Immunity

The wielder cannot be poisoned.

Zangoose
Toxic Boost
Attack is increased by 50% when poisoned.

Type

Normal

Level 100 Statistics (see

level 5, 50, 100)

Min- Min Max Max+

HP 73 - 287 350 -
Atk 115 239 266 329 361
Def 60 140 156 219 240
SpA 60 140 156 219 240
SpD 60 140 156 219 240
Spe 90 194 216 279 306
 Neverused
 Rarelyused

Overview
Zangoose is a fearsome wallbreaker thanks to its perfect coverage and its ability, Toxic
Boost. It has access to Swords Dance, and it's known for being able to nearly OHKO
the entire tier after one turn of setup. Priority is also a highlighted trait on Zangoose;
its Quick Attack can OHKO Jynx after Stealth Rock and can nearly KO -1 Primeape.
Unfortunately, Zangoose is quite frail, and it does not like to take even neutral hits, so
it can be difficult to set up Swords Dance and activate Toxic Orb unscathed. Zangoose
is hindered not only by Toxic Orb putting it on a timer, but also by the prevalence of
priority in the tier, such as from Kangaskhan, Carracosta, Gurdurr, and Skuntank. It
also faces competition from fellow status Orb sweepers, specifically Swellow and
Ursaring; the former is faster but has poorer coverage, and the latter can be faster or
stronger than Zangoose with its abilities, but Zangoose possesses a mixture of both.

Name Item Ability

All-Out Toxic Orb Toxic Boost

Attacker
Moveset EVs

~ Facade 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 2

~ Close Combat
~ Night Slash
~ Quick Attack

This set acts as a wallbreaker, as it's able to break down NU's most sturdiest walls.
Facade becomes a powerful move after Toxic Orb is activated, reaching a Base Power
of 210 when STAB is factored in. Close Combat grants additional coverage on Rock-
and Steel-types that resist Facade, such as Golem, Regirock, and Probopass. Night
Slash completes Zangoose's coverage, as it is able to hit Ghost-types, specifically
Golurk and Misdreavus, which would otherwise be able to switch freely into any other
move Zangoose has. Finally, Zangoose has access to Quick Attack, which allows it to
defeat weakened, faster opponents, such as Jynx and Primeape.

Team Options & Additional Comments >>>

Name Item Ability

Swords Toxic Orb Toxic Boost

Dance

Moveset EVs

~ Swords Dance 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 2

~ Facade
~ Close Combat
~ Quick Attack / Night Slash

This set, if used properly, can nearly OHKO the entire tier after a boost. Factoring in
Swords Dance, Zangoose hits 658 Attack with a Jolly nature. A +2 Toxic-boosted
Facade will OHKO Alomomola and can possibly OHKO Tangela. However, due to its
frailty, Zangoose struggles to set up Swords Dance; in the long run, it might not even
be worth the hassle to set it up. Close Combat will demolish Rock- and Steel-types,
such as Bastiodon, Carracosta, and Gigalith. The fourth move depends on what
Pokemon Zangoose wants to defeat. Quick Attack allows Zangoose to bypass faster
Pokemon that try to revenge kill it, but it is then walled by Ghost-types. Night Slash
permits Zangoose to hit Ghost-types, but it is then checked by faster Pokemon such as
Primeape, Jynx, and Scolipede.

Team Options & Additional Comments >>>

Other Options
Zangoose has a few other options, but it should generally be running its standard
moveset. Pursuit allows Zangoose to trap fleeing Ghost- and Psychic-types, although
it's ideally better to just run Night Slash. Zangoose has access to all of the elemental
punches, but they don't add additional coverage. The only notable one is Ice Punch,
which allows it to OHKO Torterra. Zangoose has access to a wonderful specially
offensive movepool with powerful moves such as Fire Blast, Ice Beam, and
Thunderbolt, but they're unusable because of Zangoose's low base 60 Special Attack.
Final Gambit with max HP will generally allow Zangoose to take down one Pokemon,
but that wastes its potential. Taunt is interesting, as it'll stop walls such as Alomomola
and Musharna from recovering health. Finally, other items, such as Choice Band, Life
Orb, Choice Scarf, and Silk Scarf, can replace Toxic Orb if you can predict a Toxic, but
it is an unwise decision; predicting a Toxic that Zangoose can switch into is very
difficult and unlikely, making it not worth the risk to run another item.

Checks and Counters

Very few Pokemon can outright counter Zangoose. With that being said, Metang is a
perfect counter, as it isn't weak to Close Combat and can take down Zangoose with
Meteor Mash. Any relatively bulky Pokemon, such as Gurdurr, Golurk, and Piloswine,
can take an unboosted hit and strike back with their STAB moves. Furthermore, faster
Pokemon that can take a Quick Attack can check Zangoose; Tauros, Scolipede, and
Haunter are good examples. Priority users such as Carracosta, Kangaskhan, Swellow,
and Golem can take down a weakened Zangoose. Walls such as Tangela and
Alomomola can take on Zangoose one-on-one, with the former being able to take any
of Zangoose's hits while striking back with Giga Drain, and the latter is able to Toxic
stall Zangoose; however, they must be wary of a Swords Dance-boosted attack. Before
Zangoose activates its Toxic Orb, many Pokemon can easily tank a hit and KO it, as
Zangoose lacks the power from Toxic Boost as well as a double-powered Facade.

Pressure
Enemy attacks lose one extra PP. Increases wild encounter rate.
Zapdos
Lightningrod
When hit with an Electric-type move, Special Attack is boosted b
Pokemon.

