Dragon-type Pokemon: Weaknesses & Strengths Explained

Are your Pokemon being defeated by Dragon-type Pokemon in battle? If so, it is important to familiarize yourself with their vulnerabilities and strengths in order to choose the most effective counters for your battles.

Dragon-type Pokemon are renowned for being both iconic and challenging opponents in Pokemon games, which is why a majority of them hold the prestigious status of being Legendary.

Just like any other type of Pokemon in the games, Dragons can be countered and have their own individual weaknesses that can be taken advantage of. Therefore, it is important to understand how to survive an encounter with one of these powerful creatures.

Dragon-type Pokémon Weaknesses

Dragon-type Pokemon possess three main vulnerabilities when it comes to moves and opposing types of Pokemon:

  • Ice
  • Dragon
  • Fairy

As a result, it is important to assemble a team of Pokemon with types that can counter Dragon-type opponents and ensure they possess compatible movesets.

Remember that just because a Dragon is weak to its own typing, it does not negate its overall weakness. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using Dragons in battles.

Sinnoh Legendary Pokemon Dialga and Palkia next to Origine Forme Giratina
Game Freak / The Pokemon Company

Dragon-type Pokemon: Strengths and Resistances

Dragon-type Pokemon have not only weaknesses but also the ability to resist certain types and moves, including Grass, Water, Fire, and Electric.

If you choose to include a Dragon-type Pokemon on your team, be sure to use it in battles against other Dragon-types, as its attacks will have a significant advantage. However, be cautious when facing a Dragon-type opponent, unless you have a secondary Fairy type on your Dragon-type to gain the upper hand and avoid battling against Steel-type opponents.

Recommended counters for defeating Dragon-type Pokémon

The following list contains the most effective Pokemon to use as counters against Dragon-type Pokemon:

  • Alolan Ninetales (Ice/Fairy)
  • Xerneas (Fairy)
  • Glaceon (Ice)
  • Zacian (Fairy/Steel)
  • Mega Altaria (Dragon/Fairy)

One effective method for defeating Dragon types is to utilize a Pokemon with Ice and Fairy types, or to combine one of those with Steel. This is because Dragon moves are not very effective against these types.

Remember to consider a Pokemon’s secondary type when choosing your counter Pokemon and moves. Even though the mentioned examples are successful, the opposing Pokemon could still have resistances based on their primary or secondary type.

Best Tera Types for Dragon-type Pokemon

The introduction of Tera Types in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet altered the battle regulations, so it is important to consider them in order to enhance the strength of your Dragons.

  • Fairy: Eliminates Dragon-type weakness to Fairy moves
  • Steel: Helps resist Fairy-type moves, which are super effective against Dragons
Legendary Reshiram in Pokemon anime
The Pokemon Company

Best Dragon Moves in Pokemon

We have chosen the strongest special, physical, and status Dragon-type moves from a total of 30 options for use in battle.

MOVE CATEGORY POWER ACCURACY PP EFFECT GEN
Dragon Energy Special 150 100% 5 The higher the user’s HP, the higher it hits Gen VIII
Roar of Time Special 150 90% 5 User must recharge the next turn Gen IV
Draco Meteor Special 130 90% 5 Sharply lowers the user’s Sp. Attack Gen IV
Spacial Rend Special 100 95% 5 High critical hit ratio Gen IV
Fickle Beam Special 80 100% 5 May deal double damage Gen IX
Outrage Physical 120 100% 10 User attacks for 2-3 turns but becomes confused Gen II
Dragon Rush Physical 100 75% 10 May cause flinching Gen IV
Dragon Hammer Physical 90 100% 15 Gen VII
Dragon Claw Physical 80 100% 15 Gen III
Dragon Dance Status X X 20 Raises user’s Attack and Speed Gen III

Best Dragon-type Pokemon of all time

The Pokemon franchise currently features 90 Dragon-type creatures (up to Gen 9). Below is a list of the top 10 ranked among them.

  • Mega Rayquaza
  • Zygarde (Complete Forme)
  • Palkia
  • Dialga
  • Giratina
  • Kyurem
  • Garchomp
  • Roaring Moon
  • Dragonite
  • Dragapult

When facing a Dragon-type Pokemon, it is important to take into account its weaknesses, strengths, and resistances.

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