[OVERVIEW]
Dragonite is a popular pick on offensive and bulky teams due to its power and versatility. Offensively, it can run a Dragon Dance or Choice Band set on hyper offense and DragMag teams. Extreme Speed grants it offensive utility against faster threats like Volcarona and Thundurus-T, which is especially good against other hyper offense teams. It also has good bulk and a decent defensive typing, which grants it an immunity to Spikes and some good resistances. These resistances not only give it setup opportunities against Pokemon like Volcarona and Keldeo lacking Ice-type coverage, but also let it run a Substitute + Dragon Dance set that beats bulkier forms of counterplay. Multiscale further aids in this defensive utility, letting Dragonite take pretty much any one hit, which is often essential for using Dragon Dance. However, Dragonite's lackluster Speed tier leaves it outsped and revenge killed by common offensive Pokemon like Alakazam, Garchomp, Latios, Keldeo, and Mamoswine without a boost, as well as by Choice Scarf users like Latios, Keldeo, Rotom-W, and Garchomp even after a boost. Many of these Pokemon can also take +1 Extreme Speed if healthy. Dragonite is Stealth Rock-weak and thus can struggle to take advantage of its bulk and ability. It sometimes lacks the right coverage move to hit its targets and, at +1, fails to KO bulky targets like Landorus-T, Gliscor, Reuniclus, and Tyranitar.
[SET]
name: 3 Attacks Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Outrage
move 3: Earthquake / Extreme Speed / Fire Punch
move 4: Extreme Speed / Earthquake
item: Lum Berry / Dragon Gem
ability: Multiscale
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Extreme Speed picks off weakened Pokemon that threaten to KO Dragonite, like Latios, Alakazam, Garchomp, Keldeo, and Scizor. It also lets Dragonite take out other setup sweepers like Volcarona, Thundurus-T, and Garchomp. Earthquake hits all Steel-types that aren't Skarmory or Ferrothorn and dents Tyranitar, while Fire Punch hits all Steel-types that aren't Heatran. Earthquake should be used over Fire Punch on DragMag teams, which can trap Skarmory and Forretress. Extreme Speed can be dropped if hitting all Steel-types is important, but this is generally ill-advised due to Extreme Speed's utility.
Set Details
========
While a Jolly nature would outspeed bulkier variants of Thundurus-T and Timid Heatran unboosted, and Choice Scarf Keldeo and Latios at +2, Adamant is crucial for the extra damage against bulky Pokemon. Plus, Dragonite can revenge kill with Extreme Speed anyway. Lum Berry is the most consistent item; it lets Dragonite set up on Pokemon like Rotom-W and Jirachi lacking Ice-type coverage and cures Outrage confusion. Dragon Gem makes boosted Outrage even more powerful, able to OHKO Gliscor, Slowbro, and Landorus-T after Stealth Rock and physically defensive Politoed, Gastrodon, and Reuniclus from full health. Yache Berry can be used to set up on Pokemon with Ice-type coverage like Reuniclus, Alakazam, Landorus-T, Thundurus-T, Gliscor, and Starmie.
Usage Tips
========
Bring Dragonite in after a Pokemon faints or on an attack that can't KO it after Multiscale is broken. Set up Dragon Dance while at full health if possible, or at least on Pokemon that can't KO Dragonite. If an opposing Pokemon checks a majority of Dragonite's team at high health and outspeeds Dragonite, it may be worth it to hit the threat with sacrificial Extreme Speed, since teams using this Dragonite feature many potential wincons. Try to keep Stealth Rock off the field so Dragonite has an easier time coming in and setting up.
Team Options
========
This Dragonite set is primarily found on hyper offense teams thanks to its resistances, power, and Speed after Dragon Dance. Offensive Stealth Rock setters like Garchomp and Landorus-T secure KOs for Dragonite while weakening or removing potential checks. Offensive Starmie can keep Stealth Rock off the field while outspeeding and threatening Pokemon faster than Dragonite, like Latios, Garchomp, and Keldeo. Volcarona can set up on Pokemon that revenge kill Dragonite, like Choice Scarf Latios and Focus Sash Alakazam, while Dragonite does the same with Choice Scarf Keldeo locked into a Water-type move. Swords Dance Scizor brings another strong priority move and sets up on the Choice-locked Dragon- and Ice-type moves Dragonite forces foes to use, with Dragonite doing the same for Fire- and Water-type moves used against Scizor. Offensive Breloom can weaken or take out Steel-types and bulky Pokemon early-game, like Skarmory, Excadrill, Gliscor, Landorus-T, Reuniclus, and Tyranitar, while also bringing another priority move to better handle offensive threats.