Type

Electric / Flying

Level 100 Statistics (see

level 5, 50, 100)

Min- Min Max Max+

HP 90 - 321 384 -
Atk 90 194 216 279 306
 Level 100 Statistics (see
level 5, 50, 100)

Min- Min Max Max+

Def 85 185 206 269 295
SpA 125 257 286 349 383
SpD 90 194 216 279 306
Spe 100 212 236 299 328
 Underused
 Overused
 VGC '12
 Doubles

Overview
Zapdos is one of the strongest special attackers in the UU tier, and one glance at its
stats should tell you why. An enormous base 125 Special Attack makes Zapdos hit like
a truck, and base 100 Speed allows it to outspeed many of the common attackers in
the UU tier such as Darmanitan, Heracross, and Nidoking. Furthermore, Zapdos has
outstanding versatility, being able to run solid offensive, defensive, and Choice sets.
Very few Pokemon are safe from Zapdos's wrath since the electric fury can attack with
nearly perfect coverage in just Thunderbolt, Heat Wave, and a Hidden Power of choice.

Unfortunately, Zapdos has its limitations. For starters, the dedicated special walls of
UU, such as Umbreon and Snorlax, have no problem shrugging off even Zapdos's most
powerful attacks and recovering away the damage. Also, even with Hidden Power,
Zapdos will still be walled by certain Ground-type Pokemon. UU's other Electric-type
powerhouse, Raikou, defeats Zapdos one-on-one and often uses Zapdos as a set-up
opportunity. Finally, Zapdos loses 25% of its health just by switching into Stealth Rock,
but at least has the benefit of being immune to Spikes and Toxic Spikes. Despite its
shortcomings, Zapdos is a very powerful special attacker in the UU tier and a threat
that every team needs to prepare for.

Name Item Nature

Offensive Life Orb Timid

Moveset EVs

~ Thunderbolt 4 HP / 252 SpA / 25

~ Heat Wave
~ Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice
~ Roost

Offensive Zapdos is a textbook Life Orb attacker. The purpose of this set is to use
powerful STAB, decent coverage moves, and the power boost granted by Life Orb to
cause as much damage to the opponent as possible. Thunderbolt is Zapdos's most
reliable Electric attack and hits hard off of Zapdos's great Special Attack. Heat Wave is
a great complement to Thunderbolt since it destroys the Grass-types that would
normally want to switch into Thunderbolt. Heat Wave also gives Zapdos an extra punch
against Steel-type Pokemon, such as Bronzong and Registeel, and also gets an
unconditional OHKO against Weavile. Hidden Power rounds out the set, and the type
you choose determines which Pokemon Zapdos beats and which ones it falls short
against. If Hidden Power Ice is used, then Zapdos can fell Flygon and Gligar in a single
hit. However, beware that Hidden Power Ice fails to OHKO Rhyperior and leaves you
helpless against Swampert. On the flip side, Hidden Power Grass defeats all but the
most specially defensive Rhyperior and Swampert in a single blow but leaves Zapdos
walled by Gligar and requires three hits to defeat Flygon. Roost is what separates
Zapdos from other Life Orb attackers by giving Zapdos a way to recover damage from
attacks and Life Orb recoil.

Team Options & Additional Comments >>>

Name Item Nature

SubRoost Leftovers Timid

Moveset EVs

~ Substitute 248 HP / 84 Def / 1

~ Roost
~ Thunderbolt
~ Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Flying

With this set, Zapdos can both take a lot of hits and immediately pressure your
opponent offensively. It can avoid a 2HKO from a majority of attackers and threaten
them with high-powered attacks, forcing many switches, and leaving you opportunities
to get free Substitutes, which are great for easing prediction and facilitating Pressure
stalls. These things in conjunction with Roost make Zapdos an absolute terror to
remove the game once it has hit the battlefield. The most common answers to Zapdos
are Ice- and Rock-type attacks, however but with Pressure and its good bulk, Zapdos
can easily outlast the PP of common moves like Ice Beam and Stone Edge, leaving
your opponent few options to break it. Substitute also provides a dual purpose in that
it staves off the one thing this Zapdos hates more than anything: status. Because of
these attributes, SubRoost Zapdos makes a great candidate for use on balanced and
stall teams as a defensive pivot.

Thunderbolt is a staple on any Zapdos set, hitting everything but Ground-types for
respectable damage, even without any Special Attack investment. Hidden Power Ice is
an excellent coverage move alongside Thunderbolt, nailing many common Ground-type
switch-ins, like such as Flygon and Nidoqueen, for super effective damage. On the
other hand, Hidden Power Flying allows Zapdos to easily dispatch Swords Dance
Heracross and 2HKO offensive Shaymin and Roserade, both things that Hidden Power
Ice fails to do (though you'll need 252 SpA EVs in order to 2HKO specially defensive
Roserade with Hidden Power Flying with Stealth Rock). Additionally, it hits all Ground-
type Pokemon (outside of Rhyperior) in the UU tier for neutral damage and is only
marginally weaker than a super effective Hidden Power Ice. Lastly, if Swampert or
Rhyperior are exceptionally large threats to your team, Hidden Power Grass can be
used to good effect. However, Electric and Grass do not have great type synergy, so
this is an extremely niche option.

Team Options & Additional Comments >>>

Name Item Nature

Physically Leftovers Bold

Defensive

Moveset EVs

~ Discharge / Thunderbolt 248 HP / 236 Def /

~ Roost
~ Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Flying
~ Heat Wave / Toxic

A cursory glance at Zapdos's stats wouldn't suggest "physical wall" at all, but one
glance at Zapdos's great defensive typing and ability shows why this set works. Zapdos
possesses just two weaknesses, only one of which (Rock) is a common physical type in
UU. However, Rock-type attacks (read: Stone Edge) do not give Zapdos much trouble
because of a great ability in Pressure. Pressure doubles the opponent's PP usage,
giving Stone Edge a pitiful four uses against Zapdos. Furthermore, using Roost on an
anticipated Stone Edge reduces the attack from super effective to merely neutral.
However, be warned that Roost removes Zapdos's Ground immunity and replaces it
with a weakness, so a savvy opponent using both Stone Edge and Earthquake will
more often than not beat this set. Regardless, Zapdos can still utilize its decent
physical bulk, wonderful Special Attack, and Fighting-type resistance to wall many of
UU's physical attackers.

