Image courtesy of PokeAPI (official artwork)
Overview: Dragonite’s dual-typing and raw power
Dragonite marches onto the battlefield with a decisive Dragon/Flying dual typing, backed by a formidable stat line: HP 91, Attack 134, Defense 95, Special Attack 100, Special Defense 100, and Speed 80. This combination translates into a versatile presence that can pressure opponents physically and, with the right setup, threaten them from special ranges as well. In practice, Dragonite excels as a mid-to-late–game threat that can pivot between offense and bulk, making it a familiar staple for players who value both power and staying power ⚡🔥.
Offensive strengths: STAB power and type coverage
- STAB leverage: Both Dragon and Flying moves benefit from STAB, which means Dragonite’s attacks hit harder when aligned with its types. That dual-STAB pressure is a core feature of its offensive toolkit 🐉✈️.
- Exceptional attack potential: With 134 Attack, Dragonite can threaten many targets with sturdy physical options, while its 100 Special Attack provides a credible secondary route for mixed sets. This dual-burst capability lets you tailor your approach to the opponent’s team composition 🌊🔥.
- Defensive bonuses from typing: The Dragon/Flying pairing grants useful resistances to Fire, Water, Grass, and Electric moves and gives an important Ground immunity thanks to the Flying side, enabling safer engages and favorable pivots against common threats 🌿💧⚡.
Defensive profile: typing-based considerations
Dragonite’s bulk is meaningful, but its defenses come with caveats. The most notable is a brutal 4x weakness to Ice moves, which can erase a large chunk of HP if an Ice-type attacker lands a solid hit. It also presents 2x weaknesses to Rock and Fairy and a 2x weakness to Electric moves (while enjoying Ground immunity). In exchange, its robust HP and bulked defenses help it weather many exchanges when used intelligently. This makes Dragonite a strategic anchor in many lineups, where you balance offense against these predictable pressure points 🧊🪨✨.
Matchups by common type counters
- Ice-types: The 4x Ice weakness is the defining hazard. Ice movers on an opposing team should be viewed as a primary threat—Dragonite can beat certain Ice counters, but you’ll want to manage switches and preserve bulk for late-game placements.
- Rock-types: With a 2x Rock weakness, Rock moves can wear Dragonite down faster than you’d like. Pairing Dragonite with teammates that can handle Rock-types helps maintain momentum and reduces risk when switching in.
- Fairy-types: Fairy coverage hits Dragonite for 2x, so Fairy-types are a notable challenge. A well-timed pivot or a partner that distracts or pressures Fairy counters can swing the matchup in Dragonite’s favor.
- Electric-types: The Flying portion means Electric moves land with 2x damage. Electric threats demand respect, but Dragonite’s Ground-immune profile can help you navigate common Electric-set patterns when paired with a complementary teammate.
- Ground-types: Dragonite’s immunity to Ground moves is a valuable advantage—no Earthquake in, no big Ground-type surprise. Use this immunity to force favorable trades or to safely pivot in frightening moments on your opponent’s side 🪨.
- Dragon-types: Dragon moves are a central battleground; both sides bring Dragon-type pressure. Dragonite’s bulk and STAB options keep it relevant, especially when you capitalize on its dual typing and coverage decisions.
Practical tips for using Dragonite effectively
- Play to its bulk and versatility: Dragonite isn’t the freest late-game sweeper in all metagames, but its blend of high Attack, solid bulk, and good mixed coverage allows it to pressure teams from multiple angles. Look for openings where you can force unfavorable switches and extend your threat window ⚔️.
- Team synergy over solo glory: Because Ice and Fairy counters can loom large, coordinate with teammates that can soften these threats—ideally with a partner who handles Ice or Fairy checks or who can disrupt switch-ins with pressure of their own 🎯.
- Bulking vs. offense trade-offs: In practical builds, you’ll want a balance that respects Dragonite’s lack of natural speed. Decide whether to lean into a more robust bulk or a higher offensive tempo, then align your itemization and move selection to support that role.
- Positioning matters: The Ground-immunity is a strategic asset—use it to bait Ground-type coverage and force switches, or to safely bring Dragonite into a critical moment late in the game. Proper timing can turn a bulky swing into a decisive finish 🌍.
Overall, the Dragonite profile embodies a timeless battle philosophy: wield powerful, multi-typed pressure while respecting its key vulnerabilities. With 91 HP, 134 Attack, and 100 Special Attack, Dragonite remains a flexible force—equally potent as a frontline breaker or as a durable closer that can tilt a game in your favor when you read the field correctly 🐉✨.
Note: The flavor field in the provided data is empty, so this piece emphasizes tangible, game-relevant insights derived from Dragonite’s type, bulk, and offensive strengths. If you’d like, I can tailor a specific matchup-focused plan against a roster you’re facing or help you map a practical team strategy for a particular ladder format 🍃🪨.