[SET]
name: Bulky Pivot
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Flip Turn
move 4: Scald / Toxic
item: Heavy-Duty Boots / Black Sludge
ability: Adaptability
nature: Modest
evs: 248 HP / 116 SpA / 144 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Dragalge's solid defensive typing allows it to check many prominent threats such as Virizion, Centiskorch, and Salazzle. Furthermore, an amazing ability in Adaptability lets Dragalge's STAB attacks tear through bulky Pokemon such as Steelix. Access to Flip Turn also makes Dragalge a great offensive pivot, allowing it to bring in teammates against Pokemon such as Bronzong and Copperajah. However, Dragalge is vulnerable to Pokemon such as Golurk and Seismitoad that can easily force it out due to its pitiful Speed, though neither one can switch into Draco Meteor. Steel-types are also issues for Dragalge, as they resist its STAB attacks and can switch into it with relative ease. Flip Turn allows Dragalge to pivot out on Pokemon like Escavalier and Klefki for its teammates. Scald gives Dragalge a way to hit Steelix and threaten other switch-ins such as Copperajah and Bronzong with a potential burn. Toxic can be used instead to punish Pokemon such as Porygon2, Umbreon, and Gigalith that would otherwise be able to switch in on Dragalge safely. Focus Blast can be used over both of these options to hit Copperajah harder. Toxic Spikes is another option to pressure teams without a grounded Poison-type for Dragalge's teammates; however, it's rather inconsistent and Dragalge would prefer other options. Heavy-Duty Boots allows Dragalge to better pivot with Flip Turn without taking entry hazard damage. Alternatively, Black Sludge provides useful passive recovery, but it is easier for Dragalge to then get chipped down by entry hazards. The given EV spread allows Dragalge to outspeed maximum Speed-invested Adamant Copperajah, giving it an opportunity to pivot out on it before being hit.
Partners that can deal with Steel-types are the best options for this set, especially if Dragalge isn't running Focus Blast. Golurk is one of Dragalge's best teammates, as it's able to take advantage of the Steel-types that would be able to switch into Dragalge’s STAB moves. In exchange, Dragalge can pressure Milotic for Golurk and bring it in via Flip Turn. Flame Orb Sigilyph can take advantage of Bronzong, Steelix, and Klefki to set up Calm Mind and appreciates Dragalge being able to beat Mantine. Arcanine can take pressure off of Dragalge by helping it check Virizion and bring it in with Teleport. Centiskorch is an excellent partner, being able to pressure Bronzong and Copperajah and help Dragalge check Virizion. Dragalge can also bring in Centiskorch with Flip Turn. Milotic can bring in Dragalge with Flip Turn and check Ground-types such as Golurk, Rhyperior, and Steelix.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Sludge Wave
move 3: Flip Turn
move 4: Focus Blast / Toxic Spikes
item: Choice Specs
ability: Adaptability
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
With a STAB combination only resisted by Steel-types in addition to further being boosted by Adaptability, Choice Specs Dragalge is one of the most menacing wallbreakers in the RU tier. Even without bulk investment, Dragalge is able to check Pokemon like Salazzle, Golisopod, and Ninetales, using them as opportunities to fire off powerful attacks. Flip Turn allows Dragalge to pivot out on Pokemon that can switch in safely such as Bronzong and Escavalier. Focus Blast hits Copperajah and Steelix, both of which would otherwise switch into Dragalge's STAB moves safely. Alternatively, Toxic Spikes pressures teams without a grounded Poison-type for Dragalge's teammates, but not being able to hit Steel-types generally isn't worth it, and Dragalge is easy to exploit when locked into Toxic Spikes.
Due to Dragalge's low Speed, it's vulnerable to threats like Goodra, Espeon, and Gardevoir. Revenge killers such as Choice Scarf Passimian, Barraskewda, and Inteleon can help patch up this problem—all three can also bring in Dragalge for free and give it opportunities to punch holes through opposing teams. Barraskewda also appreciates Dragalge being able to threaten out Water-types that it hates, such as Mantine and Golisopod. Golurk can beat Bronzong and Klefki for Dragalge and appreciates being brought in via Flip Turn. Entry hazard support from the likes of Copperajah, Rhyperior, and Klefki is useful to help bring foes in range of Dragalge's attacks. Copperajah can also switch into Dragon- and Psychic-types such as Goodra and Indeedee-F. Vaporeon can keep Dragalge healthy with support from Wish and beat Steelix while appreciating the likes of Virizion being checked. Other Water-types such as Seismitoad also have great defensive synergy with Dragalge and can check Steelix for it.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Juno, 444224]]
- Quality checked by: [[Averardo, 409096], [MrAldo, 227521]]
- Grammar checked by: [[deetah, 297659]]
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