Discharge and Thunderbolt are both great moves, and the choice between the two
comes down to whether or not Discharge's 30% paralysis rate benefits your team more
than Thunderbolt's added power does. If Zapdos is on a team that uses burn- and
poison-inducing moves such as Toxic, Toxic Spikes, Will-O-Wisp, and Scald, then
Thunderbolt is the better choice. Otherwise, Discharge is normally preferable. Roost is
a very obvious choice since it nullifies Zapdos's weakness to Stone Edge and provides
instant recovery in conjunction with Leftovers. The Hidden Power choice comes down
to Grass vs Flying. Ice isn't a recommended option since Zapdos walls Flygon anyway,
but it deserves a mention because Gligar's Immunity prevents Zapdos from wearing it
down with Toxic. Grass shreds Swampert and Rhyperior, while Flying defeats Fighting-
types such as Mienshao, Scrafty, and Machamp. The final slot comes down to Heat
Wave versus Toxic. Heat Wave is preferable for its ability to hit Bronzong and Registeel
harder, but Toxic is great for bulky Pokemon that can't be defeated with Hidden Power.
If Zapdos is using Hidden Power Flying, then Toxic is your best bet for Swampert and
Rhyperior.

Team Options & Additional Comments >>>

Name Item Nature

Choice Choice Specs Timid

Specs

Moveset IVs

~ Thunderbolt 30 HP / 30 Atk / 30
~ Hidden Power Flying
~ Heat Wave
~ Volt Switch
EVs

4 HP / 252 SpA / 25

So, Zapdos isn't hitting hard enough for you? Well, this set is the answer. Choice Specs
Zapdos hits harder than the Life Orb set and maintains the same Speed that makes
Zapdos great. Thunderbolt is for obvious reasons; it's Zapdos's strongest reliable
attack. However, the real focal point of this set is Hidden Power Flying which, thanks to
Choice Specs, finally has the power to 2HKO almost every Ground-type, making Ice
and Grass obsolete. After Ground-types are eliminated, Zapdos is free to fire off
Thunderbolts without much fear of being walled, though Grass-types can still sponge
Thunderbolts if they have enough Special Defense investment. Grass-type Pokemon
and bulky Steel-type Pokemon cannot stand up to Heat Wave though, so even Grass-
types can be defeated with proper prediction. The final move on Zapdos is Volt Switch,
which allows Zapdos to build momentum, especially in a VoltTurn core. A Choice Specs
Volt Switch will damage special walls greatly and allow Zapdos to switch to a
teammate better equipped to defeat special walls. The EVs and nature are a no-
brainer, Zapdos needs to maximize Speed and Special Attack.

Team Options & Additional Comments >>>

Name Item Nature

Specially Leftovers Calm

Defensive

Moveset EVs

~ Discharge / Thunderbolt 248 HP / 236 SpD /

~ Roost
~ Heat Wave / Toxic
~ Hidden Power Grass / Roar / Hidden Power Ice

Zapdos can run a specially defensive set thanks to its fantastic defensive typing. Even
though its defensive stats might be a little lackluster, it has the bulk to take just about
any reasonably powered special attack in the game when invested. This set's
effectiveness hinges on whether or not Zapdos resists many of the opponent's attacks.
If Zapdos can switch in on resisted special attacks or weak neutral hits, it can fire off a
powerful Thunderbolt, recover its health with Roost, or spread the ever-annoying Toxic
upon its foes. Roost is the cornerstone of this set for obvious reasons: it preserves
Zapdos's health. Thunderbolt is a generic attacking option, but Discharge is usually
better because it can spread paralysis and facilitate a sweep by a partner. Heat Wave
and Toxic are great moves on Zapdos, but only one of them should be used since
Zapdos absolutely needs Hidden Power (either Ice or Grass, whichever fits Zapdos's
team better) or it risks being walled by Swampert, Rhyperior, Flygon, and Gligar. Roar
is a fantastic choice for a move since it deals with Calm Mind users, such as Suicune,
who laugh at Zapdos's uninvested Thunderbolts.

Team Options & Additional Comments >>>

Name Item Nature

Agility Life Orb Modest

Moveset EVs

~ Thunderbolt 180 HP / 252 SpA /

~ Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Flying
~ Agility
~ Roost

This is a unique set which is quite effective against the popular Fire / Water / Grass
cores, using Thunderbolt and Hidden Power Ice to form a pseudo-BoltBeam
combination. Save for Swampert, this set usually comes out on top against most
Pokemon commonly found in such cores. Thunderbolt is this set's generic STAB move,
and Hidden Power Ice is usually the best coverage move to use alongside it. However,
Hidden Power Flying is also a good option because it receives STAB and retains good
neutral coverage; for example, Spikes Roserade is always 2HKOed by Hidden Power
Flying. This set can be used in two different ways: a bulkier variant with access to
Roost and decent coverage, or a purely offensive variant that sacrifices recovery for
even better coverage in the form of Heat Wave; Roost is superior most of the time,
though.

This set must be played in different ways throughout the match. Early-game, Zapdos
should use its great 383 Special Attack in tandem with Life Orb to wear down the
opponent and wreak havoc on unprepared teams. Roost must then be used to increase
Zapdos's longevity. Finally, late-game, Zapdos can use Agility to avoid being revenge
killed by a Choice Scarf users such as Flygon or Darmanitan, easily OHKOing them with
Hidden Power Ice and Thunderbolt, respectively.
Team Options & Additional Comments >>>

Other Options
Zapdos has very few viable options that are not listed in the above sets. Zapdos's
above average (by special sweeper standards) base 90 Attack may look appealing, but
in reality any attempt at a mixed attacking set leaves Zapdos too weak to break any
walls that the special sweeper set can't break. The only way Zapdos can boost its
Special Attack is through the move Charge Beam, which is technically viable. However,
Raikou is a better boosting sweeper and Charge Beam consumes a moveslot that can
be used on a coverage move or Roost. Choice Scarf with Thunderbolt, Heat Wave, a
Hidden Power of your choosing, and Volt Switch can be used, but that really stretches
the limits of viability.

