Dragon-types in Pokemon aren't mythical creatures, but they are one of the rarest types to encounter in the wild. They are also increasingly hard to train, but players can reap the benefits if they stick to it. Lots of Legendary or psuedo-Legendary Pokemon fall into the Dragon-type category. Their weaknesses include Ice, Fairy, and other Dragon-types. In fact, Dragon-type Pokemon can only deal Super Effective damage to other Dragon-types.

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Dragon-types are often seen in the competitive field due to their offensive moves and high stats. Players will need to prepare for Ice-type counters, but, for the most part, they will tear through opposing teams with ease. Furthermore, the best Dragon-types seen in the Pokemon Video Game Championships (VGC) stand out among the types and are well worth adding to one's team.

Updated October 25, 2023, by Taylor Pittman: Since Pokemon Scarlet and Violet released, there have been many changes to the competitive meta. New team pairings and battle strategies are available to Pokemon trainers. The new Pokemon make things particularly interesting across ranked and double battles. Dragon-type Pokemon are powerful attack Pokemon, and there were several additions to the type in Generation Nine. So, this list has been updated to include more of the best Dragon-type Pokemon for the Pokemon VGC.

Roaring Moon

Roaring Moon is a dual Dark/Dragon-type Paradox Pokemon. Paradox Pokemon are stronger Pokemon that are ancient or futuristic in nature. Roaring Moon is a distant relative of Mega Salamence. It is common on VGC teams because of its stat distribution and attack moveset. Moves like Throat Chop, Dragon Claw, and Breaking Swipe do great damage. Breaking Swipe also affects all opponents on the field.

Roaring Moon is a versatile Pokemon and pairs well with several team types in competitive play. Dragon Dance increases Roaring Moon's already impressive Attack and Speed by one stage each time it is used. Its targets won't be able to avoid its hits, so it makes for a good Wall Breaker. Alternatively, the move Jaw Lock can be used to trap Glass Cannons and Sweepers while damaging them at the same time.

Baxcalibur

Baxcalibur is an impressive Dragon Pokemon introduced in Generation Nine. It is a dual Dragon/Ice-type pseudo-legendary Pokemon with a unique ability and signature move. Baxcalibur not only loses its weakness to Fire, but it also gets an Attack boost when hit by Fire-type moves and immunity to burns due to its Thermal Exchange ability. Its signature move, Glaive Rush, is a riskier strategy.

Glaive Rush has a power stat of 120, but it temporarily opens Baxcalibur up to double damage from all attack moves directed toward it. However, there's a high chance it will land an OHKO and avoid the consequences if used strategically. Baxcalibur can also use status-changing moves such as Ice Beam and Dragon Breath to avoid taking hits by freezing or paralyzing its target.

Tatsugiri

Tatsugiri is a dual Dragon/Water-type Pokemon with one of the unique abilities in Generation Nine. Tatsugiri seems like it was made for Double battles because of its special team-up ability with Dondozo. Tatsugiri's Commander ability pairs with Dondozo's Order Up ability when they are on the field at the same time. Tatsugiri will crawl into Dondozo's mouth which will boost the latter's stats. It also protects Tatsugiri from taking any damage.

Even after Dondozo faints, Tatsugiri can hold its own on the field for a little while. Its Sp. Atk stat is higher than average, so moves like Water Pulse and Dragon Pulse deal a good amount of damage. Players will want to prepare for its lower Defense stats by having recovery moves in its moveset and using Harden when they can afford to.

Dracozolt

Dracozolt is a Fossil Pokemon introduced in Generation 8. It's a dual Electric/Dragon-type Pokemon with some good and bad traits. It's a little controversial since it was developed by combining a fossilized bird with a fossilized Drake; a breeding process that has led to physical difficulties. It picks up a weakness to Ground-types but gains resistance to Steel, Flying, Water, Fire, and Grass-type attacks. Dracozolt has a high Attack stat in reliable Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB) moves from both types.

For example, Dracozolt has Dragon Rush, Dragon Pulse, and Bolt Break. Most of its Electric STAB moves are physical, so it's packing a real punch. Surprisingly though, it also has Ground-type options like Stamping Tantrum and Bulldoze. Lots of these moves take priority, so players don't have to worry about its lackluster Speed stat.

Goodra

Goodra is a Dragon-type Pokemon that was introduced in Generation 6. It's a psuedo-Legendary, so its stats are generously stacked, particularly its Attack stats, as well as its shockingly good Sp. Def. However, this Pokemon has zero immunities and takes regular damage from most types. A prominent perk is that its movepool is all over the place with Grass, Water, Poison, and Normal-type options.

Goodra is a perfect attack Pokemon and players can take advantage of its extensive movepool and STAB moves. Dragon Pulse is almost guaranteed to be an OHKO. Additionally, it has access to non-STAB moves like Hydro Pump and Body Slam, which have 80+ attack power. It makes a good partner Pokemon for Gyarados as it can set up Rain Dance, with players then having two strong offensive leads on the field.

Garchomp

Another psuedo-Legendary, Garchomp, was introduced in Generation 4 and featured as one of the Champion Cynthia's mains. It is a dual Dragon/Ground type-pokemon. Players can increase its already solid Attack stat with Swords Dance to ensure that its offensive STABs hit their hardest. Opponents only survive Dragon Rush and Earthquake if they have a type advantage. It is also a speedier Pokemon that maintains an excellent defensive front.

Garchomp does best in Double Battles when it has an ally to account for its weakness to Ice and Fairy-type attacks. Those two are particularly deadly because they bring a 4X effectiveness against Garchomp. Dual Dark/Fire-type Pokemon can take care of both in one go, but Garchomp does have some Fire and Dark moves in its movepool to counter them if needed.

Dragonite

Dragonite is a Dragon/Flying-type Pokemon from Generation 1. It's a reasonably bulky Pokemon, but its Attack stats steal the show when it takes the field. It also has Dragon Dance to boost its Attack and Speed stats, so opponents don't get many opportunities to strike back against it. Players should be wary of Ice-types though due to their 4X effectiveness against it.

Dragonite's powerful STAB moves include Outrage, Dragon Rush, Hurricane, and Wing Attack. It also has Fire, Electric, and Ground-type moves that it can use. Earthquake, in particular, is a heavy hitter regardless of type matchup. Oddly enough, Dragonite can also be used to set up Rain Dance which will hinder its Fire-type foes.

Dracovish

Dracovish is a defensive Dragon-type Pokemon. It's a dual Water/Dragon-type Fossil Pokemon that was introduced in generation 8. It is said to be related to Dracozolt and Arctovish, more hybrid Pokemon. While it has legs, it can't breathe unless it's underwater. Offensively, players have options like Dragon Pulse, Dragon Breath, or Fishiest Fiend. The latter is the signature move of the fossilized fish from which DracoVish comes.

Regardless of its offensive options, players should keep it more on the defensive side of things when it comes to competitive matches. However, Dracovish is equipped with a decent supportive moveset, which includes Substitute, Endure, and Protect. These can all be good stall options to assist offensive allies.

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