level 20) will have 2,015 CP, or 2,519 CP with weather boost (level 25).
What CP is a 100% IV Shadow Zapdos?
A perfect 15/15/15 IV Shadow Zapdos has the following CP at key levels: 1,511 CP at level 15 (research encounters), 2,015 CP at level 20 (raid and egg catches), 2,519 CP at level 25 (weather-boosted raids), and 3,987 CP at level 50 fully powered up.
How to get Shadow Zapdos in Pokemon GO?
Shadow Zapdos can be found in the wild, though it may be rare depending on your biome and current events.

Max CP per Level

L1 49 CP
L5 475 CP
L10 1,008 CP
L15 1,511 CP
L20 2,015 CP
L25 2,519 CP
L30 3,023 CP
L35 3,275 CP
L40 3,527 CP
L50 3,987 CP

Pokedex Info

Pokedex Number #145
Generation Gen 1
Region Kanto
Height 1.60 m
Weight 52.60 kg
Buddy Distance 20.0 km
Tradable No
2nd Charged Move 100,000 Dust / 100 Candy
Shadow Move Frustration
Purified Move Return
Purification Cost 20,000 Dust / 20 Candy