Dragon Type

The Dragon type (Japanese: ドラゴンタイプ Dragon Type) is one of the eighteen Pokemon types. Dragon-type Pokemon are characterized by their mythical, draconic appearance and legendary power. Historically rare and powerful, Dragon-types dominated competitive play in early generations before being balanced by the introduction of the Fairy type in Generation VI.[1]

Overview

AttributeDetails
IntroducedGeneration I
Number of Pokemon80+
Notable TrainersLance, Clair, Drake, Drayden, Iris, Raihan
Common HabitatsMountains, caves, remote locations, Dragon's Den

Type Effectiveness

Offensive

EffectivenessAgainst Types
Super Effective (2x)Dragon
Not Very Effective (0.5x)Steel
No Effect (0x)Fairy

Defensive

EffectivenessFrom Types
Weak To (2x)Ice, Dragon, Fairy
Resistant To (0.5x)Fire, Water, Grass, Electric
Immune To (0x)—

Key Note: Fairy Immunity

Dragon moves have no effect on Fairy-type Pokemon. This was introduced in Generation VI to counter the dominance of Dragon-types, which had been largely unchecked in previous generations.[2] Prior to Generation VI, Dragon was only weak to itself and Ice, making Dragon-types exceptionally difficult to counter.

Characteristics

Common Traits

TraitDescription
AppearanceReptilian, serpentine, mythological dragons
AbilitiesIntimidate, Levitate, Multiscale, Mold Breaker
HabitatRemote locations, mountains
BehaviorPowerful, territorial, often rare

Special Properties

PropertyEffect
Late EvolutionMany Dragon-types evolve at level 50+
High StatsOften pseudo-legendary or legendary status
Dragon Dance+1 Attack/Speed boosting move
OutragePowerful but locks user in

Notable Dragon-Type Pokemon

Pseudo-Legendary Status

Dragon-type has the most pseudo-legendary Pokemon of any type:[3]

PokemonTypeGenerationNotable For
DragoniteDragon/FlyingIFirst Dragon-type, Multiscale
SalamenceDragon/FlyingIIIIntimidate, physical attacker
GarchompDragon/GroundIVRough Skin, Sand Veil
HydreigonDark/DragonVSpecial attacker, Levitate
GoodraDragonVIPure Dragon pseudo-legendary
Kommo-oDragon/FightingVIIUnique typing, Clanging Scales
DragapultDragon/GhostVIIIFastest pseudo-legendary
BaxcaliburDragon/IceIXThermal Exchange

Legendary/Mythical

PokemonTypeGeneration
RayquazaDragon/FlyingIII
DialgaSteel/DragonIV
PalkiaWater/DragonIV
GiratinaGhost/DragonIV
ReshiramDragon/FireV
ZekromDragon/ElectricV
KyuremDragon/IceV
Kyurem-BlackDragon/IceV
Kyurem-WhiteDragon/IceV
ZygardeDragon/GroundVI
GuzzlordDark/DragonVII
NaganadelPoison/DragonVII
EternatusPoison/DragonVIII
RegidragoDragonVIII
KoraidonFighting/DragonIX
MiraidonElectric/DragonIX

Mythical Dragon Types

PokemonTypeGeneration
——No pure Dragon mythicals

Iconic Dragon Types

PokemonTypeNotable For
DragoniteDragon/FlyingOriginal Dragon-type icon
CharizardFire/Flying (Dragon/Flying as Mega X)Not Dragon-type until Mega Evolution
FlygonGround/DragonDesert dragonfly, Levitate
AltariaDragon/FlyingFluffy bird-dragon, Natural Cure
HaxorusDragonPure physical attacker, Mold Breaker
DuraludonSteel/DragonModern skyscraper design
CyclizarDragon/NormalRide Pokemon in Paldea

