Are you struggling against Dragon-type Pokémon in battles? Understanding their weaknesses and resistances is key to selecting the best counters for your team.
Dragon-types are among the most formidable and memorable presence in the Pokémon universe, which explains why many of them are classified as Legendary Pokémon.
Like all Pokémon types, Dragons have specific vulnerabilities that can be exploited. Here’s what you need to know to effectively face them in combat.
Which types are Dragon-types weak against?
When it comes to moves and opposing Pokémon types, Dragon-type Pokémon have three significant weaknesses:
- Ice
- Dragon
- Fairy
To effectively counter a Dragon-type Pokémon, include team members that belong to these types and equip them with complementary moves.
It’s important to note that a Dragon-type’s weakness to its own category remains valid. Therefore, exercise caution when deploying your Dragon Pokémon in battles.
What strengths do Dragon-types possess?
In addition to their weaknesses, Dragon-type Pokémon are resistant to various types, including Grass, Water, Fire, and Electric.
Utilizing a Dragon-type in your team can provide strong advantages against other Dragon Pokémon, given that their moves are particularly potent. Do remember, however, that unless you have a Dragon with a secondary Fairy typing, it will also be vulnerable to other Dragon-types. Additionally, avoid pitting your Dragons against Steel-type opponents.
Dragon-type weaknesses explained
When facing a Dragon-type Pokémon, focus on utilizing Ice, Fairy, and Dragon-type moves to capitalize on their weaknesses.
But if you incorporate a Dragon-type into your roster, steer clear of Steel and Fairy-type Pokémon, as your attacks will lack effectiveness or might deal virtually no damage.
Top counters for Dragon-type Pokémon
The best strategy to defeat Dragon types is to use Pokémon equipped with Ice, Fairy, or Dragon-type moves. Moreover, using a Pokémon that can utilize two of these three move types can give you a significant edge.
Here are the top Pokémon recommended for countering Dragon-types:
- Alolan Ninetales (Ice/Fairy)
- Xerneas (Fairy)
- Glaceon (Ice)
- Zacian (Fairy/Steel)
- Mega Altaria (Dragon/Fairy)
Always consider a Pokémon’s secondary type when picking your counters and moves. While the suggestions provided are advantageous, keep in mind that the opposing Pokémon’s primary and secondary types might impact their resistances.
Effective moves to challenge Dragon Pokémon
A wide variety of Ice, Fairy, and Dragon moves are especially powerful against Steel-type Pokémon. Here are our top recommendations based on their power and benefits:
- Ice Burn (Ice)
- Blizzard (Ice)
- Ice Beam (Ice)
- Icicle Spear (Ice)
- Moonblast (Fairy)
- Play Rough (Fairy)
- Dazzling Gleam (Fairy)
- Roar of Time (Dragon)
- Draco Meteor (Dragon)
- Outrage (Dragon)
Ice Burn stands out as the most potent Ice move, capable of increasing its damage from 140 to 200 using Z-Power. Although it requires a turn to charge, it has a 30% chance to burn the opposing Pokémon. On the other hand, Icicle Spear delivers 2-5 hits per use with perfect accuracy and has plentiful PP, allowing for frequent use.
Both Moonblast and Play Rough deliver substantial power (95 and 90, respectively), with Moonblast potentially reducing the opponent’s Special Attack, while Play Rough may lower the opposing Pokémon’s Attack. Dazzling Gleam is also well-regarded due to its strength, accuracy, and ability to hit multiple targets
Roar of Time is iconic as Dialga’s signature Dragon move, delivering a power of 150 at the cost of having to recharge on the next turn. Similarly, Outrage is popular for its damage output, allowing 2-3 consecutive hits but ending with the user becoming confused.
Top Tera Types
With the introduction of Tera Types in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, the battle strategies have evolved. Here are the Tera types you should consider to enhance your Dragon Pokémon:
- Fairy: Removes vulnerability to Fairy-type moves
- Steel: Adds resistance against Fairy-type moves that are particularly effective against Dragons
Top Dragon-type moves
Among the 30 distinct Dragon-type moves, we’ve selected the most potent special, physical, and status attacks to maximize your combat effectiveness:
| MOVE | CATEGORY | POWER | ACCURACY | PP | EFFECT | GEN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon Energy | Special | 150 | 100% | 5 | Damage increases with the user’s HP | Gen VIII |
| Roar of Time | Special | 150 | 90% | 5 | User must recharge next turn | Gen IV |
| Draco Meteor | Special | 130 | 90% | 5 | Sharply lowers user’s Special 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 and then 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 | Increases the user’s Attack and Speed | Gen III |
Top Dragon-types in Pokémon history
So far, there are a total of 90 Dragon-type Pokémon (including up to Gen 9). Here are the ten best Dragon-types ranked:
- Mega Rayquaza
- Zygarde (Complete Forme)
- Palkia
- Dialga
- Giratina
- Kyurem
- Garchomp
- Roaring Moon
- Dragonite
- Dragapult
These insights on weaknesses, strengths, and resistances can help you strategize effectively against Dragon-type Pokémon.
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