Dragonite isDragon-TypePokémon first introduced inPokémon Red and Blueand remains one of the most robust Pokémon today. This pseudo-legendary Pokémon boast incredible stats all across the board and can decimate entire teams thanks to its killer Attack stat.
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Dragonitedoesn’t only deal high amounts of damage with attacks likeOutrageandExtreme Speed, but it can also tank hits with itsMultiscaleability while healing its wounds withRoost. Overall,Dragonite is an army of oneand can take down any threat inPokémon Scarlet and Violet. This guide will explore the best builds to give your Dragonite the edge and sweep the competition.
Dragonite has seen more competitive play than most Pokémon, and for good reason. Dragonite has a monstrous134-base Attackplus a100-base Special Attackmaking it capable of effectively using Physical and Special Attacks. Dragonite is no glass cannon, as it possesses95-base Defenseand100-base Special Defensestats. Unlike some sweepers like Weavile orGengar, who can’t take more than a few hits, Dragonite has access to the ability,Multiscale,which reduces incoming damage by 50% when at full health. This is especially useful when encounteringIce-Type Pokémonor opponents with Ice Beam sinceDragonite suffers 4x damage from Ice-Types attacks. Although Dragonite is a tank, it suffers from its80-base Speed, meaning it won’t outspeed many threats without some stat boosts in battle.
Beyond its raw stats, Dragonite has a plethora of attacks and moves that can destroy teams single-handedly. Its strongest move by far isOutragewhich deals 120 damage, or 180 with STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus). Coupled withDragon Dancewhich increases Dragonite’s Attack and Speed by 50% each use, you have a Pokémon capable of annihilating everything in its path. Dragonite has plenty of type coverage withFire Punch,Thunder Punch,Earthquake,Hurricane,Aqua Tail,Iron Head, and more. Dragonite can heal itself withRoost, trap enemies withFire Spin, and inflict Paralysis withThunder Wave. With so much flexibility, type coverage, and strength, it’s no wonder why Dragonite is a formidable combatant.
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Invincible Attacker
Item:Persim Berry /Ability:Multiscale
This is a standard setup for Dragonite as it compliments its power while strengthening its shortcomings.Outrageis an auto-include since it benefits from STAB while holding aPersim Berrywill heal its Confusion after the first use. Dragonite is slower than most, butExtreme Speedhas priority allowing Dragonite to move first. ANormal Tera Typewill further increase the damage to Extreme Speed if you choose to Terrestrialize Dragonite.Roostwill recover any lost HP and reset the Multiscale ability if It’s healed to the maximum.Earthquakecounters Fighting and Steel-types likeKingambitbut can be swapped out forFire Punch,Thunder Punch, orIron Headtodeal with Fairy-Types.
Dancing Dragon
Item:Clear Amulet or Leftovers /Ability:Multiscale
This build focuses on increasing Dragonite’s Attack and Speed stat withDragon Dance. More uses ofDragon Dancewill increase Outrage’s power.Dual Wingbeatbenefits from STAB while breaking throughProtectandDetect.Fire Punchcan counter Ice-Type threats, whileThunder Punchcan deal withDondozo and Toxapex.Clear Amuletwill prevent enemies from undoing your Dragon Dances, butLeftoverscan be a pseudo-replacement forRoost. Of course,Fire Punch can be replaced with Roostif you keepClear Amulet.
Defending Champion
Item:Heavy-Duty Boots /Ability:Multiscale
This build prioritizes Dragonite’s defensive capabilities while still pummeling the enemy team. Although inaccurate,Dragon Rushdeals incredible damage and doesn’t confuse Dragonite. Iron Head is excellent for dispatching Fairy-Types.Thunder Wavecuts the target’s Speed and offers the chance to skip their turn entirely. you may also go theFire-Spinroute to prevent the enemy from leaving the battle.Roostwill restore Dragonite’s HP and reset the Multiscale ability once it’s back to full health.Heavy-Duty Bootswill prevent entry damage from Stealth Rocks and Spikes, which poses a significant threat to Dragonite.
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Final Thoughts
Adamant(ATk+, Sp. Atk-) andJolly(Spd+, Sp. Atk-) are the most popular Natures for Dragonite. Although aCareful NaturedDragonite (Sp. Def+, Sp. Atk-) can withstandIce BeamandBlizzardsmuch better.EVs are trickieras it depends on what build you go with. If you want a true Dragonite sweeper thendump all EVs into Attack and Speed and the rest into Special Defense.
Ice-Type Attacks and Stage Hazards pose the biggest threat to Dragonite.Stealth Rocks will nullify the Multiscale abilitywhile removing 1/4 of Dragonite’s HPbefore it even makes a move. Knowing the metagame will inform you which attacks will be best for those extra move slots in your build. Dragonite is a fantastic fighter and will always see play in thecompetitive scene.
Next:Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: Best Rock-Type Moves