This Dragonite set also fits well on DragMag teams due to Magnezone trapping Steel-types like Skarmory and Ferrothorn so Dragonite can use Outrage freely and run Earthquake over Fire Punch without opportunity cost. Magnezone can also bring Dragonite in safely with Volt Switch if running a Choice item or force in Ground- and Fighting-types, letting Dragonite double switch in. Jirachi sets up Stealth Rock and pivots with U-turn. It can also take Dragon- and Ice-type moves from Pokemon like Latios, Salamence, Alakazam, Politoed, and Reuniclus. Other Dragon-types, namely Choice Scarf variants of Garchomp and Latios, exploit the holes Dragonite creates to sweep far more easily late-game while also having better matchups against offensive teams. Choice Band Kyurem-B is able to break the opposing team open with its powerful Outrage so Dragonite can more easily sweep. Excadrill can work as a Rapid Spin user, and Dragonite can set up on Pokemon that are commonly used to check it, like Politoed, Ferrothorn, and Tentacruel.
[SET]
name: Substitute + Dragon Dance
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Dragon Dance
move 3: Dragon Claw
move 4: Roost
item: Leftovers
ability: Multiscale
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 HP / 72 Def / 60 SpD / 124 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Substitute gives Dragonite room to punish switches and set up Dragon Dance on Pokemon that struggle to break through it. Dragon Claw is the only attack because it has fantastic neutral coverage and doesn't lock Dragonite in like Outrage. Further, Dragonite can set up on and outlast most bulky Ground-types and Steel-types that can take Dragon Claw, like Landorus-T, Gliscor lacking Ice Fang, and Heatran lacking Roar or Hidden Power Ice.
Set Details
========
This EV spread makes Dragonite's Substitute survive specially defensive Jirachi's Iron Head most of the time and, even if Multiscale is broken, always take specially defensive Jirachi's Thunder and Rotom-W's Volt Switch. The Speed EVs alongside a Jolly nature let Dragonite outspeed the entire unboosted metagame after a boost, most notably including Alakazam.
Usage Tips
========
Dragonite should set up Substitute on switches and Pokemon that struggle to break through it, like Ferrothorn, Breloom, defensive Jirachi, and Tentacruel, as well as Pokemon like Reuniclus, Rotom-W, Keldeo, and Heatran should they lack Hidden Power Ice. Attempt to bring in Dragonite while Stealth Rock isn't on the field to keep Multiscale intact. Use Roost often to let Multiscale help set up Dragon Dance, especially if Substitute is up. If Dragonite is being used on a rain team, aim to keep rain up and sand away so Dragonite can heal with Leftovers every turn.
Team Options
========
This set fits very well on rain teams as a game-ending sweeper, which they can lack, that destroys passive rain teams and punishes some sand teams. Politoed brings rain and can take Ice-type attacks while also baiting in bulky Water- and Grass-types like Tentacruel, Breloom, Celebi, and Rotom-W and Gastrodon lacking Ice-type coverage, giving Dragonite good setup opportunities. Politoed can also run Encore to punish Pokemon like Hidden Power Ice Reuniclus . Tentacruel is mandatory to remove Stealth Rock and keep Multiscale intact, and it also takes on Steel-types like Scizor, Heatran, and Excadrill and takes Ice-type attacks. It can even set Toxic Spikes to put switch-ins on a timer. Dragonite can take on Volcarona that have Psychic and beat passive rain teams in return. Thundurus-T is able to wallbreak effectively with its three attacks set, which takes out answers to Dragonite like Skarmory, Excadrill, and Encore Politoed. The two of them together also suffocate sand teams, which can only really handle one of them before the other comes in to finish the job. Choice Scarf Keldeo is a fantastic revenge killer on rain teams, and it eases the burden on Dragonite to beat offensive teams. Ferrothorn is able to counter Dragon-types like Latios and Kyurem-B, as well as providing another Water resistance to handle Pokemon like Starmie. It also provides Stealth Rock and Spikes while appreciating Dragonite's resistances to Fire- and Fighting-type moves from Pokemon like Volcarona, Breloom, and Keldeo.
