(Quality Control) Dragonair [QC 2/3]

[Constantinipple]

first analysis ever, be gentle :<


Dragonair

skelly

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[Overview]

• mediocre overall, but can justify its use on certain teams
• can run offensive as well as defensive sets
• is offensively somewhat outclassed by Fraxure due to low attack stat
• reaches decent defenses coupled with Eviolite
• has excellent defensive typing, being only weak to ice and dragon, of which dragon is uncommon and ice can be fixed with a teammate

[SET]

name: Bulky Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Rest
move 3: Outrage
move 4: Waterfall / Extremespeed
item: Eviolite
ability: Shed Skin
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD


[SET COMMENTS]

• makes use of her bulk in order to set up, but succeeds most of the time when done on weaker special attackers
• Rest for healing up damage, the sleep has a 33% chance to be cured due to Shed Skin
• Outrage serves as primary attacking move and STAB, hitting the majority of the tier for neutral damage
• Waterfall for more coverage, and helps with Lairon and Bastiodon who resist Outrage
• is despite holding Eviolite still pretty vulnerable to physical attackers
• Extremespeed can be put over Waterfall, trading priority for coverage, and can also deal some reasonable damage to revenge killers when she has boosted up

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

• Marvel Scale over Shed Skin is an option with Sleep Talk over Waterfall or Extremespeed, which makes her rely a bit less on Shed Skin and also giving her reasonable defenses
• can run a more physical defensive set, but it doesnt accomplish as much as the specially defensive
• appreciates Heal Bell support to cure her sleep status since alot of physical attackers can force her out
• Musharna comes teammate, with useful Heal Bell support. she's also able to wall alot of physical attackers
• hazard setters, most notably Spikes Scolipede are recommended together with Dragonair as her attacks can be underwhelming sometimes, which can be somewhat helped by prior damage.
• evs to maximize the special bulk so she can set up on weak special attackers
• Piloswine as teammate, as he takes ice moves nicely and can hit steel types super effectively

[SET]

name: ResTalk
move 1: Rest
move 2: Sleep Talk
move 3: Dragon Tail / Outrage
move 4: Thunder Wave
item: Eviolite
ability: Marvel Scale
nature: Careful
evs: 244 HP / 56 Def / 208 SpD







[SET COMMENTS]

• reaches above average 270/375 defenses with 324 HP
• gets a x1.5 Def boost when sleeping which grants her great defenses
• Rest and Sleep Talk for obvious reasons
• Dragon Tail serves as STAB to still dish out some damage while phasing out set-up sweepers at the same time
• is capable of crippling opposing pokemon with Thunder Wave, making it easier for the rest of the team to succeed in their jobs, also completes the parashuffling set
• Dragon Tail's weakness can be annoying when facing a subset pokemon, so using Outrage through Sleep Talk can be used in order to break these subs, or to just simply deal more damage
• Sleep Talk picking the wrong move often leads to hazard setters having an easy time doing their jobs

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

• evs to balance the defenses evenly when asleep, giving her very much bulk on both sides
• if you dont necessarily need T-Wave support and still prefer the bulk, then Dragon Dance is an option in order to deal damage against offensive mons
• can a physical set to wall physical hitters like Tauros, Primeape and Sawsbuck better
• pairs well with CB Sawk and other wallbreakers that profit from the speed drop of Thunder Wave, he can also hit ice types super effectively
• Musharna is also a good team option, as it counters opposing Sawk where Dragonair has problems with
• Rotom-F as teammate to check the likes of Braviary and Golurk, though he should watch out for their secondary STABs
• Toxic can be used to do something to ground types, but they can be phased out with Dragon Tail anyways
• can come in and take a hit from various special attackers such as Charizard, Kadabra and Haunter (especially when they are scarfed) and cripple them with thunder wave
• also can wall some physical attackers when asleep, like (non mold breaker) Pinsir, Rapidash and Swellow and cripple them with thunder wave

[Other Options]

• leftovers can be held but the bulk that eviolite grants her is really useful
• an offensive DD set with Life Orb can be chosen for more power, but her low defenses are exaggerated even more
• furthermore Dragonair is really limited to other options due to her mediocre stats. she already needs pretty much support already and trying to run other sets like a special offensive one will make it so hard to pull a win off that it shouldnt be seriously considered

[Checks and Counters]

