Overview
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One of the premier Dragons of the tier, Dragonite is a powerful combination of bulk and strength, and Multiscale allows it to take hits even more easily. Its terrific offensive movepool allows it to threaten a majority of opponents, but being a Dragon-type, it only really needs to cover what its STAB moves do not hit hard. Stats-wise, it doesn't have any real flaws that stand out, as Dragon Dance and Extreme Speed help patch up its Speed, which is its lowest stat. Despite being well-rounded, it can still be slow enough to be dealt with unless it is using an unSTABed Extreme Speed. It is also somewhat reliant on Multiscale to truly stand out amongst its Dragon brethren, so it may underperform should its ability get deactivated by residual damage. Its versatility is no longer its most potent trait, as it now faces competition from several new faces, mainly Mega Evolutions that can also Dragon Dance, pack a much greater punch, and possess better STAB types, as well as Zygarde, which also shares Extreme Speed with it and even has STAB on its Earthquake. The introduction of Fairies has also not been kind to Dragonite, as they have made its STAB moves more difficult to spam. That said, there is no denying that Dragonite is a potent threat due to its balanced stats and movepool, and it is one of the main threats to watch out for in the metagame.
Dragon Dance
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name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Outrage
move 3: Extreme Speed
move 4: Earthquake / Fire Punch
ability: Multiscale
item: Lum Berry
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 Def / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Moves
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Dragon Dance patches up Dragonite's mediocre Speed and boosts its Attack even further, paving the way for the sweep. Outrage is Dragonite's strongest attack and hits extremely hard after a single boost, but it locks Dragonite in and confuses it after using it, making it a risky attack to spam and sweep with; nevertheless, it is very useful for opening holes in the opponent's team due to its sheer power. Extreme Speed is one of Dragonite's unique traits and main selling points, outspeeding priority users such as Mamoswine, Thundurus, and Talonflame thanks to its +2 priority, as well as Choice Scarf users that intend to circumvent Dragonite's Speed boost, though it requires its targets to be weakened in order to achieve KOs. Earthquake offers good neutral coverage with Dragonite's STAB moves, demolishing Heatran and Aegislash while not making contact with the latter so as to avoid King's Shield. Fire Punch can be used instead to hit Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, Skarmory, and Air Balloon Excadrill.
Dragonite has some alternatives that can replace Earthquake if other threats bother it. Thunder Punch nails Togekiss and Azumarill while still doing good damage to Skarmory. Roost is an option to reactivate Multiscale and take super effective hits better, but Dragonite dislikes sacrificing coverage or priority.
Set Details
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Maximum Attack and Speed with Adamant is pretty straightforward for Dragonite, as it gives it the greatest sweeping potential after a single Dragon Dance, with the remaining EVs going into Defense instead of HP to minimize Stealth Rock damage. Alternatively, Dragonite may opt for Weakness Policy, which takes a slightly different but very effective approach towards its EV placement. 24 EVs go into Defense, which seems relatively insignificant but always allows Dragonite to survive Play Rough from Choice Band Azumarill, provided Multiscale is active, adding a Weakness Policy setup target to the list. The remaining 232 Speed EVs are just enough to outrun Timid Noivern after a Dragon Dance, the fastest threat Dragonite would like to outspeed naturally, as faster threats can and should be hit with Extreme Speed. It should also be noted that Weakness Policy Dragonite should run Dragon Claw as its STAB move, since Weakness Policy can make up for the lower power, and Dragon Claw does not lock Dragonite in, which can blow the one-time Weakness Policy sweep. Lum Berry is generally more useful since it allows Dragonite to set up on status users such as Rotom-W, weakened Thundurus, and Gliscor, and it also snaps Dragonite out of Outrage confusion. Weakness Policy lets Dragonite take advantage of super effective hits from Pokemon such as Garchomp, Sylveon, Azumarill, and Tyranitar, but requires Multiscale to be active and even then might be useless.
Usage Tips
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Dragonite should aim to set up one Dragon Dance and clean up from there, so it should be saved until late-game when its potential counters and checks are removed or weakened. Alternatively, it can set up early to punch holes into the opponent's team so that its teammates can finish off their weakened checks and counters. Dragonite can find setup opportunities against Heatran, Keldeo, Mega Venusaur, and various Choice-locked attacks that do not threaten it, especially with Multiscale taken into account. Lum Berry Dragonite can set up safely on walls that have little offensive power and rely on status for their form of damage, such as Chansey and Rotom-W. It also can save its Lum Berry to allow for longer sweeps using Outrage without interference from confusion. Weakness Policy Dragonite can occasionally afford to switch into a super effective hit, though that would deny it the opportunity to boost its Speed, as it usually takes advantage of weaker attackers with a super effective move to discourage their attack and keep its Multiscale intact. Once Dragonite is in, the opponent has two choices: hit Dragonite with a super effective move which activates Dragonite's Weakness Policy, letting it net +3 Attack and +1 Speed in one fell swoop; or use a weaker move to avoid triggering Weakness Policy and leave Dragonite practically unscathed. Do note that Dragonite cannot and should not be taking a STAB Ice-type move, even if Multiscale is intact.
