Capturing Galarian Zapdos in Pokémon Sword and Shield requires a few prerequisites:
- Own the Expansion Pass (Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra)
- Completed the Freezington quest (at the very beginning of the story)
- Get the Peony's Legendary Clues
- Find the red tree
Freezington Quest
When you arrive at Freezington, Peony will introduce you to the village and your home. He will also tell you about the legends of Crown Tundra and then give you his personal clues on the subject.
In the house, get the famous "pillow" of Peony which is on the table. This is actually the missing crown on the wooden statue outside. Return it to the correct location to summon the Legendary Calyrex.
Calyrex will then ask you to go and investigate it with the villagers. Talk to everyone until a message appears on your screen telling you to return to the Pokémon.
Once these conditions are met, you will be able to freely explore the region.
Meet at the Red Tree (Dyna Hill Tree)
Spot the giant red tree and head there. A cutscene with the three legendary birds will then start.
Following your passage, the three birds fled to distant lands:
- Zapdos is found in the Wild Area,
- Moltres can be found in Isle of Armor (DLC 1)
- Articuno can be found in The Crown Tundra (DLC 2)
Where to find Galarian Zapdos
Open your Map and teleport to the Wild Area. It won't take long to find Zapdos running in the tall grass.
This becomes more complicated because you will have to pursue him at full speed (with your bike) in order to start the fight! So try to cut him off because you will never be able to catch him in a straight line.
Tips
The fight can then start. Zapdos will be at level 70. Try to put him to sleep to facilitate his capture because even with very low HP, the Legendary will not get caught easily.
Moves
- Focus Energy
- Thunderous Kick
- Drill Peck
- Reversal
Zapdos is of Fighting and Flight type.
Once Galarian Zapdos is captured, your Legendary Clue 3 will update and you can go and catch Moltres or Articuno.