• both sets have huge problems with Mold Breaker Sawk, as the DD set is simply too frail and the ResTalk set cant function well against him due to Mold Breaker negating Marvel Scale
• bulky ice types like Piloswine, Regice and Rotom-F that have an easy time coming in on Dragonair can hit her super effectively.
• taunt users like Skuntank can be used to cripple Dragonair, which can be annoying for both sets
• also has problems with popular CB pokemon, especially pokemon such as Braviary and Golurk, annoyingly 2HKOing Dragonair with the appropriate move in most occasions
• the DD set still struggles with common physical walls that she cant hit super-effectively, such as Musharna, Bastiodon if she runs extremespeed and soon she will struggle with Tangela, too

[Overview]

<p>The first impression you get when looking at Dragonair's stats is most likely that she's a very mediocre pokemon. Not surprising, base 61/65/70 defenses, base 84/70 and base 70 speed considered mediocre or even lower in NU. However, with Eviolite patching up her defenses and two abilities in Shed Skin and Marvel Scale that can be used to utilize rest better, she can act as a defensive ResTalking pivot or wall with her defensively great Dragon typing, being only weak to Ice and Dragon. Although offensively mostly outclassed by Fraxure, she can also use bulky offensive Dragon Dance sets to decent effects and set up on particular attackers.</p>

[SET]
name: Bulky Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Rest
move 3: Outrage
move 4: Waterfall / Extremespeed / Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: Shed Skin / Marvel Scale
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>While an all-out offensive Dragon Dance set is mostly outclassed by Fraxure, Dragonair can function with a bulky offensive set. She can set up Dragon Dances on special attackers or walls such as Alomomola by using her good bulk, in contrast to other, rather frail Dragon Dance sweepers such as offensive Fraxure. Her lack of reliable recovery bothers her, but with two helpful abilities which she can use to utilize Rest, Rest becomes a viable option for Dragonair. Due to Shed Skin, the sleep has a 33% chance to be cured, and she can therefore also be used as a semi status absorber. One can choose to use Marvel Scale, which is also a viable option in combination with Rest. It gives Dragonair a 50% defense boost which can make her last longer throughout the match against physical attackers. This set isn't meant to set up on powerhouses and bulky set up sweepers like Sawk and Carracosta, but it is meant to set up on special attackers and walls, and potentially physical attackers when using Marvel Scale with Rest. If she finds place to set up, Dragonair can punch big holes in opposing teams with her 180 base power STAB, Outrage. It gives neutral coverage against the majority of the tier, with rather uncommon Steel types being the only that can resist it. With some boosts in her pocket, Dragonair is sure to cause damage to the opponent. Of course, one shouldn't try to use unboosted Outrage against defensive behemoths like Regirock and Alomomola, but instead try to set up. With 4 Dragon Dance boosts, both of these pokemon are 2HKO'd, assuming that they are the standard sets. Waterfall is used for extra coverage against Fire-, Rock-, and Ground types, but you should keep in mind that Outrage is still stronger than super effective Waterfall and not very effective Outrage is still stronger than Waterfall against steel types. Because of this you should only use Waterfall if you can secure a KO and don't want to get locked into Outrage. You can choose to use Extremespeed over Waterfall, trading coverage for priority. It is mostly redundant when Dragonair finds place to set up Dragon Dances, and thus should only be used if you are sure that Dragonair is going to be killed first on that turn, or again, if you can secure a KO if you don't want Dragonair being locked into Outrage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>As mentioned before, this set is meant to set up on special attackers and walls. This is why the chosen spread is 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD. With a special defense and awesome typing together, her special bulk can be considered great, and she is likely to set up on the likes of Alomomola, Rotom-A and Charizard. One can choose to go with a full physical defensive set in order to not rely on Rest as much when facing physical hitters like Golurk and Tauros, but maximized special defense works better with Dragon typing. As many type attacks including Fire, Grass, and Water are mostly special attacks, a maximized special defense is more efficient so she can set up easier on those types. A physical defensive set accomplishes less, but it does have some merit, namely granting Dragonair more longevity in a match against physical hitters. Dragonair can act as an emergency check against Golurk, Tauros and Choice Scarf or Choice Band Braviary, and more fairly hard hitters. Since Dragonair's attacks are underwhelming at most times, hazard setters, most notably Spikes Scolipede are recommended as teammates. Prior damage helps Dragonair out a lot and makes it easier for her to KO opposing pokemon. Piloswine is also a notable teammate, as he takes ice hits nicely and can hit steel types hard. Heal Bell support can be useful in certain situations; namely when Dragonair is asleep and you really need her to use a certain move instead of gambling with Sleep Talk. However, using Heal Bell also means that when using Marvel Scale, her defense is lowered again, which can be harmful in other situations. If you do not want such scenarios, then using Heal Bell is and is not recommended for the scenarios respectively. If you do however choose for Heal Bell support, Lickilicky is a decent partner; along with Heal Bell, Lickilicky can also pass rather large wishes to Dragonair, something that Dragonair appreciates very much. </p>