Competitively Notable

PokemonNotable For
DragapultHighest Speed pseudo-legendary, U-turn
Kyurem-BlackMixed attacking, Teravolt
Kyurem-WhiteTurboblaze, Freeze-Dry weakness
Great TuskDragon Tera type threat
Roaring MoonParadox Salamence, Protosynthesis
Walking WakeParadox Suicune (Water/Dragon)
Gouging FireParadox Entei (Fire/Dragon)
Kommo-oClangorous Soul setup
GarchompSand Veil, Stealth Rock setter

Regional Variants

PokemonOriginal TypeDragon Variant Type
Alolan ExeggutorGrass/PsychicGrass/Dragon

Mega Evolutions

PokemonOriginal TypeMega Dragon Type
Mega Charizard XFire/FlyingFire/Dragon
Mega AmpharosElectricElectric/Dragon
Mega SceptileGrassGrass/Dragon
Mega AltariaDragon/FlyingDragon/Fairy

Common Dragon-Type Moves

Physical Moves

MovePowerAccuracyEffect
Outrage120100%2-3 turns, then confuses user
Dragon Claw80100%No additional effect
Dragon Rush10075%May flinch
Dual Chop4090%Hits twice
Breaking Swipe60100%Lowers foes' Attack
Dragon Tail6090%Forces switch, -6 priority
Scale Shot2590%2-5 hits, +1 Speed, -1 Defense

Special Moves

MovePowerAccuracyEffect
Draco Meteor13090%Lowers user's Sp. Atk by 2
Dragon Pulse85100%No additional effect
Spacial Rend10095%High critical hit ratio (Palkia)
Roar of Time15090%Recharge turn (Dialga)
Clanging Scales110100%Lowers user's Defense
Core Enforcer100100%Suppresses abilities
Dragon Energy150100%Power scales with HP
Draco Meteor13090%Most common special Dragon move

Status Moves

MoveEffect
Dragon Dance+1 Attack/Speed
Dragon TailForces switch with -6 priority

Signature Dragon Moves

MovePokemonDetails
Roar of TimeDialga150 power, recharge turn
Spacial RendPalkia100 power, high crit ratio
Shadow ForceGiratinaGhost-type, semi-invulnerable
Blue FlareReshiram130 power Fire move
Bolt StrikeZekrom130 power Electric move
Clanging ScalesKommo-oSound-based, lowers Defense

Dragon-Type Specialists

Gym Leaders

TrainerRegionSignature Pokemon
ClairJohtoKingdra
DraydenUnova (Black)Haxorus
IrisUnova (White)Haxorus (later Champion)
RaihanGalarDuraludon (Gigantamax)

Elite Four/Champions

TrainerRegionNotable Pokemon
LanceKanto/JohtoDragonite (later Champion)
DrakeHoennSalamence, Flygon
IrisUnova (B2/W2)Haxorus, Hydreigon, Lapras

Other Notable Trainers

TrainerRoleNotable Pokemon
ZinniaLorekeeper (ORAS)Salamence, Rayquaza connection
RyukiUltra Beast hunterKommo-o, Garchomp

Type Combinations

All Dragon-Type Combinations

Secondary TypeExample Pokemon
Pure DragonGoodra, Druddigon, Regidrago
Dragon/FlyingDragonite, Salamence, Rayquaza
Dragon/GroundGarchomp, Flygon, Zygarde
Dragon/PsychicLatias, Latios
Dragon/FireReshiram, Turtonator
Dragon/ElectricZekrom, Miraidon
Dragon/IceKyurem forms, Baxcalibur
Dragon/WaterPalkia, Kingdra
Dragon/SteelDialga, Duraludon
Dragon/GhostGiratina, Dragapult
Dragon/DarkHydreigon, Guzzlord
Dragon/FightingKommo-o, Koraidon
Dragon/PoisonNaganadel, Eternatus
Dragon/GrassAlolan Exeggutor, Flapple
Dragon/FairyMega Altaria
Dragon/NormalCyclizar
Dragon/Bug— (unused)
Dragon/Rock— (unused)