Dragonite can also work on sand teams because rain teams often struggle to break through this set. Tyranitar is needed a majority of the time, and it can set up Stealth Rock for Dragonite with a Chople Berry set that also Pursuit traps answers like Latios, Alakazam, and Hidden Power Ice Reuniclus. It can even take out or weaken Steel-types with coverage moves. Meanwhile, Dragonite takes advantage of potential Tyranitar switch-ins like Rotom-W, Keldeo, Breloom, and Gliscor. Excadrill is also a required partner, using Rapid Spin to clear Stealth Rock while also pivoting into some Dragon-type moves and offensively answering Steel-types and Hidden Power Ice Reuniclus. Meanwhile, Dragonite is able to take advantage of checks to Excadrill like Rotom-W, Keldeo lacking Ice-type coverage, and Gliscor. Like with rain teams, Ferrothorn counters Dragon-types, provides another Water resistance, sets entry hazards, and appreciates Dragonite's resistances to Fire and Fighting. Magnezone traps Steel-types like Skarmory and, if running Air Balloon, Excadrill. Rotom-W can bring Dragonite in safely with Volt Switch while burning opposing Pokemon. It also provides a more reliable Water-resistant Pokemon for foes like Starmie and can better check Hidden Power Ice and Roar Heatran.
This Dragonite set can sometimes work on hyper offense teams as well thanks to its great matchup against rain, which hyper offense can often struggle with, and other teammates backing it up against most sand and offensive teams. Offensive Stealth Rock setters like Garchomp and Landorus-T weaken or removing potential checks like Steel- and Water-types. Offensive Starmie can spin Stealth Rock away so Dragonite's Multiscale stays intact while also outspeeding and threatening Pokemon faster than Dragonite, like Garchomp, Latios, and Keldeo. Volcarona can run Hidden Power Ground to destroy sand teams utilizing Heatran, which this Dragonite set sometimes struggles with, while Dragonite does really well in the rain matchups Volcarona struggles with. Swords Dance Scizor brings strong priority to revenge kill faster Pokemon and sets up on the Choice-locked Dragon- and Ice-type moves Dragonite forces foes to use, with Dragonite doing the same for Fire- and Water-type moves used against Scizor.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Extreme Speed
move 3: Fire Punch / Dragon Claw
move 4: Superpower / Earthquake
item: Choice Band
ability: Multiscale
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Extreme Speed allows Dragonite to pick off weakened Pokemon that can threaten to KO it like Latios, Alakazam, Garchomp, Keldeo, and Scizor. It also lets Dragonite take out other setup sweepers like Volcarona, Thundurus-T, and opposing Dragonite before they get out of control. Fire Punch is able to hit Steel-types that aren't Heatran hard. Dragon Claw brings a STAB move that doesn't lock Dragonite in for multiple turns, making it safe to throw out a lot of the time. Superpower is able to OHKO Tyranitar as well as most Steel-types, with the notable exceptions of Skarmory and Jirachi. It also 2HKOes almost anything that doesn't resist it, including Rotom-W, Garchomp, and Politoed. Earthquake lets Dragonite hit Steel-types outside of Skarmory and Ferrothorn hard, especially Jirachi, while also OHKOing Tyranitar.
Set Details
========
Multiscale allows Dragonite to take pretty much any one hit from full health and fire off an attack, forcing the opponent into the awkward position of having to take a really powerful attack no matter what, especially if they're running a bulkier team that lacks many Pokemon that can outspeed or KO Dragonite.
Usage Tips
========
Dragonite is predominantly used to break open the opposing team so a teammate can finish them off late-game. Bring Dragonite in on resisted and neutral attacks like any attack from Breloom, Reuniclus's and Volcarona's STAB moves, Tyranitar's Crunch, and Magnezone's Thunderbolt to get momentum. Dragonite can also be brought in as a foe uses Stealth Rock or on a double switch. Outrage is a good move to use in the absence of resilient Steel-types or an easy sacrifice due to Dragonite's near-perfect coverage and ridiculous power. If such a Pokemon can take Outrage, punish it for switching in with a coverage move, since Pokemon that resist Dragonite's coverage but can't take Outrage will usually avoid switching in. Extreme Speed should be used to revenge kill faster Pokemon like Latios, Keldeo, boosted Dragonite, Garchomp, Volcarona, and Thundurus-T.