[SET]
name: ResTalk
move 1: Rest
move 2: Dragon Tail / Outrage
move 3: Thunder Wave
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: Marvel Scale
nature: Careful
evs: 244 HP / 56 Def / 208 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set is meant to spread paralysis against opposing teams using her decent bulk. With Rest healing her up and granting her a 50% defense boost, her longevity in a match can be great. Eviolite is the key of this set, as it grants her amazing overall bulk, which makes her suited for a parashuffling job. This means utilizing Dragon Tail and Thunder Wave against every offensive pokemon that can be crippled by paralysis Dragonair can find, so that other teammates can continue and profit from the lowered speed and a chance of 50% full paralyzing on the opposing pokemons.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]


[Other Options]

[Checks and Counters]
suggestions and corrections are welcomed with open heart
made this pretty quick so there may be some things i oversaw. (i know the bulky DD set is almost identical to the current one, but there are almost no useful changes to be made on it.. )

[Rayquaza_]

You need Outrage else Dragoinar becomes setup bait for anything with Substitute.
STAB Outrage hits decently hard and doesn't lock you into it when selected by Sleep Talk so it's very viable.

And ice isn't exactly uncommon, in fact it's a very common offensive type in NU.

[Constantinipple]

in the current metagame, all that is viable in ice typing would be Regice, Rotom-F and Piloswine, and with Snover gone these pokemon are becoming slightly less popular. i'll fix it though.

i'll mention outrage in the OO or possibly AC, but Dragon Tail is really useful for phasing. (unless i get more feedback on this i'll keep dragon tail on the set for now)

[Django]

Is this a single set or a full update? I ask because you have the single set title and yet include the Other Options and Checks and Counters sections, which are only for full updates. If this IS a full update, then I would like to see a Dragon Dance set. If not, then you can remove the Other Options, Checks and Counters and Overview.

[Constantinipple]

ah true. guess i was too excited to post it hehe. ill do a full update and will include a DD set. excuse my dumbness!

[Constantinipple]

excuse the double post, but im bumping this for checks

[alexwolf]

This is complete theorymon but i remember using this set in RU to decent success:

Dragonair @ Eviolite
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Nature: Careful
Ability: Marvel Scale
- Dragon Dance
- Outrage / Dragon Tail
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

I prefer Outrage so that Dragoniar can have some decent power and at least be able to OHKO offensive mons at +2, while also working fantastic with Sleep Talk, but D-Tail prevents phazng which is always nice for boosting tanks. When sleeping it is incredibly difficult to take down and it can keep bosting 'till it becomes threatening, while not many Pokemon can 2HKO it. Just food for thought...

[Constantinipple]

Originally Posted by Fat alexwolf

This is complete theorymon but i remember using this set in RU to decent success:

Dragonair @ Eviolite
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Nature: Careful
Ability: Marvel Scale
- Dragon Dance
- Outrage / Dragon Tail
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

I prefer Outrage so that Dragoniar can have some decent power and at least be able to OHKO offensive mons at +2, while also working fantastic with Sleep Talk, but D-Tail prevents phazng which is always nice for boosting tanks. When sleeping it is incredibly difficult to take down and it can keep bosting 'till it becomes threatening, while not many Pokemon can 2HKO it. Just food for thought...

seems interesting, i'll mention it somewhere in AC, and if i get more feedback on it i'll possibly slash it.

this still needs QC checks though!

[Raseri]

With a new metagame just starting, and the fact that a lot of the QC members have little experience with Dragonair, it might take a few days before they're comfortable giving QC checks. I know that I need to use it more before I can make the analysis as good as possible. We do know its here though, so dont worry :)

[Django]

Not a full check yet, just a few things I've noticed in your skeleton.

• Its not strictly outclassed by Fraxure as a Dragon Dancer, as it can actually use Rest effectively.
• You dont need to mention the exact defensive stats, just emphasizing that they are good is sufficient.
• EV comments go into AC, not in Set Comments.
• Remove Facade lol
• For the first set mention a few things that Dragonair can actually wall and start paralysing stuff on. It lost a huge niche when Magmortar left the metagame, what does it accomplish now?
• You have slashed ExtremeSpeed, so it should be mentioned in Set Comments, not AC.
• I would mention Marvel Scale with Rest and Sleep Talk over ES / Waterfall. Those massive defenses can be good for setting up, while not having to rely on Shed Skin activating can be beneficial. Sleep Mechanics are an asshole, but at least you're not a complete sitting duck with Sleep Talk.

