How to Catch Zapdos in Pokémon Yellow

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Reviewed by Ishrak

Last Updated: May 9, 2025

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You can only catch Zapdos in Pokémon Yellow version once you already have a Pokémon that knows surf.

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1. 
   1
   Go to Cerulean City. Go East towards the entrance of the Rock Tunnel or from Lavender Town, go north and enter the Rock Tunnel, and go out. You should be able to see the Pokémon Center outside Rock Tunnel.
2. 
   2
   Use the Pokémon Center as your point. Walk North, surf East, and South until you see a grassy area on your left side.

   • If you walk to the west, you will see the old Power Plant.
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3. 
   3
   Enter the power plant. You will be able to pickup several Items and battle Magneton, Magnemite, Pikachu, Raichu, and Voltorb. Go to the west part of the Power Plant (Power Plant is a Maze) and you will see a bird waiting for YOU!
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• Question

  Where does Zapdos go if I run out of Pokeballs or faint and am not able to catch it?

  

  Community Answer

  It disappears from the game. Knocking out Zapdos, Articuno, Moltres, or Mewtwo removes them from the game completely. That's why you should save your game before trying to catch it, as recommended under Warnings at the end of the article, so if you fail, you can restart and try again.

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  Not Helpful 2 Helpful 21
• Question

  Why do my ultra balls always miss when I try to catch Zapdos in Pokemon Red?

  

  Community Answer

  Because they have to be either paralyzed or asleep. The Pokémon has to have some sort of status, so the Pokeball doesn't miss.

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• Question

  Is it possible to catch Zapdos with numerous standard Poke Balls?

  

  Community Answer

  It is, but the Zapdos has to have low HP.

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Warnings

• Zapdos is very hard to catch so you need to save the game before trying to catch it. Put it in minimum HP and status should be asleep. Be sure to bring a lot of Poké Balls or Master Ball(s) if you have any.
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