Team Options
========
This Dragonite set fits well on DragMag teams due to Magnezone trapping Steel-types like Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Jirachi, letting Dragonite easily spam Outrage for Dragon-type partners to clean through weakened teams late-game. Magnezone can also bring Dragonite in safely with Volt Switch if running a Choice item, or it can force in Ground- and Fighting-types so Dragonite can double switch in. Jirachi sets up Stealth Rock so Dragonite is even harder to switch into and uses U-turn. It can also take moves like Latios's Draco Meteor and Ice-type coverage from Pokemon like Reuniclus and Politoed. Other Dragon-types, namely Choice Scarf variants of Garchomp and Latios, massively benefit from the holes Dragonite creates to sweep more easily late-game, and they also have better matchups against offensive teams. Offensive Starmie can spin Stealth Rock away so Dragonite's Multiscale stays intact while also outspeeding and threatening Pokemon faster than Dragonite, like Garchomp, Latios, and Hidden Power Ice Keldeo.
This set also fits well on rain teams thanks to it wallbreaking for many rain sweepers and rain giving it the support it needs. Politoed is mandatory for rain teams, and it clears sand—so Dragonite's Multiscale isn't broken passively—while also taking Ice-type attacks and burning Dragonite's potential checks like Ferrothorn and Jirachi with Scald. Dragonite, meanwhile, can threaten Pokemon that rain struggles with, like Breloom, Tyranitar, Ferrothorn, and Celebi, and revenge kill weakened Latios, Rotom-W, and opposing Dragonite with Extreme Speed. Taking out Tyranitar is particularly beneficial to win the weather war. Subsitute + Agility Thundurus-T loves Dragonite's ability to crack open Pokemon like Celebi, Excadrill, and Gastrodon so that it can sweep late-game. In return, Thundurus-T can take out Skarmory, Landrous-T, and Jirachi. Tentacruel keeps Stealth Rock off the field and also takes on Ice-type attacks and Steel-types like Scizor, Heatran, and Excadrill. Dragonite can take on Volcarona that have Psychic in return. Starmie and Excadrill can work on rain as more offensive Rapid Spin users, but they aren't as reliable as Tentacruel with this set due to their lesser defensive profile. Choice Scarf Keldeo can wipe out the opposing team late-game, once Dragonite breaks the right holes for it, while also acting as another way to take out boosted sweepers.
Other Options
========
Haban Berry can be run on the 3 attacks Dragon Dance set for Choice Scarf Latios and Garchomp, which otherwise easily stifle a sweep. However, it isn't as consistently useful as Lum Berry, and Dragonite can take them out with Extreme Speed or sacrifice itself so a partner can set up on the Choice-locked attack. Waterfall could be used with rain on the Choice Band set to hit Steel-types hard, in addition to acting as a good midground move against sand teams that don't use Ferrothorn as their Steel-type. A mixed or special set may seem good due to Dragonite's wide movepool and power. However, it's outdone in these roles by Pokemon like Latios, Keldeo, Heatran, Alakazam, and Jirachi. Defensive Dragonite may also seem like an enticing prospect as a result of Multiscale and its resistances. However, Dragonite's typing isn't very special, and this set's passivity makes it ultimately inferior to other defensive Pokemon with better utility, like Rotom-W, Celebi, and Heatran.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Super Effective Attacks**: Faster Pokemon that can hit Dragonite super effectively, like Latios, Alakazam, Keldeo, Garchomp, Mamoswine, Starmie, and Terrakion, make Dragonite fear switching in. However, these Pokemon can fall to Extreme Speed when sufficiently weakened and can't switch in safely. Meanwhile, bulkier Pokemon like Landorus-T, Gliscor, Tyranitar, and Reuniclus can take at least one of most Dragonite hits, even when boosted, and hit it back super effectively. However, Tyranitar falls to boosted Earthquake or Choice Band Superpower.
**Steel-types**: While most Dragonite sets have coverage to get around Steel-types, it will often be unable to hit at least a few of them depending on its choice of moves. Should Fire Punch be dropped, Skarmory is able to wall Dragonite. Ferrothorn can do much of the same, except it also needs to watch out for Superpower from the Choice Band set and can be more easily overwhelmed over time due to lacking Skarmory's instant recovery. However, Magnezone can trap and KO most Steel-types, even if Dragonite lacks the appropriate coverage move to take them out.
**Status**: Paralysis makes Dragonite unable to outspeed anything without using Extreme Speed, while burn cuts Dragonite's Attack and always leaves Multiscale broken. Poison also keeps Multiscale broken. However, the 3 Attacks Dragon Dance set often mitigates status by running Lum Berry.