Most Common Combinations

CombinationPokemon CountNotes
Dragon/Flying15+Most common Dragon combination
Dragon/Ground8+Excellent offensive coverage
Dragon/Psychic5+Latias, Latios siblings

Defensive Type Combinations

CombinationPokemonDefensive Benefit
Dragon/SteelDialga, DuraludonOnly weak to Fighting/Ground
Dragon/FairyMega AltariaResists Dragon, neutral to Ice
Dragon/WaterPalkia, KingdraOnly one weakness (pre-Gen VI)

Offensive Type Combinations

CombinationPokemonOffensive Synergy
Dragon/GroundGarchompEarthquake + Dragon STAB
Dragon/GhostDragapult, GiratinaExcellent neutral coverage
Dragon/FireReshiramBlue Flare + Draco Meteor

Abilities

Dragon-Type Related Abilities

AbilityEffectPokemon
MultiscaleHalves damage at full HPDragonite, Lugia
LevitateImmune to Ground movesFlygon, Latias, Hydreigon
Mold BreakerIgnores abilitiesHaxorus, Palkia
IntimidateLowers foes' AttackSalamence, Gyarados
Rough SkinDamages on contactGarchomp
Sheer ForcePowers up moves, removes effectsDruddigon
Shed Skin30% chance to cure statusDragonair, Goodra
ProtosynthesisBoosts highest stat in sunRoaring Moon, Walking Wake
Hadron EngineElectric Terrain on entryMiraidon
Orichalcum PulseSun on entry, boosts AttackKoraidon

Hidden Abilities

PokemonHidden AbilityCompetitive Use
DragoniteMultiscaleNearly mandatory for viability
GarchompRough SkinChip damage on contact
SalamenceMoxieSnowballing sweeper

Competitive Analysis

Strengths

StrengthDetails
Offensive TypingHigh neutral coverage
Dragon DanceBest setup move for sweeping
High StatsOften pseudo-legendary or legendary
ResistancesResists Fire/Water/Grass/Electric
Late-Game PowerDominant in longer battles

Weaknesses

WeaknessDetails
Fairy ImmunityFairy-types completely wall Dragon moves
Ice Weakness4x Ice weak on Dragon/Flying, Dragon/Ground
Dragon MirrorDragon weak to itself
Late EvolutionMany not viable until level 50+
Fairy MetaGen VI onwards reduced Dragon viability

Role in Metagame

RoleExamples
Late-Game SweeperDragon Dance Dragonite, Salamence
WallbreakerChoice Specs Dragapult
PivotChoice Scarf Garchomp
Bulky AttackerMultiscale Dragonite
Setup SweeperDragon Dance + Outrage
Tera ThreatGreat Tusk (Dragon Tera)

Dragon Dance Strategy

Dragon Dance is the defining Dragon-type move:[4]

AspectDetails
Effect+1 Attack, +1 Speed
UsageSetup sweeper strategy
Common UsersDragonite, Salamence, Garchomp
CountersPriority moves, Ice Shard
SynergyPairs with Multiscale, Intimidate

Outrage Mechanics

Outrage is a high-risk, high-reward move:[5]

PropertyEffect
Power120 (180 with STAB)
Duration2-3 turns locked in
ConfusionUser confused after
SwitchingCannot switch during Outrage
RiskLocked into move, predictable

Historical Significance

Generation I

Dragon-types were extremely rare:

  • Only Dratini, Dragonair, Dragonite existed
  • Dragon-type moves: Dragon Rage (fixed damage) only
  • Lance was Dragon-type specialist despite using Gyarados, Aerodactyl

Generation II-V: Dragon Dominance

Dragon-types became increasingly powerful:[6]

  • Only weak to Ice and Dragon itself
  • Draco Meteor introduced (Gen IV)
  • Pseudo-legendaries all Dragon-type (except Metagross)
  • Garchomp dominated Gen IV competitive play
  • Salamence banned to Ubers in Gen IV

