In the vast universe of Pokémon, Dragonite stands out as a fan-favorite, known for its impressive stats and versatile moveset. As a Dragon/Flying-type Pokémon, it has become a staple in both competitive battling and casual play. This article aims to provide insights into effectively training and battling with Dragonite while exploring the best strategies to maximize its potential.
Understanding Dragonite
Before delving into training and battling strategies, let’s take a closer look at Dragonite’s attributes.
Base Stats Overview
- HP: 91
- Attack: 134
- Defense: 95
- Special Attack: 100
- Special Defense: 100
- Speed: 80
With these stats, Dragonite is well-rounded, capable of taking hits while also delivering powerful attacks.
Abilities
- Inner Focus: Prevents flinching.
- Multiscale (Hidden Ability): Reduces damage taken when at full health, giving Dragonite even more survivability.
Training Strategies for Dragonite
1. EV Training
Effort Values (EVs) significantly affect the performance of your Pokémon. For Dragonite, focus on these EV distributions:
- Attack and Speed Build (252 Attack / 252 Speed): This build allows Dragonite to hit harder and outspeed many adversaries.
- Tank Build (252 HP / 252 Defense): Using Multiscale effectively, there’s potential for a bulky Dragonite that can absorb hits and retaliate.
2. Nature Selection
Selecting the right Nature is crucial. Here are recommended options:
- Jolly: Increases Speed, decreases Special Attack, ideal for a physical Dragonite looking to outspeed threats.
- Adamant: Increases Attack, decreases Special Attack, maximizing damage output.
3. Move Set Choices
Dragonite’s versatility shines through its move set. Key moves include:
- Outrage: A powerful Dragon-type move that benefits from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus).
- Dragon Dance: Boosts Attack and Speed, making Dragonite a formidable sweeper.
- Hurricane: Offers strong coverage, especially against Fighting and Grass-types, and can confuse the opponent.
- Earthquake: A strong physical move useful against Steel-types and Rock-types.
Battling Strategies with Dragonite
1. Setting Up for Success
- Entry Hazards: Opponents often set up Stealth Rock or Spikes. Use a spinner (like Rapid Spin) or defogger to clear the field for a better entry.
2. Utilizing Multiscale
- Full Health Advantage: If Dragonite enters the battle at full health, it receives a damage reduction from Multiscale. Time your entry wisely, using Dragonite as a late-game cleaner.
3. Predicting Switches
Dragonite excels at punishing switches. Moves that can capitalize on this are:
- Fire Punch or Ice Punch: To hit Pokemon that resist Dragon-type moves.
- Volt Switch: If you have Pokémon that can set up Dragonite effectively.
4. Diversifying Move Options
Using coverage moves allows Dragonite to take on various threats. Some effective options include:
- Thunder Punch: Handling Water and Flying-types.
- Superpower: For Fairy and Steel-types.
5. Switch-in Opportunities
Leverage Dragonite’s resistances to make strategic switches. Dragonite’s typing provides good resistances, enabling it to switch into many attacks and retaliate effectively.
Conclusion
Dragonite is a formidable Pokémon that, with the right training and battling strategies, can dominate in competitive environments. By focusing on EV training, selecting suitable Natures, optimizing move sets, and employing effective battle strategies, trainers can unleash Dragonite’s full potential.
Quiz Questions and Answers
Now, to test your understanding of Dragonite and the associated strategies, here are 50 questions with four options each:
What is Dragonite’s primary type?
- A) Water
- B) Fire
- C) Dragon
- D) Ice
Correct Answer: C) Dragon
Dragonite is a Dragon/Flying-type Pokémon.
Which of the following is Dragonite’s hidden ability?
- A) Inner Focus
- B) Multiscale
- C) Levitate
- D) Adaptability
Correct Answer: B) Multiscale
Multiscale reduces damage taken when Dragonite is at full health.
What is Dragonite’s base Speed stat?
- A) 70
- B) 80
- C) 90
- D) 100
Correct Answer: B) 80
Dragonite has a base Speed stat of 80.
Which two stats benefit the most from an Adamant Nature?
