Dynamax Zapdos is the second Legendary Pokémon that will be in Dynamax Battles. The first, Dynamax Articuno was in Dynamax Battles for approximately a week. Here is how to defeat the Legendary Pokémon.
Dynamax Zapdos will be making its debut in Pokémon GO during the Max Monday on Monday, January 27, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. local time and will be available to battle until Monday, February 3, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. local time.
Defeating Dynamax Zapdos
The first thing you need to know is that Dynamax Battles are not as difficult as Gigantamax Battles. Likewise, you need a maximum of 4 Pokémon trainers to defeat a Dynamax Pokémon whereas you need a maximum of 40 Pokémon trainers to defeat a Gigantamax Pokémon. However, since we currently do not have the proper Dynamax counters for Dynamax Zapdos, it can be tricky to defeat.
Zapdos weakness
Zapdos is an Electric- and Flying-type Pokémon. It is double-weak to Rock-type Pokémon attacks, and single-weak to Ice-type Pokémon attacks. We currently do not have a Gigantamax or Dynamax Pokémon with Rock-type Fast Move/Attack. However, we do have a few with Ice-type Fast Move/Attack, i.e. Dynamax Cryogonal and Dynamax Articuno. Since there are not many worthy attackers, the best bet is to play defensive by using bulky Dynamax Pokémon.
Recommended Dynamax Zapdos Counters
- Dynamax Metagross with Steel-type Fast Move i.e. Bullet Punch
- Dynamax Excadrill with Steel-type Fast Move i.e. Metal Claw
- Dynamax Cryogonal with Ice-type Fast Move i.e. Frost Breath
You can replace Dynamax Cryogonal with either Gigantamax Lapras with Ice-type Fast Move i.e. Frost Breath or better still Dynamax Articuno with Ice-type Fast Move i.e. Frost Breath. Also, you can replace either Dynamax Metagross or Gigantamax Lapras with Gigantamax Totricity with Electric-type Fast Move i.e. Spark.
Whichever, team you go for, make sure you create a battle party with them before going into the Max Battle. Also, you will want to level up their max moves before you start a battle. The recommended minimum level for the Max Attack, Max Guard, and Max Spirit moves is level 2.
Tips to defeating Dynamax Zapdos
You will need to master team position, dodging, charging, and swapping.
- Team Position: Put your bulky Pokémon in the first and second spot e.g. Dynamax Metagross and Dynamax Excadrill.
- Attack Dodging: Pay attention to when Dynamx Zapdos is “preparing to attack” and start dodging. It can be hard to dodge all the attacks but you ONLY need to dodge each attack once.
- Attack Charging: Rather than charging your Pokémon’s Charge Move/Attack, focus on charging the Max Meter instead. You can do this by tapping on the charging button on your screen. This helps to charge up the max moves faster.
- Pokémon Swapping: Swap your Pokémon to the ones with the right Max Attack that can do effective damage to Dynamax Zapdos i.e. Dynamax Cryogonal or Dyanamx Articuno. You should do this when the Max Meter is about to get full. In addition, you will want to throw 2 Max Attack and 1 Max Guard or Max Spirit. Swap back to your bulky Pokémon after you’re done with the max moves.
In addition to the above, you will want to do the following
- Level up your Dynamx Pokémon at least level 40.
- Use at least one Max Mushroom.
All my best wishes as you defeat this Legendary Pokémon in Max Battles.