Generation VI: The Fairy Nerf

Fairy-type introduction changed everything:

  • Dragon moves ineffective on Fairy
  • Fairy super effective on Dragon
  • Dragon usage dropped significantly
  • Forced Dragon-types to carry coverage moves
  • Ended Dragon-type dominance

Generation VII-IX: Adaptation

Dragon-types adapted to Fairy meta:

  • More dual-typing for coverage
  • Steel/Dragon (Dialga) resists Fairy
  • Dragon Tera type on non-Dragons
  • Paradox Dragons (Roaring Moon, Walking Wake)
  • Miraidon/Koraidon box legendaries

Special Mechanics

Dragon Rage

Dragon Rage is a unique fixed-damage move:

AspectDetails
DamageAlways 40 HP
TypingDragon-type
Early GamePowerful in early routes
Late GameCompletely useless
HistoricalOnly Dragon move in Gen I besides Twister

Outrage Lock-In

Outrage's lock-in mechanic creates risk:

TurnEffect
Turn 1Uses Outrage, locked in
Turn 2Must use Outrage again
Turn 3May use Outrage or end
AfterUser becomes confused
CounterSwitch to Fairy-type for immunity

Dragon-Type Rarity

Dragon-types are historically rare:[7]

GenerationDragon-Type PokemonNotes
I3 (Dratini line)Extremely rare
II6 totalAdded Kingdra line
III15 totalSalamence, Flygon, Rayquaza
IV25 totalGarchomp, Creation Trio
V35 totalHydreigon, Tao Trio
VI45 totalGoodra, Fairy introduced
VII55 totalKommo-o, Ultra Beasts
VIII65 totalDragapult, Eternatus
IX80+Paradox forms, Terapagos

Dragon-Type Paradox Pokemon

Generation IX introduced Dragon-type paradox forms:

PokemonBased OnTypeEra
Roaring MoonSalamenceDragon/DarkAncient
Walking WakeSuicuneWater/DragonAncient
Gouging FireEnteiFire/DragonAncient
Raging BoltRaikouElectric/DragonAncient

Notable Competitive Dragon-Types

Dragonite Analysis

AspectDetails
AbilityMultiscale (halves damage at full HP)
MovesetDragon Dance, Outrage, Extreme Speed
RoleBulky Dragon Dance sweeper
WeaknessStealth Rock breaks Multiscale
ViabilityConsistently OU since Gen V

Garchomp Analysis

AspectDetails
AbilityRough Skin (chip damage)
MovesetEarthquake, Dragon Claw, Stealth Rock
RoleFast physical attacker, hazard setter
Weakness4x Ice weakness
ViabilityOU staple in every generation

Dragapult Analysis

AspectDetails
Speed142 base (fastest pseudo-legendary)
TypingDragon/Ghost (excellent coverage)
MovesetDragon Darts, U-turn, Will-O-Wisp
RoleFast pivot, special attacker
ViabilityTop-tier OU in Gen VIII-IX

Dragon-Type in VGC

Dragon-types have unique roles in VGC (doubles):[8]

PokemonVGC Role
MiraidonRestricted legendary, Electric Terrain
KoraidonRestricted legendary, Sun setter
BaxcaliburLoaded Dice Icicle Spear
DragapultU-turn pivot, Will-O-Wisp support
GarchompSpread damage with Earthquake

See Also

References

  1. ^Dragon (type) — Bulbapedia (2024)
  2. ^Fairy (type) - Introduction — Bulbapedia (2024)
  3. ^Pseudo-legendary Pokemon — Bulbapedia (2024)
  4. ^Dragon Dance (move) — Bulbapedia (2024)
  5. ^Outrage (move) — Bulbapedia (2024)
  6. ^Dragon Type - Smogon University — Smogon University (2024)
  7. ^Dragon Type Pokemon — Serebii.net (2024)
  8. ^VGC Usage Statistics — Pikalytics (2024)