Checks and Counters

Zapdos has many checks but few counters, as with Zapdos's power and versatility (not
to mention its durability!), the electric bird can be tough to take down. Swampert and
Rhyperior defeat any set that doesn't include Hidden Power Grass, and Gligar and
Flygon beat any Zapdos without Hidden Power Ice. Zapdos's partner in crime, Raikou,
can switch in on just about any attack and begin setting up Calm Mind, but a
weakened Raikou will not enjoy Heat Wave or Hidden Power. The three special walls of
UU, Snorlax, Umbreon, and Porygon2, all take on standard Zapdos very well but have
trouble with Choice Specs-boosted Thunderbolts. Stealth Rock and status conditions
make Zapdos sad as it wants to preserve its health in order to stave off Life Orb recoil
and any status problem severely hinders its effectiveness. Rotom-H resists
Thunderbolt, Heat Wave, and any Hidden Power Zapdos uses, but it's weak to Stealth
Rock and has questionable bulk. Nidoqueen and Nidoking don't take any damage from
Thunderbolt and can shoot Zapdos out of the sky with a Sheer Force-boosted Ice
Beam. Zapdos, since it's not blindingly fast and doesn't commonly boost its Speed, can
be revenge killed rather easily by Choice Scarf users, such as Chandelure, Heracross,
and Darmanitan, as well.

Unreleased
Zapdos receives the ability Lightningrod from the Dream World. This is a fantastic
addition to Zapdos's repertoire, as it gives it an immunity to Electric-type moves, and
hence more switch in opportunities.

Lightningrod
When hit with an Electric-type move, Special Attack is boos
Pokemon.
Zebstrika Motor Drive
Grants immunity to Electric-type moves and boosts Speed b

Sap Sipper
Grants immunity to Grass-type moves and boosts Attack by
 Type

Electric

Level 100 Statistics (see

level 5, 50, 100)

Min- Min Max Max+

HP 75 - 291 354 -
Atk 100 212 236 299 328
Def 63 145 162 225 247
SpA 80 176 196 259 284
SpD 63 145 162 225 247
Spe 116 241 268 331 364
 Neverused
 VGC '11
 VGC '12

Overview
Zebstrika stands out from most its its Electric-type brethren due to its particularly
amazing Speed tier; it can outspeed Scolipede even without the aid of a Choice Scarf.
It also has a great ability in Lightningrod and STAB Volt Switch to build momentum.
Unfortunately, the good news ends here. Zebstrika's horrible physical movepool forces
it to utilize its mediocre Special Attack to deal damage, so it is not very powerful.
Zebstrika also faces stiff competition from various Electric-types in NU—Electabuzz,
Raichu, Electrode, and Rotom-A all give it a major run for its money as a fast Electric-
type scout. Nonetheless, focusing on Zebstrika's decent coverage and making use of
its fantastic Speed will let it truly shine.

Name Item Ability

Special Life Orb Lightningrod

Attacker

Moveset EVs

~ Thunderbolt 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 2

~ Volt Switch
~ Overheat
~ Hidden Power Grass

Zebstrika functions best as an all-out attacker; it makes the most out of its high Speed
and scouting ability, while Life Orb helps to patch up its lack of initial power. With its
high Base Power and perfect accuracy, Thunderbolt is a great main STAB and cleaning
tool. Volt Switch is great early- to mid-game and is perfect for revenge killing and
predicting switches. Overheat is a handy tool that suits Zebstrika's great Speed
extremely well, netting an OHKO on Scolipede, Jynx, and most Grass-types. Finally,
Hidden Power Grass nails Seismitoad and Golem, two common Pokemon that would
otherwise take Zebstrika's attacks with ease.

Team Options & Additional Comments >>>

Name Item Ability

Choice Choice Scarf Lightningrod

Scarf

Moveset EVs

~ Volt Switch 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 2

~ Thunderbolt
~ Overheat
~ Hidden Power Grass

Choice Scarf lets Zebstrika take on the role of a dedicated revenge killer. It gives up
the useful power boost granted by Life Orb for the ability to check a wider variety of
threats. While it might seem like a waste to put a Choice Scarf on something as fast as
Zebstrika, its ridiculously high Speed when equipped with said item is actually its main
selling point. Zebstrika can now outspeed and quickly dispose of Swellow, Choice Scarf
Charizard, and even Scolipede at +1. Volt Switch is the main STAB on this set and is
most likely the move you'll be using when you bring it in; due to Zebstrika being
locked into one move and lacking power overall, Volt Switch is great for both revenge
killing and getting it out in a pinch. That being said, Thunderbolt is another good
Electric STAB when Volt Switch's power just doesn't cut it. Overheat and Hidden Power
Grass provide the best coverage alongside Zebstrika's STABs, but be extremely
cautious when using them, as they are both terrible moves to be locked into and
should only be used in dire situations. Keep in mind that this set can't clean up as
efficiently as the Life Orb set because of its measly unboosted Special Attack stat.

