Zapdos is ready to once again strike lightning in Pokémon GO, but this time, as a Dynamax boss, you and your raid party will need to target its two weaknesses with the right counters to win. Following Articuno's turn on the Power Spots during the Legendary Flight event, this electric bird also comes at the 5-star level. While it might not be the toughest ever Max Battle boss to arrive in the game, the crown for which the 6-Star Gigantamax Lapras takes, the Electric Pokémon can still wipe many unprepared teams out.

Similar to Dynamax Articuno, Zapdos will be available to battle and catch in two different ways during Legendary Flight. On its launch day, it will be available the most by being the Max Battle boss of all Power Spots for one hour. When that time is up, you will still be able to find the Legendary Pokémon at Power Spots, but there will be more spread out since it will be sharing Max Battles with other bosses in the current Max Monday schedule for the month.

Dynamax Zapdos Weaknesses & Resistance In Pokémon GO

All Weaknesses You Can Take Advantage Of

Because the Dynamax version is dual Electric- and Flying-type like its base form in Pokémon GO, Zapdos is weak to Rock- and Ice-type attacks, both dealing 160% damage compared to normal. This adjusted level of damage for super-effective moves is different compared to the mainline games but is just as important in GO if you want to deplete as much health as possible. You also need to take advantage of the STAB (same-type attack bonus) mechanic, granting your Pokémon a 20% bonus when it's using an attack of the same type.

You also need to be aware of Dynamax Zapdos' resistances as well: Grass-, Ground-, Steel-, Fighting-, Bug-, and Flying-type attacks. Each type of attack only inflicts 63% damage compared to normal. If you only have access to counters that can inflict neutral damage against tough Max Battle bosses, it's usually fine if your raid party has a strong enough line-up. However, you must avoid taking any Pokémon that use moves Zapdos is resistant to, or you could cost everyone the battle.

Dynamax Zapdos Best Counters In Pokémon GO

Best Pokémon To Use

The best counters to use against Dynamax Zapdos in Pokémon GO are Cryogonal and Excadrill, as they can use super-effective Ice- or Rock-type moves while not being weak to Zapdos' Electric- and Flying-type attacks. The only Pokémon you can take into a Max Battle are those that are Dynamax or Gigantaxmax-capable, meaning there isn't a giant pool for super-effective damage. However, the table below also contains neutral Pokémon you can use that won't easily be wiped out by Zapdos' moveset.

Cryogonal is the best counter for Dynamax Zapdos overall since it can use Ice-type attacks for STAB damage without being weak to any of the boss' moves. If you don't have a Cryogonal that can Dynamax, you can find one at other Powerspots between 27 January and 3 February.

It can be tempting to use stronger Pokémon with Ice-type moves like Lapras or Steel-types like Metagross and Excadrill are resistant to Drill Peck, so it could give you some extra survivability.

Date & Time Of Zapdos' Max Battles

Late January To February 2025

Dynamax Zapdos' Max Battles will first be available in Pokémon GO via the Legendary Flight event on Monday, 27 January 2025, from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM local time for every region. During this initial hour, Zapdos will be the Max Battle boss across every Power Spot in the game. Afterward, Dynamax Zapdos will remain in the game as a Max Battle boss in some Power Spots instead of all until 3 February 2025. During those remaining days, its availability at Power Spots will be mixed with the other available Max Battle bosses: Bulbasaur, Cryogonal, and Grookey.

Depending on your area, you might need to explore more Power Spots before you come across a Zapdos. Be that as it may, you'll almost definitely find one within its week-long run if you look hard enough. As long as you to target its weaknesses with counters that can use Ice- and Rock-type moves, you'll soon be able to add Dynamax Zapdos to your Pokémon GO arsenal.