**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rock breaks Multiscale and does considerable damage, bringing Dragonite into 2HKO and OHKO range of many attacks.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Ophion, 433215]]
- Quality checked by: [[BlueBirD252, 347088], [Links, 487106]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429], [CryoGyro, 331519]]
Dragonite is a popular pick on offensive and bulky teams due to its power and versatility. Offensively, it can run a Dragon Dance or Choice Band set on hyper offense and DragMag teams. Extreme Speed grants it offensive utility against faster threats like Volcarona and Thundurus-T, which is especially good against other hyper offense teams. It also has good bulk and a decent defensive typing, which grants it an immunity to Spikes and some good resistances. These resistances not only give it setup opportunities against Pokemon like Volcarona and Keldeo lacking Ice-type coverage, but also let it run a Substitute + Dragon Dance set that beats bulkier forms of counterplay. Multiscale further aids in this defensive utility, letting Dragonite take pretty much any one hit, which is often essential for using Dragon Dance. However, Dragonite's lackluster Speed tier leaves it outsped and revenge killed by common offensive Pokemon like Alakazam, Garchomp, Latios, Keldeo, and Mamoswine without a boost, as well as by Choice Scarf users like Latios, Keldeo, Rotom-W, and Garchomp even after a boost. Many of these Pokemon can also take +1 Extreme Speed if healthy. Dragonite is Stealth Rock-weak and thus can struggle to take advantage of its bulk and ability. It sometimes lacks the right coverage move to hit its targets and, at +1, fails to KO bulky targets like Landorus-T, Gliscor, Reuniclus, and Tyranitar.
[SET]
name: 3 Attacks Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Outrage
move 3: Earthquake / Extreme Speed / Fire Punch
move 4: Extreme Speed / Earthquake
item: Lum Berry / Dragon Gem
ability: Multiscale
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Extreme Speed picks off weakened Pokemon that threaten to KO Dragonite, like Latios, Alakazam, Garchomp, Keldeo, and Scizor. It also lets Dragonite take out other setup sweepers like Volcarona, Thundurus-T, and Garchomp. Earthquake hits all Steel-types that aren't Skarmory or Ferrothorn and dents Tyranitar, while Fire Punch hits all Steel-types that aren't Heatran. Earthquake should be used over Fire Punch on DragMag teams, which can trap Skarmory and Forretress. Extreme Speed can be dropped if hitting all Steel-types is important, but this is generally ill-advised due to Extreme Speed's utility.
Set Details
========
While a Jolly nature would outspeed bulkier variants of Thundurus-T and Timid Heatran unboosted, and Choice Scarf Keldeo and Latios at +2, Adamant is crucial for the extra damage against bulky Pokemon. Plus, Dragonite can revenge kill with Extreme Speed anyway. Lum Berry is the most consistent item; it lets Dragonite set up on Pokemon like Rotom-W and Jirachi lacking Ice-type coverage and cures Outrage confusion. Dragon Gem makes boosted Outrage even more powerful, able to OHKO Gliscor, Slowbro, and Landorus-T after Stealth Rock and physically defensive Politoed, Gastrodon, and Reuniclus from full health. Yache Berry can be used to set up on Pokemon with Ice-type coverage like Reuniclus, Alakazam, Landorus-T, Thundurus-T, Gliscor, and Starmie.
Usage Tips
========
Bring Dragonite in after a Pokemon faints or on an attack that can't KO it after Multiscale is broken. Set up Dragon Dance while at full health if possible, or at least on Pokemon that can't KO Dragonite. If an opposing Pokemon checks a majority of Dragonite's team at high health and outspeeds Dragonite, it may be worth it to hit the threat with sacrificial Extreme Speed, since teams using this Dragonite feature many potential wincons. Try to keep Stealth Rock off the field so Dragonite has an easier time coming in and setting up.
Team Options
========
This Dragonite set is primarily found on hyper offense teams thanks to its resistances, power, and Speed after Dragon Dance. Offensive Stealth Rock setters like Garchomp and Landorus-T secure KOs for Dragonite while weakening or removing potential checks. Offensive Starmie can keep Stealth Rock off the field while outspeeding and threatening Pokemon faster than Dragonite, like Latios, Garchomp, and Keldeo. Volcarona can set up on Pokemon that revenge kill Dragonite, like Choice Scarf Latios and Focus Sash Alakazam, while Dragonite does the same with Choice Scarf Keldeo locked into a Water-type move. Swords Dance Scizor brings another strong priority move and sets up on the Choice-locked Dragon- and Ice-type moves Dragonite forces foes to use, with Dragonite doing the same for Fire- and Water-type moves used against Scizor. Offensive Breloom can weaken or take out Steel-types and bulky Pokemon early-game, like Skarmory, Excadrill, Gliscor, Landorus-T, Reuniclus, and Tyranitar, while also bringing another priority move to better handle offensive threats.