Team Options
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Lum Berry Dragonite likes partners that can lure in walls for it to set up on. Greninja not only has access to U-turn to do this, but can further support Dragonite with Spikes, while Rotom-W and Scizor easily lure in Grass-types and Fire-types, respectively. Weakness Policy Dragonite requires a bit more support, as it would like to face off against Fairy-, Rock- and Dragon-types. Conkeldurr easily lures in Fairy-types, Talonflame draws in Rock-types, and Keldeo brings Latios and Latias in. U-turn would make this easier for Dragonite, and U-turn Mandibuzz, Talonflame, or Noivern and Volt Switch Rotom-W can all help Dragonite face off against its desired opponents. Regardless of Dragonite's coverage move of choice, Magnezone makes a great partner due to its ability to handle problematic Steel- and Fairy-types, with the two also covering each other's weaknesses nicely; Magnezone can also lure in Fire-, Fighting-, and Ground-types, the former two of which Magnezone can Volt Switch away from to bring Dragonite in unharmed.
Since Multiscale is a big factor to Dragonite's success, a Rapid Spinner or Defogger makes a welcome teammate. Excadrill, Skarmory, and Scizor can take care of Fairy- and Steel-types, with Excadrill also handling Rock-types; Starmie or Mega Blastoise can cover Dragonite's Ice weakness; and Latias and Latios can help lure in and weaken the opponent's Dragon resistances to allow Dragonite an easier time sweeping. Wallbreakers such as Kyurem-B and Aegislash are useful for softening foes for Dragonite to clean up, and Mega Charizard Y even has Drought to prevent sandstorm from breaking Dragonite's Multiscale. While not essential, a dual screens user makes setting up with Dragonite even easier. Klefki is best for the job due to the good defensive synergy between the two, and it even supports Dragonite with Spikes.
Choice Band
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name: Choice Band
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Extreme Speed
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Fire Punch
ability: Multiscale
item: Choice Band
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 Def / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Moves
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Choice Band Outrage hits like a nuke, at worst 2HKOing anything that doesn't resist it. Extreme Speed allows Dragonite to revenge kill sweepers and get an edge against faster foes in general. Earthquake is Dragonite's best bet against Steel-types, crushing Heatran, Mega Mawile, and Aegislash, as well as hitting most for at least neutral damage. Fire Punch hits the remaining non-Ground-weak Steel-types, such as Scizor, Skarmory, and Ferrothorn, extremely hard. Dragon Claw can be used as it provides Dragonite with a reliable STAB move if Outrage is too risky to use, and it is a safe move to throw out in times of uncertainty, although most of the time Dragonite would be punching holes with Outrage or revenge killing with ExtremeSpeed anyway.
Set Details
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Since Dragonite cannot boost its Speed or make use of its bulk, a straightforward 252 Atk / 252 Spe spread works best, allowing Dragonite to Speed tie with Pokemon such as Togekiss and Chandelure. The leftover EVs are put into either Defense or Special Defense, as 4 HP EVs incur more Stealth Rock damage. Choice Band lets Dragonite wreak havoc without the need to boost, hitting hard right off the bat and possibly conserving health. Adamant maximizes Dragonite's power, which can allow its un-STABed Extreme Speed to hit fast, frail threats harder, but Jolly is a possible option as it lets Dragonite outpace up to neutral base 92s, which would include Excadrill, Gyarados, offensive Rotom-W, Lucario, un-Mega Evolved Pinsir, Landorus-T, and Mega Garchomp, as well as Speed tying with fellow positive base 80s.
Usage Tips
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Choice Band Dragonite is oriented towards the hit-and-run playstyle, played as either a reckless early-game wallbreaker to open up sweeps for teammates, or as a revenge killing tool with Extreme Speed to threaten frailer threats. The combination of Multiscale, tremendous power, and Extreme Speed lets Dragonite threaten offensive and defensive opponents alike. Choice Outrage isn't so bad when you consider that a direct switch-in with a Fairy-type will not lock Dragonite in; only after Dragonite has pounded something's face in can it not switch. Switching in and out is easier for Choice Band Dragonite since it retains its boosted strength without the need to boost every time, unlike Dragon Dance Dragonite. Preserving Multiscale is advised, but otherwise isn't a huge priority.