- A) Speed and Special Attack
- B) Attack and Special Attack
- C) Attack and Speed
- D) Attack and Defense
Correct Answer: C) Attack and Speed
Adamant increases Attack and decreases Special Attack.
Which move is known for being a powerful STAB option for Dragonite?
- A) Dragon Claw
- B) Outrage
- C) Thunderbolt
- D) Hyper Beam
Correct Answer: B) Outrage
Outrage is Dragon-type and benefits from STAB.
What is the primary role of Dragon Dance in Dragonite’s moveset?
- A) Healing
- B) Boosting Attack and Speed
- C) Inflicting damage
- D) Switching Pokémon
Correct Answer: B) Boosting Attack and Speed
Dragon Dance increases both Attack and Speed.
Which Pokémon is often used to counter Dragonite’s Dragon-type moves?
How many total Pokémon types resist Dragon-type moves?
- A) 1
- B) 2
- C) 3
- D) 4
Correct Answer: B) 2
Both Steel and Fairy types resist Dragon-type moves.
What move can Dragonite use for coverage against Fairy-types?
- A) Steel Wing
- B) Outrage
- C) Superpower
- D) Hurricane
Correct Answer: C) Superpower
Superpower is a Fighting-type move that effectively takes down Fairy-types.
What role does EV training play?
- A) Attacking
- B) Stat enhancement
- C) Type changes
- D) Leveling up
Correct Answer: B) Stat enhancement
EV training enhances specific statistics of the Pokémon.
Which item can enhance Dragonite’s damage output?
- A) Focus Sash
- B) Choice Band
- C) Assault Vest
- D) Leftovers
Correct Answer: B) Choice Band
Choice Band boosts the Attack but locks Dragonite into one move.
What is a common counter to Dragonite’s physical attacks?
- A) Special Defense
- B) High Speed
- C) High HP
- D) High Defense
Correct Answer: D) High Defense
High Defense Pokémon can withstand Dragonite’s physical attacks.
In a multi-type matchup, which Pokémon would resist both Dragon and Flying moves effectively?
- A) Aggron
- B) Gliscor
- C) Clefable
- D) Gardevoir
Correct Answer: A) Aggron
Aggron is both Rock and Steel-type, resisting Dragon and Flying moves.
If a Dragonite uses Dragon Dance once, how much does it increase its Attack and Speed?
- A) +1
- B) +2
- C) +3
- D) +4
Correct Answer: A) +1
Dragon Dance increases each stat by +1 stage.
What effect does the move Hurricane have aside from damage?
- A) Confusion
- B) Healing
- C) Burn
- D) Poison
Correct Answer: A) Confusion
Hurricane can confuse the target if it hits.
What is Dragonite’s role in competitive battling?
- A) Tank
- B) Support
- C) Sweeper
- D) Stall
Correct Answer: C) Sweeper
Dragonite typically serves as a late-game sweeper.
Which item can help Dragonite survive attacks while at full health?
- A) Choice Scarf
- B) Multiscale
- C) Multitype
- D) Berry
Correct Answer: B) Multiscale
Multiscale reduces damage taken when Dragonite is at full health.
What is the best strategy when facing a Pokémon that counters Dragonite?
- A) Switch out
- B) Attack as planned
- C) Use a status move
- D) Set up entry hazards
Correct Answer: A) Switch out
If facing a counter, switching out is usually wise.
For mixed attacking Dragonite, which secondary typing offers coverage against Steel-types?
- A) Ground
- B) Ice
- C) Fire
- D) Water
Correct Answer: C) Fire
Fire-type moves are effective against Steel-types.
What is a possible way to increase Dragonite’s survivability besides Multiscale?
- A) Hold a Focus Sash
- B) Investing in Speed
- C) Learning more cover moves
- D) Increasing Defense
Correct Answer: D) Increasing Defense
Investing in Defense can help Dragonite take more hits.
Which type does Dragonite specifically struggle against most?
- A) Ghost
- B) Steel
- C) Ice
- D) Fairy
Correct Answer: C) Ice
Dragonite is weak to Ice-type moves.
Dragonite is vulnerable to which type of attack?