This Dragonite set also fits well on DragMag teams due to Magnezone trapping Steel-types like Skarmory and Ferrothorn so Dragonite can use Outrage freely and run Earthquake over Fire Punch without opportunity cost. Magnezone can also bring Dragonite in safely with Volt Switch if running a Choice item or force in Ground- and Fighting-types, letting Dragonite double switch in. Jirachi sets up Stealth Rock and pivots with U-turn. It can also take Dragon- and Ice-type moves from Pokemon like Latios, Salamence, Alakazam, Politoed, and Reuniclus. Other Dragon-types, namely Choice Scarf variants of Garchomp and Latios, exploit the holes Dragonite creates to sweep far more easily late-game while also having better matchups against offensive teams. Choice Band Kyurem-B is able to break the opposing team open with its powerful Outrage so Dragonite can more easily sweep. Excadrill can work as a Rapid Spin user, and Dragonite can set up on Pokemon that are commonly used to check it, like Politoed, Ferrothorn, and Tentacruel.
[SET]
name: Substitute + Dragon Dance
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Dragon Dance
move 3: Dragon Claw
move 4: Roost
item: Leftovers
ability: Multiscale
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 HP / 72 Def / 60 SpD / 124 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Substitute gives Dragonite room to punish switches and set up Dragon Dance on Pokemon that struggle to break through it. Dragon Claw is the only attack because it has fantastic neutral coverage and doesn't lock Dragonite in like Outrage. Further, Dragonite can set up on and outlast most bulky Ground-types and Steel-types that can take Dragon Claw, like Landorus-T, Gliscor lacking Ice Fang, and Heatran lacking Roar or Hidden Power Ice.
Set Details
========
This EV spread makes Dragonite's Substitute survive specially defensive Jirachi's Iron Head most of the time and, even if Multiscale is broken, always take specially defensive Jirachi's Thunder and Rotom-W's Volt Switch. The Speed EVs alongside a Jolly nature let Dragonite outspeed the entire unboosted metagame after a boost, most notably including Alakazam.
Usage Tips
========
Dragonite should set up Substitute on switches and Pokemon that struggle to break through it, like Ferrothorn, Breloom, defensive Jirachi, and Tentacruel, as well as Pokemon like Reuniclus, Rotom-W, Keldeo, and Heatran should they lack Hidden Power Ice. Attempt to bring in Dragonite while Stealth Rock isn't on the field to keep Multiscale intact. Use Roost often to let Multiscale help set up Dragon Dance, especially if Substitute is up. If Dragonite is being used on a rain team, aim to keep rain up and sand away so Dragonite can heal with Leftovers every turn.
Team Options
========
This set fits very well on rain teams as a game-ending sweeper, which they can lack, that destroys passive rain teams and punishes some sand teams. Politoed brings rain and can take Ice-type attacks while also baiting in bulky Water- and Grass-types like Tentacruel, Breloom, Celebi, and Rotom-W and Gastrodon lacking Ice-type coverage, giving Dragonite good setup opportunities. Politoed can also run Encore to punish Pokemon like Hidden Power Ice Reuniclus . Tentacruel is mandatory to remove Stealth Rock and keep Multiscale intact, and it also takes on Steel-types like Scizor, Heatran, and Excadrill and takes Ice-type attacks. It can even set Toxic Spikes to put switch-ins on a timer. Dragonite can take on Volcarona that have Psychic and beat passive rain teams in return. Thundurus-T is able to wallbreak effectively with its three attacks set, which takes out answers to Dragonite like Skarmory, Excadrill, and Encore Politoed. The two of them together also suffocate sand teams, which can only really handle one of them before the other comes in to finish the job. Choice Scarf Keldeo is a fantastic revenge killer on rain teams, and it eases the burden on Dragonite to beat offensive teams. Ferrothorn is able to counter Dragon-types like Latios and Kyurem-B, as well as providing another Water resistance to handle Pokemon like Starmie. It also provides Stealth Rock and Spikes while appreciating Dragonite's resistances to Fire- and Fighting-type moves from Pokemon like Volcarona, Breloom, and Keldeo.
