https://www.smogon.com/dex/rs/pokemon/dragonair/
[Overview]
Dragonair is the only viable Dragon-type in NU along with Shelgon, and Dragonair has far more special bulk, instantly giving it a niche in the tier. Its special bulk is still nothing extraordinary, but it does allow it to wall a few key special attackers, namely Sunny Day sweepers, Haunter, and Flareon. Its movepool is also very expansive, meaning it's pretty customizable with what you can do with it. However, it's outclassed entirely as a Dragon Dance user by Shelgon and as a special attacker by a whole list of Pokemon such as Huntail, Pikachu, and Chimecho. Due to its overall low stats, unless you specifically need its set of resistances on your team, you'll probably be better off using a more generic special wall such as Flareon or Dewgong.
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Thunder Wave
move 4: Rest / Light Screen
item: Leftovers
ability: Shed Skin
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
- BoltBeam has fantastic two-move coverage and Dragonair makes the most of it by hitting a lot of the Pokemon it can wall super effectively
- TWave lets Dragonair support the team and cripple a few of the Pokemon it can't wall such as Hitmonchan and Huntail
- Rest + Shed Skin gives it semi-reliable recovery and allows it to easily absorb status from stall teams
- Light Screen an option to allow Dragonair to fully counter Huntail if needed, as well as provide a buffer to the team for the special threats that Dragonair simply can't handle, such as Dewgong
[ADDITIONAL SET COMMENTS]
- Max SpD to make the most of its typing and stats. Max Def better left to Shelgon
- A lot of different moves can be used over Tbolt or Ice Beam, prominently Fire Blast, Surf, and Dragon Breath
- Haze an option in the last slot to prevent set up
- Toxic over TWave
- Works best on teams that need its set of resistances, such as supporting multiple offensive Pokemon like Pupitar and a Sunny Day sweeper of your own
[Other Options]
- Agility
- Dragon Dance
- Outrage
- Mist
- Icy Wind
[Checks and Counters]
- Dewgong
- Strong Ice-type attacks from Huntail, Seadra, Wailord
- Shedinja
- Chimecho
- SpD Flareon in a stalemate
- Metang