Zapdos to become playable with Pokémon Unite's next update

The Electric Legendary Bird, Zapdos, has given tough times to Pokémon Unite players for almost five years as a boss. Now, to celebrate Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, The Pokémon Company will release it into the game as a playable Pokémon.

Carrying the Novice difficulty rating, Zapdos is easy to master, but don’t let that fool you. Its long-range attacks and ability to capture goal zones can be deadly, especially in the early and late game.

That said, he is not the only member of the original Generation I Kanto Legendary Bird trio making its way to Pokémon Unite. Articuno and Moltres will join the roster in coming months as a Defender and an All-Rounder, respectively.

Pokémon Unite's Zapdos Abilities

Its Static ability will paralyze an enemy Pokémon upon receiving damage and then enter a short cooldown period. The next move, Thunder Shock, will electrocute the target along with nearby opposing Pokémon.

Discharge combines the effects of both Static and Thunder Shock, unleashing an electric field that deals damage to Pokémon within its range. Moreover, if there is already an existing electric field, the move will absorb it to increase its radius and duration.

At Level 5, Thunderbolt throws an electric blast at a selected area, causing heavy damage to enemy Pokémon. It also leaves behind an electric field for a moment, which can be consumed by Zap Cannon, resulting in an increase in its range, damage, and duration.

Independently, the ability launches a cannon blast that explodes upon contact, dealing damage and leaving opponents unable to act.

Apart from this, the electric fields created by Thunder Shock and Thunderbolt will deal extra damage and apply a slowing effect.

Zapdos’ Unite Move, High Voltage Siege, strikes enemies with multiple lightning bolts, causing massive damage and paralyzing them, while creating an electric field in the area. If the same Pokémon is struck three times, it will not be able to act anymore.

However, the main highlight of the ability is that if the lightning bolts hit a goal zone five times, it becomes defenseless, allowing a teammate to score instantly.

While it is yet to be seen what kind of a place Zapdos will have in the competitive environment, so far it appears that it could be a highly picked Pokémon in Pokémon Unite Championship Series once it gets enabled.

When is Zapdos Releasing in Pokémon Unite?

Zapdos will become available in Pokémon Unite on Pokémon Day, February 27th. Players will be able to unlock it alongside Articuno and Moltres by completing “events held in sequential order.”

Further details are expected to be revealed when the update goes live.