Team Options
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The hit-and-run strategy of this set means the absence of Stealth Rock on Dragonite's side of the field is mandatory. Excadrill, Starmie, and Mega Blastoise make great spinners that can keep up the offensive momentum while covering Dragonite's weaknesses. Defoggers such as Latios, Latias, and Scizor also work well, with the former two weakening Dragon resists and the latter sporting good defensive synergy with Dragonite. Once again, Magnezone makes an admirable partner since it can trap Steel-types and deal with Fairy-types. Aegislash and Bisharp are good teammates that synergize well defensively with Dragonite and punish the opponent's Fairies, also Pursuit trapping the Latios and Latias who otherwise majorly threaten Dragonite.
Dragonite, like any other offensive Pokemon, appreciates hazard support (though this can be more difficult to provide if a Defogger is used), so Klefki and Excadrill make decent choices as far as defensive synergy goes, and offensive powerhouses such as Mamoswine, Landorus, and Tyranitar help keep the pressure on the opponent. Pokemon that can make use of Dragonite's wallbreaking make great partners. In particular, Mega Charizard X likes having Azumarill, Landorus-T, and Heatran lured and weakened before its sweep, while it weakens Dragonite's checks in return.
Bulky Roost
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name: Bulky Roost
move 1: Roost
move 2: Dragon Claw
move 3: Extreme Speed
move 4: Earthquake
ability: Multiscale
item: Leftovers
nature: Adamant
evs: 216 HP / 64 Atk / 228 SpD
Moves
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Roost gives Dragonite longevity, allowing it to continue tanking threats while dishing out damage. The combination of STAB Dragon Claw and Extreme Speed provide a double whammy against faster foes, providing what is essentially a 200 BP attack. This combination can wipe out most frail opponents such as Thundurus, Talonflame, and Greninja, or opposing Dragon-types such as Garchomp and Mega Charizard X before Dragonite takes a second hit, while heavily denting most neutral attackers. This combination is resisted by Steel-type Pokemon, and Earthquake is the best option to deal with Heatran, Aegislash, and Mega Mawile. Fire Punch is an option to hit Skarmory and Ferrothorn with, but this Dragonite's relative lack of power compared to other sets means it fails to 2HKO them (Ferrothorn can avoid it with Leech Seed), so they are better off left to teammates to handle. Thunder Wave is a possible option over Extreme Speed as an alternative method to outspeed opponents permanently, but it doesn't do damage, so it cannot finish off weakened opponents.
Set Details
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64 Attack EVs with an Adamant nature reaches a jump point in Attack, providing two extra Attack EVs instead of one over running 60 EVs. This gives its combo of Dragon Claw + Extreme Speed enough power to finish off a larger variety of faster threats, giving it decent offensive presence with minimal investment. The EVs are placed into HP and Special Defense, with this particular blend giving Dragonite the most efficient special bulk, letting it take the least amount of damage from special attacks, particularly from Landorus. Leftovers is of course the best item for a Dragonite designed to take a beating.
Usage Tips
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This Dragonite operates as a tank, taking full advantage of its bulk, Multiscale, and its offensive capabilities in order to beat some of the tier's most dangerous attackers one-on-one. In fact, bulky Dragonite can actually survive a Life Orb Ice Beam from Protean Greninja with help from Multiscale. This of course means that this Dragonite can take some of the weaker Ice-type moves it encounters, such as Hidden Power Ice Thundurus and Icy Wind Keldeo, as well as powerful 2x effective attacks such as Life Orb Latios's Draco Meteor, and proceed to defeat these threats. This Dragonite's special bulk is not to be underestimated even if Multiscale is broken, as it can take two of Landorus's Sludge Waves, Aegislash's Shadow Balls, and Mega Charizard Y's sun-fueled Fire Blasts even after taking Stealth Rock damage, with only a very minuscule chance for Landorus's attack to net the 2HKO on the switch. These, as one might have noticed, are some of the most powerful neutral special attacks in the tier, and Dragonite can comfortably take them. With Multiscale intact, you can expect bulky Dragonite to withstand some physical abuse as well from physical attackers such as Mega Pinsir, Mega Charizard X, Garchomp, and Bisharp.