- A) Electric
- B) Rock
- C) Fairy
- D) All of the above
Correct Answer: D) All of the above
Dragonite is weak to Electric, Rock, and Fairy-type attacks.
Which of these moves can Dragonite learn to counter Fighting-types effectively?
- A) Thunderbolt
- B) Ice Beam
- C) Dragon Claw
- D) Fly
Correct Answer: A) Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt can help against Fighting-types, especially those that are Water-types.
What role do entry hazards play against Dragonite?
- A) Boosting its special attack
- B) Decreasing its defense
- C) Providing free damage on entry
- D) Healing opponents
Correct Answer: C) Providing free damage on entry
Entry hazards deal damage to Pokémon entering the field.
Which of the following is not a benefit of using Dragonite in your team?
- A) Versatile move set
- B) High Attack power
- C) Always outspeed opponents
- D) Access to support moves
Correct Answer: C) Always outspeed opponents
Dragonite doesn’t always outspeed; faster Pokémon exist.
Which strategy can effectively maximize the use of Dragonite’s moveset?
- A) Using only Water-type moves
- B) Utilizing Dragon Dance to boost stats
- C) Using Defense moves
- D) Spamming one attack
Correct Answer: B) Utilizing Dragon Dance to boost stats
Using Dragon Dance increases the chance of outspeeding and hitting hard.
What is the recommended EV spread for a bulky Dragonite?
- A) 252 HP / 252 Attack
- B) 252 HP / 252 Defense
- C) 252 Special Attack / 252 Speed
- D) 252 Attack / 252 Speed
Correct Answer: B) 252 HP / 252 Defense
This spread increases bulk and survivability.
Which holds an advantage against Dragonite in a 1v1 matchup?
- A) Charizard
- B) Gardevoir
- C) Sylveon
- D) Deoxys
Correct Answer: C) Sylveon
Sylveon’s Fairy-type moves are super effective against Dragonite.
How does Dragonite’s typing contribute to its effectiveness in battles?
- A) Weak to all types
- B) Strong resistances
- C) Immune to all types
- D) Changes type after evolving
Correct Answer: B) Strong resistances
Dragonite’s type gives it strong resistances against certain types.
What moves can be used to out-prioritize Dragonite?
- A) Agility
- B) Counter
- C) Sucker Punch
- D) Quick Attack
Correct Answer: C) Sucker Punch
Sucker Punch can hit before Dragonite attacks if it is using an offensive move.
How can Dragonite learn to deal with bulky opponents?
- A) Using entry hazards
- B) Spamming basic attacks
- C) Focusing on setup moves like Dragon Dance
- D) Switching out
Correct Answer: C) Focusing on setup moves like Dragon Dance
Soaring Attack and Speed can help overcome bulk.
What makes the combination of Dragon Dance and Outrage particularly dangerous?
- A) Quick healing
- B) Major damage boost with increased attacks
- C) Inability to make a comeback
- D) Released from status moves
Correct Answer: B) Major damage boost with increased attacks
It allows for high damage with higher Attack and Speed.
What potential downside exists with using the choice items like Choice Band?
- A) Control over speed
- B) Ability to switch moves at will
- C) Relying solely on one move
- D) Lowered attack
Correct Answer: C) Relying solely on one move
Using Choice Band locks Dragonite into the first move chosen.
Dragonite can potentially be run in what style?
- A) Alongside Pokémon that can absorb hits
- B) On a team lacking coverage
- C) Relying exclusively on type advantages
- D) As a defensive wall
Correct Answer: A) Alongside Pokémon that can absorb hits
This maximizes its effectiveness to sweep.
What kind of item would be suitable for support Dragonite?
- A) Focus Band
- B) Assault Vest
- C) Choice Pack
- D) Leftovers
Correct Answer: D) Leftovers
Leftovers provide gradual healing to maintain Dragonite’s health.
If Dragonite is at half health and facing a strong opponent, what should you consider?
- A) Attack all out
- B) Switch out for a fresh Pokémon
- C) Attempt to use a support move
- D) Ignore the opponent’s attacks
Correct Answer: B) Switch out for a fresh Pokémon
It’s risky to stay in against strong opponents when low on health.