Team Options & Additional Comments >>>

Other Options
Like most Electric-types, Zebstrika has a really barren movepool. Its Attack stat is
higher than its Special Attack stat, but it has an absolutely horrible physical movepool
to use it with. Likewise, Zebstrika can go mixed using Wild Charge over Thunderbolt,
but this doesn't accomplish anything in the long run and splitting offenses is a bad idea
on a Pokemon that's so offensively weak. Zebstrika can utilize Choice Specs over Life
Orb, but it really likes being able to switch moves and hit hard at the same time.
Pursuit can catch Haunter and Jynx on the switch, but it doesn't do much else and
forces Zebstrika to forgo another move in lieu of it. Agility and Flame Charge can boost
Zebstrika's Speed and attempt a sweep, but it is too easily walled to make this
effective and to free up the moveslot must give up the utility of Volt Switch, one of its
biggest selling points. Charge Beam can help patch up Zebstrika's mediocre Special
Attack, but it is too frail to set up multiple Charge Beams and, again, must forgo Volt
Switch. Zebstrika can better utilize Thunder with Rain Dance, and it can support rain
sweepers with a fast Volt Switch, but rain weakens the power of Overheat and ends up
doing more harm than good. Signal Beam can hurt Grass-types without lowering
Zebstrika's Special Attack, but Overheat's greater power and ability to seriously
damage Grass / Poison types is generally superior. Thunder Wave can cripple faster
threats, but Zebstrika is too frail to use it effectively. Finally, Toxic does a number to
most walls, but the most common special wall in the tier, Lickilicky, can heal it off with
Heal Bell.

Checks and Counters

Zebstrika is pretty easy to counter due to its relatively low attacking power. Pretty
much any special wall can force it out; Regice and Bastiodon are two examples of
such. Lickilicky and Audino also perform very well against Zebstrika; they can take any
attack with ease, Wish off the damage, and wear it down. Most Ground-types, such as
Golurk and Piloswine, can comfortably tank one Life Orb-boosted Hidden Power Grass
and OHKO with Earthquake. Camerupt is a particularly adept counter, as its typing
allows it to take any of its attacks with ease. Bulky Dragon-types, such as Altaria,
Dragonair, and Zweilous, can wall Zebstrika and either set up or phaze it out, though
Altaria must watch out for Hidden Power Ice. Priority can also efficiently take down a
weakened Zebstrika, examples being Kangaskhan's Fake Out and Sucker Punch
combination and Gurdurr's Mach Punch. Overall, as long as you have something that
can both take a hit and fire one back, you should be good to go against Zebstrika.

Zekrom Teravolt
Abilities that hinder attacks are nullified.

Type

Dragon / Electric

Level 100 Statistics (see

level 5, 50, 100)

Min- Min Max Max+

 Level 100 Statistics (see
level 5, 50, 100)

Min- Min Max Max+

HP 100 - 341 404 -
Atk 150 302 336 399 438
Def 120 248 276 339 372
SpA 120 248 276 339 372
SpD 100 212 236 299 328
Spe 90 194 216 279 306
 Uber

Overview
With a monstrously high base 150 Attack stat, combined with powerful and
complementary Electric- and Dragon-type STAB moves, Zekrom has the power to
devastate many teams. Zekrom's signature move, Bolt Strike, will leave enormous
dents in even those who resist it, and forces people to run a Ground-type Pokemon or
a very bulky Electric-type resistor in their teams. Even then, they will have to tread
carefully against its extremely powerful Dragon-type STAB moves. While Zekrom does
not have much to offer defensively, it is an excellent check to Ho-Oh and defensive
Kyogre due to its resistances to Fire-, Flying-, and Water-type moves. However,
Zekrom does have notable flaws in its rather middling Speed, common weaknesses, an
almost useless ability, and a very limited movepool. Regardless, Zekrom's incredible
strength is definitely something to watch out for.

Name Item Nature

Mixed Life Orb Lonely / N

Attacker

Moveset EVs

~ Bolt Strike 104 HP / 148 Atk /

~ Draco Meteor
~ Dragon Claw / Outrage
~ Focus Blast / Volt Switch

Zekrom is quite a formidable mixed attacker, sporting a great base 120 Special Attack
in addition to its obscenely high base 150 Attack. STAB Draco Meteor, bolstered by Life
Orb and 339 Special Attack, is a frightening move to switch into. Even 252/4 Groudon,
an otherwise easy safe switch-in to Zekrom, takes a painful 75%-88% from it. Bolt
Strike complements Draco Meteor very well, providing almost unresisted coverage, as
well as striking extremely hard on the physical side. Its immense strength and
excellent type coverage allow Zekrom to blast through Kyogre, Blissey, Chansey,
Lugia, Ho-Oh, and most Steel-type Pokemon, in addition to giving most Arceus formes
a very tough time stalling and setting up. Dragon Claw is Zekrom's most reliable
attack, but Outrage can be used if the extra power is needed, such as against Grass or
Electric Arceus. Focus Blast allows Zekrom to hit the few Pokemon that resist its
STABs, most notably Ferrothorn, but Volt Switch can be used to break Shaymin-S's
Substitute and to escape from Wobbuffet.

The Attack EVs allow Zekrom to OHKO the standard Giratina-O with Dragon Claw after
Stealth Rock damage. They also allow Bolt Strike to have a high chance of KOing
Chansey after two Stealth Rock switch-ins, and to always OHKO 248 HP Scizor after
Stealth Rock damage. Furthermore, assuming neutrality, 4/0 Arceus will take 71%
minimum. The Special Attack EVs maximize the amount of damage Draco Meteor and
Focus Blast can do. The rest are thrown into HP to give Zekrom a bit of bulk, and 4
Speed EVs allow it to outrun other base 90 Speed Pokemon that lack any investment.
You may find it insufficient, however, so feel free to invest more in Speed until you feel
comfortable.