Looking good so far, I'm sure some other QC members have stuff to say about it!

[Constantinipple]

Alright, I implemented most of the above.

[Constantinipple]

bump, its been a while now and the meta has been running for almost 2 months also

[Joim]

First set is still Taunt bait / Sub set up fodder. I'd slash Outrage on Dragon Tail and Dragon Dance on Thunder Wave, to be honest. I've used that too and it worked nicely. Liepard, Volbeat, Illumise are amongst other better paralsys spreaders, imho.

[Constantinipple]

Outrage is currently in AC, though i do agree that the current set taunt bait. ill slash it if there are no objections. i'd like some more comment on the DD before i change it, because if i slash it, it will change the purpose of the set from spreading paralysis to more of an bulky offensive mon which is more like the second set, and resttalk offensive is mentioned in it.

[WhiteDMist]

Honestly, I've tried the RestTalk set, and I've really missed the power boost that Dragon Dance gives. Thunder Wave is great, until you realize that Dragon Tail is so weak that you can't properly para-shuffle anything that sets up a Sub. It's also more beneficial to Sleep Talk a Dragon Dance instead of a Thunder Wave simply because of the chance that the opposing Pokemon is already paralyzed or behind a Sub. If you slash DD, then mention that you need teammates that set up Toxic Spikes and/or spread paralysis to make up for the loss of T-wave. For teammates, mention Golurk as a very good one. It deters Poison types that don't care about T-Spikes, Steels who still wall Dragonair, and smashes Golem who is immune to Thunder Wave. It also checks Sawk and Musharna, who are both very threatening to Dragonair if it doesn't manage to get a Rest off.

[Constantinipple]

alright since there are doubts on the first set, how about i change it to a Marvel Scale ResTalk DD Outrage set (which, imo is better than a Shed Skin set), and then do the parashuffler set as the second set?

[fire r a g e]

I wonder why no one has QCed this yet.

[Governess]

Agreed. The QC'ers have been busy with other stuff, soSo they don't have time to QC the ones in waiting.

[WillSO]

As a tiny throw-in, I think Choice Specs should be thrown into OO. I realise it's largely outclassed, but that's why I'm dropping it in OO not creating another set. I had decent success using both SpecsNair and SpecsTaria in a team, as they broke down eachothers counters excellently.

[Raseri]

I'm sorry that no one has checked this yet. I don't have a lot of experience with Dragonair but I've used it a few times.

• I really think the bulky dragon dance set should be first, i never found the resttalk set do that much. I know its not bad, but it is ridiculously easy to beat. It is a good wall, but right now there are to many things in the meta that destroy it.
  
• On the resttalk set you mention that Sawk deals with dragonair's ice weakness. This isn't true because Sawk can't switch in. I'd reword it to say that Sawk can hit Ice-types super effectively.
  

• can run a more physical defensive set in order to not depend on Rest so much

• I don't understand this. If physically defensive doesn't rely on rest as much shouldn't it be the standard? Physically defensive deserves a mention, but specially defensive works better with Dragon-typing. When mentioning physically defensive, just mention a few physical hitters that it can check.
  
• I'd expand the teammates on both sets, particularly the bulky DD set. When hazard support is mentioned, use Scolipede as the spiker of choice.
  
• for OO I'd mention an offensive DD set with Life Orb
• for checks and counters I'd mention Ice-types in general. Articuno, Rotom-F,Piloswine, Regice, Lapras. Jynx is the only one that can't switch in.

QC Approved 1/3

[Constantinipple]

implemented the above

[Sweet Jesus]

Dragon Tail's weakness can be annoying when facing a subset pokemon, so outrage can be used in order to break these subs, or to just simply deal more damage

Maybe specify outrage should be mainly used through sleep talk because it's embarassing to lock yourself with such a weak pokemon who needs to recover every now and then.

if you dont necessarily need T-Wave support and still prefer the bulk, then Dragon Dance is an option in order to deal damage against offensive mons

This kind of comes back to the previous set, but I guess you can keep it.

For the second set, I'd add in the set comments that dragonair is very weak and therefore a complete loss of momentum, often letting the opponent set up hazards and leech seed (you mentionned sub set up, but add hazards too).

The overview is a bit too positive imo, dragonair is really a mediocre pokemon.

QC Approved 2/3

[Constantinipple]

implemented the above. since writing an analysis on a mobile is a bit complicated, i will try to write this in about a week. thanks for the checks!

[Constantinipple]

sorry for the delay, my computer got fixed later than expected. i hope the qc will give me some more time.