When is the best time to utilize Dragonite’s Dragon Dance?
- A) At the start of the match
- B) When opponents are low on health
- C) When you anticipate a switch
- D) When the opponent is setting up
Correct Answer: C) When you anticipate a switch
Ensuring boosts before opponents switch can lead to quick knockouts.
What should you consider focusing on if running a special Dragonite?
- A) Robust physical defenses
- B) EVs in Attack
- C) Power Accuracy
- D) Speed
Correct Answer: D) Speed
Speed influences the ability to hit first with special attacks.
Which of the following moves would benefit Dragonite against Psychic-types?
- A) Earthquake
- B) Psycho Cut
- C) Crunch
- D) Iron Tail
Correct Answer: C) Crunch
Crunch is a Dark-type move that can hit Psychic-types hard.
What is a benefit of using a mixed-attacker Dragonite?
- A) Predictability
- B) Limited move sets
- C) Coverage across multiple types
- D) Slow speed
Correct Answer: C) Coverage across multiple types
A mixed-attacker can handle various threats.
What situation can Dragonite create for entry hazard switching?
- A) Getting KO’d quickly
- B) Switching in at low HP
- C) Forcing a switch due to pressure
- D) Leaving opponents confused
Correct Answer: C) Forcing a switch due to pressure
High damage output can lead opponents to switch.
With Dragonite, should you expect counter-play?
- A) Never
- B) Always expect counters
- C) Only from weaker Pokémon
- D) Only during tournament play
Correct Answer: B) Always expect counters
Many Pokémon are designed to counter Dragon-types.
Which move can be used to catch unsuspected threats off guard?
- A) Outrage
- B) Roost
- C) U-Turn
- D) Fire Punch
Correct Answer: C) U-Turn
U-Turn allows for pivoting out, catching opponents off guard.
Against a setup Pokémon, what might Dragonite’s strategy involve?
- A) Healing constantly
- B) Setting up with Dragon Dance
- C) Staying out regardless of conditions
- D) Ignoring setup entirely
Correct Answer: B) Setting up with Dragon Dance
Setting up can often lead to a strong counter-sweep.
Which is not a typical role for Dragonite in competitive battles?
- A) Walling against physical attackers
- B) Special Sweeper
- C) Physical Sweeper
- D) Attack Focus
Correct Answer: A) Walling against physical attackers
Dragonite is generally not used as a wall.
What can hinder Dragonite’s effectiveness if not removed?
- A) Buffs
- B) Status Effects
- C) Strong attackers
- D) Environmental changes
Correct Answer: B) Status Effects
Status impacts Dragonite’s performance severely.
What primary advantage does Dragonite’s ability provide?
- A) Boosting Damage
- B) Immunity to Flinching
- C) Free healing
- D) Increases speed
Correct Answer: B) Immunity to Flinching
Using Inner Focus, allows Dragonite to attack without worrying about flinches.
What should you look for when selecting a team around Dragonite?
- A) Pokémon that cannot take hits
- B) Complementary types and moves
- C) High-speed Pokémon
- D) Weak team synergy
Correct Answer: B) Complementary types and moves
A balanced team maximizes overall performance.
Which status move can negatively affect Dragonite’s performance?
- A) Heal Block
- B) Paralyze
- C) Confusion
- D) Increase of Attack
Correct Answer: B) Paralyze
Paralysis directly affects Dragonite’s Speed.
- What tactic should you avoid when using Dragonite in competitive battles?
- A) Sticking to one attack
- B) Analyzing opponent strengths
- C) Bulky setups
- D) Reading the opponent
Correct Answer: A) Sticking to one attack
Predictability can lead to easy counters.
Conclusion
In summary, Dragonite is an incredibly powerful Pokémon that can shine in various competitive formats with proper training and battle strategies. With the right combination of EV training, move sets, and strategic planning during battles, training Dragonite effectively can lead to victories. Understanding how to counter common threats and maximize Dragonite’s capabilities is crucial to success. Whether employed as a sweeper or a tank, Dragonite can be a formidable member of your Pokémon team.