Team Options
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This Dragonite mostly aims to support its teammates rather than vice versa, as it is designed to withstand some of the most powerful special attacks in the tier. It would want Multiscale intact to function at its fullest capacity, so anti-hazard support is very much appreciated. Excadrill is not only the best candidate for Rapid Spin support, but can also provide Stealth Rock support while complementing Dragonite defensively. Dragonite can take on attackers such as Landorus, Keldeo, and Mega Charizard Y that threaten Excadrill, while Excadrill shields Dragonite from various Fairy-, Dragon-, and Rock-type moves. Heatran also has great synergy with Dragonite, with the two covering each other's weaknesses perfectly while still maintaining offensive presence. Bulky Dragonite dislikes status, as it heavily interferes with its tanking role, and even paralysis can interrupt its two-hit combo of Dragon Claw + Extreme Speed. Clerics such as Vaporeon, Sylveon, and Clefable can cure Dragonite of status and can even use Wish to restore Multiscale. Vaporeon also resists Ice-type attacks for Dragonite, while the Fairies can guard against Dragons in case Dragonite gets caught out against them without its Multiscale active. Offensive teams like Dragonite's ability to tank without losing much offensive momentum, so naturally its best partners are sweepers that have weaknesses to types that Dragonite resists, especially Steel-type Pokemon such as Mega Mawile, Excadrill, and Mega Scizor. These Pokemon can also defeat the troublesome Fairy-types that take little damage from this set's attacks.
Other Options
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Dragonite's rain wallbreaker set makes the most of its diverse coverage, utilizing Hurricane, Thunder, and Superpower to handle threats that pose problems to rain teams. However, its comparatively low Speed can lose momentum for the rain team, and it forgoes its most notable asset in Multiscale since it must use Life Orb. Dragonite has access to some Steel-type moves such as Iron Head and Iron Tail, but they are only really good for pure Fairies, since its elemental punches cover dual-typed Fairies as well as other Pokemon, notably Skarmory. Choice Band Iron Tail does have a chance to OHKO physically defensive Clefable after Stealth Rock, though its accuracy can be a letdown. Dragon Dance + SubRoost can set up on bulkier targets, but mono-Dragon coverage is no longer great due to the advent of Fairies, and Zygarde does bulky boosting better due to Coil and an additional STAB type. Dragonite has a very wide special movepool to use, but there are superior options for purely special attacking Dragons, such as the Latios, Latias, Hydreigon, and even Goodra. Dragonite still has access to its parashuffling set, using Thunder Wave + Dragon Tail to paralyse multiple foes, but Electric-types can no longer be paralyzed, while Zygarde again steals the spotlight since it has Glare which can paralyze Ground-types, nerfing parashuffler Dragonite's overall potential.
Checks & Counters
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**Outrage Sponges**: Fairies easily discourage Dragonite from going wild with Outrage. Unaware Clefable ignores Dragon Dance and Weakness Policy boosts while retaliating with super effective Fairy-type STAB moves, making it the best counter, while physically defensive Sylveon, Togekiss, Azumarill, and Intimidate Mawile pre-Mega Evolution can stop a Dragonite sweep even if it does not spam Outrage. Steel-types, such as Scizor, Aegislash, Heatran, and Ferrothorn, are the next best thing, and what they lack in a Dragon immunity they make up for by locking Dragonite in if they switch in on its first Outrage, which Fairies cannot do.
**Ice-type Moves**: Even with Multiscale, Dragonite does not like taking these attacks. Ice Beam Protean Greninja, Kyurem-B, Icicle Spear Mamoswine, and Skill Link Cloyster are examples of the few Pokemon that can OHKO Dragonite right through its Multiscale. Bulkier users such as Ice Beam Manaphy and Ice Punch Conkeldurr can also quickly dispatch Dragonite.
**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Stone Edge Landorus-T, Quagsire, Gliscor, Skarmory, RestTalk Intimidate Gyarados, Mega Tyranitar, and Hippowdon can all check Dragonite and either inflict status, phase it, or respond with super effective attacks. However, Choice Band Dragonite may leave a more noticeable mark on them, since it can afford to hit and run, as it keeps its power even when switching out, limiting the number of times they can switch into Dragonite.
**Faster Pokemon**: Dragonite becomes more vulnerable if it cannot act before the opponent or is forced to use Extreme Speed, which may not KO its opponents. Ice Shard Mamoswine, healthy Brave Bird Talonflame, and Choice Scarf users such as Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Terrakion can stop Dragon Dance Dragonite, with Terrakion receiving special mention due to its Extreme Speed resistance. The Choice Band and bulky set are substantially easier to revenge kill.
**Circumventing Multiscale**: While Multiscale can make KOing Dragonite a trying task, there are many ways to get around it without suffering too much damage in return. Stealth Rock is the easiest method, and it also chips away a large amount of Dragonite's health, making it much easier to take down. Sandstorm and hail also break Multiscale, though it only works if one turn has passed. Harmful status and Leech Seed are other alternatives, especially burn which cripples Dragonite's power and reduces its damage output. Finally, while the abilities are fairly rare, Teravolt Kyurem-B and Mold Breaker Mega Gyarados can ignore Multiscale and hammer Dragonite with Ice- or Dragon-type moves.
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