Dragonite can also work on sand teams because rain teams often struggle to break through this set. Tyranitar is needed a majority of the time, and it can set up Stealth Rock for Dragonite with a Chople Berry set that also Pursuit traps answers like Latios, Alakazam, and Hidden Power Ice Reuniclus. It can even take out or weaken Steel-types with coverage moves. Meanwhile, Dragonite takes advantage of potential Tyranitar switch-ins like Rotom-W, Keldeo, Breloom, and Gliscor. Excadrill is also a required partner, using Rapid Spin to clear Stealth Rock while also pivoting into some Dragon-type moves and offensively answering Steel-types and Hidden Power Ice Reuniclus. Meanwhile, Dragonite is able to take advantage of checks to Excadrill like Rotom-W, Keldeo lacking Ice-type coverage, and Gliscor. Like with rain teams, Ferrothorn counters Dragon-types, provides another Water resistance, sets entry hazards, and appreciates Dragonite's resistances to Fire and Fighting. Magnezone traps Steel-types like Skarmory and, if running Air Balloon, Excadrill. Rotom-W can bring Dragonite in safely with Volt Switch while burning opposing Pokemon. It also provides a more reliable Water-resistant Pokemon for foes like Starmie and can better check Hidden Power Ice and Roar Heatran.
This Dragonite set can sometimes work on hyper offense teams as well thanks to its great matchup against rain, which hyper offense can often struggle with, and other teammates backing it up against most sand and offensive teams. Offensive Stealth Rock setters like Garchomp and Landorus-T weaken or removing potential checks like Steel- and Water-types. Offensive Starmie can spin Stealth Rock away so Dragonite's Multiscale stays intact while also outspeeding and threatening Pokemon faster than Dragonite, like Garchomp, Latios, and Keldeo. Volcarona can run Hidden Power Ground to destroy sand teams utilizing Heatran, which this Dragonite set sometimes struggles with, while Dragonite does really well in the rain matchups Volcarona struggles with. Swords Dance Scizor brings strong priority to revenge kill faster Pokemon and sets up on the Choice-locked Dragon- and Ice-type moves Dragonite forces foes to use, with Dragonite doing the same for Fire- and Water-type moves used against Scizor.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Extreme Speed
move 3: Fire Punch / Dragon Claw
move 4: Superpower / Earthquake
item: Choice Band
ability: Multiscale
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Extreme Speed allows Dragonite to pick off weakened Pokemon that can threaten to KO it like Latios, Alakazam, Garchomp, Keldeo, and Scizor. It also lets Dragonite take out other setup sweepers like Volcarona, Thundurus-T, and opposing Dragonite before they get out of control. Fire Punch is able to hit Steel-types that aren't Heatran hard. Dragon Claw brings a STAB move that doesn't lock Dragonite in for multiple turns, making it safe to throw out a lot of the time. Superpower is able to OHKO Tyranitar as well as most Steel-types, with the notable exceptions of Skarmory and Jirachi. It also 2HKOes almost anything that doesn't resist it, including Rotom-W, Garchomp, and Politoed. Earthquake lets Dragonite hit Steel-types outside of Skarmory and Ferrothorn hard, especially Jirachi, while also OHKOing Tyranitar.
Set Details
========
Multiscale allows Dragonite to take pretty much any one hit from full health and fire off an attack, forcing the opponent into the awkward position of having to take a really powerful attack no matter what, especially if they're running a bulkier team that lacks many Pokemon that can outspeed or KO Dragonite.
Usage Tips
========
Dragonite is predominantly used to break open the opposing team so a teammate can finish them off late-game. Bring Dragonite in on resisted and neutral attacks like any attack from Breloom, Reuniclus's and Volcarona's STAB moves, Tyranitar's Crunch, and Magnezone's Thunderbolt to get momentum. Dragonite can also be brought in as a foe uses Stealth Rock or on a double switch. Outrage is a good move to use in the absence of resilient Steel-types or an easy sacrifice due to Dragonite's near-perfect coverage and ridiculous power. If such a Pokemon can take Outrage, punish it for switching in with a coverage move, since Pokemon that resist Dragonite's coverage but can't take Outrage will usually avoid switching in. Extreme Speed should be used to revenge kill faster Pokemon like Latios, Keldeo, boosted Dragonite, Garchomp, Volcarona, and Thundurus-T.
