Best Zapdos build
ElectricFlying S Pokédex entry →
Generated from the game rules and this Pokémon's move pool: a solid default for a 30-minute run. Swap moves to match the cards you are offered.
Moves (4 slots)
| Slot | Move | Kind | Why | Evolves into |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Core (starting move) | Thunder Shock Electric | Projectile | A lightning-fast bolt that pierces several enemies. | Thunderneeds Power · ×1.8 damage, +2 projectiles, +2 pierce and bigger |
| 2Crowd clear | Thunderbolt Electric | Chain | A bolt that jumps from one enemy to the next. | Zap Cannonneeds Reflexes · ×1.7 damage and +3 jumps |
| 3Close defense | Gust Flying | Orbit | Whirlwinds that escort you. | Hurricaneneeds Sprint · +2 orbs, ×1.7 damage and more radius |
| 4Flex / damage | Wing Attack Flying | Melee | A wide wing sweep that pushes foes back. | Brave Birdneeds Power · ×1.9 damage, more range and hits in 360° |
How to play the run
- Level Thunder Shock first. It is your only attack at the start. Push it to level 5 with upgrade cards.
- Take Power once (+10% damage with every move.) so a golden card turns Thunder Shock into Thunder (×1.8 damage, +2 projectiles, +2 pierce and bigger).
- Add Thunderbolt for the hordes. Only your active move fires, so switch to it (1–4, Q/E or tap) when you are surrounded.
- Enter every rift you can. Beating the legendary gives a bond: fuse Thunder Shock with Thunderbolt so both fire together from one slot.
- Hold Life Orb: +30% damage, but each attack costs a little HP. Held items drop from chests and bosses; you keep one at a time.
- Before minute 30, stack damage and defense: the Judgment of Arceus sends ever-stronger legendaries until you fall.
Level-up card priority
- Power — +10% damage with every move.evolution
- Reflexes — -8% cooldown on every move.evolution
- Sprint — +7% movement speed.evolution
- Vigor — +20 max HP (and heals it).
Items
Life Orb — +30% damage, but each attack costs a little HP.
Alternative: Choice Band — +40% damage, but you can't switch moves.
Permanent upgrades first
- Repertoire (Start with 2 moves, 1,500 coins to max)
- Strength (+4% damage, 5,050 coins to max)
- Reflexes (-3% cooldown, 3,340 coins to max)
- Critical Hit (+3% critical chance (x1.5 damage), 6,300 coins to max)
Best weather
Rain: Water is boosted and Fire is weakened.
Super effective against
WaterGrassFightingFlyingBug
Best rift arenas for this build
- Emerald Jungle (Celebi, Shaymin, Virizion, Tapu Bulu…)
- Ancient Dojo (Cobalion, Terrakion, Virizion, Keldeo…)
- Sea Grotto (Suicune, Kyogre, Palkia, Phione…)
Arenas whose legendaries take the most damage from these move types.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Zapdos build in PokéSurvivor?
Thunder Shock, Thunderbolt, Gust, Wing Attack, holding Life Orb. Take Power, Reflexes, Sprint so the moves can evolve at max level.
What item should Zapdos hold?
Life Orb (+30% damage, but each attack costs a little hp.) If you find Choice Band first, it is a good alternative.
How do Zapdos's moves evolve?
Thunder Shock → Thunder (needs Power); Thunderbolt → Zap Cannon (needs Reflexes); Gust → Hurricane (needs Sprint); Wing Attack → Brave Bird (needs Power).
Game data from PokéSurvivor · Last updated