Zapdos – Pokémon TCG Highlander

Blitzing with great damage, Zapdos brings a crackling tempest to Highlander for daring players to utilize to an effective degree.

Strategy Points:

• “Sheet Lightning” is a rewarding Poké-Power that can deal as much as 60 damage after Zapdos is played.
  • Use Super Scoop Up, Seeker, and/or Penny for rapid hand scoop up plays to recycle this Poké-Power and continue using potentially high spread damage strategies.
  • Pokémon like Togedemaru, Raikou, and Manectric all add to the spread damage pressure from this Poké-Power. Playing all three together will help protect your bench while potentially causing havoc on your opponent’s board.
• “Legendary Ascent” can get Zapdos three Energy attached to it in one turn. Dialing up the offensive pressure with a prepared “Raging Thunder.”
  • Electivire, Rayquaza, and Sandy Shocks all provide great Energy accelerating Poké-Powers to help get more Lightning Energy on your board.
  • Regirock, Hippowdon, and Groudon have great Fighting Energy accelerating options for Galarian Zapdos to utilize with this Poké-Power.
• “Raging Thunder” does great damage for three Energy that can easily be accelerated in one turn.
  • The damage done to your own benched Pokémon can be prevented with the previously mentioned Manectric and its “Electric Barrier” Poké-Body. You can also run Bench Shield to stop this. Putting Bench Shield shield on Manectric will fully protect your bench from all damage strategies.
  • The damage to your bench can be used in your favor. Pokémon like Zekrom, Gigalith, Gallade, and Golem all utilize the damage on them to damage the opponent’s Pokémon even more.
  • Eviolite, Fighting Fury Belt, and Giant Cape are all great Pokémon Tool cards to use with these Pokémon. EXP. Share is also effective in maintaining momentum if Zapdos gets knocked out.
• Zapdos – Level X:
  ⦁ “Jolting Endurance” provides a net buff to offense, defense, and mobility for all of your Lightning and Fighting Pokémon. One Switch or Warp Point can have Zapdos – Level X do this from the bench for potentially the rest of the game.
  ⦁ “Legendary Pressure” technically does 40 damage for one Energy, thanks to “Jolting Endurance.” The increased attack cost can lock down your opponent’s attackers, all while halting effects like Special Condition attacks done to it.
  • Elektross, Zebstrika, Annihilape, and Drednaw are all great bench supporting Pokémon that appreciate “Jolting Endurance” and the easy offensive pressure of this attack.