Team Options
========
This Dragonite set fits well on DragMag teams due to Magnezone trapping Steel-types like Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Jirachi, letting Dragonite easily spam Outrage for Dragon-type partners to clean through weakened teams late-game. Magnezone can also bring Dragonite in safely with Volt Switch if running a Choice item, or it can force in Ground- and Fighting-types so Dragonite can double switch in. Jirachi sets up Stealth Rock so Dragonite is even harder to switch into and uses U-turn. It can also take moves like Latios's Draco Meteor and Ice-type coverage from Pokemon like Reuniclus and Politoed. Other Dragon-types, namely Choice Scarf variants of Garchomp and Latios, massively benefit from the holes Dragonite creates to sweep more easily late-game, and they also have better matchups against offensive teams. Offensive Starmie can spin Stealth Rock away so Dragonite's Multiscale stays intact while also outspeeding and threatening Pokemon faster than Dragonite, like Garchomp, Latios, and Hidden Power Ice Keldeo.
This set also fits well on rain teams thanks to it wallbreaking for many rain sweepers and rain giving it the support it needs. Politoed is mandatory for rain teams, and it clears sand—so Dragonite's Multiscale isn't broken passively—while also taking Ice-type attacks and burning Dragonite's potential checks like Ferrothorn and Jirachi with Scald. Dragonite, meanwhile, can threaten Pokemon that rain struggles with, like Breloom, Tyranitar, Ferrothorn, and Celebi, and revenge kill weakened Latios, Rotom-W, and opposing Dragonite with Extreme Speed. Taking out Tyranitar is particularly beneficial to win the weather war. Subsitute + Agility Thundurus-T loves Dragonite's ability to crack open Pokemon like Celebi, Excadrill, and Gastrodon so that it can sweep late-game. In return, Thundurus-T can take out Skarmory, Landrous-T, and Jirachi. Tentacruel keeps Stealth Rock off the field and also takes on Ice-type attacks and Steel-types like Scizor, Heatran, and Excadrill. Dragonite can take on Volcarona that have Psychic in return. Starmie and Excadrill can work on rain as more offensive Rapid Spin users, but they aren't as reliable as Tentacruel with this set due to their lesser defensive profile. Choice Scarf Keldeo can wipe out the opposing team late-game, once Dragonite breaks the right holes for it, while also acting as another way to take out boosted sweepers.
Other Options
========
Haban Berry can be run on the 3 attacks Dragon Dance set for Choice Scarf Latios and Garchomp, which otherwise easily stifle a sweep. However, it isn't as consistently useful as Lum Berry, and Dragonite can take them out with Extreme Speed or sacrifice itself so a partner can set up on the Choice-locked attack. Waterfall could be used with rain on the Choice Band set to hit Steel-types hard, in addition to acting as a good midground move against sand teams that don't use Ferrothorn as their Steel-type. A mixed or special set may seem good due to Dragonite's wide movepool and power. However, it's outdone in these roles by Pokemon like Latios, Keldeo, Heatran, Alakazam, and Jirachi. Defensive Dragonite may also seem like an enticing prospect as a result of Multiscale and its resistances. However, Dragonite's typing isn't very special, and this set's passivity makes it ultimately inferior to other defensive Pokemon with better utility, like Rotom-W, Celebi, and Heatran.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Super Effective Attacks**: Faster Pokemon that can hit Dragonite super effectively, like Latios, Alakazam, Keldeo, Garchomp, Mamoswine, Starmie, and Terrakion, make Dragonite fear switching in. However, these Pokemon can fall to Extreme Speed when sufficiently weakened and can't switch in safely. Meanwhile, bulkier Pokemon like Landorus-T, Gliscor, Tyranitar, and Reuniclus can take at least one of most Dragonite hits, even when boosted, and hit it back super effectively. However, Tyranitar falls to boosted Earthquake or Choice Band Superpower.
**Steel-types**: While most Dragonite sets have coverage to get around Steel-types, it will often be unable to hit at least a few of them depending on its choice of moves. Should Fire Punch be dropped, Skarmory is able to wall Dragonite. Ferrothorn can do much of the same, except it also needs to watch out for Superpower from the Choice Band set and can be more easily overwhelmed over time due to lacking Skarmory's instant recovery. However, Magnezone can trap and KO most Steel-types, even if Dragonite lacks the appropriate coverage move to take them out.
**Status**: Paralysis makes Dragonite unable to outspeed anything without using Extreme Speed, while burn cuts Dragonite's Attack and always leaves Multiscale broken. Poison also keeps Multiscale broken. However, the 3 Attacks Dragon Dance set often mitigates status by running Lum Berry.
**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rock breaks Multiscale and does considerable damage, bringing Dragonite into 2HKO and OHKO range of many attacks.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Ophion, 433215]]
- Quality checked by: [[BlueBirD252, 347088], [Links, 487106]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429], [CryoGyro, 331519]]
Last edited:
