Shadow Zapdos Pokemon Go guide: Weaknesses, counters & moveset

James Busby
Shadow Zapdos

Shadow Zapdos is returning to Pokemon Go, giving players the opportunity to catch the Legendary bird for themselves. Fortunately for you, we’ve got all the details you need to add Shadow Zapdos to your Pokedex.

December is a huge month for Pokemon Go players with the Adamant Time event approaching, new Pokemon teased, Raids to complete, and a brand new NPC to meet. However, amongst all the new elements to enjoy is the highly anticipated return of Shadow Zapdos.

So, if you want to add this powerful Electric/Flying-type to your team, then you’ll first need to best it in battle. Of course, doing so can be rather tricky if you don’t know Shadow Zapdos’ strengths and weaknesses. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. 

Contents

How to catch Shadow Zapdos Pokemon Go

To catch a Shadow Zapdos in Pokemon Go you’ll need to beat it in a 5-star Shadow Raid, which will take place on the weekends of December 2023.

Due to it’s Shadowy nature, the weekends are the only time you can catch this Legendary Pokemon, so you’ll have to be quick.

Shadow Zapdos Moveset Pokemon Go

Pokemon Go Zapdos

Shadow Zapdos is capable of learning eight moves. These range from Electric-type, Flying-type, Normal-type, and Rock-type. All of Shadow Zapdos’ moves are listed below:

Fast Moves

  • Thunder Shock
  • Charge Beam

Charged Moves

  • Drill Peck
  • Ancient Power
  • Thunder
  • Thunderbolt
  • Zap Cannon
  • Frustration

Shadow Zapdos Pokemon Go weaknesses

As an Electric/Flying-type, Shadow Zapdos has a few obvious weaknesses you will wish to exploit during the Raid:

  • Ice
  • Rock

It’s worth noting that you’ll need to be careful as Shadow Zapdos will take less damage when you use Bug, Fighting, Flying, Grass, Ground, or Steel. So try to avoid those types.

Shadow Zapdos Counters

Shadow Zapdos also has several counters you should exploit in Pokemon Go:

PokemonFast MoveCharged Move
MamoswinePowder SnowAvalanche 
RhyperiorSmack DownRock Wrecker
Ice FangAvalanche
RampardosSmack DownRock Slide
TerrakionSmack DownRock Slide
Smack DownStone Edge

So, there you have it: everything you need to know about Shadow Zapdos and how you can best defeat it. Make sure you check out our Pokemon Go page for all the latest information and guides:

Best Pokemon in Pokemon Go | Pokemon Go Spotlight Hour schedule | Current Raid bosses | Arlo counters guide | Cliff counters guide | Giovanni counters guide | Sierra counters guide | Grunt counters guide | How to catch a Ditto in Pokemon Go | What are Strange Eggs? | How to get Remote Raid Passes in Pokemon Go | Fastest way to get Best Buddy status in Pokemon Go | Pokemon Go catching tips | Pokemon Go types chart | How to get shiny Charmander in Pokemon Go | Most expensive Pokemon cards | Pokemon Go promo codes

Related Topics

About The Author

James is Dexerto's Associate Games Editor who joined the website in 2020. He graduated from university with a degree in Journalism, before spending four years freelancing for GamesRadar+, PCGamesN, RPS, LoL Esports, Red Bull Gaming, and many more. You can find him covering everything from CoD, Apex Legends, Genshin Impact, and Monster Hunter. Need to get in touch? Email James at james.busby@dexerto.com.