Zapdos Pokemon GO sprite
#0145

Zapdos

Max CP
3,987
Best
Thunder Shock
Thunder
Legendary Rainy Windy

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), Zapdos has a total stat product of 645.

Zapdos is weak to Ice, Rock-type moves. It resists Bug, Fighting, Flying, Grass, Ground, Steel-type attacks. 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

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

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

Raid Guide

Zapdos as Raid Boss

Not Currently in Raids

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

Best Counters to Beat Zapdos

Zapdos is weak to Ice, Rock-type moves, so counters with these move types will deal the most damage.

How to Get Zapdos

Zapdos can be encountered in the wild in Pokemon GO.

A Shadow version of Zapdos is available from Team GO Rocket. 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 Zapdos as your buddy earns 1 candy every 20.0 km.

Zapdos Catch CP

These are the possible CP values when encountering 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 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

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

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

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 Zapdos much better coverage in PvP battles.

Should I Invest in 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

Collector's Pick
Zapdos is a Electric/Flying-type Pokemon with base stats of 253/185/207 (Atk/Def/Sta) and a max CP of 3,987. While it doesn't currently rank among the top raid attackers or PvP contenders, every Pokemon has its place in a trainer's collection. Zapdos may shine during specific events, in limited-format cups, or when new moves are added in future updates. For now, hold onto a good IV specimen but save your Stardust and Candy for more impactful investments unless you're a dedicated fan of this Pokemon.

Shadow vs Regular: Shadow Zapdos deals 20% more damage but takes ~20% more. For raids, Shadow is generally the better investment. For PvP, evaluate matchups carefully — the bulk loss can be significant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best moveset for Zapdos in Pokemon GO?
Zapdos has multiple viable movesets depending on the battle format. Check the moves section above for full details.
What are Zapdos's weaknesses in Pokemon GO?
Zapdos is weak to Ice, Rock-type moves. On the other hand, Zapdos resists Bug, Fighting, Flying, Grass, Ground, Steel-type attacks.
What is Zapdos's max CP in Pokemon GO?
Zapdos's maximum CP is 3,987 at level 50 (with XL Candy), or 3,527 at level 40. A 100% IV 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 Zapdos?
A perfect 15/15/15 IV 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.
Is Shadow Zapdos better than regular?
Shadow Zapdos deals 20% more damage than its regular counterpart but also takes 20% more damage. For raids, Shadow Zapdos is generally better due to the higher DPS output. For PvP, it depends on the matchup — the extra damage taken can be a significant drawback in extended battles where survivability matters. Shadow Zapdos comes with Frustration, which should be replaced with a Charged TM before powering up.
How to get Zapdos in Pokemon GO?
Zapdos can be found in the wild, though it may be rare depending on your biome and current events. Zapdos can also be obtained through trading with other trainers.

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 Yes
2nd Charged Move 100,000 Dust / 100 Candy
Shadow Move Frustration
Purified Move Return
Purification Cost 20,000 Dust / 20 Candy