With Pokémon: Let’s Go Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go Eevee! taking the Nintendo Switch by storm, here’s a closer look at how to capture Zapdos in all its electric glory. Catching the first 151 Pokémon and others like Alohan forms and Meltan is proving to a major hit for the portable Nintendo Switch, but as usual, those Legendary Birds are harder to track down than the average Rattata.
Moltres, Articuno, and Zapdos are suped-up Pokémon that are must-have additions to any Pokémon Master’s team. Like with the original three starter Pokémon, players will have their favorites when it comes to the Legendary Birds, but they each have their own unique stats. Instead of just adding another Pokémon to the Pokédex, tracking down Zapdos includes several other rewards on the way.
Those who’ve played the likes of Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow will know that Zapdos is hiding out in the Power Plant — where it seems not a lot has changed over the years. While learning Sky Dash from the Sky Dash from the character holding balloons near the Rocket Game Corner in Celadon City is a quick way to get to Route 10 near the Power Plant, there’s an extra step required to reach Zapdos.
Before heading to Route 10, gamers need to learn Sea-Skim from the Lapras owner in Fuchsia City’s GO Park. Working like the Surf HM in the original games, Sea-Skim allows Eevee or Pikachu to cross large bodies of water. Going east from Cerulean City toward the Rock Tunnel, players should stop by the Pokémon Center and head north to a small stream on the way to the Power Plant. It’s then easy to use Sea-Skim to reach the Power Plant and Zapdos.
It’s worth noting that the water on Route 10 is the only place to catch a Dratini in Pokémon Let’s Go. Once inside the Power Plant, it’s no surprise that electric Pokémon like Magnemite and Voltorb can be found alongside rarer spawns like their evolved forms, Electabuzz, and even a high-level Charmander. Finding Zapdos is relatively easy if players remember that they’re aiming toward the far Northwest room. When navigating the Power Plant, note that items with a white top instead of a red one are actually Electrodes in disguise.
Zapdos is strong and locked at Level 50, so it’s advisable to tackle its electric attacks with Rock-type and Ice-type Pokémon. Even though a high-level Blastoise might be tempting, players should avoid water Pokémon altogether. It’s advisable to have plenty of Ultra Balls and a team involving a strong, Onix or Golem, Snorlax or Lapras. Consider using a super-effective move like STAB Rock Slide against Zapdos to knock it down quickly. Also remember there are only five minutes to defeat Zapdos before it flies away until the end of the game.
Focus on using Razz Berries rather than Nanab Berries and aim those perfect shots at where Zapdos will land instead of where it actually is. If there’s a red ring, a Razz Berry will almost definitely be needed to cage the bird. Elsewhere, the Power Plant has some added extras. Considering TMs can be used an unlimited number of times in Pokémon Let’s Go Eevee and Pikachu, the Power Plant can help players improve their whole team of Pocket Monsters. The Thunder TM is out there in the Power Plant alongside two Thunder Stones and three Master Trainers. Anyone wanting to complete all of Pokémon Let’s Go will find the Voltorb, Electabuzz, and Zapdos Master Trainers in the Power Plant.
For those who don’t manage to capture Zapdos, they’ll have to wait until they’ve beaten the Elite Four for it to respawn at the Power Plant. Speaking of which, all three Legendary Birds can be found as rare spawns after beating the Elite Four, meaning Zapdos can (sometimes) be found on Routes 22, 23, 24, and 25. Zapdos is right up there with the very best electric Pokémon and could be handy in helping defeat Articuno, so at least fans now know where to catch the buzzing bird in Pokémon: Let’s Go Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go Eevee!.
