Ultimate Guide to Max Battle with Dynamax Zapdos in Pokémon GO (Max Mondays)

Zapdos is poised to electrify the Pokémon GO community once again, this time making its debut as a Dynamax boss. To conquer this formidable opponent, your raid team must target its specific weaknesses with effective counters. Following Articuno’s recent appearance during the Legendary Flight event, Zapdos enters the scene at the 5-star battle level. Although it may not be the most challenging Max Battle boss—holding second place to the 6-Star Gigantamax Lapras—this Electric-type Pokémon can still easily take down unprepared teams.

Similar to Dynamax Articuno, Zapdos will be available for battle in two formats during the Legendary Flight event. On its launch day, it significantly increases its availability as the Max Battle boss across all Power Spots for a full hour. After this intense hour, aspiring trainers will still encounter the Legendary Pokémon at Power Spots, although its appearances will be less frequent as it shares the spotlight with other bosses throughout the scheduled Max Mondays this month.

Understanding Dynamax Zapdos’ Weaknesses & Resistances

Identifying Weaknesses to Exploit

As a dual Electric- and Flying-type Pokémon, Dynamax Zapdos is particularly vulnerable to Rock- and Ice-type attacks, both delivering 160% damage compared to standard hits. While this damage scaling may differ from mainline games, it remains crucial in Pokémon GO for maximizing your offensive output. Remember to utilize the STAB (same-type attack bonus), which provides a 20% boost when Pokémon use moves that match their type.

Additionally, it’s important to consider Zapdos’ resistances. This Pokémon takes reduced damage from Grass-, Ground-, Steel-, Fighting-, Bug-, and Flying-type moves, each doing only 63% of standard damage. If your raid team consists of strong Pokémon, you can suffice with neutral damage options. However, ensure you do not bring along Pokémon with moves that Zapdos resists, as that could jeopardize the battle for your entire team.

Top Counters to Dynamax Zapdos

Optimal Pokémon for Confrontation

When it comes to taking down Dynamax Zapdos, your best bets in Pokémon GO are Cryogonal and Excadrill. Both of these Pokémon can effectively use Ice- or Rock-type moves while remaining resistant to any damaging Electric- or Flying-type attacks from Zapdos. It’s important to note that only Dynamax- or Gigantamax-capable Pokémon can be brought into Max Battles; hence, it limits your choices for inflicting effective damage. The table below outlines some additional options, including those that can offer neutral damage during combat.

Dynamax Zapdos Counter	Type	Fast Attack	Charge Attack
Cryogonal	Ice	Frost Breath	Aurora Beam
Excadrill	Steel, Ground	Mud-Slap	Rock Slide
Metagross	Psychic, Steel	Zen Headbutt	Psychic
Toxtricity	Poison, Electric	Poison Jab	Wild Charge
Gengar	Poison, Ghost	Shadow Claw	Sludge Bomb
Zapdos	Flying, Electric	Thunder Shock	Thunder
Greedent	Normal	Tackle	Body Slam
Dubwool	Normal	Tackle	Body Slam
Metang	Steel, Psychic	Zen Headbutt	Psychic
Haunter	Ghost, Poison	Shadow Claw	Sludge Bomb

Cryogonal emerges as the top counter against Dynamax Zapdos due to its capability to use Ice-type moves while maintaining its durability. If you’re lacking a strong Cryogonal able to Dynamax, don’t worry—these can be found at other Power Spots between January 27 and February 3.

While more powerful Pokémon with Ice-type moves like Lapras or Articuno may seem tempting, keep in mind that their own types (Flying and Water respectively) make them susceptible to Zapdos’ Electric attacks. They can be eliminated quickly. Similarly, while Machamp offers some great offensive potential with moves like Stone Edge, it is also vulnerable to Zapdos’ Drill Peck, should that be part of its arsenal. On the contrary, Steel-types such as Metagross and Excadrill are resistant to Drill Peck, enhancing your chances of survival during battle.

Availability Schedule for Zapdos’ Max Battles

From Late January to February 2025

Key art featuring Zapdos, Articuno, and Moltres for the Legendary Flight event

Dynamax Zapdos will kick off its Max Battles in Pokémon GO during the Legendary Flight event on Monday, January 27, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM local time across all regions. In this first hour, Zapdos will seize the role of the exclusive Max Battle boss throughout every Power Spot in the game. Following this initial clash, Zapdos will continue to appear as a Max Battle boss in select Power Spots until February 3, 2025. During this timeframe, its presence will be shared with other available Max Battle bosses, including Bulbasaur, Cryogonal, and Grookey.

Depending on your location, you may need to explore several Power Spots before encountering Zapdos. However, given its week-long availability, you’re likely to encounter one if you put in the effort. By focusing on its weaknesses and bringing suitable counters that can unleash Ice- and Rock-type moves, you will soon have the chance to add Dynamax Zapdos to your Pokémon GO collection.

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