Team Options & Additional Comments >>>

Name Item Nature

Choice Choice Band Adamant /

Band

Moveset EVs

~ Bolt Strike 252 HP / 252 Atk /

~ Dragon Claw
~ Outrage
~ Fusion Bolt / Volt Switch

Tremble in fear of Zekrom's Choice Band-boosted and powerful, complementary STAB

attacks, bolstered by a maximum Attack stat of 438. Its Bolt Strike is powerful enough
to terrorize even most of the Pokemon that resist it, dealing a solid 41%-49% to max
HP Dialga and 44%-52% to the standard Naughty Giratina-O. With that in mind, Bolt
Strike will absolutely murder those who do not resist it. However, as tempting as it is
to spam Bolt Strikes, it is unwise if any Ground-types are present, as they will absorb
the blow and leave Zekrom helpless. Dragon Claw is a safe move to throw out to
damage the Ground-type switch ins, and is a safe move to spam in general. However,
it is somewhat weak and doesn't do a lot of damage against defensive Groudon.
Outrage provides Zekrom with the ability to easily 2HKO even 252/252+ Groudon after
Stealth Rock damage, and allows it to clean up slower teams, but can leave it very
vulnerable to revenge killing. The sole reason Fusion Bolt takes up the fourth slot is for
reliability, because Bolt Strike can miss at the worst times. Volt Switch can be used to
break Shaymin-S's Substitute so a faster Pokemon can switch in safely.

Team Options & Additional Comments >>>

Name Item Nature

Choice Choice Scarf Jolly / Adam
Scarf

Moveset EVs

~ Bolt Strike 4 HP / 252 Atk / 25

~ Outrage
~ Dragon Claw
~ Volt Switch / Fusion Bolt

Zekrom's middling Speed can be patched up with a Choice Scarf, allowing it to act as a
revenge killer. Zekrom possesses a couple of traits that separate it from its fellow
Choice Scarf users Palkia, Dialga, and Garchomp. For one, its high Attack and Bolt
Strike allow it to take down Mewtwo from 80% health down (73% with Jolly) and to
murder Kyogre, Ho-Oh, and Lugia, all of whom can give Choice Scarf Palkia, Dialga,
and Garchomp issues. With Adamant nature, it can also 2HKO maximum HP Arceus
(assuming neutrality, of course), while Palkia, Dialga, and Garchomp are turned into
setup bait. Finally, it has access to Volt Switch, which allows it to keep up the
momentum against the opponent so long as a Ground-type doesn't switch in.

Bolt Strike and Outrage are the bread and butter moves of this set, both possessing
immense power and STAB, hitting nearly everything for neutral damage. As a matter
of fact, Zekrom's Outrage is strong enough to 2HKO offensive Groudon, something
Garchomp is incapable of doing. Dragon Claw is a safe move to use should locking into
Outrage or Electric-type moves be risky, but it is rather weak. Finally, Fusion Bolt can
be used over Volt Switch if you find Volt Switch's utility to be too little for you, and is
100% accurate, unlike Bolt Strike.

Adamant and Jolly are equally viable on Zekrom. With Adamant, Zekrom gains the
ability to 2HKO maximum HP Arceus and to OHKO Mewtwo after Stealth Rock damage
and one round of Life Orb recoil. However, it loses the Speed tie against other base 90
Choice Scarf users and +1 Speed Ho-Oh and Reshiram (due to Flame Charge).
Adamant also means Deoxys-A will outrun Zekrom.

Team Options & Additional Comments >>>

Name Item Nature

Substitute + Leftovers / Life Orb Adamant

Hone Claws

Moveset EVs

~ Substitute 252 HP / 252 Atk /

~ Hone Claws
~ Bolt Strike
~ Outrage / Dragon Claw

Zekrom's average Speed stat makes it a mediocre sweeper on its own, so Hone Claws
seems like the perfect choice to make Zekrom an even better sweeper by increasing its
already ridiculously high Attack stat. However, this set's main purpose is not to use
Hone Claws and Substitute to improve its attacking prowess. Instead, it aims to take
advantage of one of Zekrom's most common switch-ins, Ferrothorn, while still
maintaining the superb coverage granted by Dragon- and Electric-type attacks.

Substitute allows Zekrom to set up on Ferrothorn—probably Zekrom's most common

switch-in—and scout other switch-ins. Outrage and Bolt Strike are amazing STAB
moves, as both are extremely powerful and have wide coverage in conjunction with
each other. The choice between Dragon Claw and Outrage is up to the user. Outrage's
undeniable power—it OHKOes Giratina-O and 2HKOes Max HP Dialga after Stealth Rock
damage—makes it the superior option. However, if you don't want to be locked into
Outrage and risk hitting yourself in confusion, feel free to use Dragon Claw. It should
be noted, however, that doing so will cost you some crucial OHKOs and 2HKOs, such
as the ones that have been mentioned above.

Team Options & Additional Comments >>>

Name Item Nature

Tailwind Life Orb Naughty

Moveset EVs

~ Tailwind 252 Atk / 80 SpA /

~ Draco Meteor
~ Bolt Strike
~ Outrage / Volt Switch / Focus Blast

Zekrom's mediocre base 90 Speed makes it nearly impossible for the poor Dragon to
sweep, so this set attempts to remedy this by utilizing Tailwind. Under the effects of
Tailwind, Zekrom can outspeed a majority of the tier, even when running mixed
offensive EVs. Draco Meteor, despite lacking full investment, packs a huge punch,
allowing Zekrom to heavily dent any troublesome Groudon and support Arceus that
might try to halt its sweep. Bolt Strike is extremely strong with maximum Attack
investment, and can do heavy damage to Pokemon, such as OHKO 0 HP Arceus after
Stealth Rock and Spikes damage. The last moveslot is based on the team's needs.
Outrage gives Zekrom a strong STAB move to spam after it has used Draco Meteor,
but beware, as it may leave Zekrom locked in after Tailwind has ended. Volt Switch
allows Zekrom to keep momentum by scouting for any potential double switches and
can give Tailwind's Speed boost to another teammate. Lastly, Focus Blast allows
Zekrom to kill weakened Ferrothorn, as the move always 2HKOes after Stealth Rock
damage.

Team Options & Additional Comments >>>

Other Options
As stated before, Zekrom's movepool is lackluster, and there aren't a lot of options for
it to play around with. Thunder Wave can be used to slow down Lugia so it cannot stall
Zekrom's Bolt Strikes with Reflect and Roost. Imprison can be used to block Draco
Meteor and Outrage, but will still leave it vulnerable to Spacial Rend and Earthquake.
Zekrom learns Reflect and Light Screen, and can use Volt Switch to aid in safely
sending in its target teammate, but its rather low Speed and common weaknesses
hinder it from setting them up easily. Finally, Zekrom learns Dragon Tail for phazing.

