Bulky Dragon Dance said:
It's not anymore.
This has been mentioned multiple times around the DST threads, and has received surprisingly good criticism ever since it was passed around. Yeah, I know. Being a mono-attacker sucks, but I got around with Togekiss and Latias. IMO, it deserves its own spot on the analysis.
Status: Copyediting
QC Approvals (3/3): (PK Gaming) (Wilson46) (Delta2777)
GP Approvals (2/2): (Calm Pokemaster) (New World Order)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Gotta make my mind up, which set should I taaaaake
[SET]
name: Substitute + Dragon Dance
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Dragon Dance
move 3: Dragon Claw
move 4: Roost
item: Leftovers
ability: Multiscale
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 80 Def / 16 SpD / 160 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Depending on the item or coverage moves being run on Dragonite, its standard Dragon Dance sets are often thwarted by the appropriate counters, many of which are unfortunately common in the metagame. For example, if Dragonite holds Leftovers without some form of protection (such as Safeguard or Substitute), it's prone to status, while without it, Multiscale is negated by sandstorm and hail. This set, however, aims to overcome the dragon's usual issues by using Substitute in place of a secondary coverage move, enabling Dragonite to block status, scout for checks, and set up more easily than ever. Using Substitute also abolishes the pressure of choosing the appropriate item. Dragonite is therefore permitted to use Leftovers, Roost, and Dragon Claw freely, making it an extremely self-sufficient stallbreaker and attacker when its very few counters are crippled or eliminated.</p>
<p>The primary objective of this set is to set up and outstall the opposing team by using Dragon Dance, Roost, and Substitute, attacking once Dragonite accumulates enough boosts or whenever necessary. Dragon Dance's Speed boost, in conjunction with Substitute, allows Dragonite to outrun and set up on potential status users. This is made even better when Roost comes into play, activating Multiscale and minimizing the damage dealt by common status users; this gives Dragonite even more opportunities to set up and sweep. Although it may seem ineffective to use a single attack, Dragon Claw grants great mono-attacking coverage, and is only resisted by Steel-types. Even then, most Steel-types can be overcome by proper setup, eliminating the need to use Earthquake or Fire Punch.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Dragonite thrives on defensive investment due to its ability to set up with Substitute and Roost. The given EV spread is a specialized formula; the defensive investment enables Dragonite's Substitutes to survive Iron Head from Jirachi with 0 Atk EVs. With the given Speed EVs, Dragonite outspeeds positive-natured base 110s after a boost. Additionally, Attack investment is not necessary since Dragonite can set up multiple boosts. With a Careful nature, Dragonite can set up with ease on random special attacks, though other natures are optimal if Dragonite needs more physical bulk (Impish) or wishes to outspeed its neutral-natured maximum Speed counterpart (Jolly). Another EV spread to consider is 252 HP / 56 SpD / 200 Spe, which grants Dragonite more special bulk in addition to the ability to outrun positive-natured base 115s after one boost. This in turn makes Dragonite an easier target for walls with physical attacks, so keep in mind the tradeoffs of each spread.</p>
<p>Although this set is more self-sufficient than other similar sets, it still needs the correct support to bypass counters and function more easily. As far as dedicated counters are concerned, Skarmory is a huge issue due to its high Defense, resistance to Dragon Claw, and access to Whirlwind to phaze Dragonite out. Other Steel-types and physical walls can be bypassed with the correct setup sequence, though there are some Pokemon that can overcome Dragonite through other means, such as Perish Song users, Ice Punch Metagross, or Unaware Quagsire. Generally speaking, before sending Dragonite out to sweep, ensure that defensive threats such as the aforementioned ones are eliminated. Magnezone is notable for its ability to trap and eliminate Steel-types, though Skarmory with Shed Shell may prove to be problematic. Rather than going with the conventional trap-and-kill route, you may simply employ Pokemon that can lure in or punch through these counters, prime examples including Choice Band Terrakion and Magic Bounce Espeon with Hidden Power Fire.</p>
<p>Rapid Spin support is not as necessary because of Substitute and Roost, but it's still appreciated to ensure Multiscale is activated from the start. An offensive Starmie is notable above all others due to its ability to use Rapid Spin, absorb status with Natural Cure, and break down physical walls that Dragonite may encounter. Dragonite, in turn, can set up on threats that wall Starmie, including but not limited to Gastrodon, Jellicent, Blissey, and Rotom-W. Forretress and Tentacruel are also good choices because of their stellar defenses, great typing, and access to entry hazards. Speaking of which, residual damage is instrumental in Dragonite's role; it will find often itself in situations where it will have to stall out certain foes before doing anything else, which applies mostly to walls such as Quagsire and Hippowdon. These foes are easily stalled out with Toxic Spikes support, which Forretress and Tentacruel can easily set up.</p>