Haban Berry is an interesting option to use over Life Orb on the mixed set, which
allows Zekrom to take a hit from opposing Dragons and OHKO them back with its own
attacks. Air Balloon can be used to avoid Earthquake and escape Dugtrio, but will pop
after getting hit by a single attack. Groudon can simply Dragon Tail Zekrom away while
Garchomp can penetrate Zekrom with Outrage or Dragon Claw. Dragon Fang is an
option over Life Orb for the mixed attacker if you despise taking 10% each turn due to
Life Orb, but should only be used with the slower variants, as it requires investment in
both Attack and Special Attack to deal a good amount of damage in the absence of Life
Orb.

Checks and Counters

Zekrom is difficult to counter due to its immense strength and coverage, but there are
several Pokemon in the game that can annoy it. Ferrothorn resists both Electric- and
Dragon-type moves, but needs to be wary of Focus Blast from the mixed set. Also be
aware that Choice Band Outrage or Bolt Strike 3HKOes specially defensive Ferrothorn.
Although Groudon needs to be wary of Draco Meteor and Outrage, it can take on
Zekrom's other physical attacks and retaliate with Earthquake. The best counter to
Zekrom, however, is Ground Arceus, as it can take a hit and outrun Zekrom to KO it
with Earthquake or Judgment.

Zekrom is fairly easy to revenge kill due to its low Speed and weaknesses to Ground-,
Ice-, and Dragon-type attacks. Garchomp can switch into a predicted Bolt Strike and
KO Zekrom back with Earthquake or Outrage. Keep in mind, however, that maximum
HP Zekrom takes only 81% maximum from Garchomp's Earthquake. Palkia, Rayquaza,
Dragon Arceus, and Choice Scarf Dialga are all faster than Zekrom and OHKO it with
their Dragon-type attacks. Mewtwo is much faster than Zekrom and can knock it out
with Ice Beam, provided Zekrom has taken a bit of residual damage. Wobbuffet can to
an extent pose problems for Zekrom, as it revenge kills the Choice Scarf set, and the
Choice Band set if Zekrom is not locked into Bolt Strike or Outrage. Dugtrio, though
rare, can trap and revenge kill Zekrom. Choice Zekrom in particular needs to be wary
of this, as Dugtrio can set up Hone Claws on a Choice-locked Electric-type move.
Although practically nonexistent in the Uber metagame, Steelix is the best Choice
Zekrom counter in the game, sporting a base 200 Defense to go along with its
resistance to Dragon and immunity to Electric.

There are other ways to play around Zekrom. Against the mixed attacker, you can
attempt to lure out its Draco Meteor and send in a Steel-type Pokemon to take the hit
and weaken Zekrom's Special Attack, then send in Groudon to wall it. Zekrom in
general hates Toxic Spikes, so laying it down will cut its rampage short. This especially
applies to the mixed attacker, as it would take at least 22.5% every time it launches a
successful hit.
 Zoroark Illusion
The wielder appears as the last Pokemon in the party to the op

Type Tier

Dark UU

Level 100 Statistics (see

level 5, 50, 100)

Min- Min Max Max+

HP 60 - 261 324 -
Atk 105 221 246 309 339
Def 60 140 156 219 240
SpA 120 248 276 339 372
SpD 60 140 156 219 240
Spe 105 221 246 309 339
 Underused
 Overused
 VGC '11
 VGC '12

Overview
Zoroark is a very unique Pokemon; its signature ability, Illusion, allows it to
masquerade as the last Pokemon in the player's party. Although Team Preview
theoretically hurts this strategy, it does not say when or even if Zoroark will be used in
the battle. Zoroark is also very powerful in terms of offense, wielding a base 105
Attack and a base 120 Special Attack. In addition, Zoroark learns both Swords Dance
and Nasty Plot, allowing it to boost either of its offensive stats. With 105 base Speed, it
outspeeds positive natured base 100s, while also forcing a Speed tie with Mienshao
and Mismagius. However, Zoroark's biggest downfall is its very poor bulk; it can barely
switch in on neutral hits, and has trouble facing down priority moves such as Aqua Jet
and Mach Punch. As such, Zoroark is a difficult Pokemon to use effectively. Although it
may be viewed as a gimmicky Pokemon, it is very deadly when used properly.

Name Item Nature

Choice Choice Specs Timid

Specs

Moveset EVs

~ Dark Pulse / Night Daze 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 2

~ Flamethrower
~ Focus Blast
~ Trick

Because Zoroark learns Trick through the BW2 move tutors, Choice Specs Zoroark has
increased in effectiveness tremendously. Not only does it hit 508 Special Attack with
the boost from Choice Specs, it can now also cripple the likes of Gligar and Hitmontop,
making these Pokemon significantly easier to handle. Although both Dark Pulse and
Night Daze will hit anything that doesn't resist it very hard, it is generally better to use
the former over the latter due to having perfect accuracy. However, Night Daze has
slightly more power, and the accuracy drop it may inflict could be useful. With threats
like Snorlax, Empoleon, Scrafty, and Umbreon weak to Fighting, Focus Blast grants
Zoroark the ability to hit them for massive damage. Although Flamethrower generally
provides redundant coverage alongside Focus Blast, it is Zoroark's strongest option
against common UU Pokemon such as Bronzong and Roserade.

Team Options & Additional Comments >>>

Name Item Nature

All-Out Life Orb Naive

Attacker

Moveset EVs

~ Dark Pulse / Night Daze 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 2

~ Focus Blast
~ Flamethrower / Grass Knot
~ Sucker Punch

With great coverage and access to Sucker Punch, Zoroark can run an all-out attacker
set capable of a late-game sweep. Many players will attempt to check Zoroark by using
a faster Pokemon. However, with Sucker Punch, Zoroark can pick off weakened
revenge killers. Dark Pulse or Night Daze are used for STAB alongside Sucker Punch,
due to the fact that Sucker Punch fails if the opponent does not attack. Focus Blast
provides Zoroark with nearly unresisted coverage, giving it an option to hit Snorlax,
Empoleon, and Umbreon; in addition, Focus Blast OHKOes any Scrafty that does not
invest in its Special Defense. Flamethrower gives Zoroark an option for hitting
Pokemon such as Heracross and Bronzong. However, if you have these threats covered
already, Grass Knot is a solid option worth considering over Flamethrower in order to
get a harder hit on Pokemon such as Suicune and Swampert.
Team Options & Additional Comments >>>

Name Item Nature

Nasty Life Orb / Leftovers Timid

Plot

Moveset EVs

~ Nasty Plot 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 2

~ Dark Pulse
~ Focus Blast
~ Flamethrower / Substitute

Zoroark is one of few Pokemon with access to Nasty Plot, allowing it to also function as
a powerful boosting sweeper. At +2, Zoroark reaches 678 Special Attack, which, when
coupled with Life Orb, makes it incredibly difficult to wall; not even Snorlax can wall it,
as it is OHKOed by a +2 Focus Blast after Stealth Rock. Dark Pulse should be the only
STAB move ever used on this set, as missing is undesirable. In addition, the extra
power from Night Daze is not as relevant with Nasty Plot boosts. Focus Blast lets
Zoroark hit everything bar Heracross at least neutrally when combined with Dark
Pulse, while also allowing it to get past Pokemon such as Snorlax, Umbreon, and
Scrafty. Flamethrower is Zoroark's strongest option against Bronzong, Roserade, and
Heracross, while Substitute is another option worth considering due to the fact that
Zoroark will force many switches thanks to Illusion. In addition, Substitute gives
Zoroark a buffer against enemy attacks.

Team Options & Additional Comments >>>

Name Item Nature

Choice Choice Scarf Timid

Scarf

Moveset EVs

~ Dark Pulse / Night Daze 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 2

~ Flamethrower
~ Focus Blast
~ Trick / U-turn

By using a Choice Scarf, Zoroark becomes an effective revenge killer who can get
surprise kills due to its signature ability. In addition, while many players may attempt
to use Choice Scarf Heracross to revenge kill Zoroark, this strategy will backfire
against Choice Scarf Zoroark. Night Daze is a little more valuable on this set than it is
on other sets because the extra damage output may be incredibly useful when
attempting to revenge kill an opposing Pokemon, but it is still generally better to use
Dark Pulse due to its perfect accuracy. However, Night Daze may drop the opponent's
accuracy, which can come in handy if Zoroark cannot OHKO the opposing Pokemon.
Focus Blast attains near-perfect coverage alongside its STAB, and allows Zoroark to
revenge kill Scrafty. Although Flamethrower has redundant coverage alongside Focus
Blast, it allows Zoroark to hit Heracross for super effective damage. In the last slot,
Trick is generally more useful as it can cripple defensive Pokemon such as Cofagrigus,
Dusclops, and Gligar; however, by using Trick, the opponent may be able to sweep
more easily later. Because of this, U-turn can be used to gain momentum when the
opposing Pokemon switches out.

Team Options & Additional Comments >>>

Other Options
Zoroark learns Pursuit, which may seem appealing to trap Pokemon such as
Chandelure and Mismagius. However, Zoroark lacks the stats to effectively use Pursuit,
making Weavile and Honchkrow better options for using Pursuit. By using Taunt,
Zoroark prevents the opponent from going for non-attacking moves, making Sucker
Punch much more effective. However, Zoroark is so frail that if the opponent does
decide to attack the turn it uses Taunt, Zoroark is likely to get OHKOed. Calm Mind
boosts both Zoroark's Special Attack and its Special Defense, but its poor defenses
make Nasty Plot a better option. Zoroark does have the Attack stat to use a Swords
Dance set, but it does not have the physical movepool to pull off an effective one.
Although Zoroark has the coverage to pull off an Agility set, this set is weak and
Zoroark is already fast enough without Agility. Extrasensory can hit Fighting-types, but
it has poor coverage and doesn't hit much outside of Hitmontop, Machamp, and
Mienshao.

Checks and Counters

When Illusion is in effect, countering Zoroark is virtually impossible unless you see
something like a Flygon taking Spikes damage. When disguised as Heracross,
Cofagrigus and Dusclops get smashed by Dark Pulse or Night Daze on a switch in,
while Gligar gets crippled by Trick. Even if the opponent predicts the Pokemon in
question to be Zoroark in disguise, Hitmontop will be crippled by Trick. However, once
its disguise has been discovered, beating Zoroark is very easy. Specially defensive
Togekiss can take any attack from Zoroark and cripple it with Thunder Wave.
Hitmontop is another great switch-in, safely taking any attack bar Extrasensory and
OHKOing with Close Combat. Snorlax won't enjoy taking a Focus Blast, but it can
switch in on any other attack and deal massive damage to Zoroark with its STAB;
RestTalk variants of Snorlax 2HKO with Body Slam while offensive variants OHKO with
Return after Stealth Rock.

If you can't counter Zoroark, it can be checked by faster Pokemon. Cobalion outspeeds
non-Choice Scarf Zoroark and OHKOes with Close Combat, allowing Cobalion to set up
Swords Dance as Zoroark flees. In addition, if Cobalion switches in on Dark Pulse or
Night Daze, it gets an Attack boost thanks to Justified. Be aware, however, that
Cobalion cannot switch in on Focus Blast or Flamethrower. In addition, Zoroark is very
easy to revenge kill with Choice Scarf users, particularly Heracross and Mienshao as
they resist Sucker Punch.